Importing from Canada

[Flashinthepan]

Hi Folks
Has anybody purchased a non firing replica musket from Militaryheritage.com then had the vent hole drilled from the pan to the breach.

I have been looking around trying to find a replica Baker rifle as it has always been a fascination to me and would like to own and shoot one.

I have yet to apply for a FAC and had thought that purchasing one of these would be a start as Militaryheritage.com say they will give you the details of a company in the USA that makes the rifled barrel which will convert the gun from a Baker Musket to a Baker rifle.

The info I am after is:
has anybody had any dealings with this company,
was it/is it a hassle to get a non firing replica imported into the UK.
would I have difficult importing a rifled barrel
what sort of cost would I be looking at to get the vent drilled and the gun proved.

Thanks
Nigel

[steve medlock]

Nigel,

Interesting site!

The Baker looks like it could well be one of the Indian made ones. They may well have improved but I bought one about 10 years ago for around £400 and it really was rubbish. I was very pleased to sell it on for £200about a year later!

If it is the Indian version, Henry Kranks current price is £420 which might end up cheaper than buying from Canada after you have paid delivery, customs duty and handling fees.

Sorry if this sounds a bit negative but you could get a much better gun at half the price.

Steve.

[robinghewitt]

Just a thought, Baker's rifling was odd and very deep by today's standards. The deep crown meant you could use the blunt end of the ramrod to hammer in a ball without damaging it. If you don't specify real Baker rifling you will certainly get common or garden patch ball rifling which doesn't look at all right. Americans

[Flashinthepan]

Hi Steve,Robin
Thanks for the replies I will contact them and ask the questions. I have an Indian Brown Bess replica for use on the range and a genuine artical for the wall.
The Indian one is no thing of outstanding beauty but does throw lead down the range and puts a big smile on my face so I know what you mean.

Nigel