Major, congrats on the win! Well done Sir!
On the subject of snakes, we have had a bounty crop of em this year. Been very wet and has run them out of dens. We are low on snake shot shells at the store. And I killed a Cottonmouth in our driveway a few weeks ago.

Quote from: Abilene on July 13, 2025, 11:29:28 AMWait, you're sayinng that most people have butt holes but not all of them?  Well that would explain why some folks are full of it 

It's not anatomical possible NOT to have one AT ALL !
  Totally possible, in fact quite likely to meet people with
     PERFECT one!

Hi everyone,
Just picked up my first Spencer and first Civil War collectible for $1200, sold three old jitterbugs that morning and paid cash after getting it down from $1500, definitely the most I've ever spent on a firearm.

It's 1860 Spencer in .56-56, Two Flints was very kind enough to look up the serial number for me and it shows the weapon was issued to the 2nd New York Volunteer Cavalry in March 1865 to Company M or L. I had a great great grandfather in the 1st Maine Cavalry who fell in a skirmish near Gravelly Run Station in 1865 while fighting as a dismounted troop. From my understanding the Burnside and Spencer were the two most common rifles issued in his unit so I like to think he may have carried one of these.
The carbine is in pretty good shape for it's age, very small hairline crack in the stock and is apparently missing the front barrel band as well as the saddle ring which someone appears to have deliberately removed. The sling swivel in the stock has also been removed and plugged with wood. Metal is in good condition with practically no pitting below the wood line. I did notice after I brought it home (of course) that it has the issue I have seen posted here before of the barrel wearing through slightly next to the extractor. Will need to keep an eye on that when I am able to locate some ammunition. (If anyone happens to have a few rounds of .56-56 they would like to sell I would happily oblige.)
All in all I am very happy about actually owning a real collectible and not just a reproduction, many thanks to two flints for his help and generous knowledge!
1860 Spencer Carbine

Gentlemen, Does anyone have the 3rd edition of the Wolf book on loading for the .45-70 Trapdoor?  If so, what does he list for smokeless loads for the 405 grain bullet for the Carbine?

Just picked up my first Spencer, an 1860 model in .56-56. Good to know what to expect from a .56-50, I had heard they would function in the larger bore gun but never heard any details.

Allletters, Milford, Maine

Yes, I did. A RB in 12.7x42 [same as .50-70 Government], the rifle is not as pretty but seems to be in fine condition, but getting the components together is time consuming.

+ 1

To all I am late for sure, but here goes the results from the muster Div Il held on 29 June.

Speed pistol:
1. Popup Target (Luger): 7.73
2. Smiley  (Single action): 8.62
3. Pablo Diablo (Single action): 9.32

2 main stages consisted of Stage #1, 15 rifle targets and 5 pistol.  And, Stage #3 rifle only 18 targets. the scores are a combination of both stages.  I broke down the categories as follows:

Buffalo Hunter
Pablo Diablo (Henry single shot 45/70)

Mil Spec Mauser model 1871/74 (I goofed and did not get the caliber, but it sho' 'nuff was impressive!!)
Henry Smithson time: 276.49

Mil Spec Single shot trapdoor 45/70
Hopalong Strong (You all should remember him!!)

Lever actions
1. Hangtown Sparky time: 169.57
2. Capt Snidely Whiplash time: 191.37 (Chief of scouts aka "He who used to spy on the Missouri Match.")
3. Smiley time: 213.26

Mil Spec Bolt Actions
1. Popup Target (Remington/Lee 45/70) time: 184.01
2. LtCol Long (Krag 30/40) time: 230.68
3. Maj Johnny Popper (Krag 30/40) time: 294.69
4. Geoff (03/A3, 30/06) time : 427.91

Then we all assembled in front of the 2x4 which was required to be cut in half with .22 calibers only!! We did not time it, but it seemed like it broke faster than using our main match guns. ENJOYED BY EVERYONE!!!
Finally we got to the Gatlin Gun and everyone gave it a turn.

In closing this report I have to state that this muster was really fun!!  The .22s made it special. Now for the rest. The range where I have held these musters is closing after 12 July 2025. The cowboy club that shoots here is shutting down. For the future of Division of Illinois matches, this one will probably be the last one that I hold or sponsor.

LtCol Long  reporting.

PS. The range which I was holding the musters here in IL closed after their last cowboy match yesterday, 12 July 2025. The host club is unable to make their insurance for the 2025/2026 year. So is GAF musters finished in Illinois?? I don't know!! If there is another venue where one could be held?? That I am unsure of. So to close all of this out, I will step down as commander of Division of Illinois and open it for someone else to steer.
With Arthur and his brother Ritis taking over my spine and invading my hip joints, I have so much fun with those 2 clowns!!
So my Best to all in the GAF, have fun musters and don't be afraid to laugh!! Life is too dern short to be frowning!!
Keep 'em Flying!!

Don

Thanks, will do