Q) I have just taken possession of a small underlever tap-loading air rifle in very good condition, but lacking maker’s marks. I have been told it is a BSA. It is stamped with the number “1” near the loading tap and has the number “L16829” marked just above the trigger on the back block. Can you tell me anything about this rifle? P. RICE By email
Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers. Find out moreA) It would appear that your rifle was made by BSA between the two World Wars. It is a Light Pattern Standard model in .177 calibre, which was despatched from the BSA factory on 2 August 1922. It was a model designed for target shooting and intended for young people and ladies. The Lincoln Jeffries Company made a very similar model before the Great War, which they sold as the “Ladies’ Pattern”. It proved to be ideal for pest control and many thousands are still in regular use today. The number “1” refers to the calibre, No. 1 being .177 bore.
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