I have a few questions regarding a Spencer Rifle I just bought and am somewhat of a newbie when it comes to antique guns. It’s a three band, Spencer rifle, manufactured by Spencer. On the plus side, the bore is in surprisingly good shape with very distinct, crisp rifling and very minimal pitting for its age. The trigger and lock work flawlessly and the action is still pretty tight with a little “snap” left in it when closing. On the minus side, it has a badly broken stock in the wrist area, although it remains intact because of the internal tube and all of the action and lock screws in the wrist area. I do not know how the stock was broke and not the internal tube in the process. But, neither the tube, the stock, or the stock screws look to have been “messed with” and the internal tube doesn’t appear to be damaged. The rear sight elevator and removable magazine tube are missing. The finish is almost completely nonexistent but the surface has only minor, sporadic pitting and is mostly just “patina”. The Spencer name, address, and patent date are legible but barely. I can’t really make out any other markings or cartouches thus far. I would post a picture however, I don’t even have it home yet but will when I do.. My questions are:
First, and I think I already know the answer to this but just want to make sure, do I completely dismiss any ideas about repairing the stock? How about replacing the stock but saving the original and ensuring that it stays with the rifle when ever it leaves my possession? I just really hate seeing it broken and feel it move around every time I pick up the rifle but I understand about the significance of keeping it original as much as possible.
Second, should I attempt to locate a replacement rear sight and magazine tube, either original or reproductions?
Third, should I dismiss any ideas of ever possibly firing this rifle? If it weren’t for the broken stock and the magazine tube I am pretty confident that this rifle would function. I understand that it is a rim fire but I’ve heard that cartridges are obtainable or it can be converted to fire center fire ammo with replacement parts without permanently altering anything. I do reload and at the very least I think it would be a kick to get the rifle to function well enough to at least fire some blanks on the Fourth of July. I’m just not sure if this is a good idea.
And lastly, I know this is difficult with out even a picture but could any one give me a rough idea of what it might be worth based on my description?
Thanks for your help, thoughts and suggestions….
First, and I think I already know the answer to this but just want to make sure, do I completely dismiss any ideas about repairing the stock? How about replacing the stock but saving the original and ensuring that it stays with the rifle when ever it leaves my possession? I just really hate seeing it broken and feel it move around every time I pick up the rifle but I understand about the significance of keeping it original as much as possible.
Second, should I attempt to locate a replacement rear sight and magazine tube, either original or reproductions?
Third, should I dismiss any ideas of ever possibly firing this rifle? If it weren’t for the broken stock and the magazine tube I am pretty confident that this rifle would function. I understand that it is a rim fire but I’ve heard that cartridges are obtainable or it can be converted to fire center fire ammo with replacement parts without permanently altering anything. I do reload and at the very least I think it would be a kick to get the rifle to function well enough to at least fire some blanks on the Fourth of July. I’m just not sure if this is a good idea.
And lastly, I know this is difficult with out even a picture but could any one give me a rough idea of what it might be worth based on my description?
Thanks for your help, thoughts and suggestions….
