Pre War Air Rifles !

[Blackrider]

I know very little about the above but I'm beginning to fancy one ! (or two maybe)
Where do I start with this, what are the desired models or which are the most desirable to collect ? Are we looking at BSA's or are there other makes I should be considering ?
Whatever these are, I intend to use them regularly and they must shoot well above all, I don't do "Cab. Queens".

Thanks !

[Garvin]

I know very little about the above but I'm beginning to fancy one ! (or two maybe)
Where do I start with this, what are the desired models or which are the most desirable to collect ? Are we looking at BSA's or are there other makes I should be considering ?
Whatever these are, I intend to use them regularly and they must shoot well above all, I don't do "Cab. Queens".

Thanks !

Depending on your budget, I would go for one of the prewar BSA underlevers in good shooting condition first and next maybe a Webley Mk2 Service, probably more for pride of ownership/aesthetic reasons than anything. Good decision!

[45flint]

I was new to prewar rifles and found a BSA Standard in good condition. Was pretty surprised how good they really are. They just feel right, shoot as good as any modern springer and the feeling of holding a 90 year old gun in your hands is priceless.

[gingernut]

A good BSA Standard or Light is a good start.
Prices not as steep as the Webley Service.

Don't expect modern day accuracy or range but they are good fun and pretty reliable.

[Phil Russell]

Most likely a little cheaper than options already stated, but consider an early Diana 27. Very easy to work on and satisfying to shoot.
Or an early Haenel ....
Cheers, Phil

[Blackrider]

All good info. so far, thanks Guys !
I have heard of BSA "Standards, Lights and Improved", etc. but I dont know how they stack up in terms of availability, performance, age, quality and value of course.
Its stuff like this I'm trying to get a handle on !

[Shed tuner]

I was new to prewar rifles and found a BSA Standard in good condition. Was pretty surprised how good they really are. They just feel right, shoot as good as any modern springer and the feeling of holding a 90 year old gun in your hands is priceless.

yup, standard or light. Really well engineered, very easy to service, and shoot well too.

[johnbaz]

I know very little about the above but I'm beginning to fancy one ! (or two maybe)
Where do I start with this, what are the desired models or which are the most desirable to collect ? Are we looking at BSA's or are there other makes I should be considering ?
Whatever these are, I intend to use them regularly and they must shoot well above all, I don't do "Cab. Queens".

Thanks !

John, I've a few Long Toms, If you want you can borrow a couple to try out before you part with any money, You may not like having no timber to hold at the front end


John

[micky2]

All of the above rifles will do the job for you. the BSAs are about the best, and very easy to work on and to repair. but the Haenel and Diana underlever copies of the BSAs are also worth looking out for.

[Rocket launcher]

You should get yourself a nice webley mark 1 air rifle ..they shoot constantly at 6lb and are great for accurate 10 metre open site target shooting.
as with all of thease old guns as you fire you are shooting a piece of history...which adds to the experiance..mine was used by the old gent i got it offs father to shoot the rats in sunderland dockyards...now thats history

[Blackrider]

John, I've a few Long Toms, If you want you can borrow a couple to try out before you part with any money, You may not like having no timber to hold at the front end


John

Great suff, many thanks John !