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Second Hand Focus: BSA Airsporter

Second Hand Focus: BSA Airsporter

I first became aware of the glorious MK1 Airsporter when a school friend mentioned his Uncle had one, tucked away in the cupboard, in tidy condition. What always intrigued me was the way the loading tap automatically pops up when the action is cocked- and it really is a neat piece of engineering, from this famous old British manufacturer.

CONDITION

BSA’s Airsporter is one of the most famous of all under-lever airguns, and the MK1 on show here, is in superb condition. That classic parallel-sided stock design, curvaceous trigger guard, and beautifully contoured cylinder end block, are undoubtedly what defines the profile; and I stand by my statement that it’s pretty much the best looking airgun ever made.

The MKI is identifiable by virtue of that more subtle, slimmed down forend tip, where later versions had a fully curved edge. Having a concealed under-lever is the key to the seamless visuals, and where that’s concerned, this MK1 features the proper metal release catch, rather than that nasty plastic button, that followed much later.

It also comes with a semi bull barrel, which is made from one piece of steel, incorporating the front section of the cylinder. Power output is between 10 and 10.5ft/lbs, in keeping with most Airsporters (until the arrival of the pokier ‘S’ model in 1979), whilst the perfectly shaped, set back trigger is another plus point.

Interestingly, the walnut stock here is constructed from three pieces, with two slim sections forming the ‘flared’ forend sides. In keeping with many guns of the period, no butt pad or even plate exists however.

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DETAIL

A complete absence of scope rails also serves to illustrate how few airgun shooters used scopes at the time; but of course a quest for all mod cons is to miss the point with this glorious rifle of yesteryear. My fine specimen here has the serial number GA2749 stamped into the underside of the trigger/end block, picked out in gold paint, and this confirms the date of production between 1954 and 1958.

This one comes fitted with that satisfyingly precise Parker Hale peep sight too, which offers a fine aperture through which to view the fore sight. The folding design is neat, and the whole set-up adds curiosity value for many.

SECOND HAND…

When buying these or indeed any Airsporters second hand, the key area to inspect is the loading tap. If it’s out of alignment, then the pellet may be distorted as it is chambered. This apart, no airgun collection is complete without a classic Airsporter or two.

If just the sight of this highly tasteful piece of airgun history is beginning to give you a nervous twitch, then Steve Dixon, at Country Sporting Guns is the man to call. When I broached the subject of ‘asking price’, his emotional attachment became obvious, but I have a feeling if the price is right, this delightful collectors gem may change hands yet.

Country Sporting Guns can be found at Punchbowl Lane, Brothertoft, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3SB Open Mon-Sat inclusive 0900-530

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