Can you tell me about WW1 era BSA air rifles?

[felix gunner]

As well as an interest in old airguns my main passion is connected with the Great War - I am keen to buy a BSA air rifle from this era or in the preceding years (ie 1905 - 1918). Would this be the Improved Model 'D'? Were these used in any capacity for training at that time (cadets, boys clubs etc) either formally or informally?

How can I be sure of date, model and not get caught out with a 'bitsa?

Basically, any info/pics to help me learn these models much appreciated.



Interested in anything for sale too.

[mowerman]

Hi, you could get yourself a copy of:

'B.S.A. and Lincoln Jeffries Air Rifles: A Concise Illustrated History of their Development and Manufacture, 1904 - 1918'. (Hardcover) by John Knibbs.
ISBN-10:0951131702.
This is available at Ama*on for about £15.00.

Or John Knibbs International at www.Airgunspares.com

Hope this helps, Paul.

[Gareth W-B]

Or alternatively, contact this guy ...

Hi everybody, one of my mates is returning to Australia and cannot take his guns with him .

He has a 1906 (thanks for the date, Paddy_SP) BSA .177 No 1 to sell. I've photographed it and put it on a site here. I recently cocked it and shot it, and could at a push bung it through my Chrony, but I hardly think that's critical.

The gun appears to be complete, original and a bit scratched. I have done nothing to it for fear of spoiling the patina etc.

He's looking for £150 for the gun. I'm in North Gloucestershire, between Tewkesbury and Worcester, and would prefer a face to face meeting.

I'm not too good on detailing old guns, so please ask if you want further information. I'd love to keep it for myself, but don't have the cash just now!

Regards,

Martin

[Jersey Guy]

Hate to be a bore, but that's a 1920's gun. Still nice though.

Jim.

[Paddy_SP]

Hate to be a bore, but that's a 1920's gun. Still nice though.
Jim.

Yes, you're right - I was going by the J. Knibbs serial number index... According to Hiller, it's a 1920 model...

[felix gunner]

Thanks guys but can any of you experts actually tell me anything about them?!

What serial numbers, features, designs would identify a Model D from the era I am looking for - any history of their use in training? I believe there was a specific rare military model?

[NortonAMC]

quote.
.....Interested in anything for sale too......


Felix.

I have a later 1924 0.177 L prefix. Ladies or light model
new spring fitted but it has a parker hale front sight with a hood
that is not standard. £90 plus post.

can send pictures if interested.

Mike.

[felix gunner]

Thanks again. Mike, appreciate the offer but it's a bit late in period for me.

[sparko]

Hi, I have a B.S.A Improved model D Here, Serial No..21001 Completely original... Lincoln Jefferies stamped on the underlever, can any one date it, value it maybe?... The chap i bought it from used it for drill practice with the home guard here in Somerset.

[Ratbuster]

Here we go; serial # 20730 - 21229 July / Dec 1908 Period of manufacture / period of despatch Sept 1908 / May 1909 imp.mod "D"standard & light .177, .22, .250 light pattern


(Source "BSA & Linciln Jeffries Air Rifles by John Knibbs)

Don't know what it's worth, but others surely will know


Hans

[sparko]

Well, well, well, older than I thought, due a big birthday soon then, It is In .22 and shoots fine. I was told it had been wrapped in tarpaulin since 1945, and i was the first to fire it, 2 years ago... since it was put away. There must be a few of these still hiding somewhere. .. Thanks for your details well done. Mark.