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Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 11:39 am
by James84
I am looking for a new project and I am trying to decide between a Baker or a Whitworth.

My question is, does anyone know where I can get a reproduction Baker Rifle? Either complete, or a kit with an assembled lock?

I traced the Rifle Shoppe in the US to their UK importer and the cost was reasonable (just over £1k), however that involves the case-hardening and machining of all the parts, which I was happy to attempt, but then read more on what is involved with processing the lock. The Rifle Shoppe used to offer a completed lock but no longer do it. I contacted them directly to ask if there is any way they could and got no reply.

I found Rob from British Muzzleloaders guide on his build and contacted him. He advised that the lock is not the easiest thing to do... I'm happy to try it, but if anyone knows where I can get a complete lock already, that would be ideal.

I had a chat with someone recently who said there is someone in the UK who builds Baker Rifles but that they were over £3k which is way out of my price range.

Failing this, I am considering a Whitworth if I can find a P-H copy anywhere.

Ta,

James

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 12:10 pm
by 1066
I believe Peter Dyson made a few Bakers but no longer list them:
https://www.peterdyson.co.uk/

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 12:18 pm
by James84
Thanks very much. I did email them many months ago to ask if they built them but they didn't respond. I will give them a call instead to see if I can get someone on the phone.

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 12:28 pm
by dromia
Yes Dyson builds the odd Baker but it is £3,000 + and has years long waiting period.

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 12:33 pm
by dromia
There are smooth bore Indian sourced Bakers around for the re-enactor but they are pretty crap from what I have seen.

They could form the basis for a project but you would be struggling to get a rifled barrel for them off the shelf.

Bakers and their lack off including suppliers has been done on here a few times before so a search could be worthwhile.

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 12:35 pm
by 1066

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 12:40 pm
by dromia
PH Whitworths are reasonably rare and demand a premium.

PH Volunteer's are more abundant and as you would end up shooting the Volunteer bullet in the Whitworth anyway are better option.

Pedersoli have a Whitworth listed for around £1,600 new.

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 12:41 pm
by dromia
"For UK sales NO licence is required!"

Looks like non firing replica.

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 1:29 pm
by 1066
dromia wrote:
"For UK sales NO licence is required!"

Looks like non firing replica.
Ahh yes, probably. Can't understand why Pedersoli don't do one?

Re: Baker Rifle or Whitworth?

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 1:51 pm
by FredB
Try aldhust arms.co.uk
They are , or were, agents for the rifle shoppe.
Fred