Whether you are a Westernphile or a woodsman, the Winchester lever action rifle is a standard of measure. But even in the early days of the repeating rifle, it was the 1860 Spencer that was tough enough for military adoption. Chiappa Firearms of Italy keeps the Spencer design alive in both its rifle and cavalry carbine configuration with calibers ranging from .44-40, .45 Schofield, .45 Colt, and .56-50.
The Spencer carbine was standard equipment with the US Cavalry from the mid-Civil War until 1873. Chiappa’s version features a 22 inch barrel, authentic walnut stocks, and colored casehardened furniture. Just like the originals, it features a 7+1 tube magazine located in the buttstock, a circular breech block, and an enormous Sharps-like hammer.
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Chiappa’s Spencer is lushly finished and demonstrates the weaknesses and the strengths of the design compared to what would become the Winchester. Its tube magazine is rapidly loaded by removing the follower from the buttstock and dropping in the ammunition. Firing is quick, but slowed down by a small lever that is more at home on a single-shot rifle than a lever action. The hammer also has to be cocked for every shot. Still, deliberate repeat fire is possible thanks to the Spencer’s balance and wide pistol-like sights. The version tested is in .44-40, which shoots easily out of the overbuilt Spencer. In spite of the sights, the Spencer puts out a respectable 5-inch pattern at 100 yards.
Although it lacks the familiar lines of more future proof designs, it is a must have for Civil War buffs and brush hunters looking for something a little different.
