Bess touch hole location

[varsity07840]

I've looked at a number of Bess repros on line recently and some appear to have the touch hole within the wedding band of the breech. Is that common? I assume that would mean that the plug face is notched. Never had a Bess. I'm an 1816 fan.

Also. Any opinions on the old Japanese imports?Saw one recently made for Ultra Hi back inthe 70's. Still in the box.

Thanks,

Duane

 

[fluggies4]

I have one of the Japanese Besses, and have had no problems with it at all. No misfires to speak of, and one time at an event it kept on firing after the flint had partially shattered. The vent on mine is just slightly forward of the breech "wedding band".

 

[Steve Blancard]

I have a Japanese made Bess that is marked Dixie Gun Works. The touch hole is located even with the top of, and centered in the pan. The wedding band is ground flat on the side, the hole is even with the front edge of the band.

I'm very plaese with mine, quality is excellent.