Sexiest looking classic (pre 1960) airgun

[Lakey]

Hi All,

As the collectors 'Lounge' is a bit quiet at the moment I will ask the following question and invite people to submit their answers....

"What is the sexiest looking classic (pre 1960) Air Rifle or Pistol ever? And Why ?

For me it would have to be the BSA Cadet/Cadet Major. The smooth flowing shape is fab, the way the metalwork blends into the stock. The Tonka Toy build quality, and the fact that in 1946 it broke the mould and was totally different to what had gone before.....

Thats my idea, now how about yours

All the best

Lakey

[edbear2]

Mmmmmm, that's one of my faves too. I suppose the Airsporter Mk 1 must be right up there for classic lines (and like the Cadets...it looks "right", and this initial feeling is confirmed by the actual balance and point-ability of these guns as you shoulder them)

From a "nuts and bolts" perspective...ie purposeful / engineering look .....Westley Richards "highest possible" with the heart cut out in pistol, Webley Service in rifle are high on my list, although I prefer BSA's as shooting tools.......The original Lincoln and pre 1914 underlevers are also very clean looking and uncluttered, although not to everyone's taste.

The Original/Diana mod 50 must be right up there as well, and the Webley Mk 111...

[Mark D]

Crosman 600 - Techno tour de force of it's time and still able to match anything on the market today. It still has a shape and build quality that makes it very much a pistol of any generation!

[Garvin]

Hmm. Tough one Andy. I think it would have to be this 1958-ish HW35E, for the following reasons:

It's an early enough example to have been hand-finished by a real craftsman whose main aim in life was to produce a quality product and who didn't have some git with a clipboard constantly checking up on whether he was meeting his weekly unit performance target.

It looks gorgeous and apart from the alloy Rekord trigger and bakelite buttplate and pistol grip cap is made entirely of walnut, steel and leather.

It has an all-steel diopter rear sight so finely crafted and finished that on its own it would cost as much to make today as a brand new HW100 rifle.

It handles and shoots superbly, especially considering it's over 60 years old.

[mallyally]

MK1 BSA meteor does it for me
beautiful from every angle

[ccdjg]

For me it's got to be a pistol, and something older. This beauty is more than 100 years old and looks as sleek now as it did back then. Walnut stock, fluted grips, heavily nickelled furniture, everything hand made - what else could you want?
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...Pairpistol.jpg

[hwvixen]

Depends what you mean by "sexy"...it would have to be the BSA Military Pattern for me..just something about those rugged lines that hits the spot...(no i'm not a bender ) nurse,more medicine..single malt style..

[keith66]

Original model 50e very sleek rifle with lovely shaped stock, the later ones had a stock shaped like something used to stir a vat of jam.

[Josie & John]

Interesting question Andy, especially when beauty can be in the eye of the beholder. Has to be a toss up between a cased BSA Improved Model D, with all the correct accessories and the Webley Service. I used to consider the BSA underlever as ugly but my opinion has mellowed over the years and I now think of the rifles as purposeful and businesslike with no unnecessary frills.

The Service has to be one of the sexiest air rifles of all time as it is undoubtedly a quality product and there are lots of features to play with such as the quick barrel release, bolt lever, safety (on early models), choice of iron or peepsight and its general resemblance to a service arm of the period.

Then again, the Cadet/Major is sleek and beautiful too. For looks alone, I don't think this break barrel has ever been beaten.

Oh hell, I just can't make up my mind and will just have to be polygamous on this one!

John

[mat BRC]

MK1 BSA meteor does it for me
beautiful from every angle

i just had one oryonef those in lol, every one thats seen it says what a great example it is, cant see it myself lol, but a goold old gun

[Rob M]

For rifles, it would be the Mk1 Airsporter or Cadet, so nice to shoot and such clean and graceful lines.

For pistols, my favourite is the Abas Major, a nice design, compact and graceful, well made too (and yes, I am lucky enough to own one! ). But then I also like Webley Seniors and Premiers with the curvy grip, I also think that Hy-Scores, especially Sporters, have a certain appeal too.

Although it's a bit 'German' (not much grace or style about it) I also like the Tell III, it has very nice proportions, looks like a good design and seems well made. Not 'sexy' as such as it lacks a certain something, but as German airguns go, probably my favourite.

[Gareth W-B]

What is the sexiest looking classic (pre 1960) Air Rifle or Pistol ever? And Why ?

Rifle-wise, the sexiest just has to be the Airsporter MkI with its three-piece, finger grooved, walnut stock, tapered barrel, and smooth shotgun-style sloped-back. Not only a handsome gun, but from an actual shooting perspective, is one of the better Airsporter models manufactured, too. As for sexiest pistol? Here, the Webley slant-grip, curly trigger Senior rules. It is just beautiful, and does exactly as it says on the tin. Good thread this.

[Lakey]

Thanks everyone for the answers so far..This has turned out to be a good thread. Who said the collectors lounge was quiet???

I have already quoted my choice for air rifle, however I am now not
so certain having seen some of the other choices.... However I am still sure of my pistol choice ABAS MAJOR all day long

Iconic, short lived 100% English design, with chunky barrel and turn tap loading. Made of billet steel,leather and silky smooth bakelite grips. One of the Holy Grails of pistol collectors. Superb in every way

keep the answers coming....

Lakey

[ogilkes]

Hmmmm... I would think the Mk1 Airsporter as far as rifles go and the Abas Major for pistols.

[Oldandshaky]

My best Rifle, has to be the Cadet Major my early 40s model has a wonderful stock made from ? walnut or could be meranti from my school woodwork class days? what ever, it looks superb its light and shoots with accuracy, is easy to work on and easy for an old guy to use. I can shoot it all day without getting tired...
My best pistol would have to be a Webley target, I don't own one but maybe one day...Dave...