Spencer pump-action shotgun needs ID.

[Cap'n Redneck]

Howdy, fellow Spencer shooters!
I've managed to secure an original Spencer shotgun from Dixie Gun Works (DGW stock # 17354) and have been browsing the Spencer-book by Marcot in order to properly identify the model.  It's serial # 1966, and from what I've gathered it could be either a M1886 or a M1887.....
I'm currently waiting for better photos from DGW.
Are there by chance any knowledgeable Spencer-people within dashing-distance of Union City,TN who could tell me whether I've bought the proverbial "lame horse"?
I plan on feeding it a mild diet of blackpowder and lead, and take it out for some occational trap-shooting and the odd cowboy action match....
Looking forward to hearing from Y'all!
Regards,
Cap'n Redneck.

[Two Flints]

Hi Cap' n Redneck,

The Spencer shotguns were made to shoot 2 5/8" shells.  The Republic Metallic Cartridge Company (of Maine) is very accomodating and will make these sized shells for you with black powder.  http://www.republicmetallic.com  The first shells they made for me were with:

Express shot 12 gauge, 2 1/2 #7 1/2 shot with 3 drams of Shuetzen black powder with 1 1/8 oz lead shot; plastic or paper hulls, your choice.

One of my two Spencer shotguns had serious problems; it was a cheapo purchase, and one of our SSS members replaced the firing pin for me and shortened the barrel for better deep woods shooting.  

They can be best identified by the pump handle.  See page 291 in the Marcot book.  Does yours have the Bannerman name on one side of the receiver?

Email me or PM me if you have any questions.  Also, see this link: http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,5203.0.html

Two Flints

[Cap'n Redneck]

Howdy Y'all,

As a reply to my own post: it turned out to be a Model 1886, and it plays havoc with the claybirds....!
BUT it has a damascus (twist steel) barrel and is a dog to clean after shooting black... 

I'm contemplating changing barrels to a modern steel barrel.  This would save wear on the original and simplify the clean-up.

So my questions are:

1. Does anyone know if the barrel is threaded into the receiver?

2. Is it a standard right hand thread or the odd left hand tread?

3. Would someone happen to know the exact dimensions on the threads?

[Two Flints]

Hi Capt n Redneck,

I received the following Email from another Spencer Shotgun owner regarding your last post of questions.  Two Flints

"I can't get on the site from work, but I don't have the answers to his questions.  I have never pulled the barrel on mine, though I have thought about doing the same thing (changing one to a modern steel barrel).  I suspect that the barrels is threaded and, if it is, its almost certainly a right hand thread.  If I were going to do the job, I would pull the barrel and measure the threads very carefully.  These guns were made early enough that the threads may not be standard (or at least not to a modern standard).  If he changes the barrel, he needs to be aware that, while changing would allow him to load modern plastic shells, once fired they may be to long to extract.  If he is any kind of a machinist, making a new barrel would not be a big problem". 

Sorry I couldn't help more.

Roscoe Coles