Taylor’s Chiappa Spencer 1865 Carbine .44-40 Winchester Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2775
LSB#: 210907BW61
Make: Taylor’s & Co., Mfg. by Chiappa, Italy
Model: Spencer 1865 Carbine
Serial Number: M0518A
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Operated Rotating Breechblock Repeating Rifle With Tubular Magazine Loaded Through The Buttstock
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “TAYLOR’S & CO. INC. / -WINCHESTER-VA.-”, “AC” in an oval next to “CHIAPPA FIREARMS / ITALY”, and “44/40 WIN”. The right side of the barrel is marked with the serial number. The left side of the barrel is marked with two Italian proof marks. The top rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The left side of the receiver is marked with three Italian proof marks and the “CB” date code.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade atop a rectangular riser that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up ladder sight with a fixed V-notch in the down position and a V-notch glider in the up position. The ladder graduates 2-9 and there is a fixed U-notch at the top of the ladder.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with a banded forearm, straight grip and comb, sling swivel in the belly, and a case colored steel buttplate with a hole for the installed tubular magazine. The wood shows some infrequently scattered light compressions and scratches. The most notable are on the belly and comb. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning on the lever. There are some infrequent faint nicks and scratches on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a manual.
Our Assessment: When Spencer originally produced an 1860 model carbine, it was different from any other firearm. In 1865, the gun maker delivered the 1865 Spencer Carbine, modified to correct flaws inherent in the original 1860 design. The feeding mechanisms in the Spencer models are very sensitive to ammo type and overall length so manufactured ammo brands will work better if caliber standards are followed. The Spencer carbine model features a case hardened steel frame and lock, blued & case hardened parts, one barrel band retained by a band spring in the stock, butt stock magazine tube, rear ladder sight, fixed front blade sight, round barrel, a rear swivel for a sling. This rifle rates in about Fine-Plus condition. Please see our photos and good luck!