*** Photos Added *** A Favor - Spencer Cut-off Systems

[PvtGreg]

I'm lost my Marcot's in the move.  Does anyone have a picture of cut-off mechanisms other than the stabler cutoff?

Much obliged,

PvtGreg

[Two Flints]

Pvt Greg,

Not sure what you're looking for  . . . "other than the Stabler cutoff?"  Do you want photos of non-Spencer type cut-off???

Two Flints

[PvtGreg]

Hi Two Flints,

I'm remembering this post from Herbert

"If you want a cut-off on the AS Spencer ,the Spencer style cut -off is the way to go .The Stabler cut-off will not work with the Lane type extractor and in my opinion the Spencer cut-off is a much improved system (cheaper to fit and no machining to fit)you will need to have one made with the slot long enough so the extractor can clear it when open(I shorten the extractor for this,it extracts just as well as the original full length AS extractor but I can now also use a longer OAL cartridge"

I have a vague memory of reading about this in Marcot's but just can't find my copy 

Thanks - Greg

[Two Flints]

Does this help at all?



Two Flints

[PvtGreg]

Thanks Two Flints.

I found this referencing a cut off on the top of the block in the description, but no good pics though!

http://www.tenring.com/guns-for-sale/post-civil-war-spencer-repeating-saddle-ring-carbine/

Greg

[Two Flints]

try this link:  Lots of photos

https://www.google.com/search?q=Spencer+patent+magazine+cut-off&rlz=1T4GUEA_enUS624US624&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjP_p-ske_NAhUB5CYKHZFVBokQsAQIJA&biw=1274&bih=534

[PvtGreg]

Thanks Two Flints.  I've looked on all the search engines.

I hope Brother Herbert gets a chance to weigh in on the subject.

Greg

[Ibgreen]

Here is my first thread with a close-up of the top of my NM rifle with the Spencer cut-off.   http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,42956.0.html
Is this what you need?

[Two Flints]

Pvt Greg,

These photos were sent to me by SSS member DJ from an M1865 Navy Spencer.  Hope these help, as well.





Two Flints

[DJ]

PvtGrg--

As you can probably see, the Spencer cutoff is actually a modification of the M1860 cartridge guide lever by the addition of the cutoff on top.  The guide lever is also modified, so not interchangeable with an M1860.  The cutoff works by pivoting the top "horseshoe-shaped" (c'mon, use your imagination here) piece so that the Lane extractor cannot pass through the slot.

Regarding the comment in your Post #2 about the Spencer cutoff and Lane extractor, there is some machining or at least filing necessary on the top of the breech block for an 1860 Model Spencer to convert it to use the Spencer cutoff, because the cutoff is wider than the original cartridge guide.  This is the obvious difference between the 1860 block and the 1865/1867 blocks that use the Spencer cutoff.

It *might* be possible to design a Spencer-style cutoff that only uses the top, pivoting "horseshoe" with an 1860-style block, but I haven't had the need to look into that.  Also, I have no first-hand experience with the ArmiSport Spencer, so I don't know how that block might be set up.

[DJ]

PvtGreg--

Here are some photos of the differences between M1860 and Spencer cutoff breechblocks.  In each photo, the M1860 block is on the left and the block for the Spencer cutoff is on the right.  I believe the Spencer cutoff blocks were made from a standard M1860 block in which the cartridge guide slot had not been cut--from my measurements, the M1860 cartridge guide slot is a little deeper than the cut for the Spencer cutoff.  However, I was able to modify a modern centerfire block to work with a Spencer cutoff, so it can be done--you just have the unnecessary part of the narrow cartridge guide slot in the top of the block--purely an esthetics issue.

--DJ


Edited to correct typo "an" vice "and."

[Ibgreen]

here is what the Spencer Cut-off looks like installed on an S&S center-fire block.

[PvtGreg]

Thank you all!  This is great.  I've got an extra block from Chiappia to try this on as well as an extra follower.

I will keep you all posted.

[PvtGreg]

So interesting - and strictly by eye ball, the Chiappia follower is extremely similar in size and dimensions to the pics you guys have supplied.  So this very doable - like DJ said it will really be a matter of how nice I can make it.

I'll do step by steps for everyone.

I'm going to use power tools for this one!

[Snakeeater]

For anyone who wishes to shoot a M1867 or New Model Rifle/Carbine in N-SSA events, both the Stabler and Spencer cutoff devices are now regarded as unfair advantages and must be disabled. For the rifles/carbines equipped with the Stabler device, removing the switch is simplest. However, for the M1867 and New Model Spencer, you cannot just swap out the Spencer cutoff device with the M1860/65 cartridge follower. It is not quite that simple. The slot in the M1860/65 cartridge follower is not quite as wide as either the Lane extractor or the later centering for change to the small knife extractor, and the whole width of the M1860/65 cartridge follower is not much more than the width of the Lane extractor or the replacement centering. So besides swapping out the M1860/65 cartridge follower for the Spencer cutoff device, you will also need to swap out the M1867/NM lower block with a M1860/65 lower block as well.

[Snakeeater]

Thanks Two Flints.

I found this referencing a cut off on the top of the block in the description, but no good pics though!

http://www.tenring.com/guns-for-sale/post-civil-war-spencer-repeating-saddle-ring-carbine/

Greg

SN #32281 is old #30599, and is a New Model Carbine equipped with the Spencer Cutoff and small knife extractor.