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I want to take an Indian made Baker smoothbore more accurate. Will have barrel rifled and want proper metal finish. Anyone done this with browning solution? Don't want it too course.
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Proper Finish for Baker Rifle
- Thread starter BigSkyRambler
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Can't advise on your browning solution of choice, but those who follow DeWitte Bailey's book brown the barrel and tang and polish the lock bright.
I have photos of a 1800/15 altered Baker that shows color case hardening remnants between the cock and the pan on the lock and it appears that the standing breech was hardened also.
Also note the file marks on the barrel next to the standing breech. An untouched survivor of days gone past for sure that still shows original finishes. I'd bet DeWitt would have something interesting to say about this Baker though!
Mike
Also note the file marks on the barrel next to the standing breech. An untouched survivor of days gone past for sure that still shows original finishes. I'd bet DeWitt would have something interesting to say about this Baker though!
Mike
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Here are a couple more photos of this 1800/15 Baker.
This one shows the original browning on the stub twist barrel with more filing marks visible:
This photo shows the 1815 alteration to fit a socket bayonet to the Baker. The original bayonet apparently flew off when left on the barrel when shooting!
And one last photo of the entire rifle:
later, Mike
This one shows the original browning on the stub twist barrel with more filing marks visible:
This photo shows the 1815 alteration to fit a socket bayonet to the Baker. The original bayonet apparently flew off when left on the barrel when shooting!
And one last photo of the entire rifle:
later, Mike
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Probably won't go so far as CC on lock and breech, but I can see the level of browning I need to shoot for.
I want to know this as well. I browned my lock and will probably do the barrel after it is rifled.
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Another question on these Bakers. Do the importers mark them anywhere?
@BigSkyRambler
No, the visible part of the barrel is devoid of any markings. On the bottom of the barrel are the dates of manufacture et al.
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That is what I thought. I keep being asked who imported the one I have for sale. Any actual difference in quality?
My latest intel is that of the 3 'reliable' Sellers that import fire locks from India, 2 use the same source, one of which is the Veteran Arms seller here in the US and I recall that Military Heritage is the other. Their Indian source - of which I forget the name - is supposed to be the better imported product.
What I particularly like about VA is that they go through them after receiving them from abroad. Now mind you, I've not bought their flint muskets like a Fusil de Chasse or such, which is supposed to be too clunky! But that of a matchlock (not much there that can go wrong there), hand mortar (it was flawless ... I didn't even need to tune the lock!) and a Baker (lock was fine too, I just reset the breech tang and 3 barrel wedges to my liking, they were too tight). Overall their assembly, fit and finish was really very good to excellent for what they are.
What I particularly like about VA is that they go through them after receiving them from abroad. Now mind you, I've not bought their flint muskets like a Fusil de Chasse or such, which is supposed to be too clunky! But that of a matchlock (not much there that can go wrong there), hand mortar (it was flawless ... I didn't even need to tune the lock!) and a Baker (lock was fine too, I just reset the breech tang and 3 barrel wedges to my liking, they were too tight). Overall their assembly, fit and finish was really very good to excellent for what they are.
YEP = TRUE + as far as I recall None of these Indian imports can be RIFLED !
And you would be so WRONG!
Bobby Hoyt has rifled DOZENS so far ... I know ... I have one ... and he's the one who told me!
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