RobinC wrote:Thanks mrto
So definately a Mk 1, '56 to '58. The stock is definately a one piece, does that indicate it was early? The sights are adjustable elevation on a tubular base with a lock wheel, and it has the auto opening breach which I gather from some other sources that not all had?
Its not mint although I've seen worse guns described as such, but it is in very good condition, probably as a result of being sat in my cabinet for 40 years! Its very interesting to find out about it and any info is much appreciated.
Best regads
Robin
Hi Robin,
I have three MK1 Airsporters one of which is a GA prefix 1954-56 and two of which are GB prefix 56-58 the same as yours.The stock on my GA prefix MK1 is three piece and embossed BSA on the stock butt and the main stock bolt is a stud and seperate threaded nut over which is fitted a bakerlite threaded cap .Both of the stocks on the GB prefix guns I have are
three piece and not embossed.One is secured with the stud and seperate threaded nut and bakerlite threaded cap.The other is secured by a single long threaded bolt and the stock has no provision to accept a threaded cap.
There was a thread on the BBS concerning stocks stock bolts and which were fitted to which series,but people had so many different variations within the same series it seems BSA pretty much put them together based on what stocks etc they had to hand.If I can find the thread again I will post a link to it here.
Is the etching visible on yours on the top of the cylinder by the way?It was only on the MK1 and MK2 that the tap was opened automatically by the cocking lever.Later models were progressively cheapened and bear little resemblance to the early MK1 and MK2's.
In my opinion the only Airsporters worth owning are the MK1 and MK2,though I do have an RB2 simply to have an example of the different type of breech.
Regards,
Mark.