Sharing the Spencer Bug

[1816flintlock]

I was down at Military Though the Ages at the James Town Settlement here in VA over the weekend.  Its a military living history time line event with groups from the Vikings to the present day taking part.  I naturally brought the Spencer with me and all who saw it liked it.  Helping out, Jamestown had a group of college and High School students from PA volunteering to keep everyone stocked with firewood, collect trash, etc.  As a measure of thanks, the park organized a special firing demonstaration was staged for them.  They were allowed to try firing a number of vinatge weapons including flintlocks, percussion rifle muskets, a Lee-Enfield and the Spencer.  The owners explained the operation of and loaded the arms with the volunteers then being allowed to hold and fire it (blanks of course).  I went through 20 rounds in about as many minutes and so was kept busy at one shot per person.

The park staff also enjoyed the Spencer.



Stephen

 

[Two Flints]

Stephen,

Thanks for the thread and for 'sharing the Spencer bug'.  Is that an original or reproduction Spencer rifle in the photos?  Just curious. 

Two Flints

[1816flintlock]

Two Flints,

The Spencer is the Taylors Spencer in 56-50 that I ordered last summer.  For blanks, I was using some I made from 45-70 cases.  I'm not 100% pleased with them but, they have the noise factor that the plastic ones so lack.

Stephen

[Two Flints]

Hi Stephen,

There have been a number of threads regarding blanks for the Spencer 56-50, so if you have the time, would you please go into some detail on the blanks that you make from 45-70 cases.

I'm sure those SSS members who have posted questions about blanks for the 56-50 Spencer would be very interested.

Thanks,

Two Flints

[kurt250]

great photos and good way to over come some of the bad press we have gotten lately. i shoot a 56-50 spencer carbine and rifle. when at our range i always get some one who shows a intrest in them and i alway let them fire a few rounds. its good p.r. for our hobby and the shooters are alway greatful. we should all do this for our hobby.the real fun comes when i meet some one who has never fired a real gun in there life. thats when a pull several different weapons and finish up with my 1928a-1 thompson submachine gun (yes i'm a class three lisence holder) that really gets them interested. the woman seem to like that the best. kurt250