Mine is a total turd. I'd hate to know I had to defend myself with it.

Can you elaborate?  I haven't heard too much positive nor negative about them.

That information about the 9th Cavalry and its Stabler cutoffs is something I had never heard before.

 I would be interested in learning more details.  Are you able to provide a source?

Thanks--

--DJ

The Stabler Cutoff was applied to all carbines and rifles delivered after June 1865, some 12,000 IIRC. The book, "Spencer" by Roy Marcot is the best resource. As far as the 9th Cavalry being the only unit issued Spencer carbines with the Stabler cutoff, I doubt that to be the case.  Several companies of the 7th Cav were issued M1865 Spencer carbines, while several others had the older M1860 models. Lt. Fred Beecher, was the acting quartermaster of the 3rd Infantry and in addition to the infantry companies, 7th Cav companies were stationed there. The 3rd Infantry was the only post-CW infantry west of the Mississippi River that were issued Spencer rifles.

The 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments consisted of Black enlisted troopers with white officers (until later, when several Black officers served). Initially, Col. Grierson, who commanded the raid bearing his name, and whose character was loosely portrayed by John Wayne in "The Horse Soldiers", commanded the 10th, while Col. Hatch, who was also on Grierson's Raid, commanded the 9th. These two units served with great honor during the Indian Wars. The name "Buffalo Soldiers" was given them by some of the Indians they campaigned against, as a badge of honor...the buffalo being a sacred spirit. The 9th & 10th had the fewest incidence of desertion of the Indian Wars cavalry outfits. (Sorry, I can't quote a particular source for that...there are many books on the subject.)
Happy Holidays!

Gentlemen, you turned out not just a fine looking, but downright gorgeous revolver! WOW!

Yes, but I didn't shoot it at paper targets. A friend and I took turns busting clay birds off hand we set on the 25 yard burm. It was great fun and the rifle shot very well. Next time I will see how the rifle groups at 50 and 100 yards.

Any updates?

  CraigC 

You're really gonna enjoy that Kirst 45 ACP conversion.  I built myself a pair for CAS as soon as the ACP conversion was announced.  They really shoot a treat.  The nifty "other" thing, with the ACP conversion, one can also run Cowboy 45 Special cases.  I load mine with 3f APP and have fitted 3 different barrels.  8" 1860 Pattern, 4 1/4" 1860 Pattern and 4 1/4 inch .44 Navy Pattern.

Have Lots and Lots of fun wid 'em