BSA Airsporter MK1 - different thumb catches on loading lever

[Scutler]

I obtained a second MK1 last year, serial G31282, which has a rounded thumb catch instead of the more typical straight sided examples.

I have not been able to find any information on this catch apart from one reference to a "duck bill" catch. Looking on the Vintage Airgun Gallery (what a superb reference tool) these rounded catches seem to appear mainly on the .177 Club Airsporters though there is one shown on a .22 like mine. I also note that most of the examples with the rounded catches also have the BSA imprint on the stock - again, like mine.

Does anyone have any information about this alternative shape of catch? Was it only fitted to special editions or did it find it way onto a variety of Airsporters?

[IMG][/IMG]

[Sunbeam]

The very earliest Airsporters and Clubs had the BSA impressed in the stock and the duck bill type catch.

[Scutler]

Hi Sunbeam

Thanks for your response but it doesn't fit my rifles. My earlier Mk1, serial G18594, has the straight sided thumb catch and no imprint

[Sunbeam]

It's possible that the cocking arm and stock where later replacements on your rifle Scutler, as I have a G27711 which still has the ‘duckbill’ type cocking arm and BSA impressed stock. I think they may have changed when the GA prefix was made, as my GA prefix has the straight type cocking arm and no BSA impressed in the stock.