baker gun,batavia leader 16ga.

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eastbank

New member
i just got a small collection of guns and this baker 16ga shotgun was one of them. i didn,t think two much of it at the time, but it seems like a well built shotgun and in very good condition with ex bores. the stock has had a recoil pad added and the wood could use a refinishing,but there are no cracks or splits. what jumped out at me was the case hardening on the reciever and side locks. on the locks are baker gun co. norwich conn. and batavia leader, serial number is 17896F. is it worth having the stock and forend refinished along with a new recoil pad added and useing standard field loads in it,1 1/8 oz,s six shot for small game? thanks eastbank.
 
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zippy13

New member
Congratulations, you've got a keeper there. The Baker sidelock shotgun is an American classic, Baker was one of the original "Big-6" shotgun makers. The serial number's "F" suffix indicates that it was one of the last series of Bakers made (1920-1930) after production was shifted from New York to Norwich, CT. The original Baker company having been sold to their long time distributor H & D Folsom in 1919. Your Baker was made by Crescent Firearms which Folsom had acquired in 1893.

As with any shotgun almost 90 years old, having it inspected and certified by a competent gunsmith prior to firing is recommended.
 
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Dave McC

Staff In Memoriam
Bakers are great shotguns, and one of the few US made sidelocks. Zippy's advice about a smith looking it over is very good.

Have the smith check the chamber length, it should be 2 3/4" to use with modern ammo.

16 gauges work best with 1 oz or 7/8 oz loads. I'd skip heavy loads and definitely shun steel pellets and similar in this fine older gun.

HTH....
 
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Ken68

New member
Anyone have any info on a Gun just as this one in this post that has New York stamped on right hand side instead of Norwich, Conn?
 
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