- Manufacturer- Spencer Company, Burnside Rifle co., Winchester
- Produced- 1860-1869
- Number Produced- 144,500
- Ammunition- .56-56” Cartridge
- Costs- $40 a rifle, and $25 per Carbine
- Length- 42 Inches
- Weight- 8 lbs
- Caliber- 52 (.540 to .555)
- Bullet Weight- 350 Grains
- Powder Charge- 45 Grains
- Muzzle Velocity- 1200 Feet per Second
- Muzzle Energy- 1125 Foot Pounds
The Spencer was the most advanced shoulder fired long-arm of its time. This rifle had the first self contained metallic cartridge with enough power for military use. this rifle compared to paper cartridges used in muskets during the civil war. The smoke from firing one shot from the Spencer disabled the enemy for a few seconds making them fire inaccurately. In major battles rapid fire Spencer's were set aside because the ammunition would run out before the battle was over guaranteeing the enemy the win if that was the only gun used which wasn't the case. The us military adopted the design in 1862 and after that they purchased 107,372 . These rifles were used in the civil war and after the war they were used in the west. There were two different types of Spencers used during the civil war. The carbine which was a faster firing and less accurate gun with a shorter barrel used mainly for Calvary. The rifle was a slower and more accurate gun used mainly for infantry.
Fun Facts
Fun Facts
- John Wilkes booth was armed with a Spencer when he was arrested and killed (in a barn!)
- The Spencer Repeating Rifle Company failed financially in the downfall of the economy after the civil war