Centerfire Conversion Block in New Model

[djossi@yahoo.com]

Is there an easy way to determine if a rifle or carbine is equipped with a rimfire block or a centerfire block or do you need to do a partial disassembly to answer the question?

I'm also curious as to whether the design of the block remained consistent across all Spencer models. Buffalo Arms states that their centerfire conversion block will only fit the M1860 and M1865 Spencers. The description in the S & S catalog for their conversion block does not limit use of the block to specific Spencer models. It would seem that the block can be used in any of the Spencer models. Does anyone have experience that runs counter to that?

Has anyone installed either a Buffalo Arms or S&S conversion block into a New Model.?

[Ibgreen]

Is there an easy way to determine if a rifle or carbine is equipped with a rimfire block or a centerfire block or do you need to do a partial disassembly to answer the question?

I'm also curious as to whether the design of the block remained consistent across all Spencer models. Buffalo Arms states that their centerfire conversion block will only fit the M1860 and M1865 Spencers. The description in the S & S catalog for their conversion block does not limit use of the block to specific Spencer models. It would seem that the block can be used in any of the Spencer models. Does anyone have experience that runs counter to that?

Has anyone installed either a Buffalo Arms or S&S conversion block into a New Model.?

.
I have installed a S&S conversion block in my NM.  Did have to do some light filing to fit.

[djossi@yahoo.com]

Thanks, lbgreen!  I didn't want to find myself on the bleeding edge of technology by being the first to attempt it.

[Blair]

S & S Firearms has been producing their Spencer breach block conversion for about 30 years.
I have used their product on a number of original Spencer 1860 and 1865 Models without issue.
To my knowledge, their conversion blocks are (with a little fitting) useable on the NM and the large frame Sporting Rifles as well.
I have not had any experience with BACO  breach block conversion. But, they do make quality products based on my experience with them.
I hope this helps.
Blair

[Snakeeater]

The new S&S center-fire block is virtually identical to the upper block made for Buffalo Arms, save the name stamped on the side. Other than a price difference of about $9, which is probably the cost increase for the color case-hardening of the Buffalo Arms product over the blued S&S product, the internal designs are the same.

The blocks utilize a internal kinetic transfer system similar to the Colt M1911, the hammer striking a transfer bar that in turn strikes a floating firing pin riding inside a coiled compression spring (like is shown upper left). The former S&S design (shown lower right) that people had so much trouble using also had a hardening problem. Oh, the transfer bar was hardened, but hardening steel also makes it brittle especially if it is not properly heat-treated and tempered after being hardened to reduce some of the brittleness. The transfer bar in my S&S block shattered into five pieces while firing my Spencer, but S&S replaced the part free of charge. They even installed it for free!