BSA Improved model D - pre WWI

[baranjhn]

This is an Improved model D that I recently picked up. These rifles were made from 1908 to 1914. Based upon the butt plate and tap plate markings, this particular rifle was probably made closer to 1914 than 1908. I haven't chronied it yet, but it shoots hard, so I'm confident it'll be around the 550 to 600 fps mark. According to The Book of the BSA Air Rifle by Milewski it is a Sporting model which is the name used when describing the number 2 bore (.22) rifles that are 45 3/4" in length. These later became the Standard model (in 1914 and continued post war production).

 

[ITACUD]

Very cool looking rifle. Nice find!

 

[KWK]

This one's a 1906 "BSA Air Rifle". Prior to any of the improvements except it has the small pin trigger guard. The first batch guns had a long tang trigger guard inletted into the stock. This is a second batch. Some of the blueing has gone plum brown. I made the front sight. A replica of the rare barleycorn sight. Several other parts were missing when I got the rifle. Trigger, trigger guard, trigger spring, trigger screw, main spring. Took me a year to find or make parts and put it together. Shoots pretty well with a cut down HW50 spring. 43 1/2 inch gun .177. about 700 fps. This was the Standard length at the time. Hard to find one in this condition. IMD's with the side button are a lot more common.