BSA Military Pattern Air Rifle.

[laine snook]

Hello All,

I have been fortunate enough to purchase one of these rifles ( many thanks to a BBS member for locating one for me) and I am interested to find out how many are still in exsistence?

I am hoping that BBS members will be able to help by giving serial numbers of known examples, either in their own collection or "known about"

I'll kick things off with serial number 418 - .22 calibre.

Also, in doing this, it would be great to find out the lowest and highest serial numbers known.

I am led to believe that although advertised, the "short" Military Pattern has never been seen?

Any information would be great.

Thank you,

Laine

[tjg]

hi laine
Nice one,chuffed for you,if not a little green..haha any chance of photo's
TIM

[Sam99]

Hello ,

A member called Lakey seems quite knowledgeable on these.

I thought only 300 – ish was made.
I have #181.

Sam


http://www.airgunbbs.com/forums/show...litary+pattern

[Garvin]

According to John Knibbs, of the last batch all known examples were fitted with side button release and far more .22s were made than .177s.

Mr Knibbs concluded that no short pattern Mil Pat was ever in production although he thought one or two may have been made experimentally.

[slug-gun]

I have details of 40 Military Patterns listed, from serial number 36, a .177 calibre model, which was offered by Weller & Dufty in August 1982, described as 'Grade 4' and which sold for £320, to the latest example I know of, being No.426. This one was sold by Wallis & Wallis in September 2006 and realised £975 + commission.
Yours makes the 41st example - could you supply details please - ie calibre; cylinder marking; type of underlever, (sidebutton?) and whether steel, or brass Lee Enfield type butt plate?
Thanks.

[edbear2]

John knibbs had one in about 3-4 weeks ago, I was talking to him and he told me of a guy that had "several" and 4 or 5 of them were consecutive serial numbers!..his price by the way for the one he had in stock was £4000

[silva]

I've heard that there is somebody with over 20 of these military patterns.Though this could be a vintage airgunners myth.

Oh how I wish I had cast responsibilty to the winds and bought that military pattern rather than 100m2 of block paving setts !

[laine snook]

I have details of 40 Military Patterns listed, from serial number 36, a .177 calibre model, which was offered by Weller & Dufty in August 1982, described as 'Grade 4' and which sold for £320, to the latest example I know of, being No.426. This one was sold by Wallis & Wallis in September 2006 and realised £975 + commission.
Yours makes the 41st example - could you supply details please - ie calibre; cylinder marking; type of underlever, (sidebutton?) and whether steel, or brass Lee Enfield type butt plate?
Thanks.

Hello,

Details as follows.

Serial number 418,
.22 calibre,
Side button underlever,
Steel butt plate,

Cylinder marking - The B.S.A Air Rifle (Military Pattern)
The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited
Sole Manufacturers.

Thank you for the information.

Laine

[Josie & John]

Hi Laine,

I have no. 411. See the October 2008 edition of Airgun World for a review.

I also know a collector who has 410 but he won't sell it to me!

Well done on a nice find.

John

[laine snook]

Hi Laine,

I have no. 411. See the October 2008 edition of Airgun World for a review.

I also know a collector who has 410 but he won't sell it to me!

Well done on a nice find.

John

Hello John,

I would like to take this opportunity to formally blame you for making me buy a Military Pattern - I saw the article and said to myself "I've got to get one of those" - I didn't realise at that time the price and general elusiveness of the gun.

So, thank you, - but in future could you write articles about less expensive guns.

Best wishes,

Laine

[Josie & John]

Hi Laine,

Sorry for draining your gun fund but I hope you think the rifle is worth the expense. It's a real piece of history.

Going offline now to write about BSA Meteors!

Kind regards,
John