New SSS Member Needs Your Advice - Keep or Return an A/S 56-50 Spencer?

[Two Flints]

Hello SSS,

I received the following two Emails from a new member of SSS, who just purchased an Armi Sport Spencer 56-50 from one of the online auction sites.  Upon receiving the Spencer, and cleaning it up, he discovered hidden damage to the breechblock as shown in the photos.  Should it be returned to the selling dealer or should it be repaired our new member wants to know.  

Your thoughts please!








Below are the Emails I received from the new member to explain the photos better.

First Email:  

Two Flints,

My "new to me" Spencer arrived today.  The rifle seems reasonably treated but needed a cleaning from a previous shooting session.  My cleaning found damage that was not  noticeable and I would like to share a description of the damage with you for your opinion.  I found the damage when I removed the cocking lever that holds the breechblock and noticed a chip on the right edge of the breechblock.  It appears the top, right edge of the breechblock had been struck by the hammer.  Normally the hammer would fall past the edge of breechblock and strike a slide attached to the firing pin that is spring loaded in the breechblock.  The hammer shows some minor denting from a strike that must have been caused by hitting the breechblock.  There is approximately 1/64 inch side to side play for the breechblock inside the receiver and when pushed to the left and touching the receiver, the hammer could have easily hit the breechblock before striking the firing pin.  Have you ever heard of this happening before?  I do have a three day inspection period that would allow me to return the rifle if undisclosed damage was found.  Sadly Idaho Falls is not noted for gunsmith I can consult is really respected for quality work and experience with Spencers.  Nothing else seems to be at fault but dies and casting equipment has not arrived so test-firing is not possible quickly.  A penny or more for you thoughts and advice.

Second Email:

Good morning Two Flints,

I have pictures which I will attach to show the damage to the breechblock.  I purchased a Taylor's import which arrived yesterday and in the process of cleaning,the damage became evident.  I paid just over $1000 for the gun from a dealer on the Gunauction.com site.  While that was not a great bargain, pictures and description showed a Spencer in excellent condition.  I really doubt the seller had any idea the breechblock had been struct by something as it was not really evident without a through cleaning which had not been done from the last firing (and maybe only firing).  I believe I have the option of returning the gun because of the hidden damage in my 3 day inspection period.  This may be the simplest option and simply pay a little more for a new Spencer with a warranty.  Have not talked to Gunauction or the dealer as yet but intend to do so later today.  No picture of the small ding on the face of the hammer as it just does not show with my mini-camera.  I will get back to you later today as I have some tasks to accomplish this morning.

[Herbert]

I would at least want a replacment upper block.  Very hard to imagin how this could happen unless the hammer is also out of alignment

[PvtGreg]

My two cents - you'll pay 1600 to 1700 for a new Spencer, less for a block although I don't know how much less. 

Like Herbert said, I would bet a bit of money that your hammer is out of alignment or is malformed and that chip was taken out when the previous owner shot it.

I also doubt that the previous owner didn't notice the chip.  So I see your choices as the following:

1) Keep it and get a new upper block and either fix the hammer or get another hammer.
2) Return it and get a new Spencer - although you may have issues with a new one as well, though you will at least have the warranty.

I'd at least call Armisport and see how much an upper block and hammer is, then make your decision.

Pvt greg