Slightly OT: Sharpe's Rifles

[mbott]

Anyone here read or currently reading the Richard Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell? They're a bit expensive if you buy them, but a good read. I've completed nine with about ten more to read.

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Mike

 

[4v50 Gary]

Haven't touched one myself but I've been told by one blackpowder enthusiast that they're exciting. I have, however, read every published first hand account by every soldier (of the Napoleonic era) from that famous unit. It took several years to accumulate those books and they're used for my research.

 

[Poodleshooter]

You mean such exciting Napoleonic and Colonial War novels as: Sharpe's Rifles, Sharpe's Regiment, Sharpe's Eagle, Sharpe's Fortress,etc?
Nah, never heard of 'em

 

[mbott]

One of the nice thing about this series is that Mr. Cornwell is very up front when it comes to "literary license". He makes sure to let you know where he has deviated from history. Again, a very good and entertaining read.

--
Mike

 

[Mike Irwin]

I just finished one of the ones set in India, where Sharpe is an Ensign, but before he becomes an officer in the Rifles unit.

Good book.

 

[mbott]

Baker Rifle

So, does anyone actually make a quality Baker Rifle reproduction?

--
Mike

 

[Mike Weber]

There is a company in Canada who IIRC were the makers of the reproduction Baker rifles used in the series Sharpes Rifles. I have the Sharpes video collection. These rifles aren't drilled for the vent hole. I gather that they were made this way in order to classify them as non guns to get around some sort of export restrictions. Here's a link. Baker Rifles

 

[4v50 Gary]

Those guns are made in India for the British market. No touch hole and they're non firing and it's easier to buy. Once you want a shooter, you have to get a license and have it proofed.

BTW mbott, you could contact any number of gun makers who can make one for you. http://www.therifleshoppe.com makes the parts so it's a matter of finding someone who can put it together. I won a walnut stock blank at a gunbuilder's fair & was thinking of building a British 1776 rifle (see Dewitt Bailey British Military Flintlock Rifles). A classmate at Bowling Green suggested the Baker instead. Why I asked? "Because it's killed more French!"

There is a huge # of gunbuilders in Ohio, Michigan. You can also go to the Kalamazoo History Show in Oct. if you want to find some good builders. Bob E., Dan (fergit his last name) and Richard Miller and others will be there. They accept commissions.

 

[mbott]

Thanks for the links and contact names: I've made notes for future reference. The more I think about this, the more I believe I should work towards mastering the new Pedersoli Sharps before I take on another.

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Mike