Armi Sport (Chiappa) Model 1860 Spencer Carbine, Sharp Blue & Case Colored 20” Lever Actuated, Tube Fed Rifle & Case, MFD 2015
Sold For: $1,501.66
LSB#: 161012PS11
Make: Armi Sport, for Chiappa
Model: 1860 Spencer Carbine
Serial Number: 15L00110
Year of Manufacture: 2015 (CN Date Code)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Lever Actuated, Single Action Exposed Hammer Rifle with Removable Tubular Magazine in Butt Stock
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “CHIAPPA FIREARMS, LTD. DAYTON, OHIO / Chiappa Firearms ITALY / 45 COLT”, the left is marked with the serial number, found again on the top rear of the receiver, with “1860 SPENCER” the left side of the receiver is marked with three Italian proofs (Nitro & Inspection) and the date code.
Barrel Length: 20”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade, integral to a rectangular post, which is fixed to the barrel and the rear sight is a ladder sight, marked from 200 to 900 yards when raised and a “V” notch battle sight when in the lowered position.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth European walnut. The forend has a case colored barrel band and is free of any notable marks. The butt stock has a strait wrist, with a bar plate, which houses the saddle ring. The stock has a sling swivel on the belly. The stock is also free of notable marks, outside of a few extremely faint compression marks. The stocks fit the metal nicely and are free from cracks and major damages. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the carbine-style case colored butt plate; the plate has a few light marks, in Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. Outside of some expected operational wear on top of the frame and moving bolt components from light use, there are only a few thin marks to speak of, mostly going unnoticed with the deep blue and vivid case colored items. The rifle has very little evidence of use outside of factory testing. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the tube magazine holds 7 rounds of .45 Colt. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a black plastic hard case marked “ARMI SPORT / SPENCER CARBINE” in oval, with gray egg-crate foam lining, showing an end label that reflects the serial number and configuration of this rifle; the case has scattered scuffs but is free of major damages, rating in about Excellent condition. Also included is a factory owner’s manual, in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: From http://chiappafirearms.com/product/815 “The 1860 Spencer Carbine has been manufactured by Armi Sport recreating faithfully every part in detail, all thecomponents are made from a solid piece of steel and NC machined, in this way all parts are fully interchangeable with original parts. The original caliber was 56/50 Spencer rimfire, where unlike usual cartridge designation the first number referred to the diameter of the case and head, while the second number referred to the diameter at the mouth. Chiappa Firearms has introduced different calibers for use with ammunition which are more commonly available today, while maintaining faithful to the original design and appearance.”
The inventor of the Spencer Carbine was Christopher Miner Spencer, one of the leading figures of the machine tool industry. The Spencer carbine was different from any other firearm of its time. It was accurate; fired rapidly; had a long effective range; and held seven metallic cartridges that weren’t affected by moisture. It could be fired more rapidly than a Colt style revolver and reloaded in one-tenth the time. By the end of the Civil War, more than 144,000 Spencer rifles and carbines had been manufactured; over two-thirds of which were purchased by the U.S. government. To keep up with demand, Spencer subcontracted some production to the Burnside Rifle Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. Spencer rifles and carbines met with high praise from those who were equipped with them, and with respect from those who faced them in battle. In its first combat test, Spencer-armed Union troops under the command of Colonel John Wilder earned the nickname “Lightning Brigade” when they defeated a numerically superior Confederate force at the Battle of Hoover’s Gap, Tennessee on June 24, 1863. This is an Italian Armi Sport Spencer Carbine which has exceptional case coloring, beautiful wood and a deep blued barrel. The rifling is sharp with no erosion and the action functions correctly. The rifle has a tube magazine that is inserted through the butt plate. This rifle’s high condition may reserve its place as a safe queen but one would be very tempted to take this out for a round of cowboy action shooting or to turn some heads at the range, especially in its highly obtainable .45 Colt chambering. Please see our pictures and good luck.
