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

[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?

[danlett]

Very nice indeed.
airgunmaniac

[Garvin]

That is one gorgeous BSA and I'm not surprised you fell in love with it! The forged trigger guard is a lovely touch, yes. I remember reading (in Knibbs?) that a workers' strike led to shortages of the hand crafted guards, speeding adoption of the cheaper, machine-stamped guards.

It's interesting how many prewar BSAs have turned up in the US in fantastic condition, with the cylinder etching clearly visible. Maybe it's the climate? Or a 'gun culture' in which owners really knew how to look after them properly?

Or maybe in a firearms-soaked country many new owners were disappointed with spring-generated power levels and tucked them away without giving them the sort of punishing use that was common back in the UK?

[Garvin]

I've never seen a rear peep sight surface mounted - all others have been set into the wood to some extent. You could move it forward a bit and fill in the screw holes. But the front sight seems higher than usual, so you'd have to ensure you have the necessary vertical adjustment if you do drop the sight down by a few mill... if it's comfortable to shoot maybe leave well alone?

[45flint]

I've never seen a rear peep sight surface mounted - all others have been set into the wood to some extent. You could move it forward a bit and fill in the screw holes. But the front sight seems higher than usual, so you'd have to ensure you have the necessary vertical adjustment if you do drop the sight down by a few mill... if it's comfortable to shoot maybe leave well alone?

I did see that it was a high front sight but not sure that it’s not normal? Lakey’s 1919 in the Gallery looks similar? He even comments that it’s high? See below? Going out today to see where it hits with that back sight, don’t disagree if it works leave well enough alone? Did put some oil down the tap yesterday and the leather seal is rock solid and holds air pressure forever! Must not have been overshot. I really think these treasures are in great shape here because of the firearms culture. These were not taken seriously. Also collectors over here seem to want American Airguns of their youth. All the better for me, but am surprised there is not more competition over here for these types of Airguns? But this one was not cheap. Lol Trouble not many were imported so you have to find one.


Lakey’s 1919 front sight


My front sight

[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.

[45flint]

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.

We were actually set to have the first vintage shoot at a local Airgun show here in my home State next month but the show got Crona Virused. Maybe next year. I saw a Utube of a English Bell target at a indoor sporting club they had modern 10 meter target rifles just didn’t seem right! Lol

[mrto]

Another antique air rifle in fantastic condition you now have in your collection,well done!Doubtless,as Danny mentions above America as a destination for air guns back in the first half of the twentieth century was the ideal place to ensure they would be shot twice and then stored forever by the disappointed owner! Perfectly understandable when in a country unafflicted by draconian firearms laws a plethora of very nice rimfire rifles and pistols were and still are easily available,(not to mention the bigger calibres)!

For me the the Light Pattern is one of the nicest springers BSA ever made.

[harvey_s]

We were actually set to have the first vintage shoot at a local Airgun show here in my home State next month but the show got Crona Virused. Maybe next year. I saw a Utube of a English Bell target at a indoor sporting club they had modern 10 meter target rifles just didn’t seem right! Lol

Yeah, but that's the lure... and how I got ruddy hooked in!

[45flint]

I guess if you look at the sight you could extrapolate how deep the recess into the stock should be by the yard markings on the sight? I’m zeroed and am probably over a 1/8 inch below the 10 yard mark? Not a exact science but you have to assume the factory had specs. for depth for a factory install? The detail and quality of these little sights is pretty cool.