BRIXIA Matchlock Review

[TommyKid]

Matchlocks certainly are interesting. I have to say though that the going price for the Italian version seems really high for such a simple mechanism. Also the ones from India look to be more historicaly correct as to form and at about half the price I don't see the advantage of the Italian version.

I’m no expert, but the fit and finish of the Indian muskets can be poor. The wood is of unknown local origin and I’ve seen them split before, (admittedly uncommon). The Italian barrels are actually proofed, which I’m not sure can be said for the Indian versions. I will admit to the price being a bit high, but compared to something custom made, it’s reasonable. Being production made, I would assume parts are available and interchangeable. Obviously, one should buy what one can afford or deem acceptable.
Tom

 

[TobJohn]

I’m no expert, but the fit and finish of the Indian muskets can be poor. The wood is of unknown local origin and I’ve seen them split before, (admittedly uncommon). The Italian barrels are actually proofed, which I’m not sure can be said for the Indian versions. I will admit to the price being a bit high, but compared to something custom made, it’s reasonable. Being production made, I would assume parts are available and interchangeable. Obviously, one should buy what one can afford or deem acceptable.
Tom

For the petronel and the snaphance Brixia is making, you also have the fun historical bonus that the replica is built in the same city or region as the originals

 

[denster]

Right here ...

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...rly-spanish-stocked-matchlock-arquebus.192574

Thanks that is a svelte looking peice. That snaphaunce looks like a must have when available.

 

[Tegernseer]

Are you sure you guys aren't confusing that of a full size land army matchlock of the musketeer with that used by calivermen? Their matchlock Schützenrohr or caliver, was shorter, lighter and of a smaller caiber than the long and heavy musket. I can ask Paulo for their specific museum model copied if you want, as he's been messaging me.

Would be much appreciated if you could ask him as I am very curious to know.

 

[deGheyn]

I am thinking of reworking the forend of my Brixia. It is very fat, much more so than any original I’ve ever seen. The ramrod channel is sunk a good 3/8” below flush as well. A bunch of wood could be removed there.

Agreed. I'm having the same thoughts.

 

[deGheyn]

The India matchlocks are musket bore, the Brixia is caliver bore. Brixia has better fit and finish and replacement parts are available. Other than the shipper breaking a part, the only issues I see are the billboard on the side of the barrel and the stock is too thick under the barrel.

 

[yellowhammer]

Could the Brixia stock be shaped down thinner, similar to the TRS 527 Caliver?

 

[sportster73hp]

It is said to be based on original pieces, the question is “should you” reduce the amount of wood.
I being someone who doesn’t know any better would say go for it. It does look thick in the fore end but i have been looking at the smr and Kentucky rifles.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

It is said to be based on original pieces, the question is “should you” reduce the amount of wood.
I being someone who doesn’t know any better would say go for it. It does look thick in the fore end but i have been looking at the smr and Kentucky rifles.

Brixia replied to me. They are not at liberty to share the exact model name or museum, at this time, but I did ask for that info.

However, we must realize this was not built for the US market experessly and not as a 'Caliver', which would be a trimmer, lighter matchlock of about a 62-cal or 'basstard' bore, called such as it is smaller than the typical military bore muskets of that era. A Caliver is not a musket per se, at least in the use of the military wording, and this Brixia M-L was built as a musket, albeit one with the smaller bore.

I have been informed that due to the many (arguably probably 100s more than here in the US!) reenactments groups in the EU that wanted a Matchlock musket for reenacting drills, demonstrations, and/or live fire shows, the upper forend was intentionally built heavier, by about 2mms larger.

 

[TobJohn]

Brixia replied to me. They are not at liberty to share the exact model name or museum, at this time

Hmm…..

 

[deGheyn]

Could the Brixia stock be shaped down thinner, similar to the TRS 527 Caliver?

At this point, I'd say you're better off getting the TRS 527.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Key words ... "at this time ... "

 

[Tegernseer]

At this point, I'd say you're better off getting the TRS 527.

I have tried emailing TRS twice in the past 18 months about getting a matchlock kit to no avail. Plus I don’t have anyone who would build it for me. All the builders I know have turned me down or say they only do flintlocks

 

[Arquebusier]

At this point, I'd say you're better off getting the TRS 527.

I would like to see some information on the original the TRS 527 is based on. Something about that late 1600s style lock on an early stock does not seem right to me.

 

[Tegernseer]

I would like to see some information on the original the TRS 527 is based on. Something about that late 1600s style lock on an early stock does not seem right to me.

I would like the Right Hand Early Matchlock (528) or the Right Hand Early Matchlock (528)

 

[deGheyn]

FYI - I didn't realize this until my last contact with Len Day, but he makes matchlocks too. I asked him to send me a flyer & he asked for photos of my Brixia so he could compare.

 

[Tegernseer]

FYI - I didn't realize this until my last contact with Len Day, but he makes matchlocks too. I asked him to send me a flyer & he asked for photos of my Brixia so he could compare.

Do you have his contact info? I have one of his fathers Dutch doglocks and would happily buy a matchlock

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

This is the Leonard Day brothers' info from Kemptons 2023

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

UPDATE from Brixia:

“The original piece is kept at the Museum of Applied Arts in Milan. It dates back to the early 17th century and is considered of German production.

Yes, you can say that the forend has been made heavier for use in reenactments, but not so much for the fork rest, as technically it’s not a weapon used with a fork.”

 

[TobJohn]

Their logic makes sense, though I’m worried they will apply the heavy front to the petronel, which would not be appropriate for Italian petronels.

I’m actually kind of surprised there wasn’t already a European off the shelf option for reenactors