Brown Bess - What is the Best Quality/Value for a repro?

[Weapontech]

Well, it's that time for me to forge into a whole new avenue for blackpowder shooting. After years of enjoying US Civil war era repro's, it's time to get into a British military smoothbore flintlock.

The India pattern Bess seems to be the most popular, and available from a number of different sources. But does anyone out there have an opinion of quality, or best value for the money?

Your opinions, points of view would be most appreciated!

 

[Steppenwolf]

I have $.02 I would like to spend. What era do you want to portray? These are from 1780 to 1812.

Cheapest, indian made
http://www.militaryheritage.com/musket1.htm

Next cheapest, indian made, but better quality
http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/brownbesseastindiapattern.html

My friend had a French musket from MilitaryHeritage and it came touch-hole undrilled with a cracked barrel band. Fit and finish was crude. The stock was painted/stained purple-ish red, which rubbed off on everything, which he removed leaving a generic unattractive hardwood.

I have a 1756 Royal Artillery Musket from Loyalist Arms. Fit and finish good. Beautiful, but not authentic, rosewood stock. The only problem I have had is that the frizzen spring is too strong or the frizzen spur is to long and it has caused ignition problems which Mooncoon told me how to fix. File the spur down. Also the ramrods get creatively bent when you shoot and hit a target with them.

Hope this helps
SW

 

[Pblatzz]

I have a pedersoli seconf model brown bess. Awesome, never failed due to equipment or powder, just me. Super wood, super action & a lot more money $1000 to $1200.

735 gr ball, cotton patch, wool wad, 120 Fg powder,Click----Boom---- hit---- she scores....

Quality workmanyship, I have 4 pedersoli rifles, I trust all of them. No stain, walnut all they way, good shooters. If you have any other questions, PM me.

Peter

 

[Steppenwolf]

SW 8)