redial Posted October 24 Report Share Posted October 24 Some years ago I had the use of a very old BSA from an elderly gent who owned a couple of these under lever air rifles. He described them as bell target rifles. I remember them having BSA in quite large letters on the stock by the grip, no clue of what model though. They seemed to me at the time to be quite long. I am looking at acquiring one but would like to do a little research first. Any suggestions what I should be looking for model wise and is it possible to find one in good condition all these years later. Are there specialist dealers out there. The 1920/30’s is just a guess, I could be way off. I would like one 70% to own and admire 30% for some plinking. Thanks in advance for any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enfieldspares Posted October 24 Report Share Posted October 24 (edited) The really accurate ones will have either a rearsight on the top of the wooden stock where it meets the back of the receiver or have a flat (that may then have been repaired and reprofiled) where that rearsight was. I had one and it was extremely accurate. Bell target shooting was shot for serious cash in the Black Country and not for "fun". Therefore if the rifle had had at some stage that rearsight so fitted you can be sure it was on the money...literally. There is an old book "Ring My Bell" by the owner of one of the West Midlands, Wolverhampton gunshops that was. Frank Spittle. http://www.historywebsite.co.uk/articles/belltarget/spittle.htm Edited October 24 by enfieldspares Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted October 24 Report Share Posted October 24 Bell shooting at one time was assosiated with pub teams across the country......must have been brilliant fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUNKS Posted October 24 Report Share Posted October 24 (edited) I am a founder member of the Melbourne marksmen bell target club in Melbourne Derbys. It is their annual fayre this Sunday in the village hall DE73 8GJ Kickoff at 10am At a guess I would think you will see at least 25/30 Vintage BSA rifles for sale every marque and style, also experts to chat to. Well worth a visit if you are not too far away. I own a LIGHT PATTERN in 177 quite powerful and super accurate, was made in 1921. Today it would fetch £200 Edited October 24 by DUNKS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted October 24 Report Share Posted October 24 Like this but with a peep sight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUNKS Posted October 24 Report Share Posted October 24 That looks like a very nice STANDARD been re finished I think mine is original. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redial Posted October 25 Author Report Share Posted October 25 9 hours ago, bruno22rf said: Like this but with a peep sight? Very much like that, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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