This is a most interesting thread and might, at the micro level, be analogous of the situation at the macro level with regard to so much of British industry.

It is also sad to consider the plight of Britain's airgun history, given that BSA was the forerunner of the modern air rifle. As in so many other areas, in Britain, we were far ahead of the game with our inventions and innovations. The Germans copied everything we did prior to WW1 but, unlike us, invested the capital.

Alas, the mentality here was the greatest financial return for the least investment. Management did not invest in R&D (research and development) and that finished Webley, as it did for so much of British industry.

There were, of course, exceptions and in the shooting world these encompassed Air Arms and Daystate - being two examples. They proved that we were still up there with the best of the competition.

In common with many, here, I could not find a worthwhile British air rifle in the late 70s, so I bought an FWB127 and then an Original 45; the latter still performs well some 37 years later.

Webley could have been saved. What a magnificent brand name to own. I would have canvassed the views and requirements of the leading and best informed consumers and then produced the best rifles, featuring consistency, accuracy, durability, first class triggers and - lastly - the consideration of price.

I don't know who owns Webley today but that could all still be done and produced in this country. It would require venture capital but that could be raised. The old Mk3 could be resuscitated (with its famous blueing) but completely re-designed with a modern trigger, updated loading breach, improved accuracy, modern sight rail, improved open sights (for those who prefer them), and additional improvements. Many shooters would give the new designs sentimental preference over the foreign competition if they proved themselves worthy.

Even all these years later, the brand would sell itself but, given the prevalence of modern media and the internet, a successful product would quickly take off and the name could again become associated with top class quality and reliability.

Rgds
A