Italian stock Mk1 and 2 Airsporters

[Mikeymoo]

I've read somewhere in the past that BSA sometimes used stocks from Italy for Mk 1 or 2 Airsporters ?....first of all is this true and if so did they look any different in shape to the English ones. I have a one-piece stock that is totally different but when Ive shown pictures of it 2 people seem to think it is home made...but I do not think it is.....M

[JSD]

hi, ask improved on hear, he knows his bsa`s.. J.S.D.

[Airsporterman]

BSA did indeed (I believe) outsource stock manufacture to Italian (Sita?) suppliers during a period they had problems sourcing suitable walnut for manufacture themselves. The Italian stocks were indeed 'one piece' as opposed to the three piece stocks they manufacured themselves.
You will note there is a great variety of Walnuts used in the manufacture of their own stocks, both in quality, grades and colours, indeed some of their stocks featuring different types in the three main elements of the same stock! I have always found this fascinating.

atb

ASM

[Troubledshooter]

The manufacturer was 'Sile'.
They were still manufacturing a few stocks for Webley in the 90's.

[Airsporterman]

Sorry, yes 'Sile', that was it! (my memory isn't what it wasn't! )

ASM

[stevegv8]

Inside the stock the name will be stamped, has to be separated from the action to see though.
The one I have came from Inproved Steve as it happens.