Spencer carbine serial # EXACT MATCH - WOW!!!!

[smittyc7]

Hi,

I just bought a Spencer carbine, serial number 30337.  And that is all I know, not sure of the caliber, but I 'believe' it may be a 56/50.  Is there anyway I can find out more about this one?  It is in great shape.  I'd like to get a centerfire block for it.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

[Two Flints]

Hi Dave,

WOW

An exact match for your Spencer Carbine, according to my SRS BOOK.  Your Spencer Carbine serial # 30337 was issued to a member of Company G, 6th Indiana Volunteer Cavalry on July 13, 1864. 

Two Flints

[smittyc7]

Good grief!  Thank you!  Goosebumps down in NC, you have made my day!

Smitty

[El Tio Loco]

Congrats!  But you know that we all want (demand) pictures. 
Ken

[smittyc7]

Had to use the phone camera, the camera has gone missing, probably still packed.  Band damage on the forestock is about all that I can see.

[smittyc7]

Now, newbie questions. 

- How can I determine the caliber?
- Where can I get a rim fire to center fire conversion block?
- And where is the best source for blank cartridges and Blakeslee boxes?

Thanks,

Smitty

[Two Flints]

Dave,

Do a search on SSS and you will get the info you need.  Upper Breech Block assembly, either S&S Firearms or Buffalo Arms.

Two Very good U-Tube Videos that detail the Spencer Center Fire Conversion process.  I will be adding this thread to the SORI Thread, as well.

Spencer centre-fire conversion Part 1


Spencer centre-fire conversion Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JRQZ0j1Vnc&feature=related

Search out Blakeslee on SSS . . . lots of different makers out there . . . check out the various opinions . . .

I'll let our reloading experts handle the cartridge question

Two Flints

[Eggman]

Welcome SmittyC7,

Concur with Two Flints. You will need to get an upper block assembly.

For caliber check your muzzle with a vernier caliper. If you don't have one go to Lowes and buy one. No true blue black powder shooter goes through life without a vernier caliper.

I have RIMFIRE cases so you can shoot the gun as is. These use a .22 blank or .22 with bullet and powder removed for a primer. These are single loaded and the .22 must be in the 3 o'clock position. These are reloadable infinite times and are $4 ea. Send me a private msg if interested.

This all sounds like a lot of trouble so why don't you just sell me the gun for $200.

[smittyc7]

  Because the guy I got it from would shoot me and take the $$.

[smittyc7]

Gentleman from Romano called me back.  He has Blakeslee Boxes 6, 10, and 13 tubes.  Roughly $350, $450, and $550, but call for a quote.  He hand makes each one and they are museum quality (his words).  He is getting his web guy to see why the pages aren't displaying properly.  Very pleasant person.

[smittyc7]

Thanks for the video links.  Great info, and well done.

[El Tio Loco]

Great looking Spencer with a great history! 

Larry Romano also makes a centerfire conversion block.  His is a bit more expensive but with his you can open the breech with having to cock the hammer first. 

Ken