Spencers in the field

[Oregon Bill]

We all know Spencer carbines were widely issued to cavalry during and after the Civil War. But there had to be some that made it into the hands of infantry as well -- and the government itself supplied them to civilians once the Trapdoor models became standard issue.  Who has examples of the Spencer serving in the field -- typically in the West -- in the hands of infantry and or civilians?
I have actually seen spent Spencer rimfire cases on the battleground of the Modoc War in far northern California, at a magical place called Captain Jack's Stronghold in the Lava Beds.

[mgmradio]

10-12K Spencer rifles were issued . 2 brigades of infantry in the Army of the Cumberland were issued Spencer rifles. You may have heard of one- Wilders Lightning Brigade. These troops became mounted infantry, were they would ride to battle on horseback,then dismount and fight as infantry. I have 2 rifles that were used by these soldiers.
  I have also recovered 56-50 Spencer cases here in Arizona in cavalry related sites.

[Oregon Bill]

Wow, thanks for the post, MGM. Would love to see images of your rifles and spent cases.

[1911tex]

We all know Spencer carbines were widely issued to cavalry during and after the Civil War. But there had to be some that made it into the hands of infantry as well -- and the government itself supplied them to civilians once the Trapdoor models became standard issue.  Who has examples of the Spencer serving in the field -- typically in the West -- in the hands of infantry and or civilians?
I have actually seen spent Spencer rimfire cases on the battleground of the Modoc War in far northern California, at a magical place called Captain Jack's Stronghold in the Lava Beds.

My '65 Spencer carbine was a cavalry issue; its stock illustrates its use on horseback, serial # 20408...I just wish it could talk!

[Cannonman1]

I have a Spencer rifle that served (post war) with the Erie RR and is stamped as such into the wood under the butt plate. Probably a train guard weapon or other security post at a depot.. Not a Western example but likely not unique.
Interestingly the nose cap is non regulation.. military but not sure from what.

[Ibgreen]

I have a 1860 rifle that was privately purchased and used in Tenn by mounted infantry.

[Trailrider]

The 3rd Infantry regiment, serving out West in the Indian Wars campaigns was issued Spencer rifles, and were the only infantry regiment West of the Mississippi to have been issued repeating rifles! When Maj. Sandy Forsyth's Scouts were organized to look for hostile Cheyenne Indians, the scouts were hired as Quartermaster Dept. employees, and issued weapons. Lt. Fred Beecher was the Acting Assistant QM for the Scouts, and Forsyth's second-in-command. Beecher was assigned to the 3rd Infantry at Ft. Hayes, and about half the scouts were equipped there, the others being signed on at Ft. Harker. Now, a company of 7th Cavalry was also stationed at Ft. Hayes, and they were armed with Spencer Carbines, in some cases the M1860 and in some instances M1865's (although the models were not mixed within a given company).  "Everyone knows" that Spencers were used in the Beecher Island battle, and everyone assumes they were carbines. But IMHO, it is logical that at least some of the Spencers used by the Scouts were issued by Lt. Beecher out of 3rd Infantry stores! (In addition, there were several Trapdoor Springfields, cal. .50-70 and at least one Henry Repeating Rifle, probably Beecher's used in the fight.)