*** Photos Posted *** SSS input on Spencer (Buffalo Gun?)

[Sawboneto]

i am a new member to SSS and am impressed at the knowledge by its members on this subject. I have a Spencer i would like opinions on since I am at a loss on this one. It appears to be a model 1860 #81815. It has a heavy octagon barrel of approx 29 inches with no markings on the barrel. It seems a high serial number for an 1860 model and i am unsure if all factory or conversion barrels were marked. The sight has been moved forward on the barrel and there does not appear to be bluing under the fore grip. i have sent pictures to Two Flints to post on this site and would very much appreciate any comments.




















                                            (Photos posted by Two Flints)

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Hi, Sawboneto,

Well, I am a Hentry guy now, but was really into spencers.  I have had several originals in .56 and .50, as well as a number of replicas.  

My first question is this: What is the bore diameter.  Spencer did factory production of 56-46 (corrected, thanks!) bottleneck rimfire after the war.  I also handled a a post war Gemmer modified Spencer with an octagonal bore., but it was 56-50 caliber.  29" is an odd barrel length, but it was not uncommon in the days of iron barreled Buffalo Rifles to cut the barrel back an inch when the crown and muzzled eroded too badly, thus destroying accuracy.

[Two Flints]

Hello TL,

Nice to hear from you . . . and very sorry to hear you've gone over to the "dark side"

It is certainly a loss for us!!

Two Flints

[Blair]

It is important to note that the post war "sporting" Spencer were built on and around the "56-46" bottle necked cartridge case developed by Springfield Armory.
The 56 designation indicates the basic cartridge measured at the base just forward of the rim dia. of all basic Spencer cartridges.
The 46 indicates the outside diameter of the cartridge case mouth. (not the bullet diameter)
So, with that said, I am not sure just what you are saying or asking?
26" barrel lengths were standard, but could be ordered longer, or with octagon barrels.
What shows up in civilian/gunsmith alterations can vary greatly from the standard.
My best,
Blair