Loyalist Arms Long Land Bess

[cratwelder]

What is the general consensus? I know its an inexpensive India made repro...but I already have a custom TVM ordered, and I want a smoothie to small game hunt with this fall/winter...and have fun shooting PRB from at time to time.
My son will be using it intermittently at events next spring. All Honest opinions appreciated...and no you won't hurt my feelings...I have a hide like a bull alligator...lol

 

[rabjr]

There are numerous threads on these guns in this forum if you want to do a search you'll find a lot has been said about them.

Speaking for myself, I have a very high standard when it comes to quality and these guns don't come close to it. You couldn't give me one. But there are guys who use them and like them for the money.

 

[Ranger1759]

I know what everyone says about the India made bess, however, I have a Loyalist Arms Artillery model and have had no problems with it in 4 years of hard use...what I mean is a lot of blanks, just this year alone I have fired close to 500/600 blanks along with shot and RB and have had no problems...

If you want a good all around musket, look at their 1756 Artillery model....65 cal, overall length is 53in, barrel is 38in...I love the size of this gun, it feels good and handles great in the woods, hunting or reenacting (I play a British Ranger) and it will shoot PRB or shot great as I've used it for small game several times and Ive tried to use it for deer, but haven't gotten a shot off with it yet...

just my .02

Ranger

 

[Mike Brooks]

What is the general consensus?

Low end junk. You get what you pay for.

 

[Firelock937]

I have a little experience with india guns, so just my opinion. They can be a serviceable "beater", but you do get what you pay for. If you aren't comfortable doing any work on a muzzleloader and expect perfection out of the box, don't get one.
I think of them as a nearly done kit. It also depends on who you order them from. I have no experience with Loyalist. Some sellers drill the touch hole and proof the barrels, offer warranty service. Others are more of a crap shoot.
I own a Cookson fowler from Middlesex Village that just needed cosmetic work--functioned fine from day one. It looks better, but it is what it is. On the other hand I worked on a brown bess from Discriminating General that a friend had purchased. He should have sent it back , but had gone ahead and drilled touch hole. It needed the cock bent in order to be functional.
Your mileage may vary, as well as the bore size on these guns.

 

[cratwelder]

Thanks for all the info gentleman, I appreciateit greatly. I do believe i will just keep squirrel hunting with my old stevens side by side 20 gauge for now.

 

[R-71]

Ranger1759

Can you post a pic of that carbine?

Thanks, Dan

 

[Ranger1759]

yep, however, I'm at work right now....it will have to wait till this evening...

 

[spudnut]

a little heavy and a bit clunky but a good ML for the money.Ive seen more custom guns break through the years than I have these.I beat mine and they stand up pretty good,and have taken game with them.
May not as pretty as some but they are a good working gun though most have to have the trigger pull lightened up a bit.

 

[R-71]

I emailed Loyalist about their artillery carbine, they receive the guns in a semi finished state and complete the sanding,finishing & fitting there. I may take chance order one!