Want to get a Spencer carbine but I have questions

[John Brooder]

My post is gone from a few days ago where I asked about original vs modern. You've got to love technology.  Anyway, I've decided on original for now with maybe a modern replica if I really decide to shoot it regularly, get back into SASS, etc. As far as a collectible, I'd like to get a 1860.  There are some that have been refurbished by Springfield Armory that are now in 56-50 cal., have a Stabler device, etc.  Are these more or less desirable?  Personally, I like the idea of a carbine used during the CW and then used in the West.  I found a refurbished one that does not have the Stabler cutoff.  Is there a way to determine by looking if there was a Stabler installed?  I probably should buy Marcot's book if I continue with this obsession but the cost is something.  Thank you for your time.

[Major 2]

John, the new server had glitch, nice word version instead of saying A F'ed U.
So, the Forum lost some 2 or 3 days of posts, I can imagine yours was among them... though I did read it.

To answer your question..   Model 1865's were equipped with a cut-off mechanism invented by Edward Stabler which, when engaged, prevented the breechblock from moving far enough to chamber a cartridge from the buttstock. It is easily visible, within the trigger guard and some were retro fitted to CW era Carbine & Rifles.
I believe the Model 65 also had the Lane extractor.

More learned enthusiasts should be along and post as to desirability.

[John Brooder]

Major,
Thank you for the reply.  I've been reading here and getting a better idea of how the cutoff works and what it looks like.  I read somewhere that some 1860 carbines were refurbished by Springfield Armory after the CW and got the Stabler as part of that process but that some did not get it.  One thing that I haven't been able to find out is whether you can still load single rounds without the device?
best,
John

[El Supremo]

Thanks, Mr. Brooder:

Please search here for CAS/SSS Thread 06JUN2019:
Spencer Carbine (Burnside mfg)  Stabler Cutoff?
It includes a photo showing a set screw.

There are lots of oddities on original Spencer's, but even if the Stabler cutoff lever is not present, the set screw hole should be in the trigger bar.  There may also be different profiles for the lower and upper blocks. 

Smiles,
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[Trailrider]

My post is gone from a few days ago where I asked about original vs modern. You've got to love technology.  Anyway, I've decided on original for now with maybe a modern replica if I really decide to shoot it regularly, get back into SASS, etc. As far as a collectible, I'd like to get a 1860.  There are some that have been refurbished by Springfield Armory that are now in 56-50 cal., have a Stabler device, etc.  Are these more or less desirable?  Personally, I like the idea of a carbine used during the CW and then used in the West.  I found a refurbished one that does not have the Stabler cutoff.  Is there a way to determine by looking if there was a Stabler installed?  I probably should buy Marcot's book if I continue with this obsession but the cost is something.  Thank you for your time.

Not sure which Spencer's would be deemed "more desirable" by collectors. Indeed, some Spencer's were used in the Indian Wars. Both M1860's and M1865's as well as the Burnside-made versions. Interestingly, Spencer M1860 rifles were issued to the 3rd Infantry, the only infantry regiment west of the Mississippi that were issued repeating rifles. In addition, some companies of the 7th Cavalry were issued M1860's shooting .56-50 and some later models .56-50! The later cartridge would fit the older guns, although accuracy probably suffered from using the smaller diameter bullets. Some companies of the 7th were stationed where the 3rd was, and 1LT Fred Beecher was the QM. He may have issued rifles to some of the 7th companies, and may have had Spencer rifles at Beecher Island, where he was KIA! The whole thing can get very interesting!

[John Brooder]

El Supremo and Trailrider,
Thank you for the replies!  All super interesting information.  I am really getting into Spencers.  I have found an 1860 and I'm in the process of obtaining it.  Will report here once it arrives.  Looking for a copy of Marcot's - the prices are sobering.
Best,
John

[Poodleshooter]

Some companies of the 7th were stationed where the 3rd was, and 1LT Fred Beecher was the QM. He may have issued rifles to some of the 7th companies, and may have had Spencer rifles at Beecher Island, where he was KIA! The whole thing can get very interesting!

I just read Custer's account of the Beecher Island fight, where scout George Forsyth mentions that the Cheyenne had Spencers and Henry rifles during this battle, and notes they had never had a fight like that before (as well as noting Lt. Beecher's death and the assistant surgeon being wounded.)  It's interesting because Custer is pretty specific with regards to Spencer rifles or carbines in his 1874 memoir.

[John Brooder]

Got it please see separate topic.