£539.99
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An UNUSUAL and VERY OLD example of a .303 Bolt Action BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) Model 1923 Rifle.
Gavin Gardiner Auctioneers had a similar rifle listed in his ‘Scottish / Gleneagles Sale’ 26th AUG 2019. LOT 13. Described as: ‘BSA. A SCARCE .33 NITRO EXPRESS MODEL 1923 BOLT ACTION SPORTING RIFLE’. HIGHLY COLLECTABLE with a GUIDE price estimate between £500 and £800. …..
It SOLD at £800 with commission and VAT to add on the hammer price so cost over £1000.
Admittedly that rifle has some provenance and what appears to be a very nice Walnut stock. BUT the BIG plus with THIS rifle is the readily available ammunition in Standard .303 ‘British’ calibre.
The barrel is an original 22 5/8” (550mm) with a Stock pull a compact 12 7/8” (327mm). Overall length is 41 ½” (1055mm) with a bare weight as it appears at 8 Lbs 6 oz. (3.8 Kg).
For some reason the rear Hilver base has been soldered in place, possibly to illuminate any possible scope slip. These scope bases are Windage Adjustable both front and rear. Provided I have stock, I will include a set of inch (possibly 30mm) rings with the gun. If not it is far from difficult to find or even make a set of rings to suite. Whatever tube diameter and height requirements, price to be discussed / agreed etc.
The rifle is now set to a Black Synthetic Stock. That has a ‘stippled’ / textured finish effect right through apart from the chequered grip areas. It does have two small dents. Nothing more than worth a mention in the interests of 100% accuracy.
The action itself is based on a Mauser 1896 (96) in that the Bolt Cocks on Closing. A feature re designed on the 98 which cocks on opening. Both are Military action designs. With the 96 it was thought and found in the middle of battle to be a problem. The additional hold and pressure required to cock the bolt ON CLOSING could cause the hand to slip. Especially when your hand/s may not be as clean or warm as might be preferred. Freezing cold and very possibly covered in mud, blood, guts and gore (and anything else to be found). In the heat of War the LAST thing you need is to slip off the bolt. Fail to chamber a round and THAT would likely be the last thing between you and your creator!
NOT a problem for any use on the agenda today though.
It IS actually a rather NICE rifle. Vintage and RARE for ANYONE wanting a .303 that is something COMPLETELY different. Certainly to the usual British Military options of Enfield’s and P14 etc. OR to actually hunt / stalk with and NO REASON why not.
With the British Empire this calibre probably and very possibly still does account for more ‘heads’ than any other. (4 and 2 legged)!
DEFINITELY SOMETHING UNUSUAL AND DIFFERENT.
£539.99
