Brown Bess

[twotoescharlie]

I've got the itch for a Brown Bess.
I am on a limited income,not as handy with tools as I used to be (so a kit is out)failing vision,and getting old, but still would like to have one.
don't want one of the India or Pakistani made ones either as I would like to hang around a little longer.
any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

TTC

 

[mastrsgt]

twotoes,

If you exclude the India made muskets and must remain in a conservative budget, you really only have two choices I belive. One is the Pedersoli short land pattern. The current dollar value makes this not really cheap. The other is to watch for a used musket, either Italian or Japanese.

Don R

 

[flintlock75]

I have been shooting my Bess for 15 years, Its a Pedersoli, these muskets are well worth the money.
You cant go wrong with these guns. They are also a hoot to shoot. You can load birdshot or round ball. I have shot small game and moose with this gun. Finding a good used gun is a good way to go also. good luck with your search.

 

[torn moc]

there is one on gunbroker at the moment...[url] http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90304134[/url]

it might be indian...??? Pedersoli??

 

[Steve Blancard]

I recently bought a used Japanese Bess and am very pleased with the quality. I don't have Pedersoli to compare with, but others have mentioned that they are of similar quality. On the second hand market, I think the Japanese version is generally a little less than Pedersoli. Either would suit you needs.

Steve

 

[mastrsgt]

The one on gunbroker site appears to have a slightly flattened trigger guard. It seems I remember this being a spotting feature of the Japanese muskets, but I wouldn't swear to it. I don't believe any Pedersolis had Tower engraved on the lock plate, but this could have been changed.

Don R

 

[Britsmoothy]

Forgive me for interupting but could you tell me what the shot went like on the moose Flintlock75??
Thanks :hatsoff:

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

The one on gunbroker site appears to have a slightly flattened trigger guard. It seems I remember this being a spotting feature of the Japanese muskets, but I wouldn't swear to it. I don't believe any Pedersolis had Tower engraved on the lock plate, but this could have been changed.

Don R

Don R is correct, the triggerguard is the dead giveaway, it is Japanese made. They were good quality and completely safe to shoot, equivalent to the Pedersoli in every way. Italian-made Besses that were coming out at the same time as the Japanese (1970s) were marked "Grice" or "Stowe".

 

[Many Klatch]

The story I heard about the Japanese Besses and their flattened trigger guard is that they copied an original that had a flattened trigger guard and when the Japanese copy something they copy it warts and all.

Many Klatch

 

[Steve Blancard]

Looks like there are 2 Japanese Besses on gunbroker. One has had its metalwork browned, the other is still in the box. My Dixie Gun Works Japanese Bess is very similar, with the flattened triggerguard, but there are some small differences too. Prices on both seem reasonable.

 

[torn moc]

TTC....HERE IS A BEAUTY![url] http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90670281[/url]
You might want to send the seller a message and work a deal!!!

 

[fallaloosa]

I've had a Pedersoli Bess since 1985 and have had no complaints with it. It has done well with no other problems than I had to replace the frizzen after quite a few years since I had basically worn it out. You can't go wrong with a Pedersoli although they are a bit more expensive now than they were then, but well worth it. The Japanese Besses I have never fooled with but I have heard that they are also pretty good guns. Good luck with whatever you end up with! :v