Bsa magnum 240

[waynegrant2]

Hi, been offered one of these pistols in .22 in very good condition, but a couple of questions I have before parting with the folding stuff.
1: Whats the difference between a MK1 and MK 11
2: Are they a decent pistol. I did dig out a test on one and the power figures they gave it appeared quite low as in 3.5 ft/lbs
I do like how the pistol feels/handles and the build quality looks good too.
Thanks Wayne

[flatrajectory]

The only difference I am aware of is that the mk.2 has a different method of securing the small 'o' ring breech seal. This came about because there were some cases of the o ring on the mk.1's becoming dislodged and falling out. This is not a deal breaker as the o ring in the mk 1 can be secured with a blob of superglue. Mine has been like this for years.
Power wise, if spring and seals are in good condition a .177 one will give 4 ft.lbs or a little more , a .22 one 4.5 ft lbs easily.
They are a super, well made pistol, and in the opinion of many ( including me) are better than an HW45.
You won't be dissapointed.
Pete.

[waynegrant2]

Thanks Pete, just what I wanted to know. Regards Wayne

[eyebull]

Shoot it first - it will either shoot nicely, or it won't.

[clarky]

Shoot it first - it will either shoot nicely, or it won't.

Don't believe what they tell you in regards being better than a HW45.....it aint. Not by any stretch.
There are several key areas as to why this is the case but its not looks. Always thought the 45 a tad top heavy looking and blocky, where many will prefer the look of the BSA and then try to enthuse more about the performance of it.
Truth is the trigger of the BSA is nowhere near as good, neither are the sights, which follow the usual plastic stock of the 70s/90s air rifles.
Hit and miss with breech seals dropping out but also problems with angled breech sealing not present in the 45 design.
Also controlled tests revealed the barrel was too short to achieve optimum accuracy. The Plenum chamber void at the muzzle seemed like a good idea in an attempt to silence the gun a bit but didn't work. It would have been infinitely preferable to have simply run the barrel the full length and thus achieved the minimum requirement of at least 6 inch barrel for the springer design...ideally 7.5 inches for a 6ftlb pistol.
The inner plastic guide rod is also known to bend and even snap.

[gingernut]

Also not easy to shoot well!