M1865 Spencer *** Photos Added ***

[General Lee]

Hello SSS,

I have had my 1865 Spencer Carbine for a few years tried one breech block that did not fit well obtained another from Buffalo Arms Co. that fit perfect.  Had one load of cartridges from GAD reloads a few years back that did not chamber well, since then (Bernold) GAD has changed his bullet shape and they work perfectly.  I put about 20 rounds through it two weeks ago and it cycled and performed well.  Now I just need a new pair of eyes for those low V open sights.  Got some pretty good groups at 50 yds.  It still gives me goose bumps to fire it.  It is an amazing little rifle.  Two Flints is helping me identify origin through serial number #10640.  Also I am computer challenged so Two Flints may upload some photos until I can figure out how to.  I might take this thing deer hunting.






                                                        (photos added by Two Flints)

The first photo above shows the Buffalo Arms Co breach block installed. The BACO breach block has excellent fit I tried one other that was not so good. I was only loading 5 rounds at a time just to break it in, it will cycle the 7 rounds no problem. I will send a few close up photos of the reloads as I am not an expert on cartridge specs. All I know is it cycles and shoots great. I am impressed by the workings of this truly innovative action.
Lee
,
Two weeks ago I took my Spencer Carbine to the range in Marshfield MA and with new ammo from the  GAD reloader   (Bernold)  the rifle performed well. I loaded 5 rounds at a time and these rounds chambered and cycled beautifully. I was shooting at 50 yds with the open sights. It being a somewhat small V it took some getting used to and made you appreciate modern open sights. Got some of them in the 6 inch bulls eye and got some good groups firing from a bench. These rounds are much improved from what GAD used to reload. Black powder, I'm sure pyrodex would be a bit cleaner. Lotsa smoke and you have to clean up quite fast. Cases will corrode and turn green if you don't throw them in soapy water. It actually makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck knowing it could be 100 yrs since it was fired. Pretty happy with the whole experience.

I recently had 100rds of 56-50 reloaded for my Spencer with a much improved bullet from GAD reloading. The cartridges chamber nice and eject too. Now I have to see how they shoot. You mentioned you might have some info on my Spencer. It is a carbine in excellent shape probably acquired from a collector in the 60's by my uncle. It is 56-50 carbine 1865 the serial # is 10640. I found a list once on line that listed a few numbers before and after that were shipped out to NM to Kiowa scouts!  

General Lee  

[Herbert]

You do not oftern see one with so much coloure cass hardning showing,very nice carbine

[General Lee]

Many thanks to Two Flints for up loading added text and photos.
Herbert My Uncle (a civil war buff) purchased this in the early 60's I'm sure from a collector.  It has obvious wear from carrying and even the patent inscription is worn right where your thumb sits if you carry it.  It had been dry fired probably a million times by some young lad playing soldier and had  a burr in the rim of the breach.  A little dremel tool work took that out.  overall condition is good barrel and rifiling good a little pitting in the bore. Nice coloration original cartouches on the stock. I love shooting it.
General Lee

[Bead Swinger]

A Beautiful Piece!