BSA METEOR SUPER - Three cheers

It’s no secret that BSA shares the same owners as Spanish-based Gamo and has done so for a while now. At some stage, a commercial decision was taken to produce all spring-powered and gas-ram models in Spain, and all PCPs in Birmingham, yet just recently, there’s been a subtle shift in policy and a blurring of the lines, with the result that BSA has now brought back production of a few springers to the UK. The Meteor Super is one such model, and there’s no doubt, with its brand-new Minelli-made woodwork, that it’s a real looker.

Heritage

BSA’s Meteor should be something of a national institution, having been originally introduced back in 1955. The original model was always intended as a simple, no-frills, break-barrel design, aimed at juniors, and has sold in huge numbers over the years. No doubt bringing thousands of youngsters into our great sport. Styling was fairly bland, but it was all about a gun that little Jonny could handle and operate with relative ease, alongside his dad who would probably opt for the beautiful, adult proportioned, Airsporter.  A simple sporter stock with little definition, or even a butt pad, gave the Meteor weedy looks, let’s face it. However, alongside the original, this latest incarnation is very much a different proposition.

Slimline specification

A close inspection of the action reveals this model is attempting to stay true to its roots, with a slimline cylinder still utilized, which helps keep weight down. A small cylinder can mean low power, as it loses swept volume, yet before anyone starts questioning energy levels, for the record, this latest version is very much a full power specification. There are plenty of basic features too, as it comes complete with fibre optic open sights, manual safety catch, anti-bear trap mechanism, a 2-stage trigger, and even a threaded muzzle.

Stunning sporter

And so, to that woodwork. Fashioned by Minelli, who seem to hoover up stock production throughout the airgun industry, their tell-tale ‘m’ can be seen, perfectly laser etched into the pistol grip. This stock is lacquered beech, and the resultant medium-brown hue reveals plenty of grain pattern. The angular, slimmed-down forend is both stylish and practical, and the full 90º grip is again pleasingly slimmed for comfort and handling. Laser cut patterns are cut into both, and these mirror BSA’s latest PCP models, where traditional chequering is replaced with what’s best termed as ‘graduated grip’. The panels are actually made up of tiny dots, which start small and sharp and get progressively larger and flatter. The end result is certainly different and affords plenty of grip in the aim. The jury’s out on the looks.

Gone is the fairly pointless rock-hard Gamo pad, which has now been replaced by a soft rubber one that looks and feels great. The defined cheekpiece and scalloped underside complete the ambidextrous configuration, and overall, this is one tasty piece of woodwork.

Sighting up

As mentioned, the Meteor Super comes fitted with fibre optic open sights, and the profile of both the rear sight and foresight unit follow the time-honoured BSA pattern, ensuring they look very familiar to anyone of a certain age. The foresight carries a small red element as the bead, although care needs to be taken here, as there’s no protective hood. The rear sight has two green elements that make the notch, and a good sight picture is the result. Adjustment at the rear is via the usual finger wheels, and it all works well.

Fitting a scope is no challenge, given the extensive dovetail rails, and whilst I would have warned against sizeable optics, so as not to foul the opening breech, on test, I fitted a pretty large MTC Mamba model with no problem, so the configuration is sufficiently flexible.

Handling and feel

So, it’s time to see how this Meteor handles. Breaking the barrel open on my test gun required a sharp jolt, and then the cocking stroke thereafter required just fair effort to complete. There’s plenty of spring noise through the stroke, and for the record, given the anti-bear trap mechanism fitted, it isn’t possible to de-cock the action. Push a pellet into the breech and lock the barrel back up. The lock-up, incidentally, feels very secure and is achieved with a satisfying clunk.

The trigger fitted to this Meteor actually utilizes a plastic blade, which sounds much worse than it is. In reality, with a nice broad ridged surface, super light first stage, and ultra-crisp release, it’s a fairly pleasant experience. Add in a modest second-stage weight, and I’d say this unit is comfortably above average for a spring-powered rifle of this type. It’s adjustable too, so worth some judicious twiddling if you feel competent enough.

As for the firing cycle, all I can say is it feels like a throwover from the Gamo internal set-up, and for that read a quick feeling action with no spring resonance, but it’s quite noisy and a little bit harsh. In other words, it’s nothing special.

Number crunching

Recently, I shot a different example of this model for a Gun Mart TV video, and the velocity figures and consistency were remarkably similar. A total velocity variation over ten shots of just 8 fps is pretty impressive, and energy levels of just over 11 ft/lbs are par for the course. Interestingly, the gun on show here was notably more accurate, printing tidy ½” groups over 25 yards with a variety of ammo. As usual, examples of the same model can vary slightly from gun to gun, but this particular one was clearly capable of serious performance.

Verdict

So, what do I reckon overall? Well, I like the fact that the action is still slim to keep weight down yet produces full adult power levels. The new sporter stock design is obviously a total triumph too, since it looks superb, yet offers the full package in terms of support and handling. I just feel BSA have missed a trick, since their big fanfare of production returning to the UK could have offered a more refined action, with a more subtle feel. Perhaps this will come with a more luxurious version, specially prepped for a premium?

As it stands, this model offers a traditional break-barrel configuration, excellent stock, decent performance, and fair value for money. And three cheers to that.

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this rifle.