1860 question

[tjiann]

I'm new here, so thanks for your patience. I'm examining an 1860 Spencer carbine. Here is a photo of the barrel underside. Early serial number, but what would the hand cut dovetail mod have been for? It does have the cabine forestock with screw and barrel band. Thanks!

[Cap'n Redneck]

The only reason I can see for the dovetail cuts would be to fasten a civilian type halfstock forend.

Both the military carbine (halfstock) and the military rifle (fullstock) version had barrel bands to hold the forend.

[DJ]

Also, this looks like a Model 1865.

[El Supremo]

Hello, Tjiann:

Welcome and thanks for sharing.

Please:
Is that a centerfire upper block?  If so who's?
Have you shot it and if so load and results?
All the best,

El Supremo/Kevin Tinny