SPENCER CARBINE (MODEL 1865)

Many of the 9th U.S. Cavalry companies (Buffalo Soldiers) stationed at Fort Davis in the post-Civil War period were armed with the seven shot repeating Spencer Carbine. The Model 1865 Spencer was chambered for the 56/50 (.50 caliber) rimfire cartridge. The Spencer was replaced in 1873 by the new .45 caliber Springfield. While the Spencer was an excellent firearm for the cavalry, it was not very accurate at long range. Moreover, the rimfire cartridges were prone to misfire.