My 1860 Spencer Carbine #33,451, relined to 56-50

[John Morton]

I own an 1860 Spencer Carbine , that was relined back in 1866 to 56-50. I have a couple questions. The Serial # is 33,451 made in Boston, Mass. Years ago "Two Flints" was kind enough to Tell me my gun was issued to  "Co.E of the 19th New York Volunteer Cavalry. How did "Two Flints" know this, is there a web sight? I also did some research into that outfit and from what I have discovered they were called the "1st Dragoons" by 1864, can any one confirm ?
My other questions are, Is "S&S" or "Buffalo Arms" the best quality center fire breech to convert? And should a person buy S&S'S "snub nose follower" (as I don't like ruining original parts) or is it safe to use the original "Round nose" follower, and should I purchase a new Magazine spring? Thank you for your help. John

[Two Flints]

Hi John,

I own the four volume set entitled, Springfield Research Service (SRS) Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms which lists the serial #s of those firearms used during the Civil War by manufacturer . . . Spencers are listed and from this list I obtained your unit.

However, the serial #s as listed is not complete and there may be some errors in the original listings . . . I can only state what I find in the SRS books I own.

For additional information, please read my Spencer Serial # Disclaimer at this link:

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,49949.0.html

Two Flints