BSA Martini 12

Serendipity! This little BSA Martini came up for sale nearby. Yesterday I met the very spry 90 year old rifle shooter who decided he preferred his Winchester Model 52 and the BSA was surplus to his needs.

Thanks to the excellent site ( rifleman.org.uk ) I think mine dates from late 1930's. (I need a better glass to make out the Birmingham proof date) The serial number is 53901. Stamped "Superior Nickel Steel," the barrel is marked:

Made By
The Birmingham Small Arms Co Ltd
England
Cartridge 220 Long rifle

The rear sight is a Parker Hale 7A while the tunnel front sight is marked A.G.P. 22. The scope is a Litschert 20X, likely from the late 40's. The hooked non adjustable buttplate and handstop suggest a serious shooter's custom touches.

The "Phoenix" stamp on the muzzle indicates the barrel was relined at some point by Phoenix Rifle Repair Co - Birmingham, England.

An interesting rifle from a time when an Englishman could enjoy rifle marksmanship without his fellows viewing it as aberrant behavior...and it does shoot!!!

I have one just like it - serial no. 42875 - with the exception of the Litshert and the butt hook. Great shooter and mine was lined with a Redman insert! I hope you try it with the aperture sights.

Cheers,
Bill :cheers:

Great shooters. No recoil, no noise, simple, last forever, accurate.

Wow that rifle is beautiful well done. We brits were good once at making stuff.

We can still shoot but with greater restrictions.