"SPENCER" CARBINE

The SPENCER was the most widely used and sought after breechloader of the war. Its spring-fed tubular magazine held seven rounds, which could fire as fast as the user could work the lever and thumb back the hammer. Objections were made over the time it took to reload the magazine, but that problem was solved by the use of a quick loading cartridge box holding ten tubes or 70 rounds. The other objection was the weight but this faded fast after the first use in battle proved its superior firepower. The Civil War version usually used a .56 .56 caliber bullet with a rimfire brass cartridge with not too long a range, but most battles of the time were fought under at 400 yards and for this the rifle proved ideal. The effective range on the rifle was supposedly 2000 yards, but battle range was 300 to 500 yards. One other distinct advantage was it had a low recoil or kick so it made it easier to fire. The tests ran before it was issued were staggering, including submerging it in saltwater for over 24 hours and then burying it in sand, it was retrieved and the dirt brushed off. It worked perfectly with out a misfire or jam. It was a very efficient and mechanically reliable weapon. The SPENCER was without a doubt was one of the most outstanding shoulder arms in service during the war.