British 1806 Baker Rifle

[Cowboy]

Thankyou for the information. I have decided to stay completely clear of this gun. To many unknowns for me. I have been having an uneasy feeling about this from the start. I do not like the idea that I have to have major work done to make this reproduction gun shoot in the first place. I do not want a reinactment gun, but want a reliable, solid built shooter that will last a lifetime. If I can't afford a good one from the start I don't need it. It is just way out of my league. Does not hurt to wish though! Respectfully, cowboys1062

 

[hrp103]

I have a Baker made from Rifle Shoppe parts. I too became enamored of the Sharpe's series and my son ordered all the parts for me. I wound up calling the Rifle Shoppe for help when I realized what it would take for the build. They gave me the names of several builders, I chose one and got the project started. It took almost 4 years at about $1K per year before all the parts were in and I had a rifle in my hands.
That said, it was worth it! I think the Baker is simply marvelous. Missouri white tails don't go far with a .610 ball in their fuselage.

Pep

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Nope the barrel for the Baker from Colerain does not come with sight, lugs for pinning, nor bayonet lug. You have to transfer those from the smoothbore barrel over to the Colerain barrel which is why it's not a "drop in" project. :wink:

BUT..., you have all the extra hardware on the smooth barrel, so you don't have to hunt around for stuff.

Military Heritage apparently sells a "boat load" of these to Europe, and over there in places like Austria, France, Germany, England IF you drill that touch hole you have to send the barrel to a proof house (even if you never shoot it). So..., folks who just want a wall-hanger or a display piece for lectures, don't drill the hole...not to mention the import problems in some countries over there with importing an actual "firearm".

THEN some of the European states have much higher restrictions on anything rifled, even if it is black powder. But a flintlock shotgun, that functions, isn't nearly as big a problem.

LD

 

[jamieorr]

I was in Eugene, Oregon last year and the shop there had a Baker. I think it was Indian made, but they had rifled it in their own shop. Nice looking gun, and I believe they are a good, reputable shop. That might be a less expensive alternative, with a source that you can at least talk to about the gun. They are at http://www.thegunworks.com/

Jamie

 

[Cowboy]

I do appreciate your suggestion and the link you provided as well. The Gun works, is a good company that I have bought stuff from in the past. As far as the Baker Rifle you are refering to, I think I am going to leave well enough alone on that one. I do appreciate the fact that they rifled the bore themselves and sure they did a fine job. I just can't get over the made in India thing. I do not know much about quality other than from what I have read from others. If someone warns me of something I take it to heart and look closely into it. If multiple people tell me of the same thing it is definitely a great concern that I can't ignore! I really do not want to take the chance on something I know very little about when it comes to quality of barrel steel or parts used. If the barrel came from Colerain, Green Mountain, Rice, or the parts made from The Rifle Shop, I would definitely be inclined. Then again I am sure I wouldn't be able to afford it. I have been looking into the Jaeger Rifle as a second choice and have been researching that rifle as well. I have studied many Jaeger Rfles sold through the years on Track's archive's. What I like about this rifle that is similar to the Baker Rifle is that it is a short little fullstock with a short barrel in length. I also like the look of it with the exception of the distinctive triggerguard. I do not like the large over exaggerated bow look. It is only a personal thing with me though. I like a slimmer, sleeker look. I have seen other examples that is more to my liking. I have been looking at Pedersoli's Jaeger and like it's looks. It is not a custom job, but is more into my price range. I do trust Pedersoli's quality. It is not fancy like alot of the Jaegers I've looked at but looks like a fine made muzzleloader. Have to look more into it before I make a decision. Respectfully, cowboys1062.

 

[robinghewitt]

I was allowed to try a Baker. Horribly straight, sights set at 200 yards, a patch box release set to dent your shoulder, one quarter twist of patch burningly deep rifling in a 29" barrel. The real problem is that it has a stumpy feel to it that makes you want to put it up to your shoulder. Don't do it, you won't be able to stop. I thought I could handle it but that one mistake has cost me thousands and the wife keeps asking me how much it would be worth should I happen to die unexpectedly :shocked2:

 

[RAEDWALD]

Ah. But would you prefer to fire a 200 year old original twisted wrought iron spiral lap hammer welded barrel made from assorted unknown choice scrap? BS970, in the wall dimensions used, is perfectly capable of coping with period black powder charges and they routinely pass government proof house tests in UK, Germany and Italy.

The variable quality in Indian guns is in the lock which can need springs altering and critical parts case hardened apart from general polishing of the important bits. Peter Dyson's Bakers are the best you could imagine but are $5k+. Rifle Shoppe kits are $1,100 and are a skilled job to make up but lauded by all who have done so. Indian smooth bore Bakers are $600 odd. You get what you pay for, as ever in life.

 

[Bon Sauvage]

Yes”¦”¦.unexpectedly. Hmmmmmm