Spencer Manual

[Fazer]

Did the army ever produce a manual for the Spencer. Did they produce them for any firearm at that time

Thanks

[Two Flints]

Fazer,

I'm not aware of any manual specific to the Spencer that was produced during the Civil War.  I'm thinking soldiers received their "manual" by "word of mouth" when the Spencers were issued to front line troops. In several regimental histories I've read, Spencers were unboxed and distributed to the troops who then began the learning process of how to load and fire their Spencers while in the field.

Two Flints

[El Supremo]

Am sure Two Flints is aware that if you Google:
"Spencer Rifle Manual of Arms", you will see a National Park Service version that includes a comment that no official manuals were adopted. NPS adds that there is none for the Henry, either, but theirs is adapted from an unofficial 1864 (Spencer) "manual" written by an Ohio officer.

Download and print it.  It is as close as you can get.

There is also a fine article in the September-October, 1996 SKIRMISH LINE Magazine, by A. M. ("Tony") Beck:
"Spencer's Repeaters -- Some History and Shooting Tips". I can send you a copy.  Kevintinny@hotmail.com.

By the way, when searching for Spencer articles, one appeared from Civilwarprofiles.com "Col. Wilder Spencer Rifles".

In THAT info is a comment, with no reference, that Col Wilder first wanted Henry rifles, but could not get them, so he went with available Spencers!   I can hear teeth gritting.  Haha, with respect.

All the best,
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[Two Flints]

Kevin,



Two Flints

[El Supremo]

Great, Two Flints:

Humor helps.  You are precious. Love.

Kevin

[Two Flints]

[Two Flints]

[El Supremo]

For SURE:

Just stumbled across and bought a 99+% Romamo Spencer RIFLE that belonged to a fellow that is totally happy with his Armisport RIFLE. 

Now the fun begins.  Young again at 75! 
Eyes and heart fine, but where'd that tremor come from!  Haha.

Will shoot it at Winchester in N-SSA Spencer Match.

All the best,
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[St. George]

If your question is whether a -10 manual was produced for the individual soldier - no - that wasn't even a consideration - training a soldier in basic maintenance was the business of NCOs.

What manuals there were went to them, and to major Forts and Departments.

S&S Firearms has a number of interesting reprints, though I don't remember there being any for Spencers.

Scouts Out!