Baker Black Beauty Special
Baker Gun & Forging Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1916
Also known as: Baker Black Beauty Special Grade, Black Beauty Special
Overview
The Baker Black Beauty Special is an American hammerless side-by-side double-barrel shotgun built by the Baker Gun & Forging Company of Batavia, New York. A true sidelock design comparable to the L.C. Smith in quality and price, it was an upgraded, engraved rendition of the standard Black Beauty, offered in 12- and 16-gauge with barrels from 26 to 32 inches. Blued barrels, a case-hardened receiver, black-oxide sideplates and a walnut stock defined its appearance, while automatic ejectors and a single trigger were available at extra cost.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3300 g (116.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1120 mm (44.09") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 275 m (301 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Barrels, Case-Hardened Receiver, Black-Oxide Sideplates |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break-Open, Two Fixed Chambers
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side-By-Side Double Barrel, Hammerless Sidelock Action, Top-Lever Break-Open, Optional Automatic Ejectors, Optional Single Trigger, Engraved Sideplates
Production
Production years: 1916-1930
The sidelock Black Beauty replaced Baker's Batavia Special, Leader and Damascus guns around 1916; after the December 1919 sale to H. & D. Folsom Arms Co. the model was lightly engraved and renamed the Black Beauty Special. Made solely for Folsom, which assembled Baker guns into the early 1920s; Baker Gun Co. closed in 1930. About 150,000 Baker guns were produced prior to Folsom ownership.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William H. Baker
Discontinued: 1930
Notes
Following the sale of Baker Gun & Forging Co. to H. & D. Folsom Arms Company in December 1919, Folsom continued assembling Baker guns into the early 1920s; Folsom-era catalogues listed the Black Beauty Special around $62, or $77 with automatic ejectors.
Background
The Black Beauty and its dressed-up Special sibling were among Baker's better sporting doubles, prized by early 20th-century American upland and waterfowl hunters as an affordable alternative to the L.C. Smith sidelocks they closely resembled.