Like people have already said you have the last incarnation of the 39" .177 (NO.1 bore) BSA Standard in the light pattern. It will have the angular pistolgrip walnut stock, with the letters BSA raised within the checkering on the pistol grip.

In my opinion, they are not quite as good as the earlier 1920's light patterns, as certain cost cutting measures were introduced in the 1933- 1939 production. The underleaver pivot is a pin, and not a threaded bolt like the earlier production. Also they did away with the trigger adjustment within the trigger block, and reverted back to the pre-WW1 method of trigger adjustment with a set screw through the bend at the front of the trigger guard. The seperate trigger and tumbler sear were also sacrificed for a one piece trigger, which again was a backward step.

Most of these changes were brought in to reduce the costs of production, and still allowed BSA to produce a good gun. Around 770 were produced ( according to John Knibb's book " The Golden Century" ) however because serial numbering was concurrent with other models being produced at the same time, it is possible to find 'A' pattern guns with serial numbers in the high 2000's.

They are sweet to shoot, and capable of fine groups once you get used to the gun and master their shooting cycle. Most guns would benefit from a strip down, re-lube and barrel deep clean, as they are getting on for 90 years old. You can improve the balance of these guns, by adding weight in the stock. Some fishing weight wrapped in cloth and put into the hole in the stock ( for the stock bolt) , will reduce the muzzle heavy feel, but be very careful removing the wooden cover plate, as they are very easily broken. ( they have a spring steel washer behind them, which is designed to gently raise the cover as the screws are loosened, but few work as they should) If the trigger block is loose on the stock it can be tightened at this point with a long flat blade screwdriver.

Have fun with your new gun


Lakey