I've owned my BSA CF2 in .243 since about 1980 , put uncountable rounds through it and it still shoots spot on. It's a bit on the heavy side but is unbreakable. Damn good gun
Hi bro from Australia, im 70 years, had BSA heavy barrel in .222 with 3x9 scope, was gorgeous 😍 heavy laminated timber, bedded and floated ,5 rounds at 100 yards in 1inch easy, 7ft kangaroo's at 200 plus yards, cost $200 ❤😊
All the CF2's are hammer-forged barrels, the earlier Majestics etc with the flip-up safety on the rear of the bolt, along with the models machined with scope-rails, are all high-quality hand-cut barrels. A good one of these hand-cut ones can fetch up to 2k here in NZ. The actions of all , are incredibly strong and many custom rifle-builders use them. The bolts and actions are machined out of solid high-carbon steel, like the very expensive top-end rifles (3k+) Parker-Hale mounts definitely fit them. The Gunsmiths/Makers who made these, were exceptional at their trade, and very competitve as to who was the 'Master Smith' in that Industry. David, NZ
OH OH OH..... The jealousy in me is strong after watching all your videos. I have too join you on Patreon, one of the most deserving firearm "TH-camrs"
My father bought his BSA majestic featherweight deluxe in 30-06 when stationed at Alaska in 1961. $170. Half a dozen moose, two black bear and 17 caribou fell to it. Dad passed away in 2011 and I inherited it. It takes Parker Hale rings. With factory ammo it always shoots under 3/4 moa groups. Great rifle with a very unique looking muzzle break.
Fantastic rifle - I know them well. So great that you have your dad's rifle - amazing success he had with that one BSA. Lucky life to be able to hunt so many, and so well.
Even over here in the UK no one wants a Parker Hale or BSA, always opting for something European like a Sauer 202 or Mauser. I've been guilty of it myself. It stems I think from the fact that over here we can only own one rifle for one use. For instance if you want a rifle for fox control, say .223 and one for deer, say .270, that's probably going to be your lot, unless you can afford to go to the continent for boar or Africa for plains or big game. Because we can't just collect rifles people tend to buy the 'best' they can afford and the old BSAs and Parker Hales stay in the gun shop.
Hi Paul - Very good to know. Time for some new gun laws - but that's an old story. Maybe BSA and Parker Hale can activate again for the export market. Thanks for explaining.
You can get a collectors ticket , I don’t have one but I have 10 rifles my mate has about 32 rifles plus a Taurus judge in 45 LC / 410 for humane dispatch , my rifles start from 22 mag to 45-70 I even have a 44 magnum rifle for deer and AOLQ well all my rifles are for AOLQ ( Any other lawful quarry)
+donald Robertson Yes Donald, we too have a nanny state. Grown men being told what to do like children, by people who are beneath contempt. Brexit must be better, it can't be worse. Happy hunting!
"Grown men being told what to do like children." perfect! There are only 2 types of countries according to USOG : Those that allow their citizens to own firearms and those that don't. Those that don't, don't have citizens - they have slaves.
I had a BSA Monarch as a kid in the late 60s in .222 Remington. The Monarchs were one of the cheapest centrefire rifles in Australia and they use to sell a kit with a bridge mount and Nikko Sterling scope. They were beautifully finished guns, well beyond what you would expect of the price point. The Monarch's also came in a heavy barrel version. It recall it was common to remove some of the inside of the forend of the heavy barrel guns to make it a floating barrel for greater accuracy for target shooting. Whether that was really a benefit is debatable. It is a pity that BSA only seems to make air rifles these days.
BSA are still in Birmingham. But they only make air rifles, very good ones though. I think the market in the UK is just too small, and licencing too onerous to have a mass manufacturer of centrefire rifles again. Howa, Tikka and CZ/Brno have that market filled, with good products for not much money. BSA owned a firm in England called Jessops special steels, they made excellent materials and i would not be surprised if they made the steels for these rifles. But i agree, BSA and Parker Hale made really nice rifles, i had a Parker Hale midland, which used the Santa Barbara action and i loved it, never let me down, was accurate, had a proper man sized stock, and was not expensive.
Did metallurgy in my trade, and Norwegian iron ore was rated world's best, BSA used it, Husquvarner / Volvo etc ,during the war both sides wanted it !! 🤔 Made best ball bearings for tanks 😊
Isn't that interesting - I had no idea. I've heard of the usual steels : Krupp, Sheffield, and other German and European manufacturers; often in connection with knives, consumer products and gears and such; although I remember seeing many references on rifle and shotgun barrels such as "chrome vanadium" or "Laufstahl" or "Nickel Steel" and so on. Nothing on the actual ore - the origin of steel. Thanks for sharing. Good on Norway - a country that's blessed with many natural resources. All the best to you.
Inspired by your videos on BSA and Martini actions, I just bought an old BSA Martini single shot .22 lr target rifle. It’s waiting for me to pick it up at the gun shop. :-) Love your videos - keep ‘em rolling!!
If memory serves me right when Herters was still a big catalog company you could order a BSA made rifle from them in most calibers and with as fancy a stock as you wanted for dirt cheap compared to today’s prices.
Marv Ley , I used to buy almost all my trapping supplies from Herters back in the 60s. My great grandfather was a fur buyer for the Hudsons Bay Company as was his father from around 1840-1890 between the two of them. If I remember correctly he traveled all over Canada and much of the US. Taught my grandfather to trap who in turn taught me. My mom said trapping provided a lot of the cash money for the family during the Depression.
Not just rifles, (IIRC, they were marked and sold as a "U9", or a "J9" that was most likely one of the Santa Barabara 98's) but also actions and barreled actions. A quick search revealed quite a few of them with many different stocks, wood, styles.... Dad got one of their free catalogs every year, and ordered mostly knives and fishing gear from them. "Must have" reading material for the Throne Room back then!!!
Another great video, Mike. For years I have been saying that these guns are under valued and although the prices have been slowly creeping up over the years, these are still a lot of gun for the money.
Sorry if I'm late on the topic. Picked up a .270 BSA Monarch last year, haven't shot it yet due to minor adjustment issues on magazine bay. I would date it to around 1968, so an early Monarch. Rounds jam, basically, but I'm sure its just a matter of filing the butt plate slightly or changing the spring. The action is very similar to the Majestic in video. Dovetails also milled exactly as Majestic in this video. Bolt also very similar, five stars engraved on top of the bolt. Monarch safety is modern, same as Majestic in this video. I have seen other Majestics with the "tipper" style safety through the bolt shroud that locks the firing pin, I'm guessing that is on earlier models from late 1950's. Safety on my Monarch is a bit loose, but has three positions, making unloading in safe mode possible. Bolt is btw removed by pulling slightly forward on the trigger whilst retracting the bolt. It is not easy to figure out by oneself. I can see people have trouble finding scope mounts for modern scopes to fit old BSAs, so did I, due to the uncommon recoil stop on the dovetail bases. I got a steel picatinny rail for a CZ 550 turned the other way round, and it seems to work. Mounts for CZ 550 and BSA compatibility comes up a lot on forums. My five cents, thanks for another great video!
Thanks E! Very good information - the bolt removal instruction will help people wrestling with how to get the bolt out; also the reversed CZ rail - smart! You know things : )
Those are real hunting rifles as they came with irons. Yep, a set of factory iron sights adds a sense of class and purpose to any rifle. Geez, my age is showing! Great informative video as always, thanks! Don't know about the BSA rifles but I know a guy who has a friend who said he knows where there are some green pencils that could be had, for a price... Rumor has it that they're un-sharpened! LOL! Take care!
Hahahaha : ) : ) - I'm still smiling.....those green pencils... and yay to BSA - they made great rifles. And irons - they should be on every rifle. : ) Cheers.
Hi David in Somerset here Have a Parker hale in 270 Smooth action but kicks like a mule Learning so much from you have decided to sign up for Later on Kindest regards David
just purchased myself a monarch chambered in .308, second hand but spotless as far as I can see. haven't put any rounds threw her yet but I see what you mean about that stock design, easily the most comfortable hunting rifle I have shouldered.
Oh by the way if you look at the proof mark on the barrel or receiver ring the letters are a date code of the Birmingham Proof house. Early ones are crossed lances or arrows if you prefer later codes are inside a circle or oval which were adopted in 1975 and used up to 1984 after which they reverted to the crossed lances again.
Thanks for the video! Just today I picked up a Herter's Model U-9 Custom Supreme in .458 Winchester Magnum for $500 (Wyoming)! The Herter's U-9 is a BSA Monarch. I couldn't believe my good fortune!
I have a CF2 in .223 in perfect condition. Feature stock, handcut checkering, 3 way adjustable trigger and a Tobler heavy varmint SS barrel that brings the weight up to 10lbs. It has the CF2 bolt which has a grooved, polished, sleek shroud and a cocking indicator. The Monarch has the squared off shroud and they are NOT interchangeable. The locking lugs on the Monarch are have different dimensions. It shoots (in the right hands) 1/2" at 200yds and weighs 11lbs with a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 scope. It cost me (sans scope) AU$450. A bloody bargain!
Phenomenal Steve! That is more quality and accuracy per dollar than just about anything! Great buy and thanks for writing. Of course, I have to add that behind all this has to be a great shooter - which would be you : )
I feel like a lot of people aren't even aware of the "Original" Mauser company hunting rifles that have been produced over the years. Just like these BSAs, the lack of awareness keeps the price down.... maybe that's a good thing. I got my Mauser 2000 for less than 600$ and it is a gem. I've seen your videos on the Mauser 66 which seems like a super nice rifle. Thanks for showing off your collection. It brings some of these quality guns to light that people just don't know about.
Hi Chuckin' - your Mauser 2000 truly is just as you say! I thought I could share what I know, if only in a small way, and add something to what people know about guns and other things. All the best.
I'm a little late to this party, but wanted to share with you my recent great good fortune to acquire an NOS BSA .243 Mannlicher CFT hunting rifle for $850 USD! To say I'm pleased is an understatement!
Hi there. I purchased a monarch some years ago at a local gun show. Fortunately for me it was fitted with a after market bull barrel. You may think otherwise. People look at it and think it doesn't shoot well as the barrel touches the stock. However, it's a very accurate rifle. Very. After seeing your video. I feel very fortunate to own it. Thanks for your videos.
He called it that because BSA had a built in muzzle brake that they started using in the 50's. They named it "BESA" but I'm not sure what it stands for. Again BSA was way ahead of it's time.www.ebay.com/itm/BSA-c1955-BESA-Muzzle-Brake-Flyer-/291398167140
Had a BSA Monarch in 30-06, traded in my $99.00 Win. model 94 plus about another $150.00 cash (yes model 94's sold for $99.00 at Kmart in 1977). I was young and recently married and needed some cash and sold it in the early 1980's as I had moved to a state that did not allow high power rifles for hunting, it was all muzzleloader , shotgun or pistol caliber in Indiana at the time.. I have regretted it every day since I sold it. I had mounted a Redfield Widefield 4x scope on it with ironsighter see thru mounts. Only hunted with it one time before I moved from Wisconsin but dropped a nice 6 point Buck who was on a dead run from about 60 yds with it. Beautiful shooting rifle and the action was smooth like butter.
Really brilliant video.Now i have a Monarch deal coming up, the stock is in a really sad condition but the rest of it is ok, so it´s gonna get some TLC when the deal is done.
Now, 1 ½ years on, I have watched your video again because I wanted a .243 added to my collection to hunt smaller deer. In NL there's a broker that has a BSA for sale in that caliber. At first I didn't know the brand, but I remembered your video. Now I am glad that I have some great background info for my decision. Lot's of thanks!!
had an airsporter.22 as a nipper and was told B.S.A. used the same barrels on those that they used on there rimfires later on counter bored and modified a break barrel and it held the pressure well.
OK where to start? Let's begin with the extractor of the Majestic and Monarch models shall we! Firstly it's not copied from Remington and certainly not the 700 as the Majestic was put into production years before the 700. I had a beautiful Majestic Featherweight deluxe chambered in 270 Winchester that was made in 1959 it weighed 6 1/4 lbs sans scope and rings. The Monarch model was introduced mid 60's and was a slightly cheapened model, typical cost cutting exercise but not as bad as that which Remington has done to the 700 leading to the trouble that Remington finds itself in today. The last Monarch (a 30-06 chambered one) was dispatched from the factory in November 1972. Neither the Majestic nor the Monarch had any bit's brazed on them the bolts being machined from a solid forging and required 85 machining operations to finish. The Monarch was an adaption of the U9 model made for Herters. The Majestic model was the first "push feed" bolt as the models before had a full length extractor oh yes and the cartridge case head is also surrounded in "3 rings of steel" as the barrel breech face is recessed for the bolt head and the bolt head faced has a recess for the case head then there is of course the forged steel machined receiver. Although I have no information as to what steel was used I seriously doubt is was Bofors as it would not have been possible for Bofors to supply BSA with steel during WW2 and BSA used a lot of steel in the gun production during WW2 plus they also has their other production to feed for their tool, machine tool, and motor cycle production. Regards BH
Hi, I hope you see this comment, the second BSA rifle you have shown there is a Monarch model not a CF2, Monarch models have the red cocking indicator and CF2 have brass ones, I collect BSA rifles so are very experienced in identifying models, they are awesome guns and I still use them for hunting here in New Zealand. the 1st sporting rifles BSA produced were "Hunter" followed by Majestic then Monarch and lastly CF2 then they stopped making centrefire rifles and only make air rifles to this day.
Hello Kellybrindle30! You made my day. I've received several suggestions about which model is which - and was totally lost. One fellow said they used Majestic bolts in CF2s - but I could not figure out why or how that would work; very nice fellow though and he truly believed. Another writer was certain the Monarch is a Mauser style - with claw extractor. I agree with you - they are awesome! Glad you know the details and thanks for sending.
Yeah the bolts of each model are all different so the Majestic wouldn't fit the CF2, there was a transition model somewhere between Majestics and Monarchs and those rifles are extremely rare, I used to own 30 BSA high power rifles, my main gun I use today is a CF2 .222 and my Monach .270
I have a BSA CF2 and a Parker Hale, seems like very decent steel and walnut, but, they seem to be giving them away for free, I think we need to load them in a container and send them to you Mike.....
That's a deal TMP : ) ! “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, itwas the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, itwas the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity,it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
Great video as usual. I knew BSA built rifles but they have not been on my radar. I rode some of their cycles back in the 60s. As an aside, have you read Roger Rule’s book on the Model 70?
I have an older Parker Hale with war time Mauser action (cut out for stripper clip on left side of receiver) mine has double set triggers, wonderful Williams Target receiver sights. It is pre model 1200. Named Safari Grade on left side of receiver, wonderfully accurate. Came Parker Hale scope mounts and rings. It is my favorite bolt action.
Great good fortune that you have that rifle! I could never find that one - the rest seem to be on the Santa Barbara Mauser. With the PH rings and double set triggers - you have a total keeper.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns My Parker-Hale .270 has a Zastava-action , Timney-type trigger (factory) and a Stirling-special-barrel ( also factory ) They are exceptional-rifles for what you pay for them . Dave nz
Once again, you've turned out another great video. I watch your films on weapons that may not interest me fully but, the info is always so interesting. I would like to thank your film crew for the good job they do. Not easy to do sometimes iwould imagine. Thanks again from the UK
Beautiful rifles Sir, I really like Your new intro. When You showed the middle rifle I was thinking of how much the stock looked like a Weatherby, and then You explained. I really enjoy Your reviews. God Bless You My Friend
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Your a HERO IN MY BOOK'S MIKE.I wish i was you and had half your collection at one time i did but lost most of it because of our stupid law's here in CANADA that make's a good man into a criminal and a gangster into a HERO.Your friend alway's when it come's to fire arm's.
I have a BSA Majestic Featherweight in .270 Win. When I came upon a BSA .270 Win, ignorance prevailed and I dismissed BSA out of hand, but the price beckoned me. So a little bit more research in the direction of BSA revealed what I think to be a little gem, if not a little tarnished, no disrespect to the previous owner, in fairness its circa 1960-ish. So what I now have is a British hand built light weight rifle from the upper spectrum of the Birmingham Small Arms Company. These are not Purdy standard guns but where manufactured and finished in ways that are now considered custom work, such as hand lapped barrels. The Majestic’s have their name and five stars engraved into the bolt high lighted in gold and the hollow bolt handle also has a engraving detailed in the same gold paint. The serial numbers and the Birmingham Private Viewers Date Marks are a bit conflicting giving two time periods, but I have checked the rifle and all serial numbers match. The two prefix of the serial numbers indicate production from 1963 -1970, but Birmingham Private Viewers Date Marks ‘ LB’ date it from 1st January 1960. Reading other forums and such outlines BSA ‘eccentricities’ in models and individual customization as wished for by the customer. So I will go with the proof marks and say 1960. According to the blurb without scope it weighs 6 1/4lbs. The Featherweights has very slim stocks, usually of plain wood, with a scnable fore tip and a well shaped Monte Carlo butt;....... ......hollowed inside at the fore end and with a hollow bolt handle, alloy floor plate. The action has an integral dovetail for scope mounting. Parker Hale rings will fit and I believe CZ 550 are compatible. The receiver is also factory drilled for a receiver sight such as a Parker-Hale 6EH. The barrel is 22" long and is slim in profile with a adjustable 3 leaf rear sight (100 - 300 yards), front adjustable ramp sight and a very interesting internal recoil reducer. The BESA recoil reducer which is two holes and seven slots machined into the muzzle below the fore sight was introduce when customers complained that their light weight rifle kicked too much, but it was latter done away with because they complained about the noise. Now I can tell you she will ring all your bells if you don’t ware hearing protection but she kicks no more than a light weight un modified .243. BSA did produce a range adapter which covered the ports but these are rarer than hen’s teeth. The trigger is single stage adjustable and at the moment is very light, crisp and clean with no creep etc. The safety catch is different to the video, with it built into the rear of the bolt and not the trigger mechanism, when cocker a cocking indicator pin protrudes from the bolt shroud. The rifle came with a equally unique scope, as with the rifle the scope has no real market value only as a curiosity. It is a Japanese made Hakko Electro Point Rifle Scope 4x40 wide with an illuminated cross hair (Reticle 22) that consists of a horizontal line split by a aim point dot. The scope is clear but is a pain to zero as it is approximately 2 MAO at 100 yards and is very hard to index on a target. Anyhow using 130gr Soft Point in Winchester and Federal I was able to get 11/2 inch groups. I believe with a finer reticle I could tighten the groups. The ‘beast in the .270’ didn’t batter me during my range time, bench rest, but it did get away from me a couple of times and let me know I wasn’t holding her First two (Win) group at less than an inch,................ second two (Fed) a added a bit of Kentucky windage based on the POI of my last shots and ended up spreading them about 2.25 inchs apart. The barrel is marked 150gr .270 Win so next pocket money day I’ll try them out. But as for now shes ready for the last few days of this season, then its off to the work bench for some TLC, I’ll leave the barrel alone as I think the wear on the blue is character but the stock will be refinished with oil.
BSA "under valued " ?!! No way sir . I have extensively used the BSA sxs shotguns here in India. Excellent guns with flawless quality. You see sir , I really am sad that those fine guns and cartridges ( Eley in LG and slugs) are no longer available here .
It s really wonderful and reliable gun that will last for life, l once owned a .22 sport man five riffle,it was made in the year 1932, it's amazing, great gun.
The Sterling SubMachine Gun Always Comes To Mind When I Think Of British Guns BSA British Sporting Arms Makes Great Firearms And Optics Thanks For this Awesome Video 😊😀😊👍🏼
Hi Chris, you're right on - that Sterling...I have to get one. Someone should make a .22 version - or maybe there is one out there. A Sterling for starlings.
awesome, I have an interest in BSA rifles. I saw a BSA .303 enfeild, my friend owns it, is accurate too! I came across a bsa model of 1917, stamped under the action, "property of BSA" address on it too. Was chambered in 30 06, but would not shoot accurately. The portion of the barrel immediately before the rifling was .15 thou oversize! I cant imagine what would cause such a bizarre chambering error, but after barrelling to 280 rem 24" stainless gain-twist, excellent accuracy is realized. I went with gain twist as I had purchased a new 7mm barrel blank years ago, it was a bargain, and my curiosity got the better of me. Fortunately this was a happy outcome, and what a beauty, with a laminated stock from boyd's!
Hi PhilHewkin - the way you think should be bottled: rifle doesn't shoot - re-barrel, new stock - great action to start with and presto : fantastic rifle. Good on you my friend, good on you.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thank You, sir! I like these tough, accurate bolt guns so much, I get $entimental and spend dollars making them as-new again. You could buy other guns cheaper, sure. But custom brings a great level of satisfaction. I left the stainless barrel shiny, (not glass-beaded) and it looks very "hot rod", I think!
I love my Santa Barbara action from Spain. Centurion 123 30.06 , made in pasadena california. Golden state arms corps. Im going to add a scope later. It has a bent bolt handle for a scope. I do have to reblue the rifle but thats only $30 for the super blue and i do it myself. I cant wait, i might even order a skinner peepsights if i cant get a scope i like, 4x weaver steel scopes or scopechief . It has a ramline synthetic stock . 1 piece burris base, leupold rings. I love my new old commercial mauser.
Downside to Steadler pencils is that they use coal in the mixture, and that makes them harder even impossible to erase, however they produce a very nice black color impossible with normal pencils.
These rifles were very popular with professional Gillie's and gamekeepers over here in the UK, they would take a lot of abuse and hard work all for very little money for a rifle of its quality as was nearly allways the case with BSA products . Regards from your friend the Sage.
The Sage! The keeper of the Realm! How are you my friend? Those game keepers know what's what - they've seen all the tribal war clubs and gold encrusted whatnot's from across the channel - that happen to go bang if you hold your mouth right. BSA all the way. I'm just teasing - sort of - anyway - God Bless.
Thanks for another great video! I've always had a soft spot for Birmingham Small Arms, probably because I learned my fundamentals on my great grandfather's BSA model 12, 22 l.r. And that Majestic - what a beauty! Classic lines and elegant, to be sure!
Hard to believe they stopped making them. Better than so many others in their time, better than most now - and every one I've known : accurate beyond compare. I guess with all these superlatives - they just had to be discontinued.
In response to your comment that youtube emailed to me 8B is the prefix for an Imperial Featherweight model which was in production from 1957- 1964 this is according to the information in John Knibbs book on BSA. 8D would make it a Majestic model produced from 1960- 1966 now remember that the Majestic bolt has a push feed extractor normally however it has been known for oddities to turn up and with 4 years of production over lap perhaps a bolt swap or replacement? Hope this helps.
Back in the early 80s I had a CF2 Varmint barrel with set trigger function in 22-250. Highly accurate with hand loads and accounted for many crows and magpies in that era. It was a perfect compliment to my 243 Parker Hale 1200V . Great video we also had a majestic in 270Win
The Majestic example that you show in this video, I have one in .270, was my grandpa’s rifle handed down to me. My rifle does not have the “Majestic” etched in the bolt, just polished steel, and my rifle includes the integral muzzle break intact. My question is, did they vary the build by year, or perhaps is mine not a Majestic? Again, my rifle includes many of the same characteristics including the schnabel, same weight saving designs such as hollowed butt stock, bolt handle, etc. Appreciate any information you may have, I had the rifle reblued, stock refinished and had new buttpad fitted to allow LOP for my needs, the rifle is my favorite hunting rifle, accurate beyond belief and I get the joy of remembering my grandpa each time I take it out of the vault.
Timeline . 1954 BSA introduce Mauser type short action length Hunter/Royal line . .22 Hornet or .222 1956 medium length .257 Roberts , 7mm Mauser , .300 Savage .243 and .308 1957 long action , 30-06 , .270, .458 Win . 1959 BSA introduce new style Majestic action Feather weight in .243 , .308 , .270 , 30-06, .458 and Standard weight Imperial in 30-06 , Viscount in .243 ,.308 , 7mm Mauser and Regent in .222 and .22 Hornet . 1965 BSA introduce Monarch line also available in 7mm Rem Mag 1972 BSA introduce CF2 range with many more calibres
I owned a BSA cf2 243 win. I sold it to get more power. That was a huge mistake since I got a BSA cf2 308 win with a scope for less than us 300. Today 10 years later I still miss the 243. With the 308 I shot a Swedish moose and a 98 kg pig. Point and it will hit.
Hello pgr671 - Those are hard to find in .243; on the other hand, the .308 is a more versatile cartridge : as the moose and pig can attest. I picked up one in 6.5x55 and it was just like Christmas - a real gift to own and shoot - such a fine cartridge. Good shooting and take care.
That Wesley Richards... That's what I want a rifle to look like. Any other rifle that is more Affordable with the same lines out there? Should I look for an Enfield sporting maybe? I cna find them around 300$ it seems.
I am lucky enough to own various incarnations of BSA , a Majestic Featherweight in 30-06, a BSA made SMLE [.303] a post WW1 BSA commercial sporter in .303, a BSA SxS shotgun and a BSA 650 Spitfire motorcycle . The demise of BSA is testament to the industrial trend prevailing at the time ie, a lack of pride in the nation and irresponsible selfishness of management and unions alike at a time of increased foreign competition . Is it not ironic that [ within Europe at least ] Germany, Japan and Italy should have thriving gun industries that lead the way in competitive shooting sports and on the game scene ? BSA made wonderful guns and those that survive should be cherished and used for their intended purpose . One hopes that after Brexit , there will be opprtunities for entrepreneurs to revive the British gun industry and affordable quality firearms will be available again that bear the trademarks of famous companies . I , for one , would welcome the chance to put my money down on a brand spanking new shotgun or rifle.
Hello DS - Not many people have the BSAs and less realize how fine they were and are. I also hope some new consumer level guns start to made in the UK again. Would be nice to see a UK made rifle in the $1000. range in North America - I'm sure it can be done. Might bring some class to the whole budget guns arena.
Point is I would'nt want a rifle that didn't have the dovetails machined as part of the receiver, mine are off set from the bore meaning you can sight your rifle without needing to touch the scopes windage and no worries about loose screws or mounts. Shot 1000s of rounds through B.S.A undervalued rifle.I shoot a sako at the moment but I would have no problem with a B.S.A.
I remember seeing rifles from Interarms called the Mark X and maybe another called the Witworth back in around 185-86ish. It seems I recall they were maybe made in England...or off English designs or something. They seemed okay but were pretty heavy and I think shops didn't sell them well unless they deeply discounted them. Do those rifles sound familiar?
@Art Anson Yep, I remember guys would look at them and then buy a 700! At that time I had a Husqvarna my Dad had acquired around 66 or 67. I didn't know what I had inherited back then, but I do now and am still glad I have it. There were a lot of good Mauser actioned rifles floating around back then and I was dumb not to have started up a collection. Well c'est la vie! Heck, I even wish I had bought a crate of sks's back then when they were 59.95! I remember getting offered Polytech Norinco ak's with three mags and pouches...brand new for 189.95......dumb dumb dumb!
Rifle about '76. It was very well made, accurate and absolutely hammered countless deer and other game. The European walnut stock had pressed checkering and was replaced. Many rifles later, it remains my faithful go to.
i have 2 hunters impereal feather weight in 30-06 one of wich was my fathers he ordered it just after the second world war and it took 3 odd years to be delivered and has a heavy hunting barrel on it weighs about as much as a .22 the other light hunting barrel has a muzzle break machined into the end of the barrel known as the bezza muzzle break . i also have a 222 wich i beleave is a ex cullers rifle. shipments were brought in by the NewZealand gov for dear culling operations in the 40s-70s they legondary over here.
Hi Evan - you've got 2 very fine rifles. For some reason the collectors I know value the ones without the muzzle brake. I'm not sure why - the brake works well - on the other hand it may look dramatic to some people. The .222 is the gem though - hi demand item and so scarce. Thanks for the note.
Tough to argue with the prices - typically less than say a Husqvarna. My only nitpick was very slow lock time...oddly something which never bothered me about my Krag.
Great video, I purchased a Saint Hubert Co. U9 (I believe) rifle in .264 win mag. The rifle has a great stock and beautiful bluing. It appears to be exactly like a BSA CF2 from what pictures I could find. It came with Herters 1" scope bases and mounts. I want to update the bases and rings to 30mm. I can not confirm the correct mounts with anybody. Would you have any idea? It appears to be based off a Remington Model 700 but I can't be sure, because all my Remingtons have scopes on them and already zero'd in and good. Any information would be great.
Hello sir, I have one question. I have one some of this BSA rifles, and i think its "majestic" model, so, can you tell me please, what is the similarest rifle of this (Remington, Sako, Mauser...) ? I ask coz of chasis. I set new barrel and planing to buy some of "modern" syntetic or alu rifle stocks for this rifle (if is it posible). Please can you help me? Thank you a lot
Great video thank you. I have what I thought was a Monarch but looks just like your Majestic but with a ported barrel. In fine shape, just missing the bolt. Any leads or tips in identification. Thanks
THE Majestic was the deluxe BSA Hunter 1950 to 60s both of these had the scope rails built on .then the BSA Monarch then the CF2 clear varnish & the last CF2 had oil stocks mid 1970s these have screw on parker hale scope rails . I have a Monarch 243 & 2 CF2 .270 & 1 CF2 .30.06 . .
Hi Sam - I wish I could find one to know what people are asking. I think they suffer from not being well known and few imported. Sorry I don't know more.
Thank you for the video. I have had a hard time finding information on my b.s.a majestic. Would you know where I could find some rings for my .222 b.s.a majestic? Do they take parker hale rings by chance? Tha is again
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns You are correct. Parker Hale rings were used for the built in dovetails on the BSA. Here is an old sizing chart to find the correct rings. www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=60023
Hi Andrew - I've seen them at the range - and I've seen them for sale - but every time I tried to buy one - someone else was quicker. Very fine and fast handling.
Try Numrich Gun Parts www.google.com/search?q=numrich+gun+parts&oq=numrich+gun+parts&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4928j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 If I come across one I'll be in touch.
@@wizardofahhhs759 It was the other way round for BSA They made firearms first, and actually for several centuries, before getting into bicycle manufacture and eventually motorcycles.
I've owned my BSA CF2 in .243 since about 1980 , put uncountable rounds through it and it still shoots spot on. It's a bit on the heavy side but is unbreakable. Damn good gun
Hi bro from Australia, im 70 years, had BSA heavy barrel in .222 with 3x9 scope, was gorgeous 😍 heavy laminated timber, bedded and floated ,5 rounds at 100 yards in 1inch easy, 7ft kangaroo's at 200 plus yards, cost $200 ❤😊
That's a gem - hard to find now. 70 : just getting in gear then. Cheers : )
All the CF2's are hammer-forged barrels, the earlier Majestics etc with the flip-up safety on the rear of the bolt, along with the models machined with scope-rails, are all high-quality hand-cut barrels. A good one of these hand-cut ones can fetch up to 2k here in NZ. The actions of all , are incredibly strong and many custom rifle-builders use them. The bolts and actions are machined out of solid high-carbon steel, like the very expensive top-end rifles (3k+) Parker-Hale mounts definitely fit them. The Gunsmiths/Makers who made these, were exceptional at their trade, and very competitve as to who was the 'Master Smith' in that Industry. David, NZ
I have the Majestic in 30/06. It came with a 1960's 3-9 Leopold scope when I bought it off a guy for 200 bucks.It's a super accurate well made rifle.
You seem to be always way ahead of me Jason - I like that.
Lol
OH OH OH..... The jealousy in me is strong after watching all your videos. I have too join you on Patreon, one of the most deserving firearm "TH-camrs"
Thank you Ash! : )
My father bought his BSA majestic featherweight deluxe in 30-06 when stationed at Alaska in 1961. $170. Half a dozen moose, two black bear and 17 caribou fell to it. Dad passed away in 2011 and I inherited it. It takes Parker Hale rings. With factory ammo it always shoots under 3/4 moa groups. Great rifle with a very unique looking muzzle break.
Fantastic rifle - I know them well. So great that you have your dad's rifle - amazing success he had with that one BSA. Lucky life to be able to hunt so many, and so well.
Even over here in the UK no one wants a Parker Hale or BSA, always opting for something European like a Sauer 202 or Mauser. I've been guilty of it myself. It stems I think from the fact that over here we can only own one rifle for one use. For instance if you want a rifle for fox control, say .223 and one for deer, say .270, that's probably going to be your lot, unless you can afford to go to the continent for boar or Africa for plains or big game. Because we can't just collect rifles people tend to buy the 'best' they can afford and the old BSAs and Parker Hales stay in the gun shop.
Hi Paul - Very good to know. Time for some new gun laws - but that's an old story. Maybe BSA and Parker Hale can activate again for the export market. Thanks for explaining.
202 was stopped in production a little whike ago, parts and barrels in some cartridges are made for them,same with Blaser R93 also.
You can get a collectors ticket , I don’t have one but I have 10 rifles my mate has about 32 rifles plus a Taurus judge in 45 LC / 410 for humane dispatch , my rifles start from 22 mag to 45-70 I even have a 44 magnum rifle for deer and AOLQ well all my rifles are for AOLQ ( Any other lawful quarry)
+donald Robertson Yes Donald, we too have a nanny state. Grown men being told what to do like children, by people who are beneath contempt. Brexit must be better, it can't be worse. Happy hunting!
"Grown men being told what to do like children." perfect! There are only 2 types of countries according to USOG : Those that allow their citizens to own firearms and those that don't. Those that don't, don't have citizens - they have slaves.
Fantastic! I've got a BSA Majestic in 30.06 over here in India. Bought in the 60s by my dad, still going strong!
Would love to get my hands on a majestic some day currently I have a monarch essentially the exact same gun as you even chambered in 30-06
I had a BSA Monarch as a kid in the late 60s in .222 Remington. The Monarchs were one of the cheapest centrefire rifles in Australia and they use to sell a kit with a bridge mount and Nikko Sterling scope. They were beautifully finished guns, well beyond what you would expect of the price point. The Monarch's also came in a heavy barrel version. It recall it was common to remove some of the inside of the forend of the heavy barrel guns to make it a floating barrel for greater accuracy for target shooting. Whether that was really a benefit is debatable.
It is a pity that BSA only seems to make air rifles these days.
That was a lucky time peterb666 - such a quality rifle - I hope you still have. I didn't know they made a heavy barrel model - I'll try to find one.
BSA are still in Birmingham. But they only make air rifles, very good ones though. I think the market in the UK is just too small, and licencing too onerous to have a mass manufacturer of centrefire rifles again. Howa, Tikka and CZ/Brno have that market filled, with good products for not much money.
BSA owned a firm in England called Jessops special steels, they made excellent materials and i would not be surprised if they made the steels for these rifles.
But i agree, BSA and Parker Hale made really nice rifles, i had a Parker Hale midland, which used the Santa Barbara action and i loved it, never let me down, was accurate, had a proper man sized stock, and was not expensive.
I truly hope the UK re-boots. Brexit - from our perspective which might be uninformed - is the key.
Did metallurgy in my trade, and Norwegian iron ore was rated world's best, BSA used it, Husquvarner / Volvo etc ,during the war both sides wanted it !! 🤔 Made best ball bearings for tanks 😊
Isn't that interesting - I had no idea. I've heard of the usual steels : Krupp, Sheffield, and other German and European manufacturers; often in connection with knives, consumer products and gears and such; although I remember seeing many references on rifle and shotgun barrels such as "chrome vanadium" or "Laufstahl" or "Nickel Steel" and so on. Nothing on the actual ore - the origin of steel. Thanks for sharing. Good on Norway - a country that's blessed with many natural resources. All the best to you.
Inspired by your videos on BSA and Martini actions, I just bought an old BSA Martini single shot .22 lr target rifle. It’s waiting for me to pick it up at the gun shop.
:-)
Love your videos - keep ‘em rolling!!
Love my bsa martini and my bsa monarch bsa is actually my favourite gun manufacturer because of how well made and cheap they are
If memory serves me right when Herters was still a big catalog company you could order a BSA made rifle from them in most calibers and with as fancy a stock as you wanted for dirt cheap compared to today’s prices.
Hi Marv - I had no idea. Thanks for alerting me. They must be somewhere...I'll start looking; would be special to find one. Best to you.
Marv Ley , I used to buy almost all my trapping supplies from Herters back in the 60s. My great grandfather was a fur buyer for the Hudsons Bay Company as was his father from around 1840-1890 between the two of them. If I remember correctly he traveled all over Canada and much of the US. Taught my grandfather to trap who in turn taught me. My mom said trapping provided a lot of the cash money for the family during the Depression.
Not just rifles, (IIRC, they were marked and sold as a "U9", or a "J9" that was most likely one of the Santa Barabara 98's) but also actions and barreled actions. A quick search revealed quite a few of them with many different stocks, wood, styles.... Dad got one of their free catalogs every year, and ordered mostly knives and fishing gear from them. "Must have" reading material for the Throne Room back then!!!
Another great video, Mike. For years I have been saying that these guns are under valued and although the prices have been slowly creeping up over the years, these are still a lot of gun for the money.
Hi Gerald - So well made. The British proofs alone are special - examining these rifles for the video was a real pleasure. Cheers.
Sorry if I'm late on the topic.
Picked up a .270 BSA Monarch last year, haven't shot it yet due to minor adjustment issues on magazine bay. I would date it to around 1968, so an early Monarch. Rounds jam, basically, but I'm sure its just a matter of filing the butt plate slightly or changing the spring. The action is very similar to the Majestic in video. Dovetails also milled exactly as Majestic in this video. Bolt also very similar, five stars engraved on top of the bolt. Monarch safety is modern, same as Majestic in this video. I have seen other Majestics with the "tipper" style safety through the bolt shroud that locks the firing pin, I'm guessing that is on earlier models from late 1950's. Safety on my Monarch is a bit loose, but has three positions, making unloading in safe mode possible. Bolt is btw removed by pulling slightly forward on the trigger whilst retracting the bolt. It is not easy to figure out by oneself.
I can see people have trouble finding scope mounts for modern scopes to fit old BSAs, so did I, due to the uncommon recoil stop on the dovetail bases. I got a steel picatinny rail for a CZ 550 turned the other way round, and it seems to work. Mounts for CZ 550 and BSA compatibility comes up a lot on forums. My five cents, thanks for another great video!
Thanks E! Very good information - the bolt removal instruction will help people wrestling with how to get the bolt out; also the reversed CZ rail - smart! You know things : )
Those are real hunting rifles as they came with irons. Yep, a set of factory iron sights adds a sense of class and purpose to any rifle. Geez, my age is showing!
Great informative video as always, thanks!
Don't know about the BSA rifles but I know a guy who has a friend who said he knows where there are some green pencils that could be had, for a price... Rumor has it that they're un-sharpened! LOL!
Take care!
Hahahaha : ) : ) - I'm still smiling.....those green pencils... and yay to BSA - they made great rifles.
And irons - they should be on every rifle. : ) Cheers.
You and Paul Harrell are my two favorite firearms channels. Thanks for the great work.
Thanks Scott!
Hi
David in Somerset here
Have a Parker hale in 270
Smooth action but kicks like a mule
Learning so much from you have decided to sign up for Later on
Kindest regards David
Ahhhh...now I feel better....just thinking about Somerset. Glad you have a PH. The very best to you.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns cheers
Almost to 10k subs, congrats! The rise will become exponential soon!
You made my day : )
just purchased myself a monarch chambered in .308, second hand but spotless as far as I can see. haven't put any rounds threw her yet but I see what you mean about that stock design, easily the most comfortable hunting rifle I have shouldered.
Sad day when BSA stopped producing cartridge firearms.
Still very undervalued guns I love my monarch in 30-06
I have a great BSA .375 H&H built on a p14 action - shoots great
Yes indeed - another superb rifle - and hard to find in that caliber. A keeper.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns yes indeed!...love your videos, keep them coming! Regards all the way from Zimbabwe!
Oh by the way if you look at the proof mark on the barrel or receiver ring the letters are a date code of the Birmingham Proof house. Early ones are crossed lances or arrows if you prefer later codes are inside a circle or oval which were adopted in 1975 and used up to 1984 after which they reverted to the crossed lances again.
Thanks for the video! Just today I picked up a Herter's Model U-9 Custom Supreme in .458 Winchester Magnum for $500 (Wyoming)! The Herter's U-9 is a BSA Monarch. I couldn't believe my good fortune!
Phenomenal buy!!! Hopefully you picked up a couple of lotto tickets as well! Good on you!
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns thanks! I probably should have, but I figured one stroke of luck was plenty!
those are excellent rifles . the pencils are nice too.
Hahahaha Ratrod - those green pencils... the BSAs are tops - as you know.
I have a CF2 in .223 in perfect condition. Feature stock, handcut checkering, 3 way adjustable trigger and a Tobler heavy varmint SS barrel that brings the weight up to 10lbs. It has the CF2 bolt which has a grooved, polished, sleek shroud and a cocking indicator. The Monarch has the squared off shroud and they are NOT interchangeable. The locking lugs on the Monarch are have different dimensions. It shoots (in the right hands) 1/2" at 200yds and weighs 11lbs with a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 scope. It cost me (sans scope) AU$450. A bloody bargain!
Phenomenal Steve! That is more quality and accuracy per dollar than just about anything! Great buy and thanks for writing. Of course, I have to add that behind all this has to be a great shooter - which would be you : )
Yes they made beautiful rifles BSA, very accurate, and they were top class. Now they only make air rifles... but very good ones from what I have read.
I feel like a lot of people aren't even aware of the "Original" Mauser company hunting rifles that have been produced over the years. Just like these BSAs, the lack of awareness keeps the price down.... maybe that's a good thing. I got my Mauser 2000 for less than 600$ and it is a gem. I've seen your videos on the Mauser 66 which seems like a super nice rifle. Thanks for showing off your collection. It brings some of these quality guns to light that people just don't know about.
Hi Chuckin' - your Mauser 2000 truly is just as you say! I thought I could share what I know, if only in a small way, and add something to what people know about guns and other things. All the best.
I'm a little late to this party, but wanted to share with you my recent great good fortune to acquire an NOS BSA .243 Mannlicher CFT hunting rifle for $850 USD! To say I'm pleased is an understatement!
Amazing find and price! Congrats! NOS is about impossible, Mannlicher stock ...a unicorn and .243...also. Incredible good fortune!!!
I have a 1967 BSA Monarch in .308, absolutely fantastic rifle
They really are great - and not so many know.
Own one in .308 as well. Love it. An it is a looker.
Hi there. I purchased a monarch some years ago at a local gun show. Fortunately for me it was fitted with a after market bull barrel. You may think otherwise. People look at it and think it doesn't shoot well as the barrel touches the stock. However, it's a very accurate rifle. Very. After seeing your video. I feel very fortunate to own it. Thanks for your videos.
Hi Kurt - glad you bought the Monarch. These rifles are so excellent; one of the best kept secrets of the sporting firearms world.
My pop liked and had many Beesa rifles here in Australia.i know it is BSA but pop always reffered to them as a beesa.
Hey nickel - I love that : "Beesa" All the best mate.
He called it that because BSA had a built in muzzle brake that they started using in the 50's. They named it "BESA" but I'm not sure what it stands for. Again BSA was way ahead of it's time.www.ebay.com/itm/BSA-c1955-BESA-Muzzle-Brake-Flyer-/291398167140
Had a BSA Monarch in 30-06, traded in my $99.00 Win. model 94 plus about another $150.00 cash (yes model 94's sold for $99.00 at Kmart in 1977). I was young and recently married and needed some cash and sold it in the early 1980's as I had moved to a state that did not allow high power rifles for hunting, it was all muzzleloader , shotgun or pistol caliber in Indiana at the time.. I have regretted it every day since I sold it. I had mounted a Redfield Widefield 4x scope on it with ironsighter see thru mounts. Only hunted with it one time before I moved from Wisconsin but dropped a nice 6 point Buck who was on a dead run from about 60 yds with it. Beautiful shooting rifle and the action was smooth like butter.
Hi Robert - Such a fine rifle; thanks for sharing the experience. I've sold and wondered why for years. Hope you buy another. All the best.
Really brilliant video.Now i have a Monarch deal coming up, the stock is in a really sad condition but the rest of it is ok, so it´s gonna get some TLC when the deal is done.
Would love to see it have a monarch in 30-06 just made a video on it they are great rifles
@@canadianclassics just watched your video, wrote a comment
Now, 1 ½ years on, I have watched your video again because I wanted a .243 added to my collection to hunt smaller deer. In NL there's a broker that has a BSA for sale in that caliber. At first I didn't know the brand, but I remembered your video. Now I am glad that I have some great background info for my decision. Lot's of thanks!!
Hi Arnold - Glad to hear it! The BSA is so hard to find in .243! Thanks for the kind words and best of luck hunting!
My BSA Majestic .243 is the easiest shooting, and most accurate .243 I own; and I own quite a few. Great video
Good on you for even knowing about these and buying. Not so common or known - they are excellent - as you know. Cheers
Thanks for a great video, bought me a monarch in 30 aught six after watching this, greetings from swedem 🇸🇪😀
had an airsporter.22 as a nipper and was told B.S.A. used the same barrels on those that they used on there rimfires later on counter bored and modified a break barrel and it held the pressure well.
OK where to start? Let's begin with the extractor of the Majestic and Monarch models shall we! Firstly it's not copied from Remington and certainly not the 700 as the Majestic was put into production years before the 700. I had a beautiful Majestic Featherweight deluxe chambered in 270 Winchester that was made in 1959 it weighed 6 1/4 lbs sans scope and rings. The Monarch model was introduced mid 60's and was a slightly cheapened model, typical cost cutting exercise but not as bad as that which Remington has done to the 700 leading to the trouble that Remington finds itself in today. The last Monarch (a 30-06 chambered one) was dispatched from the factory in November 1972. Neither the Majestic nor the Monarch had any bit's brazed on them the bolts being machined from a solid forging and required 85 machining operations to finish. The Monarch was an adaption of the U9 model made for Herters.
The Majestic model was the first "push feed" bolt as the models before had a full length extractor oh yes and the cartridge case head is also surrounded in "3 rings of steel" as the barrel breech face is recessed for the bolt head and the bolt head faced has a recess for the case head then there is of course the forged steel machined receiver. Although I have no information as to what steel was used I seriously doubt is was Bofors as it would not have been possible for Bofors to supply BSA with steel during WW2 and BSA used a lot of steel in the gun production during WW2 plus they also has their other production to feed for their tool, machine tool, and motor cycle production. Regards BH
I have hunted with a CF2 for the last 30 years and still hunting with it.
Hi, I hope you see this comment, the second BSA rifle you have shown there is a Monarch model not a CF2, Monarch models have the red cocking indicator and CF2 have brass ones, I collect BSA rifles so are very experienced in identifying models, they are awesome guns and I still use them for hunting here in New Zealand. the 1st sporting rifles BSA produced were "Hunter" followed by Majestic then Monarch and lastly CF2 then they stopped making centrefire rifles and only make air rifles to this day.
Hello Kellybrindle30! You made my day. I've received several suggestions about which model is which - and was totally lost. One fellow said they used Majestic bolts in CF2s - but I could not figure out why or how that would work; very nice fellow though and he truly believed. Another writer was certain the Monarch is a Mauser style - with claw extractor. I agree with you - they are awesome! Glad you know the details and thanks for sending.
Yeah the bolts of each model are all different so the Majestic wouldn't fit the CF2, there was a transition model somewhere between Majestics and Monarchs and those rifles are extremely rare, I used to own 30 BSA high power rifles, my main gun I use today is a CF2 .222 and my Monach .270
I have a BSA CF2 and a Parker Hale, seems like very decent steel and walnut, but, they seem to be giving them away for free, I think we need to load them in a container and send them to you Mike.....
That's a deal TMP : ) ! “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, itwas the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, itwas the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity,it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
The Hunters and Royal's were the pick and also Majestic Featherweight. The CF2 was a big heavy pig and was introduced well into the decline of BSA
Great video as usual. I knew BSA built rifles but they have not been on my radar. I rode some of their cycles back in the 60s. As an aside, have you read Roger Rule’s book on the Model 70?
I have an older Parker Hale with war time Mauser action (cut out for stripper clip on left side of receiver) mine has double set triggers, wonderful Williams Target receiver sights. It is pre model 1200. Named Safari Grade on left side of receiver, wonderfully accurate. Came Parker Hale scope mounts and rings. It is my favorite bolt action.
Great good fortune that you have that rifle! I could never find that one - the rest seem to be on the Santa Barbara Mauser. With the PH rings and double set triggers - you have a total keeper.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns My Parker-Hale .270 has a Zastava-action , Timney-type trigger (factory) and a Stirling-special-barrel ( also factory ) They are exceptional-rifles for what you pay for them . Dave nz
Once again, you've turned out another great video. I watch your films on weapons that may not interest me fully but, the info is always so interesting.
I would like to thank your film crew for the good job they do.
Not easy to do sometimes iwould imagine.
Thanks again from the UK
Thanks for being here Tikkarifle
Beautiful rifles Sir, I really like Your new intro.
When You showed the middle rifle I was thinking of how much the stock looked like a Weatherby, and then You explained.
I really enjoy Your reviews.
God Bless You My Friend
Thank you Rick! I have to visit your channel again! Hope all is well. God Bless!
Mike you are getting to be the best you tube ever.We all have to get your number's higher.Great review as alway's.OUTSTANDING review's and info.
Hello Martin! Your words are so encouraging and helpful to me!
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Your a HERO IN MY BOOK'S MIKE.I wish i was you and had half your collection at one time i did but lost most of it because of our stupid law's here in CANADA that make's a good man into a criminal and a gangster into a HERO.Your friend alway's when it come's to fire arm's.
I have a BSA Majestic Featherweight in .270 Win.
When I came upon a BSA .270 Win, ignorance prevailed and I dismissed BSA out of hand, but the price beckoned me. So a little bit more research in the direction of BSA revealed what I think to be a little gem, if not a little tarnished, no disrespect to the previous owner, in fairness its circa 1960-ish.
So what I now have is a British hand built light weight rifle from the upper spectrum of the Birmingham Small Arms Company. These are not Purdy standard guns but where manufactured and finished in ways that are now considered custom work, such as hand lapped barrels. The Majestic’s have their name and five stars engraved into the bolt high lighted in gold and the hollow bolt handle also has a engraving detailed in the same gold paint.
The serial numbers and the Birmingham Private Viewers Date Marks are a bit conflicting giving two time periods, but I have checked the rifle and all serial numbers match. The two prefix of the serial numbers indicate production from 1963 -1970, but Birmingham Private Viewers Date Marks ‘ LB’ date it from 1st January 1960. Reading other forums and such outlines BSA ‘eccentricities’ in models and individual customization as wished for by the customer. So I will go with the proof marks and say 1960.
According to the blurb without scope it weighs 6 1/4lbs. The Featherweights has very slim stocks, usually of plain wood, with a scnable fore tip and a well shaped Monte Carlo butt;.......
......hollowed inside at the fore end and with a hollow bolt handle, alloy floor plate. The action has an integral dovetail for scope mounting. Parker Hale rings will fit and I believe CZ 550 are compatible. The receiver is also factory drilled for a receiver sight such as a Parker-Hale 6EH. The barrel is 22" long and is slim in profile with a adjustable 3 leaf rear sight (100 - 300 yards), front adjustable ramp sight and a very interesting internal recoil reducer.
The BESA recoil reducer which is two holes and seven slots machined into the muzzle below the fore sight was introduce when customers complained that their light weight rifle kicked too much, but it was latter done away with because they complained about the noise. Now I can tell you she will ring all your bells if you don’t ware hearing protection but she kicks no more than a light weight un modified .243. BSA did produce a range adapter which covered the ports but these are rarer than hen’s teeth. The trigger is single stage adjustable and at the moment is very light, crisp and clean with no creep etc. The safety catch is different to the video, with it built into the rear of the bolt and not the trigger mechanism, when cocker a cocking indicator pin protrudes from the bolt shroud.
The rifle came with a equally unique scope, as with the rifle the scope has no real market value only as a curiosity. It is a Japanese made Hakko Electro Point Rifle Scope 4x40 wide with an illuminated cross hair (Reticle 22) that consists of a horizontal line split by a aim point dot.
The scope is clear but is a pain to zero as it is approximately 2 MAO at 100 yards and is very hard to index on a target. Anyhow using 130gr Soft Point in Winchester and Federal I was able to get 11/2 inch groups. I believe with a finer reticle I could tighten the groups. The ‘beast in the .270’ didn’t batter me during my range time, bench rest, but it did get away from me a couple of times and let me know I wasn’t holding her
First two (Win) group at less than an inch,................ second two (Fed) a added a bit of Kentucky windage based on the POI of my last shots and ended up spreading them about 2.25 inchs apart.
The barrel is marked 150gr .270 Win so next pocket money day I’ll try them out. But as for now shes ready for the last few days of this season, then its off to the work bench for some TLC, I’ll leave the barrel alone as I think the wear on the blue is character but the stock will be refinished with oil.
What a great post! Thank you for taking the time!
BSA "under valued " ?!! No way sir . I have extensively used the BSA sxs shotguns here in India. Excellent guns with flawless quality. You see sir , I really am sad that those fine guns and cartridges ( Eley in LG and slugs) are no longer available here .
He means they are under-rated ...exceptional-value for the money etc...
It s really wonderful and reliable gun that will last for life, l once owned a .22 sport man five riffle,it was made in the year 1932, it's amazing, great gun.
Hi Dev - only a couple hundred years left on that one. They seem to last and last : )
The Sterling SubMachine Gun Always Comes To Mind When I Think Of British Guns BSA British Sporting Arms Makes Great Firearms And Optics Thanks For this Awesome Video 😊😀😊👍🏼
Hi Chris, you're right on - that Sterling...I have to get one. Someone should make a .22 version - or maybe there is one out there. A Sterling for starlings.
Thank you for the video. The third rifle does not have a monte carlo stock. Its stock is called Kalahari.
Thank you for the correction; I had no idea. I thought that was a desert : )
awesome, I have an interest in BSA rifles. I saw a BSA .303 enfeild, my friend owns it, is accurate too! I came across a bsa model of 1917, stamped under the action, "property of BSA" address on it too. Was chambered in 30 06, but would not shoot accurately. The portion of the barrel immediately before the rifling was .15 thou oversize! I cant imagine what would cause such a bizarre chambering error, but after barrelling to 280 rem 24" stainless gain-twist, excellent accuracy is realized. I went with gain twist as I had purchased a new 7mm barrel blank years ago, it was a bargain, and my curiosity got the better of me. Fortunately this was a happy outcome, and what a beauty, with a laminated stock from boyd's!
Hi PhilHewkin - the way you think should be bottled: rifle doesn't shoot - re-barrel, new stock - great action to start with and presto : fantastic rifle. Good on you my friend, good on you.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thank You, sir! I like these tough, accurate bolt guns so much, I get $entimental and spend dollars making them as-new again. You could buy other guns cheaper, sure. But custom brings a great level of satisfaction. I left the stainless barrel shiny, (not glass-beaded) and it looks very "hot rod", I think!
I love my Santa Barbara action from Spain. Centurion 123 30.06 , made in pasadena california. Golden state arms corps. Im going to add a scope later. It has a bent bolt handle for a scope. I do have to reblue the rifle but thats only $30 for the super blue and i do it myself. I cant wait, i might even order a skinner peepsights if i cant get a scope i like, 4x weaver steel scopes or scopechief . It has a ramline synthetic stock . 1 piece burris base, leupold rings. I love my new old commercial mauser.
Downside to Steadler pencils is that they use coal in the mixture, and that makes them harder even impossible to erase, however they produce a very nice black color impossible with normal pencils.
I had no idea Robert. I do like them though.
These rifles were very popular with professional Gillie's and gamekeepers over here in the UK, they would take a lot of abuse and hard work all for very little money for a rifle of its quality as was nearly allways the case with BSA products .
Regards from your friend the Sage.
The Sage! The keeper of the Realm! How are you my friend? Those game keepers know what's what - they've seen all the tribal war clubs and gold encrusted whatnot's from across the channel - that happen to go bang if you hold your mouth right. BSA all the way. I'm just teasing - sort of - anyway - God Bless.
have two bsa in 30/06. beautiful well made and shoot 1moa or less.
Thanks for another great video! I've always had a soft spot for Birmingham Small Arms, probably because I learned my fundamentals on my great grandfather's BSA model 12, 22 l.r.
And that Majestic - what a beauty! Classic lines and elegant, to be sure!
Hard to believe they stopped making them. Better than so many others in their time, better than most now - and every one I've known : accurate beyond compare. I guess with all these superlatives - they just had to be discontinued.
The BSA that has the claw style extractor is called the Hunter model or the Imperial, to the best of my knowledge.
Thank you!
Nice video-but where were you're shooting glasses?
I couldn't agree more great rifles,
In response to your comment that youtube emailed to me 8B is the prefix for an Imperial Featherweight model which was in production from 1957- 1964 this is according to the information in John Knibbs book on BSA. 8D would make it a Majestic model produced from 1960- 1966 now remember that the Majestic bolt has a push feed extractor normally however it has been known for oddities to turn up and with 4 years of production over lap perhaps a bolt swap or replacement? Hope this helps.
Hi Kevin - So appreciated - thank you! These are so undervalued!
Back in the early 80s I had a CF2 Varmint barrel with set trigger function in 22-250. Highly accurate with hand loads and accounted for many crows and magpies in that era. It was a perfect compliment to my 243 Parker Hale 1200V . Great video we also had a majestic in 270Win
The Majestic example that you show in this video, I have one in .270, was my grandpa’s rifle handed down to me. My rifle does not have the “Majestic” etched in the bolt, just polished steel, and my rifle includes the integral muzzle break intact. My question is, did they vary the build by year, or perhaps is mine not a Majestic? Again, my rifle includes many of the same characteristics including the schnabel, same weight saving designs such as hollowed butt stock, bolt handle, etc. Appreciate any information you may have, I had the rifle reblued, stock refinished and had new buttpad fitted to allow LOP for my needs, the rifle is my favorite hunting rifle, accurate beyond belief and I get the joy of remembering my grandpa each time I take it out of the vault.
Look at the serial number if it is a 270 Majestic the number will begin with 8D or 8E. A 270 Monarch will be 8L, 8M or 8P.
@@kevinpeckham1086 8B 480, it is clearly a B not a D, thoughts?
Timeline .
1954 BSA introduce Mauser type short action length Hunter/Royal line . .22 Hornet or .222
1956 medium length .257 Roberts , 7mm Mauser , .300 Savage .243 and .308
1957 long action , 30-06 , .270, .458 Win .
1959 BSA introduce new style Majestic action Feather weight in .243 , .308 , .270 , 30-06, .458
and Standard weight Imperial in 30-06 , Viscount in .243 ,.308 , 7mm Mauser and Regent in .222 and .22 Hornet .
1965 BSA introduce Monarch line also available in 7mm Rem Mag
1972 BSA introduce CF2 range with many more calibres
So helpful! Thank you.
i have bsa 30-06 i paid 142.00$in 1969 WILL never sell it great gun
I owned a BSA cf2 243 win. I sold it to get more power. That was a huge mistake since I got a BSA cf2 308 win with a scope for less than us 300. Today 10 years later I still miss the 243. With the 308 I shot a Swedish moose and a 98 kg pig. Point and it will hit.
Hello pgr671 - Those are hard to find in .243; on the other hand, the .308 is a more versatile cartridge : as the moose and pig can attest. I picked up one in 6.5x55 and it was just like Christmas - a real gift to own and shoot - such a fine cartridge. Good shooting and take care.
That Wesley Richards... That's what I want a rifle to look like. Any other rifle that is more Affordable with the same lines out there? Should I look for an Enfield sporting maybe? I cna find them around 300$ it seems.
I am lucky enough to own various incarnations of BSA , a Majestic Featherweight in 30-06, a BSA made SMLE [.303] a post WW1 BSA commercial sporter in .303, a BSA SxS shotgun and a BSA 650 Spitfire motorcycle .
The demise of BSA is testament to the industrial trend prevailing at the time ie, a lack of pride in the nation and irresponsible selfishness of management and unions alike at a time of increased foreign competition .
Is it not ironic that [ within Europe at least ] Germany, Japan and Italy should have thriving gun industries that lead the way in competitive shooting sports and on the game scene ?
BSA made wonderful guns and those that survive should be cherished and used for their intended purpose .
One hopes that after Brexit , there will be opprtunities for entrepreneurs to revive the British gun industry and affordable quality firearms will be available again that bear the trademarks of famous companies .
I , for one , would welcome the chance to put my money down on a brand spanking new shotgun or rifle.
Hello DS - Not many people have the BSAs and less realize how fine they were and are. I also hope some new consumer level guns start to made in the UK again. Would be nice to see a UK made rifle in the $1000. range in North America - I'm sure it can be done. Might bring some class to the whole budget guns arena.
Great video!!! Thank you:))
Point is I would'nt want a rifle that didn't have the dovetails machined as part of the receiver, mine are off set from the bore meaning you can sight your rifle without needing to touch the scopes windage and no worries about loose screws or mounts. Shot 1000s of rounds through B.S.A undervalued rifle.I shoot a sako at the moment but I would have no problem with a B.S.A.
Good words - no one knows why the BSA is so undervalued. Maybe that won't last.
I remember seeing rifles from Interarms called the Mark X and maybe another called the Witworth back in around 185-86ish. It seems I recall they were maybe made in England...or off English designs or something. They seemed okay but were pretty heavy and I think shops didn't sell them well unless they deeply discounted them. Do those rifles sound familiar?
@Art Anson Yep, I remember guys would look at them and then buy a 700! At that time I had a Husqvarna my Dad had acquired around 66 or 67. I didn't know what I had inherited back then, but I do now and am still glad I have it. There were a lot of good Mauser actioned rifles floating around back then and I was dumb not to have started up a collection. Well c'est la vie! Heck, I even wish I had bought a crate of sks's back then when they were 59.95! I remember getting offered Polytech Norinco ak's with three mags and pouches...brand new for 189.95......dumb dumb dumb!
Rifle about '76. It was very well made, accurate and absolutely hammered countless deer and other game. The European walnut stock had pressed checkering and was replaced. Many rifles later, it remains my faithful go to.
i have the CF2 in .243 Great rifle, its different on the back of the bolt to the majestic and monarch that you have there.
That's a perfect cal. ! And I could never find one.
They were also released under the name Herter's
Thanks for telling us; I vaguely remember the Herter's line; the brand has been resurrected for Herter's ammunition and maybe other products to come.
i have 2 hunters impereal feather weight in 30-06 one of wich was my fathers he ordered it just after the second world war and it took 3 odd years to be delivered and has a heavy hunting barrel on it weighs about as much as a .22 the other light hunting barrel has a muzzle break machined into the end of the barrel known as the bezza muzzle break . i also have a 222 wich i beleave is a ex cullers rifle. shipments were brought in by the NewZealand gov for dear culling operations in the 40s-70s they legondary over here.
Hi Evan - you've got 2 very fine rifles. For some reason the collectors I know value the ones without the muzzle brake. I'm not sure why - the brake works well - on the other hand it may look dramatic to some people. The .222 is the gem though - hi demand item and so scarce. Thanks for the note.
The BSA is a great rifle!
It sure is Rob - a steal at current prices too
Tough to argue with the prices - typically less than say a Husqvarna. My only nitpick was very slow lock time...oddly something which never bothered me about my Krag.
Never bothered me either william.
Please let them stay undervalued.
: ) now that is wisdom. As my friend said at the range said shhhhhhhhh.
Majestic 😮
Like butter..😂
And healthier
I noticed the federal fusion on the table. I’d love to hear your opinion on them.
Great video, I purchased a Saint Hubert Co. U9 (I believe) rifle in .264 win mag. The rifle has a great stock and beautiful bluing. It appears to be exactly like a BSA CF2 from what pictures I could find. It came with Herters 1" scope bases and mounts. I want to update the bases and rings to 30mm. I can not confirm the correct mounts with anybody. Would you have any idea? It appears to be based off a Remington Model 700 but I can't be sure, because all my Remingtons have scopes on them and already zero'd in and good. Any information would be great.
Hello sir, I have one question. I have one some of this BSA rifles, and i think its "majestic" model, so, can you tell me please, what is the similarest rifle of this (Remington, Sako, Mauser...) ? I ask coz of chasis. I set new barrel and planing to buy some of "modern" syntetic or alu rifle stocks for this rifle (if is it posible). Please can you help me? Thank you a lot
What are some of the best currently made Mauser actions?
Yes, Bofors is Swedish.
Thanks Jonas.
Where is the CF2 ? Not one of these three.
Great video thank you.
I have what I thought was a Monarch but looks just like your Majestic but with a ported barrel. In fine shape, just missing the bolt. Any leads or tips in identification.
Thanks
Hi Medina - please send a pic of the action to usogbyemail@gmail.com
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I sent an email, not sure if you have had a chance to read it yet.
Hope all is groovy.
Thanks
Is the Majestic and Monarch the same rifles as the old Herters J9 and U9 that they imported from the UK? I heard that they were BSA's as well.
I think you're right - I heard this from other viewers. I just can't find the Herter's rifles to know for sure.
THE Majestic was the deluxe BSA Hunter 1950 to 60s both of these had the scope rails built on .then the BSA Monarch then the CF2 clear varnish & the last CF2 had oil stocks mid 1970s these have screw on parker hale scope rails . I have a Monarch 243 & 2 CF2 .270 & 1 CF2 .30.06 . .
How hard is it to find parts for this rifle? There’s one in mint condition at a local shop for $475 Cdn.
Easy - plenty were sold and parts are around. I've owned several and never needed any parts though - only targets : )
Speaking of under valued rifles what are your thoughts on the Mauser M96 straight pull
Hi Sam - I wish I could find one to know what people are asking. I think they suffer from not being well known and few imported. Sorry I don't know more.
I think I have a BSA Monarch, USOG is there a way I could send you some pics to try to identify this old BSA rifle?
Hi - yes please do : usogbyemail@gmail.com - I'll get back to you.
Prefix Letters
Calibre Model Details
Date Of Production
1A + 1B
.22 Hornet Hunter Short Action 1954 - 1958
1C + C1 Regent 1958 - 1964
2A + 2B
.222 Remington Hunter S.A. 1954 - 1956
2D + C2D Regent Featherweight 1956 - 1963
2J Majestic 1963 - 1966
2L Monarch 1st Pat 1966 - 1968
2M Monarch 1st Pat Heavy Barrel 1965 - 1970
2P Monarch 2nd Pat Heavy Barrel 1970 - 1973
2R CF2 1973 - 1986
3B .308 Winchester Hunter M.A Viscount 1956 - 1958
3D Featherweight Majestic
1957 - 1963
3F Majestic 1959 - 1966
3L Monarch 1st Pat 1966 - 1970
3M Monarch 1st Pat 1967 - 1971
3P Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 - 1972
3R CF2 1973 - 1986
4B .257 Roberts Hunter L.A. 1956
5B 7x57 Mauser Hunter M.A Viscount 1955 - 1962
5R CF2 1973 - 1986
6B 300 Savage Hunter M.A. Viscount Featherweight 1955 - 1965
7B .30-06 Springfield Hunter L.A. Imperial 1956 - 1964
7D Imperial Featherweight 1957 - 1959
7E Majestic 1965 - 1971
7G Majestic 1960 - 1966
7L Monarch 1st Pat 1966 - 1971
7M Monarch 2nd Pat 1968 - 1972
7P Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 - 1972
7R CF2 1972 - 1986
8B .270 Winchester Imperial Featherweight 1957 - 1964
8D Majestic 1960 - 1966
8E Majestic 1963 - 1970
8L Monarch 1st Pat 1966 -1969
8M Monarch 1st Pat 1969 - 1970
8P Monarch 1st+ 2nd Pat Featherweight 1969 - 1974
8R CF2 1972 - 1974
9C .458 Winchester Emperor 1958 - 1965
10B .375 H&H.B.R.N.E Imperial Unknown
11A .243 Winchester Hunter/Viscount 1958 - 1966
11B Hunter/Viscount 1957 - 1970
11D Majestic 1959 - 1966
11E Majestic 1960 - 1970
11L Monarch 1st Pat 1967 - 1968
11M Monarch 1st Pat 1967 - 1970
11P Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 - 1974
11R CF2 1973 - 1986
12N 7mm Rem Mag Monarch 1st Pat 1968 - 1970
12P Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 - 1972
12R CF2 1973 - 1985
13P .300 Winchester Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 -1973
14P Magnum
14R
CF2 1978 - 1986
15P .22 .250 Monarch 2nd Pat 1971 - 1973
15R CF2 1973 - 1986
whats the rifle on the intro?
I have a "Hunter" in .222. Mauser action. Popular with NZ deer cullers in the 60s. Belonged to my great Grandfather. Anyone know anything about them?
Hi Russell - please have a look at one of my more recent videos - all on the .222 BSA Hunter - superb rifle.
Thank you for the video. I have had a hard time finding information on my b.s.a majestic. Would you know where I could find some rings for my .222 b.s.a majestic? Do they take parker hale rings by chance? Tha is again
Hi Robert - the Parker Hale rings should fit. I was looking at one not long ago and I'm pretty sure the rings were PH. Sorry I can't be 1005 certain.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns You are correct. Parker Hale rings were used for the built in dovetails on the BSA. Here is an old sizing chart to find the correct rings.
www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=60023
Have you come across the cf 2 in a manlicher stock..carbine. ?
Hi Andrew - I've seen them at the range - and I've seen them for sale - but every time I tried to buy one - someone else was quicker. Very fine and fast handling.
I have a BSA .270 CF2. Any idea where I can get a bolt in the USA for it?
Try Numrich Gun Parts
www.google.com/search?q=numrich+gun+parts&oq=numrich+gun+parts&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4928j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
If I come across one I'll be in touch.
Is this the same BSA that manufactures air rifles?
Yes - it is : )
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I never knew they made firearms, they must not have been widely available in the U.S.
@@Al-vb6js Yeah, strange how a company can move from motorbikes to firearms, like Benelli too. Must be a European thing
Husqvarna went from swords and axes to firearms to chainsaws also.
@@wizardofahhhs759 It was the other way round for BSA They made firearms first, and actually for several centuries, before getting into bicycle manufacture and eventually motorcycles.
BSA CENTER FIRE RIFLE
Prefix Letters
Calibre Model Details
Date Of Production
1A + 1B
.22 Hornet Hunter Short Action 1954 - 1958
1C + C1 Regent 1958 - 1964
2A + 2B
.222 Remington Hunter S.A. 1954 - 1956
2D + C2D Regent Featherweight 1956 - 1963
2J Majestic 1963 - 1966
2L Monarch 1st Pat 1966 - 1968
2M Monarch 1st Pat Heavy Barrel 1965 - 1970
2P Monarch 2nd Pat Heavy Barrel 1970 - 1973
2R CF2 1973 - 1986
3B .308 Winchester Hunter M.A Viscount 1956 - 1958
3D Featherweight Majestic
1957 - 1963
3F Majestic 1959 - 1966
3L Monarch 1st Pat 1966 - 1970
3M Monarch 1st Pat 1967 - 1971
3P Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 - 1972
3R CF2 1973 - 1986
4B .257 Roberts Hunter L.A. 1956
5B 7x57 Mauser Hunter M.A Viscount 1955 - 1962
5R CF2 1973 - 1986
6B 300 Savage Hunter M.A. Viscount Featherweight 1955 - 1965
7B .30-06 Springfield Hunter L.A. Imperial 1956 - 1964
7D Imperial Featherweight 1957 - 1959
7E Majestic 1965 - 1971
7G Majestic 1960 - 1966
7L Monarch 1st Pat 1966 - 1971
7M Monarch 2nd Pat 1968 - 1972
7P Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 - 1972
7R CF2 1972 - 1986
8B .270 Winchester Imperial Featherweight 1957 - 1964
8D Majestic 1960 - 1966
8E Majestic 1963 - 1970
8L Monarch 1st Pat 1966 -1969
8M Monarch 1st Pat 1969 - 1970
8P Monarch 1st+ 2nd Pat Featherweight 1969 - 1974
8R CF2 1972 - 1974
9C .458 Winchester Emperor 1958 - 1965
10B .375 H&H.B.R.N.E Imperial Unknown
11A .243 Winchester Hunter/Viscount 1958 - 1966
11B Hunter/Viscount 1957 - 1970
11D Majestic 1959 - 1966
11E Majestic 1960 - 1970
11L Monarch 1st Pat 1967 - 1968
11M Monarch 1st Pat 1967 - 1970
11P Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 - 1974
11R CF2 1973 - 1986
12N 7mm Rem Mag Monarch 1st Pat 1968 - 1970
12P Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 - 1972
12R CF2 1973 - 1985
13P .300 Winchester Monarch 2nd Pat 1970 -1973
14P Magnum
14R
CF2 1978 - 1986
15P .22 .250 Monarch 2nd Pat 1971 - 1973
15R CF2 1973 - 1986
Very helpful! Thank you for sending.