bsa challenger

[jonballs]

just picked up a mint BSA challenger (keeper)
but i cant find much about them ( nothing in hiller's book)
serial no zd00225
any info would be appreciated
cheers
Jon

[simona]

Superb. Mercury with maxigrip scope rail and very nice stock with proper checkering. I think it also has a decent barrel axis bolt rather than a pin. Could be a contender as one of the best looking break barrels ever.

[simona]

PS made from about 1986-87 to about 1990.

[jonballs]

lovely gun to hold , should have a shot or two tomorrow ,
already been offered £275 for it ( not from the forum) are they that sought after?
not that i`m going to sell it as it now completes the Mercury line up
thanks for the info so far
cheers
Jon

[Nocity]

Brill rifle, I know where there is one, but the only way to get it is to part with my Airsporter Stutzen.
I did try him with a swop for a FWB sport, maccari kit and all the open sights but he would not deal, and I don't blame him.

[jonballs]

i`ve also got a tap loaad stutzen which i`ve spent 14 hours polidhing so far with the view of re bluing at the moment it looks chromed but i`m still not happy with the finish , few more hours to go
cheers
jon

[grezoor]

just picked up a mint BSA challenger (keeper)
but i cant find much about them ( nothing in hiller's book)
serial no zd00225
any info would be appreciated
cheers
Jon

A bit of a rarity these rifles,I don't think i would part with mine

[Muskett]

I haven't seen one for sale for yonks. Mint probably over £300; used then back to normal prices and lot less than £200. What calibre? Even fewer were made in .177.

Short run of these because BSA was in trouble again at the time. Then they made the Superstar etc. Probably the best Mercury derivative made and was given all the improvements to the point they were a good rifle and better than the S model Mercury's though no walnut.

They should make a great 25m rifle with a tad more distance with practice. Should group tightly and come up to the aim just right.

[jjjjjj]

Hi
I have owned three mercury challengers and all been in 177 i have one now that i will keep, my veiw is that more 177s were made as it was a time when field target shooting was just getting going but thats only my veiw so dont know for sure, the one iam keeping is 177 very very good condition, i have worked on the insides and it cocks and shoots so smooth, its doing about 10ft lbs and has a jap tasco 4 X 32 scope from about the same time as the challenger was made, one of the best bsa made.
JJJJJJ

[mallyally]

Brill rifle, I know where there is one, but the only way to get it is to part with my Airsporter Stutzen.
I did try him with a swop for a FWB sport, maccari kit and all the open sights but he would not deal, and I don't blame him.

as i see it you got off lucky they are rare and as already stated the best mercury / but it is no match for a sport

[harvey_s]

3 emails incoming......

[TopDog]

Well, no matter what the FWB lovers etc may say, the Challenger is one of the nicest rifles to shoot straight out of the box. I bought my 0.177 version in Jan 87, didn't know it was going to be rarish then! I gave it away to a neighbours lad who helped me with my tree surgery when required - wish I hadn't been so generous now!!

So there you are Jon, not worth much if they are given away; why not send me yours?

ATVB and enjoy it!

David

[jonballs]

thanks for all the info
had a few shots yesterday ( best part of two tins)it`s one that will not be sold .. .....ever
now to find one in .177 to make a pair
cheers
jon