A BSA ‘Standard’ Model ‘No 2’ T Series (.22 Calibre) Air Rifle. These air rifles were manufactured by BSA from 1936 -1939. This particular rifles serial number is 7009 dating its manufacture to 1939 just prior to the start of WW2. It is a very late numbered example
This rifle is in good used condition with a smooth grey/black patina to the action. It is worn and thinning in places more subject to heavier use but it does retain a fair proportion of its original finish.
What makes this rifle a very interesting example is that it is fitted with an extremely rare ‘Sprawson-Parker Traversing Foresight’.This sight was a replacement foresight invented by Herbert Sprawson who was a prize winning pre war Birmingham Rifleman. The sight was manufactured by AG Parker between WWI and WW2. The advantage of this sight was that the original BSA foresight bead was very prone to damage. By fitting this replacement sight the bead was protected by the wings to either side. The bead was also adjustable for for lateral movement by the use of the screw on the side of the sight. This was advantages in that if the rifle was being used by different people the point impact could be adjusted easily rather than by drifting the original foresight. This is a very rare feature and very few of these sights have ever been seen. This particular foresight was also featured in John Milewski’s book The Book of te BSA Air Rifle 1905 -1939 it is the same rifle.
The rifle is also fitted with a BSA No 22 flip up aperture sight on to the wooden stock above the wrist. This was normally where these were attached either in the factory or retro fitted . This sight functions and is adjustable for windage by loosening the rear fixing screw and moving the sight to its desired position prior to tightening the screw to secure the sight. The elevation screw has unfortunately had its thread stripped so although it can be moved up and down it needs to be done manually rather than with the adjusting screw. The centre sight is fitted as per the factory and is adjustable for height by the use of the knurled screw which lifts the blade up or down.
The stock fitted is 14 1/4″ featuring the Impressed BSA logo. It has no splits or cracks it does have marks of usage but overall its in good condition. The oval shaped plate is fitted and undamaged.
A rare example and sure to appeal to collectors of pre War BSA Air Rifles.