Weapons of the Civil War Cavalry: The Spencer Carbine

The Spencer carbine was one of the most popular arms during the American Civil War. Even thought it started half-way through the war, it had become the second most used carbine by federal cavalry by the war's end. Whether you are a reenactor, historian, or gun collector; the Spencer Carbine captivates us all!

[@manuelkong10]

Spencer was REALLY a game changer....could have had an even larger impact if the powers that be had listened to the reports from the field and jumped on the opportunity

[@TheJarric]

they did lincoln got them to cavalry

[@SStupendous]

They DID. They literally produced over 100,000+ of them and 58M rounds of ammo... after Lincoln replaced James Wolfe Ripley, they started really using breech-loaders and repeaters.

[@MrReymoclif714]

Armorer’s were concerned about the 100+ different kinds of ammunition and weapons used by the 100+ different states militia! This was WHY the repeaters were not used more frequently!

[@williamschristopher12]

I do not do re-enactments, but as a fan of history this is a great video...actually the re-enactments and shooting the rifles give me an good picture of how the Civil war was fought...thanks, keep up the great work, and God bless!

[@pcm9482]

i wish the 7th Tennessee would do a youtube channel for rebel cavalry like what ya have done for union cavalry

[@11thovc]

We would love to do confederate episodes, but honestly are still pretty ignorant on what makes an accurate impression for southern cavalry. We are definitely researching but not to where we can make videos on it yet! Thanks for watching anyway!

[@pcm9482]

units ya would probably be interested in researching are the 1st Texas mounted rifles and the frontier regiment both units had a lot of the same men in them but they severed between the red river and Rio grand against Jayhawkers Comanches Kiowas and Mexican raiders i plan to make a video on them on my channel be sure to check it out.

[@ReconstructedYankee1882]

I would have figured there would have been a bunch of Red Dead Redemption 1 references "This is a fine weapon" -John Marston

[@soopadave4236]

Nice videos. The Spencer was a huge advancement. I live just a couple of miles from Hoovers/Liberty Gap in TN where they were used in that battle. I always like finding Spencer bullets and it's a nice bonus to dig a complete cartridge. Keep up the great videos!

[@ridgerunner5772]

The Hoover's Gap fracus was engaged with a Spencer Rifle under the stewardship of the Wilder's Brigade..... It shot all week..... Bate's Sunday Masonic Services were interupted by the engagement....

[@davidtong2776]

Before the Spencer arrived Lee won, against it at Gettysburg Lee lost.

[@hoggproductions5033]

As of 12/23/2019, 6 Confederate cavalry troopers gave this video thumbs down......

[@mr.bubbles9958]

Lol 17 now

[@BasedOddz]

@@mr.bubbles9958 Pos Yankees... "We be using their carbines against them boys" and boy does it shoot.

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

Thats because their hard working wives are still struggling to make the Copper spun shell cases

[@WeegeeSlayer123]

Down with the eagle, up with the cross

[@Idahoguy10157]

The 7th Cavalry troopers at the Little Big Horn battlefield had carried knives to pry shot cartridges out of the breech. Extraction was a problem. Sharp Carbines weren’t there. But the cartridge brass metallurgy was the same then as in the civil war

[@brianfuller7691]

This is also one of my favorite weapons of all time but the Sharps was still incredible. Ultimately the metallic cartridge was one of the selling points. It's also interesting that post war cavalry also used the Spencer until issue of the M1873 Trapdoor.

[@steveww1507]

great vid but word of warning never lever a round with the hammer down I had one go off that way with a live round . Still love my carbine

[@Kentucky_Caveman]

Dude got the double space

[@SStupendous]

@@Kentucky_Caveman "Ooh baby a triple"

[@kidhammer2567]

Steve, I truly appreciate your video and I've learned a solid baseline for my going out to purchase an original M-1860 Spencer. I loved your live fire demo and the history lesson, as well. I would have enjoyed watching you load or charge the rifle/carbine's stock built magazine along with the shooting. Thanks again, sir, much obliged!

[@ExploringAlabama]

Can't wait for the video on the Burnside!

[@11thovc]

Just posted! Have you seen it?

[@burpengaryjosh5614]

I just sent EA the link, I'm sure he's watched it by now👍

[@johnraina4828]

@@11thovc can you upload a video about the Maynard carbine pls

[@11thovc]

@@johnraina4828, we are definitely working on that!

[@andrewgillis3073]

During the American Civil War, the units were raised by the states, by and large. Hence the names like '5th Ohio'. So they could buy what ever arms they wanted, as we'll as the uniforms. Toward the end of the war, things became more standardized, but in the early years, the quartermaster's corps was driving crazy by all the different ammo they needed to be stocked. Fortunately, at the unit level, things were a lot easier. ^_*

[@MrReymoclif714]

Yup!

[@ifitsfreeitsforme1852]

An interesting aspect of the Spencer is how some where modified for western use after the war. I've seen some clever gunsmith alterations that married the buttstock and receiver to a Hawken style octagon barrel and forend. These of course are referred to as Spencer Hawken rifles. If I remember correctly, a book by John Baird on Hawken rifles shows some of these...but they are not common.

[@medowbrookfarm9731]

What exactly is an ordinance return?

[@codyswesternadventures812]

Medowbrook Farm, during the majority of the American Civil War, the US Army kept track of all the equipment and weapons that each regiment had. These returns were compiled into large ledgers that can be viewed at the National Archives in Washington DC. It lists each regiment and all their equipment down to each individual cartridge box, screw driver, and each round of ammunition issued.

[@brianfuller5868]

The Spencer Carbine was truly a formidable weapon and definitely was an edge for Union Cavalry. Until 1863, the main weapon was still the reliable Sharps. Great video.

[@wesleysmith5580]

Thank you for the truth, you know your history young man, your honestly is flattering. The absolute best use of a Spencer was on any field against Lee lined up in the Nepolingonic Rancks. Union three to five deep and anything Lee could bring to the field... Good Job Young Man...

[@oldscoutgp]

Nicely done sir. A lot of information delivered in 35 minutes. I love my Spencers.

[@tmoney007confederation7]

Makes sense of why the SHARPS was standard instead of the SPENCER... Jambing is definite NO NO for the ARMY!

[@imk2007]

XM16E1:

[@tmoney007confederation7]

@@imk2007 they fixed that problem with the M-16A1....

[@imk2007]

@tmoney007confederation7 yeah I know I was mostly joking

[@fredford6816]

My Chiappa Spencer is one of most prised possessions, The quality and finish is superb. It did take some time to figure out how to load and eject each round ( exactly as described in the video ) Mine is a rifle. I know where there are a few more are, if I knew how to, I would pass on the information, I am not trying to sell anything, only to share. I will check back.

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

Here in Australia I've just clinched a deal on a brand new still in the box Chiappa Spencer Carbine in .45 LC, sure it aint a 56.56 cal but hey over in these woods theyre as rare as Rocking Horse shite.

[@marvwatkins7029]

He's clearly not in Ohio. Out West somewhere.

[@Elk6903]

Lol. Definitely. There was no claim to be in Ohio. We film The 11th OVC episodes in Wyoming. That is where the 11th OVC was stationed originally from 1862 to 1866. Thanks for watching!!

[@tedebear108]

Good day to you sir. This is Ted from Texas. I am a civil war living historic reactor. I have not done it for a few years. When I lived up north I used to go to Gettysburg all the time. Out of the Civil War rifles that I owned from my collection, the Spencer carbine is my favorite. I do like the Burnside a lot. As far as handguns go, the Remington New Model Army is the strongest but the Colt is my favorite 1860. Great video sir

[@indymaiden9426]

Smashing good show, Gary Owen!

[@littlehouseguy7782]

I noticed that you loaded the Spencer carbine from a cartridge box, (Burnside cartridge box?) Did the cavalry ever use the Blakeslee box in conjunction with the saber belt minus the cartridge box in the back? Also, might you know if the infantry wore the Blakeslee cartridge box for the Spencer rifle in the same way they wore the paper cartridge box (under the belt) for the Springfield musket?

[@11thovc]

Little House Guy: Thanks for watching and great question. The reason we did not use the Blakeslee box in our video is mainly because there is enough evidence to support that many of the regiments who were issued Spencer's (Rifles or Carbines) were not also issued the box specifically designed for the Spencer. In fact, the unit that we are named after (11th OVC) were issued Spencer rifles and Sharps cartridge boxes for their belts. The inventor received his patent in December of 1864, just months before the end of the war. Therefore, it would not be widely adopted or used until after the Civil War was over. It saw much more common use later on fighting in the plains out west, but not too much during the American Civil War. I hope this helps!

[@ReconstructedYankee1882]

But I will say did Dutch Van Der Linde or Arthur Morgan give you that or did Bonnie Macfarlane give it to you

[@thefishmerchant]

So slightly off topic, but how well does it work hunting rabbits? Do you use shot rounds with it?

[@jamesfarmer6004]

Lets not forget the Modoc Indian War of 1872-1873 in the Lava Beds at south end of Tule Lake in Northeastern California. Today this is the Lava Beds National Monument which straddles the Siskiyou/Modoc County line. These were primarily in the hands of Warm Springs Army Indian Scouts who were deployed to ferret out Captain Jack's renegade Modoc band. This was eight years following the Civil War (1861-1865). There exist 1873 photos depicting this conflict, which deserves far better recognition than it has received. 1873 was also a year of economic depression and panic too. James A. "Jim" Farmer Merrill, Oregon (Klamath County) Long live the State of Jefferson.

[@don20190]

Can you use modern center fire cartridges in the original Spencers? ie the 56-50 cartridge. I thought the original Spencer's are rim fires.

[@11thovc]

Otto, you are correct. The originals were rim fire while the modern ones are center fire. However, they make a block/insert that can go inside an original to make it shoot the new center fire cartridges. So...yes, and no.

[@kidhammer2567]

I am no arms master by any means, and your video explanation says it better than I ever could. I have learned that, if and when possible with reproductions, when finding that "right" projectile by weight for the barrel in question accuracy markedly improves in the carbine. Reproductions, especially Italian arms, are notorious for consistent action function problems and for accuracy. Forgive for preaching to the "choir". And, thank you again for another spot-on and informative carbine video.

[@joshuathomas8529]

I would love to own one in 9mm. I am not a reinactor. I just love guns.

[@grantgarrod2232]

There are replica Spencers made that do shoot handgun cartridges, but not 9MM. They're 44 & 45 caliber cartridges, used in Cowboy-Action shooting.

[@jonathangomez9548]

The 4th us cavalry had them late war when they became part of the Wilson’s cavalry Corp

[@ggrunt3792]

First assault weapons bought one 1865 Spencer in the early 70s 200$ Grunts Pound Harder 1/9 Marines in the A Shau valley 69

[@CaesarInVa]

Based on the quote attributed here to Custer regarding the Spencers' superiority, I find it ironic that his troops carried the Sharp carbine at the Battle of The Little Big Horn. I wonder how things might have turned out had the 7th been equipped with Spencers.

[@11thovc]

CaesarInVa, If you are referring to Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, the 7th Cavalry was using Trapdoor 45-70, not the Sharps. In Custer's time, he saw the use of many carbines. It would have been interesting to see which one he preferred out of all the options.

[@SStupendous]

@@11thovc Just an FYI at 1:45 the first use of the Spencer rifle was at Hoover's Gap, June 24th 1863. Colonel John T. Wilder of the 17th Indiana Mounted Regiment said that at gunfights across the river at Chattanooga, he and his men "seldom missed at 700 yards." At Hoover's Gap, armed with his Spencer rifles against a rebel regiment of Enfields, there was a loss of 47 on his side and 500+ on the enemy.

[@jeffadams9807]

Cluster's Trooper's Were Armed With The Single Shot, Springfield Trapdoor .45-70 & NOT With The Spencer, The Indian's Used Winchester & Henry Repeater's & Custer Was Also Outnumered By A 3 to 1 Margin...

[@Defossion1]

@11th OVC : Don't say "calvary" when you mean "cavalry."

[@11thovc]

Defossion, sorry for our slurred narration. We are very much aware of the difference between Golgotha and the mounted branch of traditional military service. Thanks for watching!

[@Defossion1]

@@11thovc No worries. I served in the 11th ACR and am probably overly sensitive to the common mispronunciation of the 'cav!

[@rw0341]

Great video, thanks for getting into the weeds on Spencers.

[@b1laxson]

Well done, informative, great to see context as well as design and shooting. I'm a Canadian whose own re-enactment was more about the 14th century. Still I can appreciate the passion you have in your craft. I like to embrace immersion so when say playing a game based on history to match it with research on the events, people and equipment portrayed. Your videos (I've seen several now) have been well suited to that.

[@zettle2345]

Learn how to "Hunt" better, and you won't need so many 100+ yd. shots. There is not a big game animal in North America, that has not been taken with a bow.

[@alexsacco776]

I would love to see an 11th OVC video on Civil War forage and Kepi caps

[@plinkbottle]

Custer got a bad deal from the army, considering he was such a fan of the spencer.

[@randymagnum143]

Lol, custer made bad decisions.

[@robertallen9095]

The army rejected the. Spencer because it lacked the range and penetrating power of the 1873.

[@annhanntz275]

Does someone make real period cartridge's for them,I have a real one,but is a wall hanger,because rimfire just isn't available in that size.

[@jdzencelowcz]

Just for shooting, I'd prob'ly go with a 56-50 Spencer carbine & a Creedmore style 45-70 Sharps full length rifle.

[@TheHempforlife]

Great video! My great grandfather was in the 123rd Illinois infantry, which was attached to the wilders brigade in April 1863. Salathiel Timmons 1835-1909.

[@leatherwood1370]

I actually got to shoot one (blank) last weekend at the Middle Creek reenactment

[@Leverguns50]

Very interesting video, those reproduction accuracy is very disappointing

[@billsweeneybama2251]

Have a spencer carbine, 56 50 centerfire, and actiall,. it's quite accurate and amazing when shooting such a valuable relic of history

[@sallenwilliams1807]

You've mentioned live fire and reenactments where you would be using blanks. While I don't do live firing as yet I will be doing reenactments and living History where demonstration of firing will be done. My Chiappa reproduction 56-50 Spenser has problems loading/ejecting the Veteran Arms 56-50 blanks. Where do you get your blanks? And for that matter you live rounds? Thanks. Your videos are excellent sources for me to get real information.

[@11thovc]

S Allen, We generally use the Veteran Arms 56-50 blanks. They definitely do jam but the trick is to use gravity to load and eject the plastic round (as shown in the video). Also, cycle the lever hard down and hard up. Live rounds cycle much easier than the plastic and I get them from Buffalo Arms at: www.buffaloarms.com/56-50-spencer-black-powder-ammo-for-new-made-spencers-box-of-20-amobp5650 We definitely appreciate your support and thanks for watching our channel!

[@pauldornbusch6408]

Nice video and uniform. It looks very clumsy to unload unfired cartridges, wondering why you don't take the magazine out to remove the unfired cartridges out of the magazine? Then you only have 1 or 2 rounds to eject. Looking forward to watching all your videos.

[@patsaylor8973]

May I ask a question? Where exactly were the OVC stationed in the west?

[@Elk6903]

Pat, the 11th OVC was stationed along the Oregon trail at Ft. Laramie

[@patsaylor8973]

@@Elk6903 Wow! My family has strong roots in Ohio. I also have a strong love of the west. One of my favorite program on Old Time Radio is Fort Laramie.

[@brycesuderow3576]

Two of the most famous regiments of cavalry in the eastern theater were the first DC cavalry and the first maine cavalry The first DC cavalry was formed by Lafayette Baker, who intended the Regiment to act as a police force in Washington DC For some reason many members of the regiment were recruited in the state of Maine. The regiment became attached to the army of the James, commanded by Benjamin Butler. It was part of the cavalry division commanded by August. Kautz. The Regiment was armed with a Henry rifle, the precursor to the Winchester. I think the magazine contains 16 rounds. During the Wilson couch raid in June 1864 many of the Regiment were captured along with their weapons. They had never seen combat before on September 16. They were guarding the cattle herd near Citypoint at Sycamore Church. Many of them were captured along with their Henry’s. Thus, lots of confederate cavalry men were armed with Henry’s in 1865, but they had to be very sparing of the ammunition because they could not manufacture modern bullets. The first maine cavalry was formed earlier and fought throughout 1863 and1864 with the army of the Potomac cavalry corps. At the end of 1864 several companies were transferred from the first DC cavalry to the first maine cavalry. Thus in 1865 this regiment possessed an extraordinary amount of fire power. At the battle of Dinwiddie courthouse on March 31, 1865 a brigade of the union cavalry was attacked by two brigades of confederate cavalry. The Yankees were driven back, but they were reinforced by one battalion of the first maine cavalry.. in the sanguinary fight that followed The first North Carolina cavalry lost over 100 killed or wounded and the first maine cavalry lost nearly 100 casualties. The first North Carolina cavalry was was armed with short barreled Enfield rifles and breech-loadingcarbines

[@paddylofoss]

Back in the early 1980s I was looking for an aircraft to buy and a gentleman at Whiteman air park in Southern California had aCessna for sale and I asked to meet him to look at the airplane. His name was Percy Spencer and in talking to him he asked me if I knew what a Spencer Air Car was and having seen such aircraft before I told him yes. He then stated he designed that aircraft which is also known as a Republic Seabee. He then asked if I had ever heard of the Spencer rifle which I had heard of, he then stated that rifle was his fathers design. Doing some quick mental math, it didn’t make sense, just too many years ago. He looked at me and asked,the math doesn’t work right? I said yes, he then said his father was well into his nineties when he was born. It turned out to be true, a family of engineers. I didn’t buy the plane but got a great story that day.

[@grantgarrod2232]

That really is a great story. Christopher Spencer created inventions used in several different industries, & was awarded numerous patents during his lifetime, so it's pretty apparent his son was an apple that didn't fall very far from the tree. And when it came to raising apples, apparently Johnny Appleseed didn't have anything on Papa Spencer either.;)

[@panzerdeal8727]

Check out Paper Cartridges comparison video . They did a shoot off VS a Lee Enfield, billed as "The fastest bolt action in the world. " 14 rounds for the Spencer , 15 rounds for the Enfield , and the Spencer finished within a second of the Enfield, in a timed excerscise, basically a race, and with a couple of Operator errors, [ hammer fumbles]. Not bad.

[@Knightstruth]

Question about your shell jacket and forage cap: In the video it's a very brilliant blue. Most I see for sale are a very dark Navy Blue. Almost black. Are both accurate? Or...what's going on?

[@11thovc]

Knightstruth, to give you an idea what an original looks like next to reproductions, take.a look at this video on those specific jackets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqfCh2eFq9poga8 The jacket in the middle is the one I was wearing, the one on the far right is an original. That should help! Thanks!

[@Knightstruth]

@@11thovc Ahah, thankyou.

[@krisswanson5410]

Please, as a re-enactor, pronounce cavalry correctly. it is not calvary. That is where they nailed Christ to the cross. Sorry, but it is mispronounced so often any more, it is grating on me... 1st Air Cav, not 1st Air Cal, easy way to remember it......

[@projectdcb7525]

This is a beast in red dead redemption 2

[@evildoctortaco]

Project DCB idk it's kinda average at best, though capable in good hands

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

From an Australian Army Veteran, youre damn good with your presentation young man.

[@jamesvandemark2086]

Our ancestor, and the troop he led, had the Spenser carbine.

[@janrobertbos]

...everybody should own a SMITH carbine...IMHO...😁

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

Think how history would have been different if the Confederacy would have had the Spencer or the Henry because they were better Marksman

[@desertodavid]

Is it me or is this guy really hard to listen to? Why is he talkin so freaking fast? I mean to the point where he's stumbling over his facts??

[@sherryceltic9856]

My husband and I enjoyed the video but you’re wearing the wrong uniform 😉.

[@wesdowner5636]

Would some type of lubricant or graphite powder help prevent jams?

[@bryankisner4918]

we "1st NY Vet CAV " use Carbine at Newmarket Va on May 1864

[@johnlaking9886]

Is that correct way to load ? Comparing to a shotgun i shown to load with the barrel down and bring the butt up to close the breech.

[@johnpatterson8697]

* Brings Lamson & Ball repeating carbine * kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZLGg2qBhad_f9E

[@m118lr]

WHAT’S left of the “rabbit” when you use that Spencer on it?!

[@sebastiansanchez-cabello456]

I’ve got an original Boston made 1860 spencer rifle with a bayonet lug, it still has some of the original blueing beautiful piece of history, not able to shoot it though the ammo isn’t available and I live in the uk.

[@alanday8513]

By 1800 Crow hunting was done only with a "bullet shooting crossbow"

[@melodykaty8825]

Springfield Model 1861 Percussion 💕

[@billsweeneybama2251]

Have never had a jam, but then I've never seen combat with it

[@xzqzq]

Which repeating rifle did President Lincoln personally shoot, and subsequently order the Union Procurement Office to purchase , despite their opposition to repeating rifles ?

[@grantgarrod2232]

Lincoln fired Gen. James Ripley, the Chief of Ordnance, for his stubborn refusal to purchase Spencers. Lincoln wanted the war over as soon as possible, & saw the Spencer as a tactical advantage to help achieve it.

[@georgeparsons7338]

I've always wondered why the Spencer did not continue after the war. The Spencer was far superior to any other rifle or carbine. Tougher, simpler more durable and reliable.

[@georgeparsons7338]

P.S. talking about civilian use

[@tsafa]

I did not know so many repeating rifles were used in the Civil War. I don't know why the North had such a hard time winning with such a great advantage.

[@grantgarrod2232]

Repeating rifles were very slow making it into Army use the first two years of the war, due to bureaucratic ignorance. Gen. James Ripley, the Chief of Ordnance & a very old-school curmudgeon, refused to approve Spencer purchases, citing excessive cost of the rifles & ammo, & the belief that soldiers with repeaters would waste ammo, & make re-supply more difficult & expensive. In August, 1863, six weeks after the battle of Gettysburg, Christopher Spencer took one of his rifles to the White House, & personally showed it to President Lincoln. The following day, Spencer, Lincoln, & Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, shot the rifle at a target on the mall, near the Washington Monument, & Lincoln was quite impressed. When Lincoln asked Gen. Ripley why these rifles weren't in use throughout the army, Ripley gave his standard, short-sighted answer. A thoroughly disgusted Lincoln fired Ripley, appointed a new Chief of Ordnance, & insisted the Spencer be given priority for purchase & issue whenever possible. That's why the Spencer & it's use skyrocketed the last two years of the war, because it's inventor showed it's benefits to the one man who could get the stubborn, old-school bean-counters out of the way, Honest Abe himself. And incidentally, the first government contract for Spencer rifles, to the US Navy, was personally approved by the Secretary of the Navy himself, Gideon Welles, who just so happened to be Christopher Spencer's neighbor & acquaintance. It would seem Mr. Spencer had a keen ability to sell his invention to exactly the right people.:)

[@tsafa]

@@grantgarrod2232 great information. Thank you

[@leewarry8641]

25 yards I could hit that with a sling shot try a realistic 200 yards

[@Heisrisin3]

Says he hunts rabbits with a 52 caliber Spencer carbine. BS

[@larry1824]

I dont deserve this.....i was building a house...,.

[@SN-xk2rl]

23 minutes in you forget what you said earlier. It is nonsense for you to chastise reenactors for using Spencer's whilst depicting events pre-1864 is pure unadulteraated nonsense. You just said that a number of individuals spent their own money and purchased Spencer rifles on their own, and it was not prohibited from above to purchase your own weapon so long as you were on the hook for supplying your own ammo too. Henry repeaters and sharps rifles were also purchased by individuals on their during the civil war. Moreover, there are a few documented cases of troops and even companies purchasing their own weapons and going with Spencer repeaters the best option available do to the obvious appeal of the volume of fire and fire superiority that could be achieved whilst still using a minimally viable rifle round (the Henry not being effective at longer ranges - yes I know, modern commentators - and scholars who don't shoot - declare combat ranges to be 100-200 max). Yes, I know claims of regular engagement with enemy for sustained periods of time at 600 yards plus is mostly folklore (did happen, but very rare), but the contemporary 100-200 yd claim is down to US troops calling in Arty etc. at anything over 200 in our highly industrialized (high fixed capital and machinery intense warfare). In the US, mid-19th C, the % of infantry that could hit small animal sized targets at 200 yds was very high (over 90% of even Union troops were rural and hunted for provision even more than recreation). So having an accurate rifle able to hit and do damage out past 200 yds wasn't wasted in the US Civil War. And hence the Henry was a nice carbine, but not a very effective rifle (or even Cavalry carbine) for the period 1861-1865. And for the record, I am a complete neophyte and amatuer on this topic - yet the facts are entirely on my side and against your own self-contradictory nonsense. The records of Spencer sales are still around. There is photo evidence too. You cited this evidence in this exact same video. So why are you authenticity tripping against othr re-enactors on such specious grounds. Second, for the record, Adam Horwitz book *Confederates in the Attic* is on point, or if anything too nice to you freaks. At least 1/2 of you freaks do this because you are Lost Cause propagators who say plainly stupid things like "The Emancipation Proclamation accomplished nothing! It freed zero slaves, it only applied in the exact places where US law no longer applied. You idiots don't pay attention to the rates of slaves running away after the publication of the EC in Northern papers. Even as most slaves still waited until union armies moved closer, they still ran away in greater numbers. THis is proven by Southern papers complaining about the facts of the matter, the need to allocate more white Confederate labor to slave catcher duty, and by the significant growth of contraband camps after the EC became common knowledge. The US Civil War was this country's largest WildCat strike in US history. It is a disgusting shame (shame on the AFL-CIO) for not celebrating this fact and promoting knowledge of it as evidence of the centrality and power of labor in all societies as demonstrated by going Contraband during the Civil War. Also, the US civil war was the single largest act of expropriation of capitalist property (Over $4 Billion in declared market value), via the emancipation of slaves WITHOUT COMPENSATION. Let's here it for the single most SOCIALIST policy in US history. The US Civil War is living proof of the truth of historical materialism (that means marxism for you 1/2 literate rubes who make up the majority of Lost Causers). Back to you Lost Causers - at least 1/2 of you haven't the courage to come out as Klan and Nazi loving fascists. Another 1/3rd are maladjusted incels and generally weirdos with too much money and free time. That leaves a bit over 15% who are the most excellent and awesome people. You swear to only re-enact as Unionists (regular or irregularists) at least, if not outright righteous and just Abos. You are knowledge and kind, sharp and have a good craic. You are also sexy and sauve. And most importantly you know how to really Bash the fash. All Power to You - Most righteous and holy, you outright Abolitionist - Unionist Re-enactors!!! Saoirse Go Deo !!! (Seer-sha Go Jaw -- Freedom for ALL !!! - in Irish)

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

Thanks Kindly for this great history and information! My Great Great Grandfather Amos Rineer volunteered for three terms in the Calvary. My Grandfather was to inherit all his Civil War items. Unfortunately when he died in 1912 someone quickly took everything and my Grandfather received nothing. The story was that Amos ran through fire to retrieve Gen. Grants sword he dropped from his horse and received a medal for doing so. I live 65 miles east of Gettysburg and have visited many times. I also have and shoot an 1829 N. Starr 69 cal. Army issue musket converted to cap lock in the 1840s and used in the Civil War. I restored this musket which was made in Middleton Conn. I often say that shooting these weapons is like shooting history. It truly gives you a deep appreciation for those soldiers marching many miles, all the hardships and surviving all that lead and many who didn’t. Thanks again and Many Blessings and Good Shootin! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@karhu357]

Lightning Brigade ( mounted infantry) 92nd, 98th,123rd ill. 17th and 72 nd Indiana.. received their Spencer Rifles May 15th 1863, 1st large scale combat usage ,,, Battle of Hoovers Gap Tennessee...June 24th 1863.......A nasty surprise for Braxton Braggs confederates..

[@marktercsak9728]

1861 at the Start of The Civil War there were two Principle Cavlary Carbines . 1 . The Sharps carbine 2. The Hall Carbine By the end of the American Civil War the Sharps was still number 1 and the Spensor repeating Carbine was number 2. It is noted a good cavalryman could get off ten shots per minute. And it was a single shot weapon. The Sharps is a falling breach block lever actuated design. At one point in time they came in .52 caliber and .54 caliber , these were paper cartridges the paper contained x number of grains of black powder and either .52 or .54 caliber miniball. The trooper would lower the lever and thus the Breach Block he would extract a paper cartridge from his cartridge box and insert in the chamber and raise the lever when raising the lever you raise the breach block and the block would shear off the ass end of the paper cartridge as it was raising back into locked position the top of the breech block was slightly scalloped and part of the torn paper and micro amount of black powder would sit there the trooper using his thumb would push the remnants of the nitro paper out of the way and also blow to make sure no powder remained. The model 1859 had a double type priming system one was in a metal house and and was a paper priming tape similar to the old cap gun stuff, the other was a nipple atop and forward the side mounted hammer were a cap was installed the nipple and pinched first then fired Christopher Spensor was born in 1833 and went to work for sharps and left them in the 1850's. Now the Spensor Carbine you can see alot of Sharp rifle/carbine influence the side mounted hammer , and the breach block does fall but rotates back to pick up the next cartridge. The Spensor made use a brass Matalic Balloon head cartridge cases , and if I recall were Rimfire design , there was also another early priming design before the Berdan and Boxer primers could have been that, these were chambered in 56-50 caliber there was a spring loaded tubular magazine in the buttstock , they would also design a quick reloading system Troopers were issued a wooden leather octagon case that held accountable metal tubes each containing 7 fresh 56-50 cartridges.

[@billwessels207]

What about the Remington rolling block?

[@bendiksbendiks1859]

The good shoot gun. The Spencer carabin doesnt jum intill shoot. Other guns jumping much intill shot and doesnt shot in target. I shoot, that's what the sentence says. Because it's one of the wrong verbs, wasn't it? -Irregular Verbs.

[@tsarytsin]

I have the Chiappa musket version in 44-40

[@richardelliott9511]

That 52 cal bullet wouldn't leave enough of a rabbit to fill your mouth, let alone your stomach. Lol

[@grantgarrod2232]

Back then, if you owned only that rifle, it's was either head shots only on small game, or you went hungry.

[@rudynorvelle2870]

I am getting ready to buy myself a Spencer. I just have to get the cash together. It will be a reproduction to go with the reproduction 1860 Henry. I do have an original Burnside so that will make three Civil War Cavalry weapons.

[@mrjockt]

It was recommended just before the end of the Civil War that the Union cavalry standardise on the Spencer as their only carbine, unfortunately with the end of the war and subsequent lack of funding for the military that idea was never followed through, instead the Cavalry eventually adopted the Sharps carbine, a fine weapon in its own right but only a single shot breach loader.

[@garyruxton5226]

It's too bad the Blakeslee box wasn't invented until end of 1864. Imagine how much more efficient operations would have been with that "Speedloader".

[@Ltngstrike]

I really enjoyed your video, it struck home personally. Two of my G-G-Grandfathers were in Wilder's Lightning Brigade. One with the 72nd Indiana and the other with the 98th Illinois. Both enlisted when their respective Regiments formed and both carried the Spencer. I think they must have known each other during the war as a son of the Indiana veteran married a daughter of the Illinois veteran. Keep up the good work!

[@49walker44]

Are you in Idaho? That scene behind you at the start looks so familiar. Loved your video, great history lesson, I have a spencer but 46-56, not as popular as the 50 ca. guess have to start looking. Thanks for your work.

[@binaryryuga6515]

How about the Henry rifle

[@11thovc]

Binary, unfortunately that is WAY down the list of videos, as we are trying to do them in order of most common to least common. Considering the Henry generally wasn't a standard issue item for federal cavalry units (with some rare exceptions) it won't be in our schedule for a while. We are working on the Maynard, Merrill, and Hall carbines at this time.

[@Jay_Hall]

I have an amazing M-1865 Spencer in 100% correct form with the most amazing saddle and sling wear and even patina on metal and wood. This Spencer is among my most prized weapons in my collection because I know it has a most interesting story to tell. :)

[@howler6490]

That is a beautiful little weapon.Watching the gent firing it, it is a cracker! I had read about it, but had never seen it. The "advantage" of 7 over 1 is obvious and it makes you wonder why cavalry senior officers failed to see it.

[@leeakers4525]

Where can one get Spencer cartridges?

[@csconsultingsafety5441]

Lee, are you looking for originals or ones to actually shoot? Then are you shooting a 56-50 or some other caliber? Either way, you can get most chambered calibers at: www.buffaloarms.com/56-50-spencer-black-powder-ammo-for-new-made-spencers-box-of-20-amobp5650

[@Desperado69]

Are you using original guns or reproductions

[@slaughterhound8793]

Great video! I have studied a lot about the war through the years, so I am pretty familiar with the functioning of the Spencer carbine. However, I looked up & watched this video for a refresher on the weapon due to it being mentioned in a book I received for my birthday a couple months ago. The book is on the Imperial Army of Japan in the Meiji Era of the 1860's-1870's. Apparently in the 1870's the M1865 Spencer carbine became the standard arm for the cavalry of the Imperial Army of Japan. Just thought that an interesting fact.

[@johncorder2912]

I’m not trying to give you too hard of a time but there is a difference between Calvary and Cavalry. Don’t get the wrong idea though, I greatly enjoyed the content!

[@patrickholland6848]

If you are going to represent the Cavalry then you need to learn how to pronounce the word Cavalry correctly. You keep saying Calvary which is the place where Jesus was crucified. Two totally different things.

[@11thovc]

Patrick, this slur is definitely something we are aware of as many people have brought it to our attention in these early videos. We are very well aware of the difference between Golgotha and mounted troops. And can confirm the intent with the correct spelling in the video description and text in the video. We appreciate the concern in accuracy and have worked on having the narrator emphasize the "V" for everyone who takes the accent/slur as ignorance rather than just saying the V & L together. We will definitely keep working on clear articulation in our future content. Thanks for watching!

[@patrickholland6848]

@@11thovc I'm sorry if I came off too strongly but I to at one time pronounced it Calvary and was reprimanded publicly for it so I guess it's made me a little sensitive to it. Great channel though and keep up the great work.

[@iwilleatyou1234]

this is very tower defense simulator badlands 2

[@nilo70]

Thank you for sharing this with us !

[@lousheehan9825]

Good job! I get the idea. Maybe a touch more and close up and slower on the loading, but an eye opening and informative video.

[@leonardgrigonis4569]

Wish I bought the original carbine from a collector in 1975 for $250.00! Its worth thousands now.

[@Knightstruth]

Another question: Do you know anyone who sells Spencer carbines and ammunition for them?

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

This is great since currently I'm reading S. Foote's 3rd Civil War Vol. So this was Sheridan's Trooper's famous repeating carbine! Greetings from Greece