Preferred Years?

[Coal Creek Griff]

I'm considering buying an Armi Sport Spencer carbine.  I've read about many of the production issues and, as I consider a new gun or finding a used one, I wonder if there are production years or eras that are better or worse than others (on average).  It doesn't really pay to save a few hundred dollars on a used gun that is going to cause all kinds of problems.  Any opinions?

CC Griff

[Two Flints]

Hi,

Not sure if you will get the answer you're looking for . . . if you read the SORI Thread on SSS in many of the posts you will discover that some of the "new" Armi Sport Spencers had problems right out of the box . . . and with some "gunsmithing" effort were turned into very good shooters.  On the other hand a used Armi Sport Spencer may have been buggered up by the previous owner or owners and won't shoot worth a damn, and they too will need maybe extra "gunsmithing" effort to make them shooters again.

In either case, once you have your reproduction Spencer shooting OK, they're a terrific and fun gun to own!  Whatever your concerns we are here to help

Two Flints

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thank you, sir.  I have read a lot of the SORI thread.  Thank you for all the work you did (are doing) to put that together!  It is so well organized and easy to navigate.  The fact that you often request pictures to illustrate the concepts is very helpful too.

I had a bit of insomnia last night and read a bunch of horror stories about these guns--kind of like a waking nightmare.  I was just wandering if quality control has improved in recent years.  If so, I'd rather spend a bit more for a recent one.  If it is all about the same, I might seek out somebody's safe queen to save a bit for the reloading equipment.

Thanks again!

CC Griff

[major]

The 44 Russian and the 45 Schofield models came with a double paddle extractor system and I had nothing but trouble with my 44 Russian one.  I heard the same complaints about the 45 Schofield.  When they came out with the 44-40 and the 45 Long Colt they went with the Lane extractor and that solved the problem with extraction.  I don't remember if the early 56-50's had the Lane extractor from the get go or not.  At any rate if you can find a used one make sure it had the Lane extractor system.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thank you.  I'll check for that.  I am looking for a 56-50, by the way.

CC Griff

[Blair]

CC Griff,

As has been suggested, I would recommend looking for something "new".
When buying used, one may inherit a lot of grief imposed on the firearm by or from the previous owner.

Of course, the asking price may make it hard to pass up. But, it may also require a large investment to make that grief right.
My best,
Blair

[matt45]

So you know, for what it's worth...  I've had my 56-50 Armi- Sport for quite a while (first I did the recommended things from the SORI thread) and have had not a lick of trouble 

[Drydock]

The .56/50s have had the Lane Extractor from the beginning.  I've had mine for several years now, no problems.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks again, gents!

CC Griff