BSA Light Pattern tinkering

[jirushi]

Hi,

A few days ago I received my first BSA Light Pattern, from a very kind gentleman on here.
I thought it would be a nice, compact gun for hours of plinking and target practice fun. I've had a Standard Pattern, but it was a bit long and heavy for me (must go to the gym more often, plans for 2022 ).

Although the gun shot well, I could see that the spring was dry, and the tap didn't say "click".
So I opened her up.

After having worked on a few slightly frustrating pumpers, this was a piece of cake!
So easy to disassemble. Only a small amount of preload on the spring.

I have soaked the piston seal in neatsfoot oil for about 24 hours. I'm not sure if it did anything, as power hasn't gone up or down. Luckily there still isn't any dieseling.
There is a small amount of moly grease on the spring and piston.
The part that makes the tap click, was stuck. It took about an hour to get it out, but it was worth the effort. I put a new spring in, and a ball bearing. She clicks again!

The trigger is nice. A tiny amount of creep, which I could probably remove by adjusting the trigger weight screw, but I think I'll leave it for now.
The weight is not too heavy, not too light.

Now the barrel. I have had an Improved Model D Light Model from 1916 with almost completely worn rifling.
So I was quite afraid to get the same problem.
On this Light Pattern, the rifling looks ok, but shallow. Apparently this is quite usual?
The only worry is that the rifling of the last 0,5 cm (quarter inch or so) looks more or less flat at the top of the barrel, but much better at the bottom.
Not sure how this has happened, and if it will affect accuracy.
I'm itchiing to test the gun, but must wait as I live in the city and can only shoot during some weekends.

Fingers crossed!

Now the velocity/power.
- About 167 m/s (548 ft/s) with 7.33 gr JSB. 4,9 ft/lbs
- About 153 m/s (502 ft/s) with 8.44 gr JSB. 4,7 ft/lbs

The gun shoots a little bit nicer with the lighter pellet, but it's a close call.
Will probably have to test a few more pellet weights and brands.

Any thoughts are appreciated. Is this ok power? Ideas on the rifling?

The search for a very nice example continues by the way

Many thanks,
Louis

[edbear2]

Hi Louis,

600 fps with the original lightish Wasp pellet (7.2 Gr or so) was the claimed power I believe, and what a good one seems to do, so yours sounds quite healthy they often like flat head match like Meisterkugeln /R10 or cheaper Hobby pellets, well worth running a few through and checking power and also how the gun "feels", ie. a smoother shot cycle as it can be notable when you find the one it likes.

The near muzzle issue could be a problem, you will only find out when you test for accuracy, at indoor / bell target ranges (5.5 meters) it should be pellet on pellet if rested, especially with match ammo.



ATB, Ed

[Josie & John]

Hi Louis,

That looks like a nice example of a c.1929 Standard No 1 with the so called 'Transitional' stock.

I'm not particularly technically minded, so can't comment on rifling but it generally does not wear out on old BSAs. It will last several lifetimes if lead pellets are used rather than nails, BBs or other inappropriate ammunition, albeit a lot of misuse would be needed to wear out a BSA!

The velocities you measured sound about right to me; brand new, these Standards shot at around 600 fps.

The piston washer looks a little worn but if the rifle fires smoothly, I would be inclined to treat it with oil, as you have done and leave it in place. Protek should be able to supply a replacement that fits if you need one.

Kind regards,

John

[jirushi]

Thank you very much Ed and John for your advice. Much appreciated.

@Ed, I will buy a tin of RWS Meisterkugeln. And I might be able to shoot indoors, "when the cat's away".
Pellet on pellet is the goal.
I have a feeling that holding the front with an open hand palm, works best.
A gentle "artillery" hold, as with most springers, I guess.

@John, I can't wait to receive your book (I think Dutch customs are having a good read, judging by the time it's spending there ).
I do like this gun, but most of the original finish has gone. Not a problem for me; as long as it's a good shooter.

Cheers, Louis

[harvey_s]

I've tested 3 pretty good shooting light patterns and they came out at 5.30, 5.51& 5.64 ft/lbs if that helps.

[Lakey]

The sear tumbler seems to be missing from the photo of the dismantled gun. Was it shy

Seriously, the trigger group might benefit from a light clean and relube. You have the three hole , trigger block with the internal adjustment. Loosen off the lock screw, then you can adjust the trigger. Dont make it too light though.

Nice rifle, hope it shoots as good as it looks.

Lakey

[DAVALI]

I recently brought back to life a BSA light where the muzzle end of the rifling had rusted away due to being stored vertically for some years in a damp shed by drilling the rust out until clean rifling was noted, I checked the rifling by pushing a pellet, after removing the loading tap, through using a length of heavy gauge strimmer line checking the rifling indents on the pellet this got the grouping from in excess of two inches at six yards down to less than half an inch.

Dave (the bodger).

[edbear2]

Thank you very much Ed and John for your advice. Much appreciated.

@Ed, I will buy a tin of RWS Meisterkugeln. And I might be able to shoot indoors, "when the cat's away".
Pellet on pellet is the goal.
I have a feeling that holding the front with an open hand palm, works best.
A gentle "artillery" hold, as with most springers, I guess.

@John, I can't wait to receive your book (I think Dutch customs are having a good read, judging by the time it's spending there ).
I do like this gun, but most of the original finish has gone. Not a problem for me; as long as it's a good shooter.

Cheers, Louis

Hi Louis, also it is woth trying a light hold under the trigger guard / behind the cocking slot are so you can use a proper target stance, they often shoot well like this too!

ATB, ED

[Josie & John]

Hi Louis, also it is woth trying a light hold under the trigger guard / behind the cocking slot are so you can use a proper target stance, they often shoot well like this too!

ATB, ED

Excellent advice. I do this and literally rest the BSA on my supporting hand with no pressure applied.

John