Just in a 1920 BSA Light with 21b three position aperature sight

[slow_runner]

Yep, very cool to have that sight but I may want to add some value to this rifle by moving that aperature up. I’m pretty good with working wood, we will see. Have this feelIng the owner bought that sight and did the job at home?

It is deserving of being put right Flint.
Why someone would mount that sight so close to the beak is anybody's guess.
Short arms or lack of forethought?

[danlett]

Very nice indeed.
airgunmaniac

[Garvin]

That is one gorgeous BSA and I'm not surprised you fell in love with it! The forged trigger guard is a lovely touch, yes. I remember reading (in Knibbs?) that a workers' strike led to shortages of the hand crafted guards, speeding adoption of the cheaper, machine-stamped guards.

It's interesting how many prewar BSAs have turned up in the US in fantastic condition, with the cylinder etching clearly visible. Maybe it's the climate? Or a 'gun culture' in which owners really knew how to look after them properly?

Or maybe in a firearms-soaked country many new owners were disappointed with spring-generated power levels and tucked them away without giving them the sort of punishing use that was common back in the UK?

[Garvin]

I've never seen a rear peep sight surface mounted - all others have been set into the wood to some extent. You could move it forward a bit and fill in the screw holes. But the front sight seems higher than usual, so you'd have to ensure you have the necessary vertical adjustment if you do drop the sight down by a few mill... if it's comfortable to shoot maybe leave well alone?

[45flint]

I've never seen a rear peep sight surface mounted - all others have been set into the wood to some extent. You could move it forward a bit and fill in the screw holes. But the front sight seems higher than usual, so you'd have to ensure you have the necessary vertical adjustment if you do drop the sight down by a few mill... if it's comfortable to shoot maybe leave well alone?

I did see that it was a high front sight but not sure that it’s not normal? Lakey’s 1919 in the Gallery looks similar? He even comments that it’s high? See below? Going out today to see where it hits with that back sight, don’t disagree if it works leave well enough alone? Did put some oil down the tap yesterday and the leather seal is rock solid and holds air pressure forever! Must not have been overshot. I really think these treasures are in great shape here because of the firearms culture. These were not taken seriously. Also collectors over here seem to want American Airguns of their youth. All the better for me, but am surprised there is not more competition over here for these types of Airguns? But this one was not cheap. Lol Trouble not many were imported so you have to find one.


Lakey’s 1919 front sight


My front sight

[Abasmajor]

I did see that it was a high front sight but not sure that it’s not normal? Lakey’s 1919 in the Gallery looks similar? He even comments that it’s high? See below? Going out today to see where it hits with that back sight, don’t disagree if it works leave well enough alone? Did put some oil down the tap yesterday and the leather seal is rock solid and holds air pressure forever! Must not have been overshot. I really think these treasures are in great shape here because of the firearms culture. These were not taken seriously. Also collectors over here seem to want American Airguns of their youth. All the better for me, but am surprised there is not more competition over here for these types of Airguns? But this one was not cheap. Lol Trouble not many were imported so you have to find one.

As my BSA Light Pattern now sports a No 8 sight with the usual medium stem height, it means it still shoots high at 20yds with the elevation set at its lowest position. A taller foresight blade would certainly help, but as I normally prefer a Six O'clock sight picture this hasn't been a problem.

Brian

[micky2]

What another great find, and in lovey condition. that etching is really good for a gun of that age not many like that about. plus the bonus of the peep sight. l am sure you are going to really enjoy shooting it.

[45flint]

Sight part number is the same on my rifle as the ones in the gallery -59.

Gallery


My rifle, ruffer but still reads 59