Pedersoli Bess extra drop stock

[engravertom]

hello all,

I have been contemplating a building project of some kind, but have decided instead to refurb my Bess. I am planning on getting one of the Dunlap replacement stocks with the lower drop on the butt stock.

Anyone have one of these? I am assuming the extra drop helps, as I have to hold my cheek far back on the stock to get shots off without whacking my cheek.

Also, any opinions on what my Pedersoli stock might be worth on the used market would be appreciated, as I have no idea on that.

I am looking to get a more shootable musket without starting over. I am wanting to get 2 additional smoothbores, for my two oldest boys, but reading about the NW trade guns made me think that they might not be so comfortable to shoot.

I may look at TVM kits down the road for the Boys, or perhaps Early Rustic Arms. Are their kits on a year long wait also?.

I just can't part with my Bess, which I considered as a way of raising funds for another kit.

Reading other threads gave me the impression that the barn Gun or Militia Musket would be more comfortable shooters, which is when I hit on the idea of re stocking my Bess. I briefly (very briefly!) contemplated re stocking from a blank, but i question my resolve given the demands on my time. I'm sure the pre cut stock will give me plenty of learning experiences, as a step towards building someday.

Thanks for any input!

Take care,

Tom

BTW, I checked with Dunlap, and they are still offering the Bess replacement stocks. $290 plus shipping.

 

[smoothbore69]

Hello,
I just checked Track of the Wolf as I know that they carry replacement Pedersoli Bess stocks.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(j...4&subId=153&styleId=654&partNum=STK-BESS-2-W1

They have gotten higher recnetly. They are $330 now. I am not sure what a used stock would sell for but, I would expect somewhere in the $100 + range for one in good shape. Let me know if you decide to sell the stock.

Chris Quattlebaum

 

[engravertom]

Thanks for the input. I didn't think to check TOTW, but it looks like I am getting a better price, plus the extra drop.

I'll let you know about the other stock,

take care,

Tom

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Is it possible to reconfigure your original stock? Sometimes you don't have to remove much wood to make it fit. It sounds like the savings would be well worth the effort.

 

[Mike Brooks]

I'm guessing TOTW is getting their bess stocks from Dunlap. TOTW makes nothing, they only buy and sell parts.

 

[Waterman]

Hi,

I tried to get Dunlap to do a stock for a Jap Bess, as he said that no one would give him a gun to work with.

He had it for a year, and never unwrapped it, sent it back in the the same wrapping I had sent it to him in.

Be careful of what he promises.

Cheers, Bill

 

[engravertom]

Thanks for all the input and suggestions.

Anyone have any good experiences with their stocks?

Thanks again,

Tom

 

[Britsmoothy]

Why not try bending the stock!
It's really not that hard.

Brit.

 

[wulf]

Your not shooting a shotgun..One doesn't ride up
on the stock..I have been shooting mine for about
20 yrs and aways pull my head back as far as I can
and have shot in matches against rifles..Also you
could thin the comb especially on the cheek side.
I have two friends who chose French 1763/6 and they are a real probblem getting the head down far
enough to sight along the top of the barrel. Think
about holding yor head as far back as you can and
holding your chin down...works for me..

 

[engravertom]

I have been contemplating a building project of some kind, but have decided instead to refurb my Bess...



... I'm sure the pre cut stock will give me plenty of learning experiences, as a step towards building someday.

These two statements highlight part of my motivation in getting a pre carved stock. It will be some work, and I am sort of making up my own "kit". I plan on re polishing the metal, and maybe customizing things somewhat. perhaps a bit of engraving. I'm thinking of some sort of civilian or militia type musket. If nothing else, I may make it into more of a Sea Service Musket. Try to get it to look a little earlier as much as the Pedersoli lock will allow.

However I go forward, I suppose I'll post the project itself over on the builders forum.

Thanks again,

Tom

 

[spudnut]

Your not shooting a shotgun..One doesn't ride up
on the stock..I have been shooting mine for about
20 yrs and aways pull my head back as far as I can
and have shot in matches against rifles..Also you
could thin the comb especially on the cheek side.
I have two friends who chose French 1763/6 and they are a real probblem getting the head down far
enough to sight along the top of the barrel. Think
about holding yor head as far back as you can and
holding your chin down...works for me..

I agree completly.I have a long land purchased from Narregansett Arms and this one has more drop than the Italian and the Japanese besses.If I lay my head down on it it smacks me good so holding my head up and back is the only way I can shoot it.It feels kind of strange but it works.The Bess wasnt made for sporting.It would be neat to make a commitee musket out of it,That way it can more open to interpretation.i know a guy that wants a left hand bess and I try to explain theres no such thing :shocked2: :shake:

 

[engravertom]

Thanks for the input. I'm thinking along those lines too.

Would "OF Sorts for Porvinicals" be a good reference to check out?

Thanks,

Tom