Rogers and Spencer came along at the end of the Civil War. The best evidence is that no orders from Rogers and Spencer ever were received or issued. However, as shooters, they are in demand today as reproductions. They look like a regular modern arm probably has a lot to do with it. The one I have has even been modified with actual sights. However when designing the take down, which was really a copy of other designs like the Spiller and Burr, it had a couple of weak design points.
The R&S looks a lot like the Remington with the top strap. There is no wedge like the Colt and the loading lever locks by a horizontal bar in the frame of the revolver with a screw head. The screw turns with the slot up and the bar locks the cylinder spindle. Turn the screw a half turn and the lock opens by way of a scalloped out opening in the locking piece. Nothing to lose in cleaning. Operates smoothly. Only the locking horizontal bar has a tendency to turn out of place. This is not problem generally since the loading lever lock is holding it all together. It could have done with a little better engineering though.
Disassembly Rogers and Spencer
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