BSA Scorpion Pistol .177

[Bumpsfelt]

I have just picked up one of these complete with it's box. It is a bit tatty and I will tidy it up a bit.
Two questions:

1. Its serial prefix is PA which is Mk1 although it has scope rails which I believe is only found on Mk2s. What do we think?

2. What is the ratio of calibres manufactured- .177 to .22?

Thanks

[lodmoor]

You are into the area of smoke and mist, according to most sources the MK2 (scope rails) was not produced until 1977 but I bought one circa 1973.
prefixes are confusing to, should relate to bore but also power (some were fitted with a shorter main spring).

Good luck with your research, please keep us all informed as I have delved for years and I am still ignorant.

(I have a MK1 and a MK2 and also have done refurbs over the years on a number of others, .177/.22 probably 50/50 with a slight bias to .22, my experience, don't quote me!).

[Troubledshooter]

I have a 1st. Issue parts list dated August 1973 where PA & RA prefixes are used with no scope rails shown in the parts diagram, then a 6th. Issue dated March 1977 with PA & RB prefixes and scope rails shown.
I also have a March 1977 Issue 6 list with prefixes PA & PB shown, but I suspect this is a printing error.

There may well be other issues of the Scorpion instructions and parts list, and it would be interesting to know if anyone has any of these.

[lodmoor]

The Final Inspection Certificate on my ( bought about 1973ish with scope rails) gun has the number RB30247 on it.

As I say, smoke and mirrors.

BSA inspector No 13 by the way.