Gerald Cardue report - BSA 240 Magnum

[Collector]

So, I've been testing my BSA 240 Magnum. Having changed the breech seal, cleaned the barrel & switched changed to RWS Hobby pellets it now holds zero at 8 yards. In fact I will increase the range a bit for the next session. I don't think the pellets on mine are clipping as others have experienced. It's actually quite rewarding to shoot. I plan to do some comparison testing with my .177 Webley Tempest & HW45.

[Inspector 71]

Without doubt, the 240 had the worst pistol grips EVER.

[Collector]

On mine a previous owner had shaved a bit off the top part of the grip one side. It's actually quite comfortable to shoot for me. Having now tested my .177 Webley Tempest as a comparison, the Tempest is more accurate and higher velocity. That said the 240 is a bit more fun to shoot. Easy to cock and I enjoy the challenge on trying to get the best out of the trigger.

[ashf9999]

Without doubt, the 240 had the worst pistol grips EVER.

I guess it’s down to individual fit. The (original) Webley Nemesis was equally slab-sided in the grips department. Personally I don’t find either that bad, but each to their own.

[Abasmajor]

I guess it’s down to individual fit. The (original) Webley Nemesis was equally slab-sided in the grips department. Personally I don’t find either that bad, but each to their own.

I would agree that these pistols are not the most comfortable to hold but perfectly useable once you get used to them and it was nice to have wooden grips rather than plastic ones.

Brian

[rapidresponse1]

i prefere wooden grips over plastic

[Hsing-ee]

Slab sided and pellet jump.

[Brad3]

Horses for courses I spose, but always found it a bit of a contrivance.
Couldn't quite put my finger on it, but maybe a collection of novel arrangements coming together and not quite working for me. It looked like the pre production prototype knocked up for approval of the MD but turned out to be the fully finished item.
The angled breech a flawed design aspect bringing problems which required modification for the seal, the barrel probably too short for them wanting the plenum chamber which turned out to have very limited effect, indeed seems to have introduced its own issue mentioned above. The shocking piece of plastic plug come guide complete with moulding flash.
The wood (despite looking like the first stage of carving before the style profiling got its chance) does at least contrast nicely with the Alloy blacking and suppose you could hand finish. I've seen a few look even more crap with that done though and it would probably spoil the original spec for the collector.
Seemed to jump high and right to me but only had a few brief few shots.

It's true there was certainly a lot of excitement from people like Cardew when it first arrived, perhaps because we were starved of new pistols at that time but think I'd prefer a wood grip Tempest any day.

[Mach 1.5]

Got the August 94 Airgunner when it was first launched. PM me your details and I'll post it to you. If still required. Mach 1.5

[averageplinker]

I have always fancied one of theses but found an HW45 first. Maybe one day I will find one pops up at the right time and price. I don't need a pristine collectors piece, i would prefer something to use not display but am in no rush as have little time for shooting at the mo!

[Inspector 71]

I wonder how many exclamation marks were printed in Airgunner during its tenure...