Petrosoli 2nd model Bess questions

[riarcher]

Think I'm going to get in trouble with the wife (again).
Looking at a real tempting "Petrosoli 1762 2nd mod. Bess."
I'm assuming they don't put things like "BLACK POWDER ONLY", "PETROSOLI", or "MADE IN ITALY" stampings all over the barrel,,,,, do they?
Are these 42" barrels tappered? I seem to be confused on this, I understand the straight barrels didn't come out until later. (like 1769-ish)
Was looking at a Heritage and searched around and found a "slightly" used Petrosoli already browned, with a front "sight" (lug replaced). Also comes with a brown leather sling and flashguard installed.
Dixie has them new for $950 on their website, I can get this for $699. Seems fair to me, saves me the browning and removing the lug. Is this a fair price in your opinion?
Any opinions on how this compares to the India made Bess'?.
Think I'll sleep on it for an hour or so,, and probably order it 2nd day. Been waiting for a Bess for a couple of years now and I've finally got the "beanies" saved,,,, (well, sorta :
:front:

 

[big bore 75]

Riarcher If it were me I'd go ahead and get it. yes the marks will be there i.e. black powder only mines stamped on the bottom, d.petorseli is stamped on mine also on the left sideof the barrel along with .75 and a serial number , but can barrally be seen and proof maeks are also on bottom of barrel, the barrel is taperd from large tag area to small muzzle the bore daim. seems to vari my full lenght bess had a bore diam. of.758 and used a .735 round ball, my bess indian gun (carbine)useds .715 rapine bag mould and .018 Walmart pillow ticking patch and 75 grains 0f goex for plinkong and 90 grains of 2 f for hitting deer and smaches 'em like a 300 lb hammer I too have thr bayenet lug removed installed a turdle front site and installed a rear site and learned how to shoot it , some folks can just poin shoot like a shotgun I don't seem to have been graced like them but others seem to do well. good luck and have fun and be safe. bog bore 75. if you have trouble with shooting contact me by pm.

 

[pcrum]

The Pedersoli will have the stampings on the barrel, they can be carefully filed off if it really bothers you. Just don't go any deeper than necessary. Of course you'd need to re-brown it then.
The barrels are tapered.
As I understand it, the Indian ones are more historically correct, but I don't own one so I can't say with any certainty. I do know that I've had my pedersoli for years, it's reliable and strong, and well built. Replacement parts are plentiful as well.
I may pick up an indian 1st model bess sometime down the road, but currently I have too many irons in the fire as it is.

Cheers,

 

[JackAubrey]

I have a Pedersoli aswell.The questions I have are why would someone wish to brown the barrel and why would one wish to remove the bayonet lug?

 

[pcrum]

I have a Pedersoli aswell.The questions I have are why would someone wish to brown the barrel and why would one wish to remove the bayonet lug?

Mine's sorta browned, I used Muratic acid and let it rust up. The reason is the unit i'm in is a ranging/scouting unit and shiny things are downright silly on a scout. As far as the lug, I don't know on that.

I read once where some Prussian general had his men constantly Polishing their musket barrels with brickdust so they'd be nice ad shiny. Apparetly they did this so much that the Barrels wore thin. When they got into a battle and fired a volley supposedly nearly half the mens' barrels burst.


I believe this was in the war of 1812 in Europe. I suppose there may have been other causes- The muskets may have been old, worn out, etc.

 

[riarcher]

Shouldbe in the mail monday.
As for the browning, not interested in re-enactments (yet) and am thinking hunting. Most folks feel that shiny is not a plus in the field. As for the lug,, can't answer that. But if I wanted to replace it, it's already done (good or bad).
Basicly, a 1 gun for all (ball / shot). Here I can use it for any and all hunting available. Targets shouldbe interesting with this. We have some ,,,, unusual (?) hunting regulations in Rhode Island concerning what can be used for what.

 

[bowfish]

Just wondering if that is the same bess track has or should I say had. I called about it and got Luke down to $625 but my wife told me one brown bess was enough :cry:I sure love the one I have it will be used for hunting only the barrel is going to be cut down to 35" will have a rear and front sight installed also and will brown the barrel to. Sorry guys I know some of you hate to hear that.

 

[riarcher]

Bowfish,
It is indeed.
10 day for visual,, and past experiences with Track,, makes me feel comfortable.
Had a disapointing experience with a place selling Indian guns and have gotten pretty carefull from whom I purchase from now.
Strange though, I shoot with quite a few BP shooters, we've all heard of Pedrosoli, but can't find anyone that's owned one / shot one. (scoped in-lines are getting real popular here, ie; brush & 30 yd. shots(?)
Just hope I'm not dissapointed in the "workings" of the piece. I've owned more than 1 pc. that nobody could hit a barn with if they fired from inside.
We'll see when we get it I guess.

 

[big bore 75]

untill I figuar out how to add a picture to this thread i'd show you mine with sites installed and at 70 yards if its brown and furry it meat in the pot.

 

[riarcher]

bottom line,,,,,,
That's the kind of stuff I'm looking for! :shocking:
Understanding one needs to work on loads and technique,, consistancy and abilities is what I'm looking for in the gun. Thanks. :RO: (ie; what is it really capable of?)

 

[Rat]

Have a Pedersoli Bess (Carbine) and am 100% happy with it.

Ignition is 100% reliable and fast.

Put long-rifle sights on it and she'll kill a paper plate at 65-75 yards, and do 3" groups at 50 yards. The Bess is a fine hunting smoothie in either carbine or full length, but Bowfish probably has the best idea at 35".

By the way, the simple solution to the front sight is to just slot the bayonet lug, and then solder in a blade. I used copper.

I use 110 grains of ffg Swiss under both roundballs and my Turkey loads. Grouse loads I use 100 grains of either ffg Swiss or fg Goex.

Rat

 

[Wes/Tex]

Besses are loaded just like smaller bored fowlers. There's a bit of difference in bore diameters so the first thing you'll need to do is measure the bore. A starting place is a ball about .020" under bore diameter and .017" patching. Balls of smaller diameter can be used for faster loading after the first shot. They're just a tad slower on lock time due to the larger hammers which will only be a concern when pass shooting. Just remember, it's like the definition of good real estate only...follow through, follow through, follow through!! The most fun is finding what the gun likes best. A dozen of us could give you our best combos but yours might like none of them...just how it goes. Don't be discouraged, the fun is in the finding out! :m2c: