I think the introduction of the Meteor heralded a change of policy at BSA from ‘ up to a quality ‘ rather than ‘ down to a price ‘.
Or am I the only one that thinks that, Mick?
When guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns .
I agree, if you compare Mks1 to 6 when Gamo took over but made necessary due to the tooling wearing out , manufacture had been cheapened all the way and was a step down from the Cadet at inception.
However we must remember that the folded metal construction was a success that sold millions all over the world.
Comparing Mks 1 & 2 with later ones the good trigger was replaced with the cheaper later version and made worse still with the Mk5. The Gamo Mk6 trigger even with it's mile long pull is better IMHO.
Remember the Mk1 was blued as well.
Sights started off as iron and changed until the 1st plastic version came in at some point during the Mk3, got worse during the Mk4 before someone saw sense and the later plastic/metal ones were brought in.
Airsporters Mercurys and Scorpion pistols also got this treatment.
All this must have been due to accountants intervening. Such is the bullshit that is 'value engineering' The germans never fell for this unless you know better.
My criticism is in the way the Meteor was treated, not the basic premise that it was a budget gun which was a huge success.
The more I think I know, the more I realise the less I know.