The Best Pre-War Break Barrel Rifle

[PaulK62]

If I'd known we'd consider the Mk2 Service or Britannia as pre war break barrels then they'd both be my favourites.

For the record both my Britannia's are the most accurate pre war air rifles I have, indeed the scruffy example that I tuned and 'targetised' (fitted with front and rear BSA peep sights) is ridiculously accurate, able to hit a 40mm spinner at 55yds repeatedly from an FT sitting position. Crazy. I'll get round to documenting that at some point.

I do think the design is indeed elegant, the balance point is the trigger, which is perfect for standing shots. The only thing that can let down very well used examples is the trigger, which often has to be set a bit heavy for safety reasons, if it has worn sears. Not on this one though...

Amazing airguns, and as I said, my most accurate.

Cheers,
Matt

Agreed, the Britannia's trigger is arguably its weakest feature. Regarding balance, two of the Britannias, SN 593, which I still have, has a 21" barrel, whereas SN 2313, which I regretfully sold, had a 23" barrel. The extra two inches, if I recall, did improve the balance somewhat, but SN 593 still points and balances beautifully, at least for my hold. On a side note, it shoots almost as hard as my FWB 124.

I guess the Webley Service is technically a break barrel if pivoting the barrel to cock the gun to load the pellet directly into the bore is the definition of a break barrel. In that case, I'd have to say it's a tie - the Webley MK II and the Britannia are, in my opinion, the best pre-war break barrels. The aforementioned Dianas are pretty great, too, and I certainly wouldn't kick an FLZ out of bed for eating crackers.

Fantastic photos, Matt. I'm green with envy.

[PaulK62]

Fantastic photos, Matt. I'm green with envy.

P.S. I liked how you used the 1905 Penny to illustrate how to access the spring. Nice touch.

Below are the two Britannias I referenced in my previous post. It's an old 35mm photo I took in 1999 when both were still in my collection. Top SN 593, bottom SN 2313.