*** Photos Added *** Trial and Error New Bullets & MY Original 1860 Spencer

[Walksfire]

I have to admit, that I learn by trial and error. Which when dealing with this stuff can be quite serious. I have read Marcots book on the Spencer 3 times cover to cover, as well as every account that google can come up with. I went as far as to print them out and put them in a reference book that is now 3 inches thick. So I realize that changes were made between my 1860 and the 1865 and Burnside models. There is additional material carved out of the top of the receiver, and a different style of ejector.

So when I went to single shot load test fit my first newly minted bullet, I took a shortcut and loaded the bullet in from the top with the breech open. I was happy to see that the bullet and brass fit nicely into the chamber. But I got really concerned when I could not close the receiver. I tried gently at first, then got progressively stronger. But to no avail. My ejector blade was hitting the back side of the shoulder of the brass, preventing the closure.

I was sure I had done something wrong. I measured the case from every angle, and it was slightly smaller that an original Spencer bullet and copper case that I had. Then I disassembled the receiver to see if the new center fire mechanism was hanging up or the blade extractor was bent or in backwards.  Nope, to all those issues.

Out of the Blue, I thought, why not reassemble the carbine and try feeding the bullet through the butt stock, like it is supposed to. Mystery SOLVED. It works that way.  This is one of the reasons why they improved the gun in 1865. Ahah moment. Loading the bullet the right way, puts the extractor blade in front of the shell rim and into its slot on the left side. Loading a bullet from the top catches the extractor behind the shell rim, causing it to not be able to close.  

Now I know the rest of you are sitting their smiling away, saying to yourself, I knew that already, but I just learned something the hard way and will remember it.














                                                  (Photos Added by Two Flints)

[Walksfire]

Those with an eagle eye might just see on photo 3 with the breech open, that I have installed a center fire block from S&S. I had to file fit the front of the block so that it would allow the mechanism to close properly. I put bluing dye on it and saw where it was rubbing, which made it easier.

Also on the original pieces their are small "M"s stamped into them. I guess that this is some inspectors mark that I have seen on other Spencers. I don't know if this was done at Spencers Factory or Springfield or elsewhere.

The lower two photo's show the left side of the Butt Stock. There is an indentation in the wood and two black dots. The dealer from Texas that sold it to me, said those marks were from a saddle staple. The indentation is where the sling rubbed the wood where it attached to the ring. It made so much more sense once I bought shoulder sling and wore in across my chest. 

[PvtGreg]

Believe me - no one's smiling/laughing at you.  We've all been through that sort of thing one way or another.

Pvt Greg.