New 44-40 Spencer Rifle

[PvtGreg]

Hi All,

Well after looking for a year I found a 44-40 Spencer rifle.

A couple of interesting things.

1) The fit and finish is MUCH MUCH improved as compared to my 56-50. 
2) I bought some commercial 44-40s and they feed ok - which considering the issues I had with the 56-50 is nice.  Same for my 44-40 blanks I use in my Henry.
3) The fore stock is the same length as the originals within about 1/4".  Two Flints I think they must have paid attention to you on this at least.
4) The same for the barrel bands
5) It has the same screw going loose in the upper block transfer plate issue my 56-50 .  Blue loctite here I come.
6) Theres a simple drop safety on the action

I'll be heading to the range on Tuesday and I'll let you know how it shoots with stock ammo.

PvtGreg

[Two Flints]

Pvt Greg,

I received an Email from Italy some time ago from the "powers that be" indicating that  future "new" versions of the Spencer Rife would be more in line with the suggested changes SSS sent them corresponding to the desired specs of the N-SSA.  If new changes have been made to the 44-40 Spencer Rifle I have to assume the same changes were also made to the Spencer Rifle in 56-50. I hope

Unfortunately, Armi Sport still has not increased their production levels of either the carbine and/or rifle to meet demand around the world.

Two Flints

[El Supremo]

Hello, Pvt. Gregg:
Please provide us with photo's of the rifle and a close up of the new safety feature.
I wonder if the N-SSA would approve it with that external item.
Thanks and Happy holidays.
El Supremo/Kevin

[PvtGreg]

El Supremo,

The gun still has the front sight an inch too far forward to qualify for N-SSA.

I'll try to get pics of what I think is a drop safety.  I noticed it when I disassembled the action.  I'm taking a guess on it being a simple drop safety, but might be wrong.  It hard to describe.  Its entirely internal and its hard to notice unless you disassemble the lock.

The gun really looks gorgeous though.  Fantastic finish, tight barrel bands well fitted to the wood & really pretty case hardening.  The action is pretty damn smooth out of the box.  Basically the complete opposite of my 56-50 when I got it.

I just hope it shoots good!  I'll have to work up a load for my 100yrd & 200yrd club match.  Hope Herbet is right about the 44-40 shooting better!  Of course he usually is!.

BTW - plug to Taylor's for keeping me in mind.  I called them a year ago & they kept me in mind.  I've ALWAYS had good service with them before, during and particularly after he sale.

[Herbert]

If they have not changed the twist rate (1 in 36)and the chamber reamers,I belive you will be pleased with the accuracy.It is good to hear they are taking more care in there quality controll

[treebeard]

I was on the waiting list for about a year at Taylor's for my 44-40 rifle and it works well with
Factory cowboy loads.  It came with a wrong loading tube  and  had to ship it to Chiappa
So they could determine the correct one.  I am also happy with Taylor's.

[Strongbow]

Do the new rifles still have the saddle ring bar on the left side?

[PvtGreg]

No sir, no saddle ring

[PvtGreg]

Some pictures:

Bottom is my 56-50 Armisport Spencer (The Mighty Spencer) - this is the one I did the new forearm for to make it closer to the original.  The top one is the 44-40 Spencer I just bought (Son of the Mighty Spencer).  You will notice the forearm on the new one is in spec to the original.


The case hardening:


The stock:


Sorry for the pic quality, but I think you can see the improved quality, fit and finish.

Pvt Greg