Brown Bess Bayonet

[Jason.45]

I finally picked up a Bess the other day (Pedersoli), and though it came with everything I'll need to shoot it, I'd like to get a bayonet for it as well.

So I'm trying to discern whether the bayonets I see several places for ~$60-70 are worth buying?
I'd like one that was reasonably durable- I won't be randomly stabbing things, but I could see it being reassuring while pig hunting.

At the same time I'm not interested in spending over $100, so if it's just a bayonet-like-object that looks nice on the musket that's fine too, I just would like to know ahead of time.

Thanks.

 

[hawkeye2]

Here are 2 sources. I expect they were made in India and it's possible that the socket is too large for the Pedersoli and would require a bushing to make it work. Even then they will likely need some file work to fit.
http://veteranarms.com/ReproductionMuzzleloadersandFlintlocks/Bayonets.html

http://www.loyalistarms.ca/bayonets.html

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Why don't you buy a bayonet made for the Pedersoli? You may have to give them some measurements since not all Pedersoli barrels have exactly the same dimensions over time, and you want a proper fit.

You should make your own scabbard anyway.

LD

 

[Enfield1]

For my Pedersoli 2nd model Bess, I initially went the cheaper route and got a bayonet that hung like a wet noodle from the muzzle and rattled terribly. I then paid the cost for a Pedersoli Bayonet. I got what I paid for. It fits like a glove and I am very pleased. :thumbsup:

 

[Artificer]

About 12 years ago, I bought two of the cheap India made bayonets on Flea Bay. One was for the Unit "Loaner" Musket and the other was intended to loan to new members, before they had a chance to purchase their own. (We only used our bayonets in parades or special drill sessions and never in the actual reenactments.)

Those two bayonets were terribly loose on my Pedersoli Bess and Miroku Besses as well. They required shimming, BUT in such a way as to force the barrel away from the Squared "U" Shape Cut Out/Clearance in the Reinforcing Ring/Collar at the rear of the socket that goes over the front sight. So shims had to be soldered in certain locations.

Also, one had such a Short Reinforcing Ring/Collar on the socket, that I had to make a piece that was higher and silver solder it in place - to clear the front sight. Though I didn't have access to welding equipment, I could also have welded more metal on the Reinforcing Ring/Collar and then cleaned it up with careful filing to make it appear as if it was correctly done when it was first made.

Bottom line, the cheap bayonets would not be a bargain for most folks.

Gus

 

[Juice Jaws]

To me the least reassuring thing while pig hunting is to have to depend on my bayonet! But you get what you paid for, I would get a bayonet from Pedersoli.

 

[Artificer]

I'd like one that was reasonably durable- I won't be randomly stabbing things, but I could see it being reassuring while pig hunting.

Jason,

I'm sorry I missed the emboldened part above, earlier. There is NO WAY I would even think about using anything other than a real Pedersoli Bayonet, if you ever need it for that use. The India made and other less expensive bayonets won't stand up to that kind of use.

Gus

 

[azmntman]

Not a bess but I have one on my 58 3 band enfield. It was sold by Armi and fits well though loose. I wouldnt worry about losing it in battle but you wont be sneaking upon anything with it! As for stabbing a wounded pig.....nah, I'm in a tree or shooting my ROA or something with better odds :shake:

 

[Loyalist Dave]

The India made and other less expensive bayonets won't stand up to that kind of use.

You've had a lot of experience bayonetting wild pigs, have you? :haha:

LD

 

[Artificer]

Bayoneting wild pigs? No.... :haha:

HOLDING pigs so the Vet could inoculate them or in some cases castrate young boars.....Yes. After being accidently inoculated more times than I care to remember, we always told the Vet to make DARN SURE where he cut when doing the castrating.... :haha:

But back to the India bayonets, many are not tempered properly for the real use as a bayonet and bend too easily and won't spring back or some have weak welds in the area of the curved section between the blade and the socket.

Gus

 

[Jason.45]

Oh well. If the cheaper ones are that bad I suppose I'll just hold off on getting one until I can get a good deal on a used Pedersoli.
Thanks folks.

 

[hawkeye2]

Not that it's impossible but it's etremely unlikely you'll find a Pedersoli bayonet for sale without a musket attached to it.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Loyalist Arms has the Pedersoli bayonet for less than $100 USD. However the scabbard is an extra cost.

Pedersoli Bayonet at Loyalist Arms

When you order, provide the diameter of the barrel at the muzzle and at the back of the bayonet lug. Barrels may be tapered.

 

[Jason.45]

Thanks!