1909 bsa

[smle13]

i have a chance to pick up a 1909 bsa with volley sights. it has all matching numbers and the barrel is dated the same year. the wood has some small dents and dings but overall is very good. the seller lists the guns as in VERY GOOD condition. he wants $900.00 for it. is that a good price?

Information

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[finloq]

The only auction that I could find for a 1909 BSA was for one that had been FTR'd. It went for much less, if yours is still in original configuration?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=165074220

[Bricari]

The price appears to be top dollar, but how often have you seen a 1909 and all matching? Has it got both the front and rear volley sights and the cut off?

[RCS]

My 1909 BSA with '09 BSA matching barrel, nice bore too. Serial number u/57521. Not a new example but I like it.Attachment 14278Attachment 14277Attachment 14276Attachment 14279

[Simon P]

Have 1907 BSA all matching, first year of manufacture, paid £300 last year, here in the UK

[smle13]

it is all complete. it has both front and rear volley sights. does anyone think i should get it?

[RJW NZ]

Check a few things; these early ones can have a lot of matching serials;, look for, receiver/barrel/bolt/nosecap/rear sight - additonally check under the front of the forearm and also the magazine, these last two are unlikley but I have seen it.
If you have all these serial numbers, especially nosecap and more so the rear sight, which should be windage adjustable btw, then added to the volley sights and mag cut off (has it got that?, not so bad if not as they can be bought), you have a prime rifle you'll be happy with for a long time.
The last thing I'd look at is the wear and condition of the barrel. If the bore is dark or rusty, or the rifling is so worn you can't shoot it, then the interest factor drops. If its good then its more of a good buy.
Ask for those serial numbers, check the bore, ask for the mag cut off, if thats all good, and you're not spending the rent money, I'd buy it.
Depending on condition, if it really is little used then it will only appreciate. If the condition is more like well used then its overpriced and it will be a while before the value climbs. If it was me ... if the condition was good, I 'd take it. I missed a 1907 last year for $600 and I'm kicking myself ever since. Finding a good, unaltered pre ww1 no1mk3 is not easy, hence a good investment.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

Have to agree with RJW. I'd also want to be sure that the seller has a reasonable return policy-$900 is a big chunk of change.

[smle13]

it has all the bits and pieces. it is all matching all the way down to the round cocking piece. the bore condition he said was 80-85%, is that pretty good and shootable?

[RJW NZ]

it has all the bits and pieces. it is all matching all the way down to the round cocking piece. the bore condition he said was 80-85%, is that pretty good and shootable?

yup, that sounds good. Try that bullet reversed in the muzzle trick to get an idea of wear on the rifling. If it shows about 1/4 inch or more of bullet from the muzzle to the brass of the cartridge then its in good shape.
As the rifling wears down that gap will close proportionatly(?), if the bullet goes right in to the brass, it means there is no rifling gripping the bullet, its loose in the bore, you'll start getting keyholes if you shoot it (although enfields love to screw with us as sometimes the things will be loose in the bore and still shoot straight against all logic.)

If its a good condition externally ,but the bore is worn, don't overlook that you can reload with lightly oversize bullets to make them a tight fit in the bore.

Is the seller local to you?
Can you see the rifle as you pay for it?
Can you get pics of it?
If its a postal job, ask for 24 hours to phone him and change your mind if its not as good as he said it is. That is often seen on for sale sites like gunbroker where most rifles are delivered, and paid for unsighted.