Baker Pattern 1800 Rifle for Napoleonic Wars Sharpshooters

Published on August 11, 2025
Duration: 1:01

The Baker Pattern 1800 rifle was the standard issue rifle for the British Army for nearly 40 years, notably used by sharpshooters during the Napoleonic Wars. It features distinctive square-bottomed rifling and a .625 caliber bore. Modifications were made to accommodate socket bayonets, replacing the original side-bar system.

Quick Summary

The Baker Pattern 1800 rifle, used by British sharpshooters in the Napoleonic Wars, was .625 caliber and loaded with 95 grains of 2F black powder and a 310-320 grain round ball. It featured distinctive square-bottomed rifling and a stock patch box.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Baker Model 1800 Rifle
  2. 00:05Loading Specs & Caliber (.625)
  3. 00:17Rifling: Square-Bottomed Grooves
  4. 00:25Stock Patch Box Design
  5. 00:37Bayonet Lug Conversion (1815)
  6. 00:55Historical Service: 40 Years Standard Issue

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber was the Baker Pattern 1800 rifle?

The Baker Pattern 1800 rifle was .625 caliber. It was typically loaded with 95 grains of 2F black powder and a round ball weighing between 310 and 320 grains.

What were the key features of the Baker rifle's rifling?

The Baker rifle featured seven lands and grooves. The rifling was characterized by being wide and having a square-bottomed profile, which was clearly visible when looking down the muzzle.

How was the Baker rifle equipped for bayonet use?

Originally, the Baker rifle used a side bar for bayonet attachment. Around 1815, approximately 2,000 rifles were modified to accept socket bayonets using a lug fitted to the bottom of the barrel.

What historical role did the Baker Pattern 1800 rifle play?

The Baker Pattern 1800 rifle served as the official standard rifle for the British Army for nearly 40 years. It was notably used by sharpshooters during the Napoleonic Wars.

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