Feeding problems with my "new" used Armi Sports Spencer 56-50

Alabama Red · September 05, 2011, 10:16:23 AM

Hello from a newbie with an AS Spencer in 56-50.

I recently acquired this piece and am fascinated by it and how it functions. It shoot very nice but does have some problems feeding. It will reliably feed from the tube if there are from 1-5 rds loaded. With 6 or 7, it hangs up and will not feed the first round. I suspect the spring pressure with more rounds causes overpressure during the feeding cycle.

I have read the postings about sanding and filing on the cam, etc. but have not done anything yet and would like to have some expert advice before I proceed.

Thanks in advance!!

Red

Jan Buchwald · September 05, 2011, 10:24:47 AM

My experience with a Burnside Spencer is, that it is very critical regarding the cartridge length

Two Flints · September 05, 2011, 11:36:01 AM

Alabama Red,

Need more info on your AS Spencer, which I assume is an Armi Sport Spencer. New, or used? Ooops, just read your other post

There is a screw (a safety feature for guns coming from Europe to the USA) in the magazine which only allows for the correct loading of 5 cartridges. As for the magazine capacity, for some reason some Armisport Spencers have a rod screwed into the base of the follower to limit it to 5 rounds! Only takes a minute to remove the follower screw and screw out the rod. If you remove the screw then 7 56-50 cartridges can be loaded with the magazine spring having the correct tension and this might haelp to improve your loading.

If this is not your problem, please go to the SORI Thread and scroll down to the section dealing with feeding problems for the Armi Sport Spencers, and see if any of those suggestions will help.

Two Flints

Alabama Red · September 05, 2011, 11:52:01 AM

Yes, it is the Armi Sport Spencer and it is used and I think it is an older import by Cimarron. The serial # is M19XX.

I only find one screw in the magazine follower and nothing to inhibit the number of rounds. 7 load in the tube just fine.

I was going to disassemble it according to the instruction book but that screw is TIGHT!! and I am not able to budge it a bit so far and don't want to bugger it up any. Must have locktight on it.

Thanks for the info so far Pards, keep it coming!!

Red

Two Flints · September 05, 2011, 12:16:30 PM

Alabama Red,

You've got to be more specific. Which screw is too tight

Drop some oil on that screw or the threads and wait and then give it a try. Is it the lever screw going through the receiver?

Two Flints

Alabama Red · September 05, 2011, 12:28:42 PM

More info.........

Reading SORI #18, Bead Swinger describes where the 2nd cartridge jams on the bullet ogive. This is what mine is doing.

My ammo is new factory Ten-X Ammunition, 350gr RNFP, and Starline Brass.

The OAL is a consistent 1.502 or 1.503.

The strange thing is the feeding is eratic. I just loaded 7 rds twice and both times feeding was perfect. The third time there was a jam.

Two Flints · September 05, 2011, 12:36:51 PM

Alabama,

Check out this post -

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=38682.0

Welcome to the "world of Spencers".

Two Flints

Alabama Red · September 05, 2011, 01:13:46 PM

Thanks Two Flints!!

I did see that earlier and which is when I tried to disassemble the action but right now I am stuck with a stuck hinge pin screw.

Have tried tapping and added leverage but it has not budged so willl probably have to take it to my gunsmith. I am at the point my hollowground screwdriver is about to fail and that could be real bad.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks!!

Two Flints · September 05, 2011, 05:19:08 PM

Alabama Red,

You might try heating that hinge screw just enough to loosen it.

If you bugger up the screw, you can always get a replacement from S&S Firearms. Go to this link: http://www.ssfirearms.com/

The link to their Parts Catalog is here: http://www.ssfirearms.com/images/2011%20Catalog/2011%20Catalog%20main%20gun%20parts.pdf

And go to pages 48-50 for Spencer Parts.

Two Flints