Forgot to mention, while at the range today (see my range report for more technical info) and old timer showed up next to me and started asking lots of questions.
We got done shooting and we walked over and both got a couple of cokes from the machine. (I have heard Pepsi is Anti-Gun, and no range I have been at carries that brand)
Well, I was asking about who he knew that shot spencers in the area. He said he had heard of a few farmers who had "hand me downs" from long ago.
I guess the story goes like this.
After the Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin volunteers returned from the "the war", many simply kept their arms. Some bought repeaters from other units that were decommisioned. There were those that managed to just "walk away", as it were.
Anyhow, in the 1860s and 1870s, these rifles served multiple purposes. Alot of folks used the rifles for hunting and taking care of varmints. (both 2 legged and 4 legged) Most farmers found it more advantageous to trade their civil war rifles (which were in fair to good condition) for shotguns and single shot rifles.
I heard tell of one farmer who sold his 73 winchester for a double barrel shotgun, ammo, and a milk cow!!!
But I digress.
So, these vets would keep what they used and with stuff they didn't use, either sell it or trade it for stuff they could.
One of the farmers my companion was refering to said his grandfather's "repeater" was stuffed away in an old pair of greasy/oily pants up in the barn. They found it just as they were pulling out the tack and such before tearing the thing down. Supposedly, it was a 56-56 Army rifle. (long barrel)
Why old grand pappy kept it, this gent I was talking to did not know. But, if his relatives were in the war or had taken the rifle in trade, that would make sense.
thought a few folks would want to know. I have absolutely NO WAY of confirming this story, but, from the personal history of a few family farms I know of, it coincides with other stories I have heard. (farmers taking rifles and other items in on trade from boys coming back from the war so they could get farming again)