Wanting a Spencer

[Grenadier]

Been focused on a Spencer for awhile and trying to make the choice of culling my WW1 collection and picking up a Spencer or simply saving my pennies and then picking one up.

I would like to have one in the original 56-50, but since I am not a reloader I am considering a 44-40 version, since I have three other rifles in this caliber.

Any input? Advice?

I have read some horror stories of people having major issues with their replicas and I will admit it has worried me some.

[matt45]

I'm not the expert, but for what it's worth:
     I've had an Armi-sport in 56-50 for 6 years now, and have not had a lick of trouble with it.  The first thing I did with it was to take it apart and service it as per instructions from folks on this board.  To date, I've shot one deer, one badger, several gophers, and numerous targets with it.  The worst thing about it is a prodigious appetite for ammunition.

[SGT John Chapman]

Yes,...if you have the 56-50 you will need to load your own,...I even cast my own slugs for it to keep cost down,....if you are already set up for the 44WCF....I'd do that......

[Shenandoah]

I used to own a .44 Russian Spencer and had some issues with it from time to time. I later purchased a 56-50 and i have had no issues. I did purchase a mould to cast my own bullets and have to load the cartridges.

I have no experience with the 44-40 and while it is easier to have the same cartridge for pistol and rifle (that was my reason for purchaing the 44 Russian), it just doesn't provide the same feel when shooting a Spencer.

[KEN S]

I shoot an original 56 50 Spencer and it's great.  tough gun...really works...
    the 56 50 is the original caliber, and that was important to me..
   easy to load, easy to shoot and clean...50 70 dies work, available everywhere, and there are many 50 350 grain moulds out there, a lot used...
    I'd do that.... Ken

[Blair]

Deleted by original poster
My best,
Blair
 

[tn_shooter]

You can get "factory" 56-50 rounds from Ten-X.  They're a bit pricey but for the brief time I had my 56-50 Armi Sport they cycled flawlessly and went "boom" every time.  They use new Starline brass so you can reload them with the proper equipment (or send them back to Ten-X for reloading).  Their price list is here:  http://www.tenxammo.com/files/Shooter_Direct_Pricing_06152013a.pdf

[paledun]

Please understand this is just an opinion.  It may be firmly held but still only my opinion.  Owning and shooting a Spencer in any caliber that is not original seems much the same as shooting 22 rimfire in an O3A3 or M1 Grand.  I really enjoy shooting my 1873 Winchester clones in 45 Colt which is very much like 44-40.  But, 45's and 44-40's do not make steel ring like 56-50's.  Buy an original or you will wish you had.  Best regards.  Paledun aka Sagerider

[matt45]

There are, as previously noted, different opinions.  I like the replica- cheaper, new brass functions fine, and modern steel.  The idea that only an original will serve means one has the money, the time, and the expertise to find a functional weapon, convert it to center-fire, and round up the components to make it work.

[Sgt. John McAfferty]

I've been shooting a Spencer in 44-40 for 4 or so years.  It's fun to shoot, you look good doing it and it's very accurate shooting with real black powder loads.  Once I received it, I had some feeding and ejecting issues until I took it apart and found every screw loose.  Once I tightened everything it operated and shot flawlessly and still does.
I understand wanting one in 56-50 but that's not the original caliber anyway.  The Spencer shot the .52 rimfire.  I know all the experts will jump on that statement and I understand why, but facts are facts.  Besides, reloading for 56-50 is much mor expensive than reloading for 44-40, especially if you are already set up for that caliber.
My humble advice is to look for one in 44-40, especially if you are planning to shoot it much.

[PvtGreg]

All,

I'm sure the 44-40 is a great round - accurate, easy to load, cooks you dinner etc. 

BUT a 56-50 can do THIS at 100 yards: