'Wantin' to take the plunge

[M14MSgt]

I am stronly considering a Cimmaron-Arms Spencer carbine, but cannot decide on whether to stick with the authenticity of having it in .56-50...or .45LC to make it easier to get ammo for it. I already have reloading dies for the .45LC. What do you fellas think??? Just need $1300 and I am all set. 

[Sagebrush Burns]

If you already shoot 45 Colt, that's the way to go.  With components availability what it is these days, why look for more hassles.  I didn't get mine until they were available in 45 Colt and I'm not looking back.

[Two Flints]

M14MSgt,

I think if you do a search on SSS, you will find more comments on the .45LC Spencer.  Your decision really comes down to how strong you feel about the "authenticity" factor in helping you decide between the two calibers.

Two Flints

[El Tigre]

I am stronly considering a Cimmaron-Arms Spencer carbine, but cannot decide on whether to stick with the authenticity of having it in .56-50...or .45LC to make it easier to get ammo for it. I already have reloading dies for the .45LC. What do you fellas think??? Just need $1300 and I am all set. 

I expected my Spencer this week  Unfortunately I do not get it at time so I am expecting it next week. I am not so much interested to have an original one due to money I have to pay but ordering a copy like offered from Taylor, which is an Armi Sport, I pay attention to the calibre which was used at this point of time. So I ordered a 56-50. Maybe I am wrong, but I never heard that original Spencer's were equipped with 45 Colt.
So I would prefer a 56-50.
The components like brass are a little more expensive but it makes you individual to have a 56-50.

El Tigre

[Drydock]

Mainly due to accidents and bargains, I have 2, a 56/50 and a .45 S&W.  While I love the big .50 for hunting and the occasional GAF match, the .45 gets far more work at my local SASS matchs. The 50 goes thru powder and lead at a prodigious rate when combat shooting.  The .45 is far better suited for smokeless powder as well, if you desire that.  I use BP in everything, but thats just me.

Unless you're looking down the barrel, you can't tell the difference, so it really is simply up to you and your personal preferences. 

[Bead Swinger]

Well, there's the argument for you:
     Powder and Lead at a Prodigious Rate!           Powder and Lead at a Prodigious Rate!           Powder and Lead at a Prodigious Rate!          Powder and Lead at a Prodigious Rate!           
Can you think of a better reason for 56-50 over 45 than watching 350 gr. of lead go downrange with a prodigious amount of flame and smoke?

'Just wanted to help make sure the arguments for and against are balanced!  

[kurt250]

have the taylors rifle and carbine in 56-50.love them. i like to shoot as close to what they really used as possable. yes a little more powder and lead but it not that big of a deal to me. i buy inbulk and have lot of both in storage. seem to shot the rifle more then carbine. don't really know why just seem to grab that one more often. i'm sure you will enjoy your carbine. lock -tight the screws in the block they are always lossening up. bought some spair parts from vti to have on hand,just in case. haven't needed any yet. over 600 shot threw the rifle and a good400 threw the carbine, still working fine. good luck, kurt250

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Hmmm, I wish I could afford either!  Tried moving some stuff to scrounge the $$ to pick up a SPencer, but gun market is slower than the economy!

[Herbert]

another caliber to think of is the 44-40 it is by far the most acurate of the Sprncer replicas,I shot one on the weekend that was straight out of the box,even with no work on the triger it shot rings around two originals a new 56-50 and a 45 colt, having said that i still lick the 56-50

[French Jack]

I had to chime in with a comment or two-- first, nothing like the full throated bang from the 56-50.  Loads?? Just a tad bit more lead per round, same amount of powder as the .45 Colt.  Brass is expensive, but lasts forever, other items such as dies are same price.  I have really been pleased with the Jim 512-350 bullet from Buffalo Arms.  Bottom line-- get the 56-50.

[Appalachian Ed]

56-50 is WELL worth the effort. It can be a pain at times, no argument there.