[Jonah Marlow]

Hello, I was wondering what manufacturer makes the best Brown Bess repro. Any ideas?

[Josh Wilson]

Order parts from Track of the Wolf, and take them to a gun builder near you. India guns have way too much wood on them, and arent asthetically pleasing. Pedersoli may make a good gun but they have "MADE IN ITALY" stamped all over the barrel.

[David Wilson]

The Pedersoli is a good gun, but it's not a true Long Land Pattern (it's the later Short Land Pattern, as used in the F&I wars, American Revolution, etc.). The only mass-available long land pattern muskets are the India-made ones which are available from several vendors. They're okay (aesthetics may be a bit off, and they are not drilled for firing), but if you want a completely accurate and high-quality version I think the previous poster is spot on -- get a kit from The Rifle Shoppe or Track of the Wolf and build it yourself/Have it built by a competent gunsmith (fyi Track of the Wolf also has complete muskets by custom makers, and sometimes a custom-built Long Land will show up there. But be warned, they are priced accordingly....)

[Lin Robinson]

[Josh Wilson]

Good point on the experience part. For some reason no one makes an ssembled bess lock. You have to file, drill, etc. finish their locks from parts. If you don't have experience with this, it's a daunting task. Same thing with The Rifle Shop's parts. Also, if you're in a hurry, The Rifle Shop is not your friend, lol. You could wait as much as two years for parts from them, and their customer service is non-existant. IMO people only buy from them (and keep them in business) because they offer such unique products that they have the consumer over a barrel.