Spencer sporting rifle, .56-.46, octagon barrel.

[spyder]

Hello to those who are FAR more knowledgeable than I on Spencers!  I've been spending a fair bit of time the last couple months reading and enjoying the heck out of threads here and finally got around to typing something up about this old rifle of mine.

I acquired this thing a while back and have yet to really sit down and figure out what it is. I haven't done a true chamber cast or bore slug yet, but I'm fairly sure it's chambered for the 56-46, and fits "Figure 18", along with several other descriptors in this article, VERY well.

https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2011-B103-Spencer-Sporting-Rifles.pdf

If nothing else, that ^ article is an excellent read for you folks.

This rifle is complete, 26" octagon barrel, seems to function perfectly fine, and is in great shape. The front sight is correct for being a factory sporting rifle, at just over an inch from the muzzle and the pewter/tin end cap appears correct. It seems to be in the Gemmer style with the stock and the cleaning rod, though I hardly doubt I have the luck to have acquired a true Gemmer.

I did a mostly complete disassembly looking for original markings and found some, didn't find others, and was confused by some more. The barrel markings in particular seem to be completely missing. The magazine is functional, the action seems to work just fine, and I can not find any broken or non-working parts on it. The sights are real ivory and the serial numbers I can find match.

I tracked the family history (anecdotally by verbal stories) of it back to pre-1900 and do not believe that it was been altered since then, but that doesn't mean much until I figure out a whole lot more.

The serial number is not in the correct place for most of the LATER factory Sporting Rifles, but everything else sure fits, and the early ones the serial number was not off to the side. But the serial number on mine is higher than 2000. I would LOVE to figure out more history on this, and be able to shoot the damn thing a couple times a year.


I'll try and get some better photos up in the near future, but...this project and learning experience has been leaned against the wall in the corner for far too long not to share, and see if there is knowledge out there to help me figure out if I have junk, gem, or something in between.

Just for S&G, I added a picture of the Spencer next to the Sharps & Hankins that has been in the same "project in the corner that's been there way too long" pile

[shilohdiver]

I don't know much about the rifle but it looks like it has been well taken care of

[Herbert]

1860 rifle converted to sporting rifle in the Gemmer style.hard to say when or by who but very well done.A chamber cast may help to age your rifle(early ones and some converted ones used the 56-46 long cartridge)is block rim or center fire

[spyder]

Sorry, been evacuated out of my house for the week, I'm right smack dab in the middle of all the CA fires.

It's still rimfire.  I'll eventually get around to doing a chamber cast with some cerrosafe, but it's going to be a bit. I think I'll be busy a while, whether my house burns down or not! 

Spencer (and all the other guns) are safe though. Priorities! 

[Two Flints]

Spyder,

Can't imagine how difficult your situation is . . . seems like fires happen all the time . . . be careful and most of all stay safe, you and your loved ones have our prayers.

Two Flints

[Black River Smith]

First off I am sorry to hear that you are affected by the fires in Cal.  I hope everything turns out well for you and the situation.

Second - that is one beautiful and well preserved Spencer Sporting rifle conversion.  A prize to own.

Marcot's Spencer Repeating Firearms book on page 159 does show two authentic Hawken/Gemmer conversions.  Both are in the traditional Hawkens style or pattern.  Two barrel mounts; two rod thimbles; nose cap and under rod guide and then the Hawkens crescent buttplate.  One has a S.Hawken marked barrel and one has a JP Gemmer marked barrel.

Most Spencer Sporters where octagon or round barrels; fancy forearms with nose caps; special sights and standard Spencer Buttstock/plate .  No provisions for a ramrod.

[spyder]

Just a quick pop in to say I'm still good, I THINK the house is still there, and I'll go back Thursday to find out. I'm out of town yesterday through Thur for a night shoot event.  Priorities, again!    Thanks for well wishes and info, once I'm back home I'll do some more digging and get more detailed better quality pictures, and start figuring out how to make ammo for this so I can knock over soda cans and maybe a cottontail for dinner with it.