Would an Armi Sport Conversion Block Work in an Original Spencer ?

[Two Flints]

Hello SSS,

I wrote to Armi Sport about the unavailability of Spencer Conversion Blocks here in the USA.  The normal suppliers don't seem to have them in stock and don't know when they will become available again (unless this has changed recently).

I suggested to Armi Sport that they consider manufacturing a conversion block for original Spencer Carbines and Rifles.  I received the following Email reply from my contact at Armi Sport:

Dear Two Flints,

Actually we do not have any new conversion block, but according to our experience we think that our standard block can be mounted also on original Spencers. We actually did it once here in our factory, but can't be sure that the same can be done with all original Spencer rifles and carbines.  You could try to do it with yours in the US. Let me know if you succeed!

So, my question is..."Has anyone tried to install an Armi Sport 'reproduction' conversion block in an original Spencer Carbine or Rifle?" If you have, would you please share your experiences or findings. 

Thanks,

Two Flints

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Just out of curiosity I tried an Armisport 56-50 block in an 1860 model about 3 or 4 years ago.  If I remember right, it basically fit, and functioned, though I did not fire it, so I am not sure about the firing pin alignment to chamber.

[Herbert]

out of qurosity i tryed it in my burnside spencer it is too short you probly could make it work by seting the barell back but that would ruin gun value,every thing in armi sports spencers is  close to originals sum parts can be used to replace original parts others carnt,pity they didnt mesure original properly beforet they set up CNC programs especily the twist rate and chamber deminsions in 56-50

[Roscoe Coles]

There seems top be a surprising variation in the size of the block and window in original guns.  We tried the guts out of an Armi Sport in a friend's gun and they would have worked fine, but they would not fit in my gun (the block was too short).  I think Armi Sport is right, it depends on the gun and possibly the model, mine is an 1867 and my friends was an 1865.