1865 Spencer Carbine – Burnside Rifle Co.
This 1865 Spencer Carbine was manufactured by the Burnside Rifle Company under a U.S. government contract that was originally intended for the earlier Model 1860 Spencer. By the time production began, however, the improved Model 1865 Spencer Carbine had replaced the Model 1860, and Burnside fulfilled the contract with the updated design.
Although Burnside-made Spencer carbines were delivered too late to see service in the American Civil War, they went on to play an important role during the Indian Wars of the late 1860s and 1870s. With only about 30,500 produced, they are considerably less common than the wartime Model 1860 Spencer, making them a desirable variation for collectors today.
Key improvements of the Model 1865 Spencer included:
1. New .56-50 Spencer cartridge
The Model 1865 was the first major production Spencer chambered for the new .56-50 Spencer rimfire cartridge. Same Spencer, now with a little more "giddy-up!" Featuring a smaller-diameter bullet and increased case capacity, it delivered higher velocity, improved ballistic performance, and better long-range accuracy than the earlier .56-56 cartridge. Because cavalrymen also appreciated a little extra horsepower!
2. Stabler magazine cut-off
Designed by Edward Stabler, the magazine cut-off allowed the carbine to be used as a single-shot while keeping the seven-round magazine fully loaded in reserve. This enabled soldiers to conserve ammunition until rapid fire was required. Because sometimes seven rounds are worth saving for when things get.... western.
3. Improved barrel configuration
Because getting on and off a horse is hard enough without carrying a fence post, the barrel was shortened from 22 inches to 20 inches, making the carbine lighter and better suited for cavalry service. The rifling was also simplified from six grooves to three, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective accuracy.
The Model 1865 represents the final evolution of Christopher Spencer's military repeating carbine—a refined design that bridged the gap between the Civil War and the U.S. Army's frontier service on the western plains.
A fascinating piece of history is available here at Italian Sporting Goods.
This 1865 Spencer Carbine was manufactured by the Burnside Rifle Company under a U.S. government contract that was originally intended for the earlier Model 1860 Spencer. By the time production began, however, the improved Model 1865 Spencer Carbine had replaced the Model 1860, and Burnside fulfilled the contract with the updated design.
Although Burnside-made Spencer carbines were delivered too late to see service in the American Civil War, they went on to play an important role during the Indian Wars of the late 1860s and 1870s. With only about 30,500 produced, they are considerably less common than the wartime Model 1860 Spencer, making them a desirable variation for collectors today.
Key improvements of the Model 1865 Spencer included:
1. New .56-50 Spencer cartridge
The Model 1865 was the first major production Spencer chambered for the new .56-50 Spencer rimfire cartridge. Same Spencer, now with a little more "giddy-up!" Featuring a smaller-diameter bullet and increased case capacity, it delivered higher velocity, improved ballistic performance, and better long-range accuracy than the earlier .56-56 cartridge. Because cavalrymen also appreciated a little extra horsepower!
2. Stabler magazine cut-off
Designed by Edward Stabler, the magazine cut-off allowed the carbine to be used as a single-shot while keeping the seven-round magazine fully loaded in reserve. This enabled soldiers to conserve ammunition until rapid fire was required. Because sometimes seven rounds are worth saving for when things get.... western.
3. Improved barrel configuration
Because getting on and off a horse is hard enough without carrying a fence post, the barrel was shortened from 22 inches to 20 inches, making the carbine lighter and better suited for cavalry service. The rifling was also simplified from six grooves to three, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective accuracy.
The Model 1865 represents the final evolution of Christopher Spencer's military repeating carbine—a refined design that bridged the gap between the Civil War and the U.S. Army's frontier service on the western plains.
A fascinating piece of history is available here at Italian Sporting Goods.
