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Thread: Gerald Cardue report - BSA 240 Magnum

  1. #1
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    Gerald Cardue report - BSA 240 Magnum

    Has anyone got a copy of Gerald Cardue's report on the BSA 240 Magnum pistol? I remember reading it in the past but can't find a copy online. I now have one of these pistols so I'd find it interesting to re-read the article. Thanks in advance 🙂

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    I have a nice example from 1995 which came with paperwork including an “Air Weapons Final Inspection Certificate” stamped for accuracy compliance at 25yds ! The pistol is quite top heavy which puts some owners off, but I get along with it fine now that I have become accustomed to it. Mine doesn’t really live up to the “Magnum” tag but quite powerful enough for most purposes. The polystyrene packing tray within the box has what looks like it has extra provision for a longer cylinder and I believe there were plans to include this which never made it into production.



    Brian
    Last edited by Abasmajor; 09-05-2024 at 04:02 PM.

  3. #3
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    Nice looking pistol Brian. I had mine out earlier shooting sat down with both hands at a large Birchwood Casey target at 8 yards. Mine does group but needs more elevation. It likes RWS roundheads (177) but I might try some heavier JSB's as I understand they might give more hight. We will see.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Collector View Post
    Nice looking pistol Brian. I had mine out earlier shooting sat down with both hands at a large Birchwood Casey target at 8 yards. Mine does group but needs more elevation. It likes RWS roundheads (177) but I might try some heavier JSB's as I understand they might give more hight. We will see.
    Mine is in .22 calibre and shoots well with RWS Hobby wadcutter pellets. I have found these also work well in .177 calibre on my older spring powered air pistols which seem to prefer lighter pellets.

    Brian

  5. #5
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    I’ll dig out the copy I got with Gerald Cardew’s evaluation 240 Magnum. It’s his typed copy, rather than as it appeared in the magazine, complete with various BSA paperwork. Bought it from Mr Dyson a few years back. No idea who had it before me.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by ashf9999 View Post
    I’ll dig out the copy I got with Gerald Cardew’s evaluation 240 Magnum. It’s his typed copy, rather than as it appeared in the magazine, complete with various BSA paperwork. Bought it from Mr Dyson a few years back. No idea who had it before me.
    Ah, thank you. Much appreciated. 👍

  7. #7
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    I’ll scan it in Monday or Tuesday when I’m next in the office, as my scanner here is broken.

    A little teaser. His first prediction is completely wrong. Couldn’t be more wrong.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by ashf9999 View Post
    I’ll dig out the copy I got with Gerald Cardew’s evaluation 240 Magnum. It’s his typed copy, rather than as it appeared in the magazine, complete with various BSA paperwork. Bought it from Mr Dyson a few years back. No idea who had it before me.
    One of Mr Cardews sources of income from his airgun work was from selling, usually by post, copies of his technical articles etc. all printed out on a large old photocopier in his front room.
    It sounds like that may have been the source.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by greenwayjames View Post
    One of Mr Cardews sources of income from his airgun work was from selling, usually by post, copies of his technical articles etc. all printed out on a large old photocopier in his front room.
    It sounds like that may have been the source.
    Possibly so, but it’s got his hand written notes and the BSA packing list addressed to Gerald Cardew and the serial number matches. You can see Tim’s original page for it here https://timdysonairguns.co.uk/produc...tol-sn-pw-429/
    Last edited by ashf9999; 12-05-2024 at 02:00 PM.

  10. #10
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    Some owners of the 240 have complained about accuracy. I discovered that it was caused by a simple problem. The muzzle of the barrel ends inside the pistol so the pellet is jumping a gap on firing and can clip the edge of the exit hole on the end of "slide" casting. By slightly opening the hole the problem is cured. They can then be quite an accurate pistol.

    Baz

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    BE AN INDEPENDENT THINKER, DON'T FOLLOW THE CROWD

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Benelli B76 View Post
    Some owners of the 240 have complained about accuracy. I discovered that it was caused by a simple problem. The muzzle of the barrel ends inside the pistol so the pellet is jumping a gap on firing and can clip the edge of the exit hole on the end of "slide" casting. By slightly opening the hole the problem is cured. They can then be quite an accurate pistol.

    Baz

    [IMG][/IMG]
    Hi Baz,

    The Jon Budd tuned 240 I bought at the last Kempton was modified as you suggest and is the most accurate 240 I have owned (I've owned 3 in the past including a gold plated special edition).

    I finally found a 240 I like. To be fair, with my passion for BSA I have always wanted to like the pistol but found it inaccurate and uncomfortable to shoot. John's modified grips have cured the latter issue too.

    John
    Currently looking for Baikal Makarov pistols with the following prefixes to the serial number: 98, T01, T09, T21, T22
    Prefer boxed or cased but will consider loose examples too.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Collector View Post
    Has anyone got a copy of Gerald Cardue's report on the BSA 240 Magnum pistol? I remember reading it in the past but can't find a copy online. I now have one of these pistols so I'd find it interesting to re-read the article. Thanks in advance 🙂
    John Atkins, asked me to post this:

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    In British slang an anorak is a person who has a very strong interest in niche subjects.

  13. #13
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    Thanks for posting that article. Interesting about the position of the transfer port. I'm not sure if mine is clipping pellets. Just need to do a bit more testing. I've just ordered some heavier pellets.

  14. #14
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    Thumbs up

    I've a couple of Magnums, A mk1 and a mk2, Have to say, The breech seal being held in place in the mk2 is a huge improvement as I was shooting my mk1 and after loading something caught my eye as I closed the barrel, Looked down and noticed the breech seal on the ground!

    I was very careful to ensure it was still in situ each time I loaded it after that!



    John
    for my gunz guitarz and bonzai, see here
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