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Special Interests - Groups & Societies => Spencer Shooting Society => Topic started by: clyde on September 18, 2021, 04:51:06 AM

Title: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: clyde on September 18, 2021, 04:51:06 AM
Hello members of the SSS

I am in desperate need of 1 or 2 centerfire breechblocks for original Spencers... All usual sources of supply haven't offered them for quite a while. Do you know where I could buy some ? (the seller would have to accept to ship to France, and he would really save my life :)

Cheers

Clyde
Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: El Supremo on September 18, 2021, 05:31:29 AM
Good morning:

S and S Firearms, Glendale, NY (must use Glendale in Internet search) shows center-fire Spencer blocks in stock.
S and S prefers inquiries be via email, not telephone.
S and S may be preparing to be at the N-SSA Nationals next week, so replies could be in mid-October.

There have been a few instances of center-fire blocks not easily fitting due to minor variations in original receivers, so before ordering, please measure the original rim-fire blocks and compare them to the centerfire version at S and S.  Smiles.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: clyde on September 18, 2021, 08:36:43 AM
Thank You El Supremo

Unfortunately for me , S&S Firearms do not ship internationally any more. That is sad because I used to buy from them.. :'(
Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: morerams on October 30, 2021, 12:30:45 AM
Get a local engineering machine shop to make it for you, shouldn't be a problem, just need a lathe and milling machine.
Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: El Supremo on October 30, 2021, 08:05:41 AM
Hello, Clyde:

My guess is that unless you find a friendly shop, scratch making a couple blocks at a shop in your area will be expensive.  Setup, machine hours and resolving hardening aspects would not be cheap. 
But local copying of your functioning upper block might reduce or eliminate fitting issues.

S&S can provide critical dim's for you to study before ordering.

I have encountered c-f blocks from two vendors, made in different custom shops that did NOT fit an Ord. Dept cartouched Spencer rifle.  Even though cartouched, it failed inspection and was shipped from the factory to a state militia unit.  It cycles ctg's, but was so far off spec internally that c-f blocks would not fit.  So there were Spencer's that were enough off spec that modern c-f blocks won't easily fit.

Since you are still searching - how about having a friend in U.S. buy what you need and send it to you?
Just trying to help. Smiles.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny
Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: clyde on November 05, 2021, 06:22:20 AM
Thank you El Supremo

I am gonna follow your advice : buy from S&S firearms and have it shipped to a friend who lives in the USA.

Thank you

Alex
Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: El Supremo on November 05, 2021, 08:52:23 AM
Thanks:
Please let us know how the c-f Spencer performs and your load details.
Photo's will be nice.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny
Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: fsrmg1 on December 24, 2021, 03:09:31 PM
I sure hope somebody starts making some quality centerfire blocks, as I need one as well...  I've been combing the internet searching for some time now and even contemplating having an original block converted.
Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: morerams on January 11, 2022, 09:10:46 PM
Converting an original would be the easiest way to go without a doubt, but making one is not technically difficult for a machinist.
Not much they could do 150 years ago we can't do now and easier.

 If you are desperate seek out a retired machinist, some of them have good machines in their shed and may well find it an interesting retirement project. Facebook might be your friend in finding someone in your area.

Having the original block makes it easy to get critical sizes. 
Title: Re: Need centerfire breechblocks
Post by: Hypnogator on July 14, 2022, 12:00:53 AM
If you're still looking, Dixie Gun Works has them in stock for $225.  Bought one yesterday.  ;D