1870's Surplus - Spencer Carbine and Schofield Revolver

Published on July 20, 2022
Duration: 10:00

This expert guide details the use of 1870s military surplus firearms, specifically the Spencer Carbine and Schofield Revolver, for a historical two-gun match. It highlights the practical application of Blakeslee tubes for rapid reloading of the Spencer Carbine and discusses the historical context and performance of both firearms. The content emphasizes the challenges and advantages of these vintage weapons in a practical shooting scenario.

Quick Summary

The 1870s two-gun match featured a Spencer Carbine and Schofield Revolver, both historical military surplus firearms. The Spencer, a 7-shot repeater, was reloaded using Blakeslee Tubes for speed, while the Schofield faced ammunition compatibility issues despite its tactical advantages.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Military Surplus Firearms
  2. 00:211870s Two-Gun Match Setup
  3. 00:31Spencer Carbine Overview and Specs
  4. 01:17Spencer Carbine in the Civilian Market
  5. 02:01Using Blakeslee Tubes for Reloading
  6. 02:55Schofield Revolver Overview and History
  7. 03:49Ammunition Standardization Issues
  8. 04:15Schofield as Surplus Pistol
  9. 05:07Historical Ammunition Carry Methods
  10. 05:21Match Performance and Spencer Sights
  11. 06:09Spencer Loading Peculiarities
  12. 06:57Spencer vs. Other Historical Rifles
  13. 07:36Spencer's Civilian Popularity
  14. 07:58Winchester Rifles: Never Surplus
  15. 08:48Final Weapon Assessment
  16. 09:15Channel Support and Patreon

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main firearms used in the 1870s two-gun match?

The match featured a reproduction Spencer Carbine, known for its repeater action and use as military surplus, and a reproduction Schofield Revolver, a historically significant sidearm that quickly entered the civilian surplus market.

How did Blakeslee Tubes aid in reloading the Spencer Carbine?

Blakeslee Tubes are leather boxes holding pre-loaded cartridges, allowing for faster reloads of the Spencer Carbine's tube magazine. While historically disliked for awkwardness, they proved efficient in a timed shooting event.

What were the ammunition issues with the Schofield Revolver?

The Schofield Revolver was chambered in .45 Schofield, which was a shortened .45 Colt. While .45 Schofield could work in a Colt, .45 Colt would not fit a Schofield, leading to supply chain and mix-up problems in military use.

Why was the Spencer Carbine popular on the frontier as surplus?

The Spencer Carbine was popular on the frontier as surplus due to its bargain prices, available ammunition, and its 7-shot repeater capability, which was a significant advantage over muzzleloaders and even some single-shot rifles of the era.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from InRangeTV

View all →