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BSA Bolt Action Rifle Question

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12 March 2012, 04:17
huffmanite
BSA Bolt Action Rifle Question
Local pawn shop has what I've determined is a BSA bolt action rifle. Only thing on it I can read, is stamp on receiver that says made in England. Based on my internet research, suspect it is a rifle imported into U.S. by Eagle Arms in NY. probably late 70s till maybe 1987. Its tagged being a 6mm, but suspect it is a .243Win. Anyway, nice blonde wood stock on it, rosewood forecap and pistol grip cap. I've yet to figure out how to remove its bolt to get a better look at bore. It does not have a mauser type action....bolt shroud reminds me of a Sako. General condition ot the rifle is good. Obviously its been well used.

Dispite my skimpy details, anyone have a comment about this BSA rifle. Probably can buy it for $270 U.S.
12 March 2012, 06:00
wildbill
i have a 243 bsa bolt. to remove the bolt push the trigger foward. mine is a tack driver,even though the trigger has a little creep.also was imported by eagle arms.had it since 73.
12 March 2012, 21:18
Stonecreek
BSA (Birmingham Small Arms of England) supplied actions to Herter's on which their "U-9" model was built. The Herter's rifle was virtually identical to rifles sold under BSA's own name.

The action was regarded as well-made and was available in three distinct sizes and lengths, much like the Sako. The BSA is often mistaken for a Sako due to its integral dovetail scope mounting system, but that is where the similarities end.
12 March 2012, 21:56
richj
The older "Majestic" marked models had a safety mounted on the right side of the bolt shroud kinda like a Weatherby. "Majestic" was written on the bolt (in gold).

Rich
20 March 2012, 20:57
huffmanite
Stonecreek was correct, the BSA rifle was a Herters U9 and it is a 6mm Remington. Price was $300, but pawnshop took my $260 offer. Lots of carbon/copper in bore. But after an hour of so cleaning it, found bore to be in excellent condition. There is a little creep to trigger, but has a nice release... under 2 lb pull. Has a decent English walnut stock....very light/blonde wood that some previous owner had put a rather heavy coat of polyurethane on. After a day of scrapeing and light sanding, have removed the poly and am in final steps of refinishing it. For the time being, 3 coats of Antique Oil will suffice.

As to bolt removal, you need to lift bolt handle and slide back bolt about halfway, then push forward on trigger (which I really can't feel move any) and then pull bolt which will then come out. If you lift bolt, then push forward on trigger and then try to slide it out, it won't. If you lift bolt and slide it back till it stops and then push forwared on trigger and try to remove bolt, it won't.
20 March 2012, 22:15
fla3006
IMO the BSA Royal is the one to have, Mauser extractor, some have steel floorplate & trigger guard, muzzle break, but not all.


NRA Life Member, Band of Bubbas Charter Member, PGCA, DRSS.
Shoot & hunt with vintage classics.
29 March 2012, 10:15
sambar02
Got one with a buggered barrel about 6 years ago got a stainless barrel in 338 Federal put on it it is now one of my favourites.
31 March 2012, 00:09
Lincs Stalker
Have a read John Knibbs that should help you.

PS a reprint of his book The Golden Century is out soon, this time I am buying one?