Parts Interchangeability

[djossi@yahoo.com]

I must admit I was very surprised to learn that Spencer parts were interchangeable with Sharps parts. It definitely had to be a major selling point for both rifles since the number of parts any maintenance unit needed to keep in stock was reduced.

In the same vein, does anyone know how interchangeable the parts are from one model of Spencer to another? For example, S&S states that their conversion block will fit any model of Spencer rifle or carbine. The block available from Buffalo Arms is advertised as fitting the 1860 and 1865 models only. Why the discrepancy?

[Two Flints]

"It is no coincidence that Spencer carbines and rifles are quite similar to the corresponding Sharps models. Christopher Spencer was very familiar with the durability problems patent arms had experienced in service trials. He incorporated the best features of the most successful breechloader in his design. In fact, Spencer purchased complete barrels from the Sharps company for his first Navy rifles. Internal lock components are identical to the corresponding Sharps parts, except the sear, which must be ground a little to clear the Spencer magazine tube. Since the lock was one of the most vulnerable parts of a weapon, this interchangeability became a strong selling point. Spencers could be repaired with Sharps parts already on hand."

The above quote from Tony Beck AKA Arizona Trooper, SSS member, on his web site: http://www.civilwarguns.com/spencer3.html

[pakm]

I just found out that all the different spencers made my armi sports are the same just the hole in the barrel and maybe something in the loading block are different.  I 've got a .44 Russian spencer which someone blew the bottom out of the chamber.  I just receiver a new armi sports 56-50 barrel and it screwed in the receiver like it was made for it. I plan to have another 56-50 spencer in the fairly near future

[Snakeeater]

I must admit I was very surprised to learn that Spencer parts were interchangeable with Sharps parts. It definitely had to be a major selling point for both rifles since the number of parts any maintenance unit needed to keep in stock was reduced.

In the same vein, does anyone know how interchangeable the parts are from one model of Spencer to another? For example, S&S states that their conversion block will fit any model of Spencer rifle or carbine. The block available from Buffalo Arms is advertised as fitting the 1860 and 1865 models only. Why the discrepancy?

With few exceptions, most full-size Spencers are fully-interchangeable, and it is not uncommon to find a Model 1860 rifle or carbine fitted with a Stabler-modified lower block even though the trigger-plate was not so modified for the Stabler cutoff device, and vice-versa (i.e. a carbine modified for the Stabler device with the earlier lower block). One of my M1865 carbines was one that was not so modified for the Stabler device, having the earlier trigger-plate, yet, at the time of purchase it had a lower block installed that not only had been modified for the Stabler device, someone had stamped "SAMPLE" on one side.  

Though Buffalo Arms description for their center-fire conversion block no longer carries such a limitation as you refer, but simply says: "These case hardened Spencer Breech Blocks will fit 99% of the time and are NSSA approved. So far I have tried over a dozen in my personal carbine they have all fit but I won't go as far as to say they will fit 100% of the guns out there. These breech blocks will fit 1860 and 1865 model Spencer rimfire to convert to centerfire." This does not mean the conversion block only fits these two models. It will also fit the 1867 and New Models as well. The M1867 and New Model upper breech block is cut a little differently for the width of the Spencer cutoff, but other than this difference, swapping out the upper breech block together with removing the Spencer cutoff and replacing it with a 1860/65 cartridge follower guide (i.e. essentially reversing the later improvements) either maker's replica breech block would fit the majority of rifles or carbines.

The diagram below illustrates the differences between the replica center-fire breech blocks (left and right) and original rim-fire block (at centre). The M1867 and New Model block is not shown but with the same modification to the block for the Spencer cutoff, the replica blocks could be used with the latter two models.



Note: The block identified here as "S&S" is the earlier type, now discontinued. S&S now sells the same type as Buffalo Arms but with blued finish, while Dixie Gun Works sells this type in the white. Buffalo Arms offers their CF block with color case-hardened finish.