Civil War Reenacting

[Sgt Scott]

Got a chance to use my Spencer this weekend. Very small reenactment so the numbers were limited.

I am sure the Spencer made a significant difference with regiment size skirmishes, but even with groups of 4 to a dozen out on patrol it would have been very decisive. Even from horseback if a group of 4 cavalry arrived on the scene of say 20 - 30 enemy troopers sitting around drinking coffee, the Spencer would have been an eye opener. I might not have hit anyone, but I bet they sure spilled their coffee in a hurry.

Sgt Scott

[Trailrider]

There is no question that under certain circumstances firepower can make a difference.  Certainly Custer's Wolverines as Gettysburg held off superior numbers until they ran out of ammunition, using their Spencer Rifles (not carbines).  On the other hand, at Beecher Island, where an inferior force with Spencers were dug in, the result was  victory. But, at the Fetterman fight, Lt. Drummond's cavalry company, also armed with Spencer carbines, plus two civilians with Henry's, the only outcome was to prolong the agony.  Drummond was exposed and the odds were overwhelming. At Hoover's Gap, repeating arms made a big difference, allowing a Union victory.  It all depends on the tactics and the situation.