I am not sure if i have this in the right section but I have a bsa .458 win mag. I have done some research on it and have not found a whole lot of useful information. I see that they had a few different models a hunter, majestic, imperial, ect but havent found alot to identify what mine actually is. I am trying to to find an approximate value of it so if anyone has any experience with these rifles the help would be greatly appreciated.
bsa .458 win mag
- Thread starter banshee24
- Start date
Post pics, Baribal will be along soon to identify it for you. Pics of markings and details are most helpful, while overall pics are nicest to look at. Some of both is best, to keep everyone happy.
Mark
indeed!
You need to upload your pics to a photo hosting site such as photobucket, then copy the image link from the host site and put it into the popup window for posting graphics (the little button that looks like a mountain on a yellow postcard in the row above the text box).
If that was clear as mud to you, there is also a sticky in the Newbie forum that explains it in much more detail.
Mark
ok thanks alot. badbrass was nice enough to offer to do it for me so they will be up as soon as he has a chance to do it. if you guys need any more info on the rifle i can get whatever you need i am not sure how good the markings will show up in the pics.
The only one I personally have any knowledge of had a gill brake machined into the muzzle. I sold it to a fellow forty years ago who was visiting Whitehorse. It was a lovely rifle to handle, but a brute to shoot!
Ted
Ted
Congrats on this uncommon find!
What is the letter on the left side of the X, opposed to the "B" on the proofmark? I see a "J" but I'm not 100% sure.
It sounds like you have a nice rifle, the first afterwar BSA model, named Royal in the "Big Game" version. It was only made in small number, and the big part of the production was sent to Africa. It was only produced in 1958 (hence the "J" X "B", for 1958), the Royal being supersede by the Majestic i 1959. I know some BSA collectors who would come red faced if they see these pics...
What is the letter on the left side of the X, opposed to the "B" on the proofmark? I see a "J" but I'm not 100% sure.
It sounds like you have a nice rifle, the first afterwar BSA model, named Royal in the "Big Game" version. It was only made in small number, and the big part of the production was sent to Africa. It was only produced in 1958 (hence the "J" X "B", for 1958), the Royal being supersede by the Majestic i 1959. I know some BSA collectors who would come red faced if they see these pics...
Last edited:
the letter to the left of th X looks like an I but after reading your post and doing a bit of research i found a site that said they did not use the letter I in the proof marks so it was not confused with any other letters so it must be a J. is there any other info i can give you to confirm what this rifle is? I am super excited that this may potentially be a sought after rifle. any idea on an approx. value? it is in pretty good shape blueing is not rubbed and stock only has a few small knicks in it.
That is a BSA Emperor.
The so-called "Royal" line sporting rifles were built in the late 1950's. (BTW, these were never called "Royal" in England but rather they were referred to as "Hunter" ) They came in 4 styles: Regent short action, Viscount medium action, Imperial long action, and the Emperor in 458 Winchester.
Here is a copy of a 1959 advertiser handout.
The so-called "Royal" line sporting rifles were built in the late 1950's. (BTW, these were never called "Royal" in England but rather they were referred to as "Hunter" ) They came in 4 styles: Regent short action, Viscount medium action, Imperial long action, and the Emperor in 458 Winchester.
Here is a copy of a 1959 advertiser handout.
Sadly, it doesn't worth a dime... so, I'm sure one of the members here will help you getting rid of this worthless rifle.
Was joking, of course.
As for realistic value, it's hard to say, really, because it's so seldom seen. Of course, if one wish to max out the selling price, the best way to go is through an auction. A real avid collector may also privately offer far more than one who wants to use it as a hunter. The Royal usually go for the same price range as the Majestic, means about 450.00 $ to 550.00 $ for a very nice one in standard calibers. Yours? well, very hard to say. It will depend on how bad you like it and how bad someone wants it.
Was joking, of course.
As for realistic value, it's hard to say, really, because it's so seldom seen. Of course, if one wish to max out the selling price, the best way to go is through an auction. A real avid collector may also privately offer far more than one who wants to use it as a hunter. The Royal usually go for the same price range as the Majestic, means about 450.00 $ to 550.00 $ for a very nice one in standard calibers. Yours? well, very hard to say. It will depend on how bad you like it and how bad someone wants it.
The "Hunter" was the name of the standard line of the "Royal" series while the "Big Game" is the .458 Win made only for one year, on a strenghtened action and cross bolts through the stock.
The Regent, Viscount, Imperial and Emperor names were used from 1959 and they were introduced as the "Majestic" series, and what is shown above is the introduction pamphlet of the line.
The "Big Game" have a rounded fore end nose while the Emperor have a Schnabel fore end (like illustrated above). The Emperor also have a small red plastic dot ion the cocking piece, which should not be present on the "Big Game".
The Regent, Viscount, Imperial and Emperor names were used from 1959 and they were introduced as the "Majestic" series, and what is shown above is the introduction pamphlet of the line.
The "Big Game" have a rounded fore end nose while the Emperor have a Schnabel fore end (like illustrated above). The Emperor also have a small red plastic dot ion the cocking piece, which should not be present on the "Big Game".
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
I have a 458.
BSA is a nice Mauser bolt rifle. The Old Man has one (a custom) in 7mm Wby that I used this fall for deer in Sask. I like Mausers and the BSA is one you don't see on everyone's used rack.
Congrats on a fine rifle. No go shoot a spring bear with it and report back to us!
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Nice rifle. Now get out to the range and shoot it!
