Chiappa Firearms

The original caliber was 56/50 Spencer rimfire, where unlike usual cartridge designation the first number referred to the diameter of the case and head, while the second number referred to the diameter at the mouth. Chiappa Firearms has introduced different calibers for use with ammunition which are more commonly available today, while maintaining faithful to the original design and appearance. All the components are made from a solid piece of steel and NC machined, in this way all parts are fully interchangeable with original parts. There is no record of Model 1860 Spencer Rifle being purchased by the Ordnance Department. They were made primarily for export to foreign governments, and for the domestic civilian market. Christopher Miner Spencer initially produced the 1860 Spencer model which was noted to be accurate and fire rapidly, but in particular it held seven metallic cartridges which were not affected by dampness and it did not need caps to fire. This newly designed rifle could be fired more rapidly than a revolver and be reloaded in a tenth of the time it would take to reload a Colt style revolver.