User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 6/18/2022 11:28:54 PM EDT
Who makes the best reproduction and how much will it cost me?
Thanks! EDIT - I ordered one from Access Heritage, very impressive - great spark, just need to get the vent hole drilled. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/18/2022 11:44:19 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted: Who makes the best reproduction and how much will it cost me? Thanks! Pedersoli, Pretty close to the cost of an original. https://muzzle-loaders.com/products/pedersoli-brown-bess-musket-75-cal-flintlock-s-260 |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 12:02:24 AM EDT
[#2]
FPNI thing
Not sure it is worth anything, Pedersoli is used by Colonial Williamsburg by their reenactments. I am uncertain about this company, I was thinking about contacting them. http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.com/M1BB.shtml |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 12:47:55 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: FPNI thing Not sure it is worth anything, Pedersoli is used by Colonial Williamsburg by their reenactments. I am uncertain about this company, I was thinking about contacting them. http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.com/M1BB.shtml As far as Middlesex village - they are pretty well known in reenacting circles - basically most of their models imported as wall decoration, from India, then they drill out the power flash channel to make them a musket. Supposedly lower grade steel. Some say they work ok although fit and finish may not be the best, but there was one incident where someone double charged a barrel at a reenactment and it blew up, so they have sort of a bad rep, but I don't know if it is deserved or not. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 12:49:38 AM EDT
[#4]
Just FYI. Bess is lighter and balances better than one might think.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 7:41:58 AM EDT
[#5]
I have a Pedersoli Bess.
Dixie Gun Works also makes a good Bess. Those are the top 2, IMHO. You're likely looking at $1500-$2000 for either. There are some decent "non-firing"  repros coming out of India that can be had for a few hundred.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 8:28:57 AM EDT
[#6]
MidwayUSA sells Pedersolis, its been in my wish list a few years
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 8:42:22 AM EDT
[#7]
If you end up shooting a lot get an extra frizzen or learn how to reharden it after you scrape off the hardened steel.
I have rehardened one time, but it is nice to have an extra frizzen around too. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 8:43:11 AM EDT
[#8]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 10:38:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: As far as Middlesex village - they are pretty well known in reenacting circles - basically most of their models imported as wall decoration, from India, then they drill out the power flash channel to make them a musket. Supposedly lower grade steel. Some say they work ok although fit and finish may not be the best, but there was one incident where someone double charged a barrel at a reenactment and it blew up, so they have sort of a bad rep, but I don't know if it is deserved or not. Thanks for that insight. I was wondering if the guns were legit or wall decoration pieces. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/19/2022 12:15:51 PM EDT
[#10]
There have been 2 decent reproductions for years (without getting into custom guns). The Italian made Pedersoli and the Japanese made Miroku (sold though Dixie Gun Works). The Pedersoli has the better wood and fit/finish. The Miroku is a bit more crude in finish (and has trigger guard that looks flattened) but it is thought to have a better barrel and lock. I have a Miroku that I made from a Dixie Gun Works kit 30 years ago. It had performed flawlessly for thousands of shots (see video above).
The Indian guns (Middlesex, Loyalist, etc) are suspect at best. You'll occasionally hear of someone actually shooting one, but more reports of having to extensively rework the lock and possible safety issues. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/21/2022 9:19:33 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: FPNI thing Not sure it is worth anything, Pedersoli is used by Colonial Williamsburg by their reenactments. I am uncertain about this company, I was thinking about contacting them. http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.com/M1BB.shtml one of many bad reviews of them. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/21/2022 9:23:28 AM EDT
[#12]
Current Pedersoli Bess's are not what they once were.
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/a-pedersoli-brown-bess-kit.147669/ Dave is a master gun builder. Read the thread to see what he thinks of current guns. If you doubt his opinion, look at his history their. The guy knows flintlocks. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/22/2022 1:46:16 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Current Pedersoli Bess's are not what they once were. https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/a-pedersoli-brown-bess-kit.147669/ Dave is a master gun builder. Read the thread to see what he thinks of current guns. If you doubt his opinion, look at his history their. The guy knows flintlocks. I saw that, makes one think. All in all, I'm leaning towards Loyalist Arms. |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/2/2022 2:37:47 AM EDT
[#14]
Outside of a custom make, there are no current Brown Besses that are true to the originals. The Pedersoli will be made well, but it's not a copy.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/2/2022 6:20:17 PM EDT
[#15]
I have a Pedersoli Bess. My wife bought it for me a couple of years ago. It is a hoot and blast to shoot it. The lock is robust and sparks very well/reliably. I’ve killed a few squirrels with mine. I’m not certain I could connect with a deer (using .69 caliber paper cartridges). The musket goes with me on every range visit!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/5/2022 8:29:54 AM EDT
[#16]
I had to work on a Middlesex Village Bess whose lock dropped only to 1/2 cock. Tumbler needed a spot of weld to build it up.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/15/2022 4:36:33 PM EDT
[#17]
Pic in OP
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/16/2022 10:35:27 AM EDT
[#18]
So are the access heritage guns considered good to go or are they in the same category as the Indian guns?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/31/2022 12:22:41 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By @K1rodeoboater: So are the access heritage guns considered good to go or are they in the same category as the Indian guns? They are Indian guns. Just that they're staff isn't as proficient as Loyalist Arms personnel. I've got a serious hankering for one of their Baker Rifles. Yeah, I know their stuff is all smoothbores. http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/bakerifle.html |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/13/2022 12:55:19 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They are Indian guns. Just that they're staff isn't as proficient as Loyalist Arms personnel. I've got a serious hankering for one of their Baker Rifles. Yeah, I know their stuff is all smoothbores. http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/bakerifle.html Loyalist Arms has the best rep of any of the Indian musket distributors. I am ordering a percussion musket from them. Stay away from Middlesex Trading Company. He demands 50% down payment that you may not get back if he doesn't deliver. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/29/2022 10:47:35 AM EDT
[#21]
I bought an Indian made Bess. Shot it maybe 30 times without incident. I was using historically incorrect patched round balls, and noticed that the bore got loose about 8” from the breech face. So I took it to Ed Rayl, and he made me a beautiful barrel for it. It is very accurate. He told me that the chamber area on the original barrel was probably loose due to excessive polishing in that area.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/20/2023 11:30:16 AM EDT
[#22]
Quoted: Who makes the best reproduction and how much will it cost me? Thanks! EDIT - I ordered one from Access Heritage, very impressive - great spark, just need to get the vent hole drilled. https://imgdump5.novarata.net/lf5st7.jpg See, even though this is foreign made and cheap it looks like a dream and it looks fucking amazing! How is it not authentic exactly? And is it simply a higher probably of getting a lemon for this price or is it just cheaper overall? At 599$ I’m in all day, everyday., but what exactly should I fear? |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2023 6:55:04 PM EDT
[#23]
DO NOT BUY FROM MIDDLESEX!!!!
They lie about inventory. I’ve been waiting Four and a half YEARS on a double barrel flintlock pistol. Guy has been sitting on my money all the while. DO NOT BUY FROM MIDDLESEX. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/10/2023 11:09:02 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: DO NOT BUY FROM MIDDLESEX!!!! They lie about inventory. I've been waiting Four and a half YEARS on a double barrel flintlock pistol. Guy has been sitting on my money all the while. DO NOT BUY FROM MIDDLESEX. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/23/2023 7:19:28 AM EDT
[#25]
Update from OP?
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
