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

[45flint]

One of my early acquisitions was a BSA Standard 1924. Have been looking for a Light to go along with it for 4 years. In the US these are just not a easy find. Have seen a few but nothing that seemed “right” for the money. Saw this one last week on a auction site and fell in love. It arrived today and it’s one of those that looks better in person than the pics. This is a 100 year old gun and you would never believe it. Certainly is not perfect but has just enough wear that you know it’s real and original. Love the forged metal trigger guard, the last year for them. First BSA I have ever held with the etching intact! A little faded but it’s there and probably confirms its not been touched. The bonus was the 21b aperature sight. They were not made after WW1 so someone must have bought old stock and added it? Doesn’t look like a factory mount? I’m amazed how small and intricate it is. As good of shape as the rifle. Not sure the mounting job was that well done. Slight split in wood where screw went in. Will have to look at that and repair. It looked so big in the posted pics but it really is so small you barely see it. Shoots with authority so should be fun. But this one is a bit of a treasure to me, certainly worth the wait.

Looks like the trigger pull weight is on the stock but can’t read it yet? Maybe you guys in the know can see it?

Used Renaissance Wax on the metal to preserve the etching? Any other thoughts for preserving it?

https://imgur.com/gallery/GLvXWJB

[ptdunk]

That’s a lovely rifle, nice find!
I’d love one of those sights....

[Lakey]

One of my early acquisitions was a BSA Standard 1924. Have been looking for a Light to go along with it for 4 years. In the US these are just not a easy find. Have seen a few but nothing that seemed “right” for the money. Saw this one last week on a auction site and fell in love. It arrived today and it’s one of those that looks better in person than the pics. This is a 100 year old gun and you would never believe it. Certainly is not perfect but has just enough wear that you know it’s real and original. Love the forged metal trigger guard, the last year for them. First BSA I have ever held with the etching intact! A little faded but it’s there and probably confirms its not been touched. The bonus was the 21b aperature sight. They were not made after WW1 so someone must have bought old stock and added it? Doesn’t look like a factory mount? I’m amazed how small and intricate it is. As good of shape as the rifle. Not sure the mounting job was that well done. Slight split in wood where screw went in. Will have to look at that and repair. It looked so big in the posted pics but it really is so small you barely see it. Shoots with authority so should be fun. But this one is a bit of a treasure to me, certainly worth the wait.

Looks like the trigger pull weight is on the stock but can’t read it yet? Maybe you guys in the know can see it?

Used Renaissance Wax on the metal to preserve the etching? Any other thoughts for preserving it?

https://imgur.com/gallery/GLvXWJB

Very nice indeed. Great score with the aperture sight, and in fab condition. I too love the cast trigger guards. EXCELLENT!

[45flint]

Very nice indeed. Great score with the aperture sight, and in fab condition. I too love the cast trigger guards. EXCELLENT!

I think I read every post you wrote about these in the days before it came, learned allot. Saw that 1919 in the Gallery! You seem to be the man!

[slow_runner]

What a beautiful example of a Light Pattern. That sight mounted askew and so far back on the beak is the only flaw I can note.

That is so far removed from my 1922(?) example of the two hole L.
Congratulations Flint, it is in the right hands.

Renaissance Wax? I use 'BeeKind' bees wax with carnuba. Bees wax stays put even with handling.
Soft on your hands too
Oil or grease is for the internals.

[45flint]

What a beautiful example of a Light Pattern. That sight mounted askew and so far back on the beak is the only flaw I can note.

That is so far removed from my 1922(?) example of the two hole L.
Congratulations Flint, it is in the right hands.

Renaissance Wax? I use 'BeeKind' bees wax with carnuba. Bees wax stays put even with handling.
Soft on your hands too
Oil or grease is for the internals.

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?

[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?

[Lakey]

I think I read every post you wrote about these in the days before it came, learned allot. Saw that 1919 in the Gallery! You seem to be the man!

I dont know about that. But one thing is for sure, I do have a soft spot for BSA underlevers, especially ones in great condition, such as yours. It is really good, that it has found its way into your collection. Wonderful stuff ! You certainly have a knack for hunting out wonderful guns!



ATB

Lakey

[45flint]

Finally out in the backyard shooting. Bottom line is the aperture sight is right on and very easy to use. The downside to its placement is it really isn’t low enough to fold it down and use the normal sight effectively. Given that the aperture sight is so effective I really can’t see messing with it’s placement. In low light conditions I have 3 peep hole settings. Yes it’s unorthodox but certainly not as evasive as a factory install. I will just take it off and stabilize and fill any cracks. In a way this sight is part of the history of this rifle, I bet done by the owner many years ago? At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

The power was excellent as well I was over 600 FPS with 7.9 grain pellets. Certainly a easier rifle to shoot than the longer heavier Standard. I’m ready for my vintage bell target. May be a long wait here in the US.

[harvey_s]

... May be a long wait here in the US.

I dunno, it only takes a few with an interest and a bell target to start - doesn't have to be with vintage stuff either, quickly gets addictive and there's always the chance for transatlantic competions with the Internet.

[micky2]

Finally out in the backyard shooting. Bottom line is the aperture sight is right on and very easy to use. The downside to its placement is it really isn’t low enough to fold it down and use the normal sight effectively. Given that the aperture sight is so effective I really can’t see messing with it’s placement. In low light conditions I have 3 peep hole settings. Yes it’s unorthodox but certainly not as evasive as a factory install. I will just take it off and stabilize and fill any cracks. In a way this sight is part of the history of this rifle, I bet done by the owner many years ago? At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

The power was excellent as well I was over 600 FPS with 7.9 grain pellets. Certainly a easier rifle to shoot than the longer heavier Standard. I’m ready for my vintage bell target. May be a long wait here in the US.

Glad you enjoyed shooting it, and it shoots just right as it is. l would also do the same with the peep sight as you suggest, and as you say it is all part of it's history. and that is what collecting is all about. that is why l am not keen on refinished guns.

[rapidresponse1]

that is a lovely rifle what a nice find