The remarkable BAM B3 / AK47

[Phil Russell]

I was not sure if this counted as a Collectable, so forgive me if I am stretching terminology a little. This month's AGW has an article by John Milewski praising the BAM B3, an AK47 lookalike that is no longer in production. The review rifle had been tuned by tuning master Jon Budd to yield around 9 ftlbs. and as I read the article it sort of rekindled memories. I was sure I had seen that rifle model before. A rummage at the back of a cupboard and there it was ... only called a Perfecta in its box. But the 'Instruction sheet' gave it as a BAM B3. I seem to remember my model at around 5 or 6 ftlbs so it seems Jon did indeed work magic.
Strange how things get squirreled away to become almost forgotten.
But John's article has now rekindled my interest and maybe I should give the rifle more attention ....

Cheers, Phil

[Josie & John]

I was not sure if this counted as a Collectable, so forgive me if I am stretching terminology a little. This month's AGW has an article by John Milewski praising the BAM B3, an AK47 lookalike that is no longer in production. The review rifle had been tuned by tuning master Jon Budd to yield around 9 ftlbs. and as I read the article it sort of rekindled memories. I was sure I had seen that rifle model before. A rummage at the back of a cupboard and there it was ... only called a Perfecta in its box. But the 'Instruction sheet' gave it as a BAM B3. I seem to remember my model at around 5 or 6 ftlbs so it seems Jon did indeed work magic.
Strange how things get squirreled away to become almost forgotten.
But John's article has now rekindled my interest and maybe I should give the rifle more attention ....

Cheers, Phil

Hi Phil,

Thank you for the kind comments. The B3 is an unusual airgun that is no longer in production, so it's probably at that transitional phase between a discontinued item and collectable. Now is the time to find them, hopefully for not too much money. I saw one advertised in the current issue of Airgun World for £100. It is certainly a pleasant rifle to shoot after Jon worked his magic.

I'd be very interested in seeing some images of your Perfecta and if at all possible, a scan of the instruction booklet at your convenience.

Kind regards,

John

[Phil Russell]

Hi Phil,

I'd be very interested in seeing some images of your Perfecta and if at all possible, a scan of the instruction booklet at your convenience.

Kind regards,

John

No problem at all, except that the instruction book is more like a scrap of paper ...
I will try and sort it all tomorrow for you.
Cheers, Phil

[Josie & John]

No problem at all, except that the instruction book is more like a scrap of paper ...
I will try and sort it all tomorrow for you.
Cheers, Phil

Thanks Phil!

[Hsing-ee]

I think there is enough interest in the little paramilitary plinker to warrant it a 'Collectible', particularly as few were sold. Although it is probably a design that was knocked up to please the tastes of juveniles in the West who cannot access a 'real' AK, it might be a 'trainer' for the military. The very much older Lion underlever (1970s, a bit like a DB4) resembled the SKS assault rifle almost certainly for training whatever the People's Republic has in terms of a cadet force.

[Benelli B76]

The BAM 3 has always looked more like an SKS with a folding stock than an AK47. Suppose liking it to AK would sell more.

Baz

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[Geezer]

The BAM 3 has always looked more like an SKS with a folding stock than an AK47. Suppose liking it to AK would sell more.

Baz

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Always thought they looked more like a Czech VZ58, which is also a rather dinky little rifle. Similar safety placement, too.

[gingernut]

Barn doors were in no danger from mine!

[Hsing-ee]

Barn doors were in no danger from mine!

That is why it has a bayonet fixture.

[ph5172]

I had a boxed BAM 3 - sold it about 12 months ago (wish i hadnt now)

It was in a plain card box, well greased with a sheet of waxed paper and plastic bag and a small 'instruction manual'

In it it stated (along the lines) it was for positional, situational and drill training