Did any other manufactures rival the BSA Prewar Standard?

[45flint]

From what I can see at least Diana and Tell developed guns to compete with BSA Standard prewar. Were any of the rivals, BSA's equal or better?

[walnutfarmmick]

From what I can see at least Diana and Tell developed guns to compete with BSA Standard prewar. Were any of the rivals, BSA's equal or better?

Keep asking questions like that, my friend, and you'll be needing walls running north/south. Speaking of which, how's the one with Mexico coming along?

But, seriously, returning to your question, I very much doubt that you'll get a definitive answer - we've been going backwards and forwards for at least 70 years and still haven't established whether BSA is superior to Webley, never mind lesser makes. Then there's the .177/.22/.25 controversy .

Good luck regardless, Mick

[DT Fletcher]

From what I can see at least Diana and Tell developed guns to compete with BSA Standard prewar. Were any of the rivals, BSA's equal or better?

Crosman.

[mrto]

I have a number of well made vintage Crosman's,but never seen one built to the same standard or robustness as the prewar BSA's!

ATB.

[Shed tuner]

Nope....

[45flint]

I meant for my question to be more narrow. Rifles that copied the Lincoln Jefferies underlever spring cocking with that distinctive pistol grip and no wood forearm. I guess the German company's used a breaking barrel to cock the spring? But the look and feel were similar.

It is a interesting question whether Crosman's original inventor, probably using his BSA Standard, came up with a totally better solution to a pellet air rifle? Having a 1930 Crosman it's a question I got to think about. Certainly in machining quality BSA's are more of a work of machining art. But as a functional field rifle the question becomes a little more interesting? But as I said it's not really the question I meant to ask, but it's one I will ask as I take both rifles out to the backyard for a William McLean honorary shootoff.

[DT Fletcher]

I meant for my question to be more narrow. Rifles that copied the Lincoln Jefferies underlever spring cocking with that distinctive pistol grip and no wood forearm. I guess the German company's used a breaking barrel to cock the spring? But the look and feel were similar.

It is a interesting question whether Crosman's original inventor, probably using his BSA Standard, came up with a totally better solution to a pellet air rifle? Having a 1930 Crosman it's a question I got to think about. Certainly in machining quality BSA's are more of a work of machining art. But as a functional field rifle the question becomes a little more interesting? But as I said it's not really the question I meant to ask, but it's one I will ask as I take both rifles out to the backyard for a William McLean honorary shootoff.

IMHO, a good prewar Crosman 101 bests a prewar BSA in every way possible.

[Josie & John]

The BSA from 1904 to 1939 was the industry standard. Whilst other designs existed alongside copies, none IMHO could touch the BSA for simplicity, quality and performance.

I have used Diana and Haenel copies and whilst well made, they did not perform as comfortably or consistently in my hands.

The Webley Service is often compared to the BSA and is probably the nearest, although some say the Webley is harder to shoot accurately. It is also a little less powerful.

John

[45flint]

The BSA from 1904 to 1939 was the industry standard. Whilst other designs existed alongside copies, none IMHO could touch the BSA for simplicity, quality and performance.

I have used Diana and Haenel copies and whilst well made, they did not perform as comfortably or consistently in my hands.

The Webley Service is often compared to the BSA and is probably the nearest, although some say the Webley is harder to shoot accurately. It is also a little less powerful.

John

I had a chance to hold a Webley Service at my last gun show, just a totally different animal. The BSA Standard as I shoot it reminds me of the grace of the classic American Kentucky flintlock rifle.