Favourite post-1945, pre 1984 underlever sporter?

[Geezer]

We all know the consensus is that the best underlever ever is the HW77 or its derivatives, including the TX.

And that the pre-1945 BSAs are both awesome and rightly very popular.

But what’s your, favourite 1945-84 underlever? And why?

Apologies for another poll while we’re still in pseudo-lockdown, but some people seem to like them and the results are interesting. To me at least.

[Drew451]

LG50 for me. Absolute classic with good handling, looks and build. All if mine are very accurate, my '74 .177 is phenomenal. 2nd place to the BSF because its strange but good strange.
I have a Mk 2 Airsporter which I enjoy owning and shooting. I just cant hit what Im aiming at usually
Yep, your polls are interesting.

[Geezer]

Thanks.

I have two MkIIIs, a Mk1 Airsporter, a 50, and an HR81. I’m not sure which my favourite is. Apart from the HR81, which is terrible.

[Unframed Dave]

Mk3 by a country mile. They just scream of the period. The HR's are cute but nowhere near as majestic.

Dave

[MDriskill]

I gotta go with the Mk 3. I've owned a half dozen, all are gorgeous and accurate, To me they are the essence of great hand-fitted quality and individual personality, just great rifles.

[I. J.]

It doesn't surprise me the BSF 54 has so far nil votes. and nothing for the Hungarian Swamp Donkey.

[45flint]

Voted for the Webley Mk3, but here is a “something else” dark horse. I have really enjoyed shooter my Hakim trainer. Made by Anschutz it is no joke. Though obviously not blued to perfection like the MK3 but it is probably better built than the Airsporter and has it ease of cocking mechanism and Automatic pop up tap. It’s as accurate as any rifle listed, and gives you the experience of shooting a cartridge rifle. The usual issue is finding one not beat up so you can appreciate it. Their beat to hell and it’s still ticking says a lot.

[Geezer]

Voted for the Webley Mk3, but here is a “something else” dark horse. I have really enjoyed shooter my Hakim trainer. Made by Anschutz it is no joke. Though obviously not blued to perfection like the MK3 but it is probably better built than the Airsporter and has it ease of cocking mechanism and Automatic pop up tap. It’s as accurate as any rifle listed, and gives you the experience of shooting a cartridge rifle. The usual issue is finding one not beat up so you can appreciate it. Their beat to hell and it’s still ticking says a lot.

I did include the LG54 - the rare civilian version of the Hakim.

[Steve Zodiac]

Think I’ve just made it neck & neck by voting for the Airsporter MK1/2.

I still like the old Webley’s though..

[Brimfire]

I've got two of the guns listed and shot another two in there but, for me, it's a Mk2 Airsporter.

It's part of our airgunning heritage, looks so elegant and the auto opening tap is wonderful.

[hwtyger]

Voted mk3. Love my MK3s, especially the Supertargets

[rockdrill]

Difficult choice for me as I like both the Airsporter (Mk1) and the early Webley Mk3, so I went with the Mk3.

This is my earliest example, serial number 31, with the excellent double pull trigger mechanism: https://www.dropbox.com/s/t23ydzsyr6...02488.JPG?dl=0

[slow_runner]

Admittedly, my experience of air rifles is not extensive.
It is just as well that this survey excludes anything pre 1945 because for me, any pre war BSA, especially the long tom, wins hands down.

Next the Airsporter Mk1 if only for its aesthetics and alongside the Mk1, the Falke 80/90.

Due to the limited numbers of Falke 80's, they will be at a disadvantage.
To be a bit socialist and to make the competition fair, could we give the Airsporter a handicap? A broken stock fore end comes to mind

I have shot a Webley Mk3 and I wasn't impressed; with the cocking nor the firing. Maybe it was a rarity? All I can say is it didn't do anything for me except the blueing was impressive, as per.

[Mr. Gen]

I vote for a sussex armoury jackal - on its side

[VALE BOY]

My favourite underlever of that period is a toss up between my Falke 80 in .177 and .... wait for it... a later edition, early 80‘s .22 Relum Tornado (with double concentric springs!)
I know..From the sublime to the ridiculous but I have a soft spot for that particular Tornado (I’ve got 4 altogether) because after hitting the ‘Quigley Bucket (A folding target about the size of a Swan Vestas matchbox) at 75 yards, 5 times out 8 shots and using a piddly budget 4x32 scope, it just has to be in there. 😉