Spencer Repeating Arms Sporting Rifle 56-46 RF Lever Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,760.00
LSB#: LSB260511VA005
Make: Spencer Repeating Arms
Model: Sporting Rifle
Serial Number: 1586
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1865-1868 Antique
Caliber: 56-46 Spencer Rimfire
Action Type: Lever action, rimfire rifle, fed from tubular magazine in the buttstock, with single set trigger.
Barrel Length: 28″ Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf V notch with elevator that is dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and semi crescent iron buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is oil darkening at the wrist. The forend has significant missing wood on the bottom side and a chip on the left side. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Fair condition as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is minor erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. There are scratches and corrosion staining throughout. There are some nicks and dings along the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Fair condition for antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine tube functions correctly. The set trigger is out of adjustment and not currently working. 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: None
Our Assessment: The Spencer Sporting Rifle is a scarce civilian adaptation of Christopher Spencer’s famous repeating rifle, chambered in .56-46 Spencer Rimfire and fed from the signature tubular magazine housed in the buttstock. This example features a 28″ octagon barrel, silver blade front sight, straight-grip walnut stocks, and the desirable single set trigger found on many sporting models. Produced during the brief post-Civil War period by the Spencer Repeating Arms Company, it represents one of the earliest purpose-built repeating sporting rifles offered to the American civilian market.
Following the Civil War, Spencer sought to capitalize on the success of his military repeating rifles by introducing a line of refined sporting arms for hunters and target shooters. The Sporting Rifle retained the proven lever-action and buttstock magazine system while incorporating features such as octagon barrels, set triggers, and improved finish intended to appeal to civilian buyers. Although technologically advanced for their day, Spencer sporting rifles faced intense competition from Winchester’s rapidly expanding line of repeaters, resulting in comparatively limited production. Today, original Spencer Sporting Rifles are highly regarded by collectors for their historical significance and relative scarcity.
This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish, with the metal worn to a brown patina showing scattered corrosion staining, scratches, and handling marks. The walnut stocks rate in Fair antique condition due to significant wood loss on the underside of the forend, a chip on the left side, and scattered dents and oil darkening, though no structural cracks are present. The semi-bright bore retains well-defined rifling and rates 8/10 with only minor erosion, while the action and magazine function correctly; however, the single set trigger is out of adjustment and presently inoperative. Overall, this is a Fair antique Spencer Sporting Rifle with solid historical significance and considerable collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF