BSA centrefire variants

Pretty sure @bunji called for a new thread on the BSA sporting rifles of yesteryear. I have owned a few Viscount 7x57's and a near new Hunter in 222. I was once a member of an NZ BSA interest group (long before internet forums) run by a collector of BSA by the name of Lindsay from the Coromandel and had a huge amount of paper copies of sales brochures and other literature from the days of glory, but unfortunately this got misplaced during a shift and went to the tip.

I'm sure there is still good info out there among our members and some has been shared through other posts. Over the years I've come across some interesting stuff relating to the early days of centrefire development and I'll post some photos that I saved from a TM auction. This one must have been very early in the 50's and was described as being made as a dabble in the US market. It's a BSA Factory 220 Swift in a longer action than the 222 & marked "Hunter", note the Mauser type extractor and bolt release. Shame the bolt wasn't photographed.
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I also have another photo I need to find of a Viscount 7x57 being sold with its original box from the factory. This box is marked "Hunter"

Is this a thread to post photos of our BSA? Cos I have a sporter Mauser with a decent 308 win barrel on it.

Started a simillar thread on the UK forums: https://www.thestalkingdirectory.co....l-arms.189300/

Would be very interested to see all the models as I never could get my head around the early designations!

There was an accountant chap from Gore who have a very significant collection (20 or 30??) of these early BSA's, an amazing variety, many different calibers - I recall a 257 Roberts, integral muzzle brakes, all sorts of things, his were all minters to . . . .

Theres a guy in Wgtn, that had the whole of his second story in his house devoted to his collection of sporting rifles. He specialised in BSA's, and believed he had one of every model, often several of some models. Cant remember his name, but that was way back in the 90's

@Mathias Thanks mate lets hope a few of you knowledgeable on the old BSA models can pass on some good info ,as there always seems to be a lot of interest when one comes up & a lot of questions asked about them .:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Russian 22.

Is this a thread to post photos of our BSA? Cos I have a sporter Mauser with a decent 308 win barrel on it.

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Yeah why not share the pics of BSA's on here. They are great firearms with a colourful history here in NZ.

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Originally Posted by Tentman

There was an accountant chap from Gore who have a very significant collection (20 or 30??) of these early BSA's, an amazing variety, many different calibers - I recall a 257 Roberts, integral muzzle brakes, all sorts of things, his were all minters to . . . .

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I've only ever seen one 257 Roberts Viscount in NZ for sale, surely there must be more.

Here's the picture of the Viscount 7x57 for sale with original box and Pecar scope I might add. Now this box marked as Hunter could well have been how they were delivered to NZ and how most of us know them as BSA Hunters. I certainly knew them as that, as I had two uncles from that error, one was a Govt culler & the other a meat hunter on and off.
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I should add that I did actually see in the flesh 20+ years ago a Viscount 308 in a red box like this, that the original owner showed me. Never had a scope fitted and had 6 rounds fired from the original Winchester ammo that came in yellow boxes in those days. I tracked it down about 10 years ago and he had given it to his son in law and it was in a bad state to say the least, box was gone.

I sold on behalf a BSA Mauser actioned 303. It was a military action but fully re-firbed with a BSA barrel

BSA sold actions to the states, the rifles were sold under the "Herters" brand, brought a few of their stocks from Boyds a few years ago.

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Originally Posted by Mathias

I've only ever seen one 257 Roberts Viscount in NZ for sale, surely there must be more.

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Have owned a couple, sold one to D. Tipple for his "collection", mate saw it in a GC store a few months later. Did have the late Tony Hawkins rebarrel a couple of BSA's in 257 Roberts Imp.

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Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

I sold on behalf a BSA Mauser actioned 303. It was a military action but fully re-firbed with a BSA barrel

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Yeah I had a really nice one too, I think they were referred to as the Model E. P14 action reworked & fitted into a walnut stock with checkering on the pistol grip.

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Originally Posted by tetawa

Have owned a couple, sold one to D. Tipple for his "collection", mate saw it in a GC store a few months later. Did have the late Tony Hawkins rebarrel a couple of BSA's in 257 Roberts Imp.

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I had a Viscount rebarreled by Steve Blenkarne of Truflite fame in 257 Roberts Imp, was my main hunting rifle for years and took most of my best trophies with it.

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Originally Posted by Mathias

I had a Viscount rebarreled by Steve Blenkarne of Truflite fame in 257 Roberts Imp, was my main hunting rifle for years and took most of my best trophies with it.

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Was that back in the days when he is was using Pacnor or once he started making his own.

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Originally Posted by Mathias

I had a Viscount rebarreled by Steve Blenkarne of Truflite fame in 257 Roberts Imp, was my main hunting rifle for years and took most of my best trophies with it.

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Had a few barrel jobs by Steve also after Tony passed on, had a 257 Imp chamber reamer which I sold recently to a local guy who did his own chambering.
257 Roberts was a favorite of mine, Tony Hawkins rebarrelled a Browning BAR in it for me.

Well I have a nothing-to-write-home-about CF2 in 222. The last gasp attempt by BSA (the CF2) to survive that most agree they got quite wrong. Nevertheless, while I am not keen on traipsing it around the hills it is beautifully made, slick except for the feed of the small cartridge which requires precision placement in the magazine, and deadly accurate. Paid $450 for it a couple of years ago with a Bushnell Banner scope on it. Not something I intend to part with. Will watch the thread with interest.

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Originally Posted by 25 /08 IMP

Was that back in the days when he is was using Pacnor or once he started making his own.

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Mine was an Olympic barrel which he also imported from the US, shot really well.

A friend of mine has a .257 Roberts Viscount. Only one I've ever seen. Quite heavy. I had a 7x57 years ago which shot very well with 139gr. Hornady projectiles but needed a gun bearer to carry it. Gave it to my son to use.

Moderators - can you sticky this BSA thread for ready reference.

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Originally Posted by Mathias

Here's the picture of the Viscount 7x57 for sale with original box and Pecar scope I might add. Now this box marked as Hunter could well have been how they were delivered to NZ and how most of us know them as BSA Hunters. I certainly knew them as that, as I had two uncles from that error, one was a Govt culler & the other a meat hunter on and off.
Attachment 178247

I should add that I did actually see in the flesh 20+ years ago a Viscount 308 in a red box like this, that the original owner showed me. Never had a scope fitted and had 6 rounds fired from the original Winchester ammo that came in yellow boxes in those days. I tracked it down about 10 years ago and he had given it to his son in law and it was in a bad state to say the least, box was gone.

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Man that is a great way to advertise an old rilfle , Pecar scope and boxes as well , incredible…. I have’nt owned a BSA for a few years now but I used a 7 x 57 Viscount (always called it a Hunter model back in the day ) same as the one above for a long time , I did a stupid thing and had it restored and it lost all its charm so I sold it .
Had a 3006 Majestic for a while as well , lovely light stalking rifles , the ones with the muzzlebreak were not the best on the hearing though.

Here’s a add from American Rifleman Magazine in 1960 for BSA Majestics , 6 Lb 3 oz and a timber stock , thought it would be good info to have with this thread .
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@Lucky good literature there. It supports what @Arthur McBride was saying in promoting the monarchy to the yanks with the Royal line. I see they were quoting the same weight for the Royal Featherweight as the Majestic. These rifles were way ahead of their time when it came to lightweight hunting rifles and I think it was all too new for the yanks that were so used to their 8+ lb rifles from Remington & Winchester, hence why I think the Monarch & CF2 went on to a burger & fries diet and gained a few lbs.

On a side note, the Monarch 1st pattern, which is essentially a Majestic with new trigger & heavier stock can be made into a fine rifle to be appreciated. I saw one that a talented stock maker gave a make over and whittled down the wood and reshaped it to be a 6.5lb rifle with lovely detail. Certainly a possibility to create again as there are a few original Monarch's appearing for sale a realistic prices.

I see a $12 adapter to use if you didnt want the loudener???? wonder just what they were??? I dont think loudeners were screwed on so ant adapter would have to go over it to block vents.....

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Originally Posted by Micky Duck

I see a $12 adapter to use if you didnt want the loudener???? wonder just what they were??? I dont think loudeners were screwed on so ant adapter would have to go over it to block vents.....

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They were a slip over shroud with a pinch bolt to clamp on the barrel, known as a range adaptor.
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Had one, came on a Mini 14, didn't know the origin for many moons.

wonderful......pity browning didnt supply them with the early BOSS systems.... pretty sure the interaction with one of those started the tinitus ringing for me. they later supplied non ported ones....I recal trying coke can and insulation tape to one in .30/06 on range in PLPT to try and tame it....it simply blew it apart...we made fella shoot alone while we all retreated with earmuffs ...man that was LOUD.

@Mathias , yes I agree they were ahead of there time for a lightweight rifle , as you say most sporting rifles were 7 1/2 Pound bare or more , this thread has got me wanting one again now .....

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Originally Posted by Lucky

@Mathias , yes I agree they were ahead of there time for a lightweight rifle , as you say most sporting rifles were 7 1/2 Pound bare or more , this thread has got me wanting one again now .....

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Yeah I want at least two back that I sold [emoji38]

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Mathias

Your Posts are extremely interesting. For one, they have finally cleared up for me the ongoing (global) confusion about the BSA 'Hunter' models of the 1950's. Technically speaking, the only 'Hunter' models were the short action .222 and .22 Hornet models with 'Hunter' stamped on the outer chamber. However, your .220 Swift is the FIRST non .222 or .22 Hornet I have ever seen so stamped 'Hunter' by BSA. I would therefore suggest yours is a VERY rare Rifle!

Also, your Viscount Box labelled 'Hunter' (which I have also never seen before) 100% proves that the old timers on this Forum are right - i.e. throughout the 1950s ALL of the BSA centrefire Rifles of whatever calibre WERE called 'Hunters'. They may not have been stamped 'Hunter', but they were called 'Hunters'. It's great to have this FINALLY clarified.

I don't pretend to know everything about older BSA Rifles, but I do know quite a bit and can talk about them all day!! :-)

My current BSA Collection includes all original, mint .222 and .22 Hornet stamped 'Hunters', original mint Viscount/Regent Featherweights in .243 and 30-06, and a very interesting and original 1956 7x57 Viscount/Regent from South Africa which in its life has taken a LOT of big game out there.

SARVO sold an unfired, 100% mint US-market .222 Hunter on this Forum 2-3 years back, and I regret not buying it.

The older BSAs were generally excellent, accurate and beautiful Rifles, which is why the NZ Cullers blew most of their original barrels out! In fact, I think the main reason the NZ Cullers eventually moved to the Sako Vixen as a preferred shooter was its slight weight advantage (although it was/is also incredibly accurate), and because the Hunters had been so thrashed!

Have the same range adaptor which came with my Majestic when I bought it. Never used it but has been a good talking point over the years. I had a bronze sleeve loctited inside the brake to reduce the noise.

Got a BSA CF2 270 coming in the mail as we speak. Its my first rifle so excited to get my hands on it. Interesting reading about a bit of the history of the BSA rifles

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Originally Posted by Copelli

Mathias

Your Posts are extremely interesting. For one, they have finally cleared up for me the ongoing (global) confusion about the BSA 'Hunter' models of the 1950's. Technically speaking, the only 'Hunter' models were the short action .222 and .22 Hornet models with 'Hunter' stamped on the outer chamber. However, your .220 Swift is the FIRST non .222 or .22 Hornet I have ever seen so stamped 'Hunter' by BSA. I would therefore suggest yours is a VERY rare Rifle!

Also, your Viscount Box labelled 'Hunter' (which I have also never seen before) 100% proves that the old timers on this Forum are right - i.e. throughout the 1950s ALL of the BSA centrefire Rifles of whatever calibre WERE called 'Hunters'. They may not have been stamped 'Hunter', but they were called 'Hunters'. It's great to have this FINALLY clarified.

I don't pretend to know everything about older BSA Rifles, but I do know quite a bit and can talk about them all day!! :-)

My current BSA Collection includes all original, mint .222 and .22 Hornet stamped 'Hunters', original mint Viscount/Regent Featherweights in .243 and 30-06, and a very interesting and original 1956 7x57 Viscount/Regent from South Africa which in its life has taken a LOT of big game out there.

SARVO sold an unfired, 100% mint US-market .222 Hunter on this Forum 2-3 years back, and I regret not buying it.

The older BSAs were generally excellent, accurate and beautiful Rifles, which is why the NZ Cullers blew most of their original barrels out! In fact, I think the main reason the NZ Cullers eventually moved to the Sako Vixen as a preferred shooter was its slight weight advantage (although it was/is also incredibly accurate), and because the Hunters had been so thrashed!

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Hugh Bradley, Stager Sports had many early BSA spare parts a few years ago. Remember him stating he had a Viscount 7x57 with "Hunter" on the action. Only one I.ve heard of.

Here is what I use in BSA's today.
1&2 243 Majestic, well worn, my everyday rifle.
3&4 223 Hunter, MAB 1-10 stainless barrel all cerecoated.
5&6 222 Hunter medium weight barrel, has no bolt so shares with .223. Was rebarreled in England before purchased so know little about it.

Excellent, reliable Shooters tetawa - the 223 Hunter is particularly interesting, and nice.

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Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

Is that a Nickel on the Majestic?

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Yes, came from here.

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Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

I have a fixed four power which my dad put on the 3006 when he bought it in the late fifties. I'm tempted to get it cleaned up and re gassed and put it on the 222.

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I have a couple of 21/2- 6 power, love them. The one on the Majestic is a crosshair with dot, other is 3 posts with dot. Still very clear plus like the FFP set up.

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Originally Posted by tetawa

Here is what I use in BSA's today.
1&2 243 Majestic, well worn, my everyday rifle.
3&4 223 Hunter, MAB 1-10 stainless barrel all cerecoated.
5&6 222 Hunter medium weight barrel, has no bolt so shares with .223. Was rebarreled in England before purchased so know little about it.

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What make are the mounts on the bottom photo ? We bit high but look to fit the dovetails

These old Kowa 4x scopes were good as well , as you can see it has been well used but glass still clear , Parker Hale mounts
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https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...ing/3261320880