List,

I recently acquired a Baker "Batavia Leader" in 16 ga, with 28" M&F damascus barrels. It is in nice condition and I have been shooting it with BP loads in MagTech brass shotshells. Does anyone have any information on when this gun might have been built? Serial No is 104xxx (I'm not trying to hide the SN - just don't remember the last 3 digits).

Thanks,
Jeff

Can't help on the date of Manufacture, but would advise you to have the barrels Magnafluxed and a thorough going over by a competent gunsmith.
As for hiding the S/N, never publish a complete S/N, You never know who might get a hold of it and try to make a claim.
Damascus barrels are nice to look at, but many contain hidden flaws that could prove disastrous, even with Black Powder loads.

Lee L.

3line, I just looked on gunshop.com for a date of manufacture, but Baker isn't on the list. It's a double gun site so if you want to register and post over there, someone will be able to answer about any questions you have about it.
h d

I have seen many Baker shotguns including the Batavia model. I don't have any real info on them for you but I "think" as I remember they were actually made in Batavia, NY. I am not positive so don't hold it against me if I am inncorect. I will do a little researh on these as if they were sort of local I should be able to find out something. You can probably find a forum or site that specializes in old guns and find info too. I would also be nervous even firing BP loads through this gun. I have a friend that had an old 16 guage SxS and he had bought a tube set in 20 Guage for it. His gun is an old Ithaca with tons of engraving and some gold inlays (very high end gun). I guess with the tubes it may be in fact safe to shoot. Like a barrel in a barrel. Good luck !

List,

I recently acquired a Baker "Batavia Leader" in 16 ga, with 28" M&F damascus barrels. It is in nice condition and I have been shooting it with BP loads in MagTech brass shotshells. Does anyone have any information on when this gun might have been built? Serial No is 104xxx (I'm not trying to hide the SN - just don't remember the last 3 digits).

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff,
16ga. Hammereless #104xxx was built between 1927 and 1928
This comes from a "crib sheet" from Smith & Wesson

UNICORN