Kestock Predator

[neil180]

Hi folks

This is not a section I normally post in as I don't know much about collectors guns. However, yesterday, TOnyL popped over with his Kestock Predator from the 80s. It is one of a possible 5 in existence - which I reckon must make it a real collectors item!!

Here's a video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chc4DQgUB4Q

[hebhaggis]

Superb to see something fettled .....there was a lot of interesting non standard modding of Airguns , specials , custom short runs in this period .....lonnnnnngggg before modding was seen as the norm ie when after Crosmans came off ticket and everybody and his auntie started to play at rebuilds . Difference between chalk and cheese .

[fatttmannn]

Like that.

[TonyL]

Thank you, Neil.

I hadn't realised until just now that you had posted this in the Gentleman's Section as well.

The gun, as well as being pretty rare, holds sentimental value as I got to know Steve Thornley, the gun's creator, really well and shared many special times with him.

The gun was always going to be a keeper anyway, and Steve made me promise him that, should I ever need to sell, that I would give him the first option.

Sadly, Steve passed away in December, 2009. RIP my very good friend.

The only person that could ever have this gun is Robert, Steve's son. We met last year, after many years of not seeing this fine young chap. Robert, if you ever decide to call it in, it's yours, as I said last year.

When I was talking to Rikard at the June Bash, he told me that Dave Hall (Bonnie and Clyde) had owned three of the remaining Predators at some point. I had also heard some time ago that three were in Scandinavia, so maybe he sold them to a collector / enthusiast there?

If anyone ever gets to hear of the whereabouts of any, it'd be interesting.

Thanks again, Neil. At least a great many more people know what this gun is all about.

And it can be seen and tried at any of our Boinger Bash events.

[Hsing-ee]

Very nicely done, I don't usually like 'specials' or bull-pups but that is a beautiful piece of work. Sort of a Rolls Royce version of a BSA Buccaneer!

[TonyL]

When I got it in 1990 I took it down to Ivan and Dave when they were at those awesome Cradley Heath premises.
Lazaglided, reduced cylinder internals and Slimtech silencer fitted. So it shoots sweetly and is nice and discreet. Internals untouched since. I got in touch with Steve Pope a few months ago to arrange a refresh/service; think I may have to give the guru a polite reminder......

[MrGreengrass]

Wasn't he living in Wentworth? ?.
If so seen a bullpup 80 with an adjustable transfer port.
Bought a chequered up Mk 1 80 from him.

[TonyL]

Wasn't he living in Wentworth? ?.
If so seen a bullpup 80 with an adjustable transfer port.
Bought a chequered up Mk 1 80 from him.

He certainly was - Coley Lane.

Had many a good night with Steve down at The Rockingham Arms.

Yep, Steve was very handy at chequering and customising. He did a lovely job on my dad's shotgun stock. And he used to do conversions on Sharp Ace / Innova. Did my Ace - proper, heavy duty bolt conversion.

[Big Seth]

Very nicely done, I don't usually like 'specials' or bull-pups but that is a beautiful piece of work. Sort of a Rolls Royce version of a BSA Buccaneer!

Not to my taste-if I got gifted that I'd be looking for a mk2 stock for the action

[TonyL]

Not to my taste-if I got gifted that I'd be looking for a mk2 stock for the action

Each to their own, but you'd be missing the rifle's raison d'être....reducing length and bringing weight back towards the shooter's shoulder!

I also have a .22 Mark I and a .177 Mark II. And the Predator handles so nicely.

It IS NOT perfect....the reach to pull is a little long and the butt pad is shiny. But, due to the rifle's rarity, and out of respect for Steve, I prefer to keep it original, as I have lots more HWs to shoot.