Bess Questions

[Tonyd]

Have several Brown Bess Questions:

1. How is the quality of the guns made in Japan for Dixie and can you get replacemnt parts for them?
2. Molds--Lyman .735 good one to start?
3. Leave in white or brown the bbl.?
4. Flint suggestionixie lists a bunch of 1" flints for large flinters such as Bess--English Grey, Arkansas Cut, German Agate, and pricey French Amber (are these worth the cost?).

Tony in Seattle

 

[trent/OH]

My Jap Bess' bore measures .748", as does the only other one I've measured. If you use a .735" RB, the patch may have to be kinda thin. I've just used .690's and a few .715's so far.

My flints are the 1" size. I think cut flints just "look" wrong, and are pretyt expensive. Shop around and you'll locate a few sources for musket flints. If there are any Trade Shows near you, go to one. Supplies aplenty are awaiting.

 

[mckutzy]

nothing beats a good ol' shiny bess. keeper in the white. i like the shinyness of polished metal and it feels great to show off your handy work with the elbow grease hehe. as for the jap besses pretty good. flints...just use knapped flints, you have chosen the shoot with the big boys, there going to be a bit pricy. ive only shot with the english flint and a few times with them TC agate (ya i know :redface: )

 

[Many Klatch]

I understand the replacement parts for the Jap Bess's are pretty hard to find. Mike Lea "The Gun Doctor" is working on making up replacement main springs, frizzens and frizzen springs. Outside of that, I don't know where you would get parts.

Many Klatch

 

[Wes/Tex]

The current gun Dixie sells is the Pedersoli product and probably the best "shooting" version out there. The English flints are the way to go.

 

[davidthered]

This is the best place to buy Tom Fuller English black flints, I bought 100 and they are superb
Track Of The Wolf

:hatsoff:

 

[JackAubrey]

I have to concurr w/ the other posts,keep her arsenal white,knapped ENGLISH flints.She IS an ENGLISH musket ,you know.The french amber flints would look good on a Charleville but don't put them on a Bess man!I have a Pedersoli Bess and have found she prefers the .715 ball patched or a .735 UN patched.I cannot get the .735 ball downbore w/ a patch.Can't speak about the Japanese besses.Best regards,J.A.

 

[Parzifal]

I know ...pls dont yell at me...But I japanned my 1 st model besses barell... :redface:

for rust protection "easier to aim aswell".....If I ever march in line it is no problem to polish the barel bright again..