Bsa sxs?

C

crunch68

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I'm going to look at a used BSA 12 Side, 30 IN, English Stock, CYL/IMP MOD. I don't know the model. It's supposed to be in good condition. Can anyone tell me a little about BSA sxs's, as well as is there anything in particular to be aware of +/-?

Thanks,

Bob
 
Can't really help you with BSA SxS's as I've never dealt with one. However, as with any SxS, condition is important. If the action is not tight, or if it has dents in the barrels or pitting in the bores, I would seriously reconsider. They are not terribly expensive guns so condition is everything.
 
Thanks gunsaholic,
I'm just interested in a nice upland gun, no collector. I've owned an Ithaca, Baikal and lower end Ugartchea in the past. I'd like something a little nicer, but still a hunting piece.
 
I'm like gunsaholic on these. Don't run into a lot of them. The brits version of our stevens some say.
Not high end guns, early ones apparently better quality being made in Biringham later ones made in spain and some say turkey.
Spain ones with single triggers had problems but that is about all I have heard on them.
Barrel stamp will tell you where made and I could be wrong here but no choke tubes is probally a Biringham production.Others seem to all have choke tubes.Sorry I cannot be of more help
 
They're good solid little guns. The upper class tended to look down their noses at them, because they were mostly machine made. They had dovetailed chopper lump barrels, the same system that Winchester "borrowed" for their model 21. Pretty amazing for what was considered a cheap gun at the time. Retail was 15-18 pounds sterling, and came in a couple of different grades. Some were fitted with ejectors, but I've yet to see one.

When you have your hands on it, with the action closed, take the forend off, hold the muzzle straight up and give it a shake to make sure nothing rattles. If the barrels are loose, it can be fixed, but will effect the value. With the barrels off, suspend them on one finger by the lumps, and give the barrels a tap... they should ring. If they sound dead, then the ribs are loose.

Also, when you have the barrels off, check the proof marks. A lot of these old guns have 2 1/2" chambers, although some were built with 2 3/4, considered heavy wildfowl guns by the Brits.
 
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