British Baker rifle article

[Carl Young]

For your amusement:

http://warisboring.com/articles/the-baker-rifle-transformed-soldiers-into-long-distance-killers/

[Daryl]

I thought the video was well done to explain the postions. The author might have noted, that offhand, means "off the hands" with no body or sling rest - oh well. Bravo, anyway.
Should also note, the ctg. event at Hefley Creek Rendezvous was attended by a number of guys shooting ML's.  One of our lads chose to use his .54 Hawken, striking the 650yard gong with his first shot using a round ball, of course.  This marksman, John, did well indeed considering the long ranges involved.  Had he been in a militia shooting volley shots at long range targets, they'd have been in jeopardy.

[heelerau]

Rob frequents the British Militaria Forums and has done quite a number of quality videos re drill,  skirmishing, with Baker, Pat 53, and the like.

[nosrettap1958]

Not to mention the killing of General Robert Ross at the Battle of North Point (near Baltimore) in the War of 1812. Killed by an American rifleman.

[conquerordie]

I like the supine position. It would seem incredibly stable, and the best part, make you a incredibly hard target to hit. Prone with the rifle on the shako makes you lift your upper body slightly. Guess I'll have to build a Baker to try it out
Conquerordie

[Daryl]

Many of the marksmen who competed in the International matches in the 1800's adopted the supine position, however the barrels on their Sharps, Rolling Blocks and Ballards, along with the Rigby ML's were around the 32" to perhaps as long as 35" range and this alone made the position a slightly safer one. They also had tang (butt?) sights mounted just ahead of the butt plate, with exceptionally long staffs for shooting at the long range targets.

[hammer]

Yes, Rob is a dedicated man.  Has a whole range of excellent videos on YouTube.   For those interested search Britishmuzzleloaders, his YouTube name.  You won't be disappointed.
Peter.