Questions on my M1867 Spencer Rifle.

[GrantThompsonIII]

I have just acquired an original M-1867 Spencer Repeating Infantry Rifle. The bore and rifling are amazing just needs a good cleaning and the action is a little stiff but I am converting it to centerfire so that will all be gone over and cleaned then. Previous owner gave me the rifle as he has run out of Rimfire rounds. He is an old timer and has had some few hundred rounds that his father bought from Sears and Roebuck in the late 20s early 30s. I would like to get this rifle back into shooting again as it already has the Lane extractor meaning I can use newer brass. Also why is the rear sight cut out so skinny ? I can barely see the front blade through it when it is folded down at the basic 100yard setting. Thanks for all who reply. I can post pics upon request.  Also on a side note is anyone willing to sell some .56-50 brass made for the newer repro and lane extractor rifles ? I havent been able to find any at all.

[DJ]

Let's see it!

[rewvas]

Since you're converting the rifle to centerfire and the Lane extractor is installed, you should be able to use modern brass, as you mentioned. The stiff action should smooth out after cleaning and use, especially with the new centerfire mechanism. You've got an exciting project ahead, and getting the rifle back to shooting condition will certainly be rewarding.

[El Supremo]

Hello, Grant:

At this time, I cannot estimate when STARLINE might do a run of its 56-50 cases.
My order has sat for two years.

Starline and other 50 Sharps cases will fit if cut down to 56-50 length. The issue is the factory annealed mouth portion is then removed, and the shortened case, with still correct wall thickness and ID must be re-annealed to allow decent case life. 

I have a hoard of factory new Starline 50-90 Sharps cases.  If you can shorten them and re-anneal, they work well in my Spencer's, and last at least 25 black powder firings. 

Alternatively, Rocky Mountain Cartridge makes 56-50's that are factory annealed and have the same, black powder firing life.
I am not able, because of time, to cut the Starline 50-90's, but am happy to sell you the Starline 50-90's at $2, each, including shipping.
If you cut, but cannot anneal, I will, gratis, if you return them to me. You could buy enough to test. Smiles.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[Professor Marvel]

My good netizens

El Supremo, that is a very kind offer to make to Grant!

Grant: cutting and annealing is really quite simple.
If no other method, cutting with a hardware tubing cutter works nicely, but some fiddling is required.

Annealing is so simple... put cut cartridges based down in a pan of ~ 1 inch of water.
Pass a propane torch over the case mouths until they change color. Not glow red, just running bluish colors.

to anneal brass cases, heat the mouth to 660 to 665 degrees Fahrenheit (a blue/green color)  Do not heat to any color red


Then tip the case over sideways into the water.

For the reading impaired, there are yoo toobs but they mainly cover complex methods or building a complicated machine that one doesnt really need.

Yhs
Prof mumble