Airsporter ID

[Ulverston]

Hi Chaps,
what was the last airsporter ever made and when was that? Did it have a pop up block to load the pellet? I only ask because a friend claims to have one but has no idea what it is. Of course these where before my time!!
Thanks in advance.
Carl

[pennineway.fswo]

Hi Carl
The last Airsporter was the RB2 model
RB standing for rotating breech, and this was also used on the BSA underlever Superstar model
This breech design allows the shooter to feed/push the pellet into the breech
The pop up breech that you mention was probably the BSA Merlin, a smaller and less powerful model than the Airsporter
ATB
John

[Ulverston]

Thanks John,
how much would it cost to buy the last airsporter? Are they commen as I've never seen one!

[pennineway.fswo]

Not common but they come up on here occasionally

They were an improvement in accuracy and power over the earlier tap loaders and the standard model has a very nicely shaped beech stock

Prices vary a lot dependent on condition (and calibre to a smaller extent)
£180-£200 should buy a very nice .22 cal. but you could pay another £40-£50 for a mint example

There was also a longer stocked version that is one of the most attractive air rifles ever produced (IMO) but the price jumps up another £50+. This rifle is sought after. I'm still looking for a mint one
John

[Blackrider]

I have one (maybe the last sold from a British gunshop, letter from BSA verifying it) of the last made;
RB2 .177 cal. WR s/no. 2001. Had approx 50 odd pellets through it and resides in a cabinet.

The last batch ever were exported out to the West Indies .

"Black"

[Ulverston]

Thanks for the information, what year did all this happen? I've had an airsporter before but did'nt like the tap loading idea. I only started airgunning in the late 70s and would nt have had the funds to even dare look at an airsporter back then!

[Nocity]

There was also a longer stocked version that is one of the most attractive air rifles ever produced (IMO) but the price jumps up another £50+. This rifle is sought after. I'm still looking for a mint one
John

Like this http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...flex3-9x40.jpg

[Ulverston]

Now that IS an amazing rifle! I want one.