Adding wedge keys to a repro bess?

H Wally

H Wally

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I like the bess a lot, and would like something vaguely historically accurate, but don't like the pinned barrels.

Would adding wedge keys to the bess be possible? Possibly misguided?
I realise they don't have hook breaches, but I don't mind unscrewing one tang screw... just don't want to have to drift pins free to check on things, and risk loosening the pins and damaging or splintering the wood, and I likely would, since I'm a little anal about cleaning and oiling my guns, especially blackpowder guns, as I've noticed that unless a part is washed, it'll rust, regardless of where it is on the gun.
 
I think you would be better off applying a layer of wax on the underside of the barrel. Maybe re-applying it once a year and/or checking it every six months. Works for me anyway....

Cheers. Steve.
 
There were muskets made with wedges rather than pins.
If you want to install loops and wedges on a repro, have at it.
Or, you could install pins with heads on one side so they could be pulled out - with pliers if necessary - rather than being tapped out.
You know though, wedges sometimes need to be tapped out. If inlays aren't installed the stock can get a bit gnawed.
Installing wedges on a finished stock can be a bit of an adventure, even with the existing pinhole as a guide.
 
French Charleville muskets, barrel held by one screw and two band springs and removeable in seconds.
 
Put a baker style wedge key in if you have a hankerin.....your bess;)



But in my opinion if your not a numpie.......A bess is about as easy to maintain a arm that is...

Get her new

Strip er up and slav the barrel unders with high pressure grease

Clean her after every melee with water and a bit of oil...

worry not man


Worry not ,

hold lady bess in regard and she will always stand with you in fire!


....The Charleville is hotter in the hand after 20 rounds straight then the bess in my opinion and doesnt shoot none straighter

Both great arms though.
 
If the barrel under-lugs are long enough that the pin hole can be elongated to about 3/32" longer than the width of the new key (to allow for barrel elogation when hot) then you can do it. Otherwise, you will have to replace the existing underlugs. Usually these are soft-soldered on so no big deal: just a bit of careful work with a file and torch.
Drill a hole, same size as the pin hole, on each side of, and parallel to the existing pin hole then remove the wood between the holes to get a snug but not tight fit for the keys. Always work from each side of the stock toward the middle - never drill all the way through from one side.
 
If you want a Brown Bess that already comes with wedge keys, the Discriminating General (militaryheritage dot com) is selling an Indian made repro of the New Land Pattern Light Infantry musket.
 
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