Bsa Serial Numbers

British and Commonwealth Service rifles can sometimes be dated by their serial numbers and prefixes, and the manufacturing works can be identified by manufacturers' coded leter and number marks. The keenest researchers will search manufacturers' records where such are archived or available. BSA used a system of letters and numbers for yearly identification of their machines. Before you proceed be sure to read the introduction page. INTRODUCTION to BSA Machine numbering system.

BSA Small Action Martini Rifles BOB ADAMS COLLECTOR FIREARMS P.O. BOX 23010, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87192 U.S.A. (505) 255-6868 Birmingham Small Arms BSA Small Action Martini Rifles BSA Small Action Martini Rifles The world famous BSA Martini rifles were manufactured from 1909 until phased out in 1955 when the last 12/15 was shipped.

The International models were introduced in 1950 and phased out by 1986. Internationals were greatly improved for.22 target work, although the original models were far more versatile for conversion to other calibers.

For availability and prices, visit my Model 4 (Australian Pattern) 60,000 small action martini rifles were produced for the Australian government as training rifles in.310 Rook caliber. Serial numbers of the commercial rifles began just under 9,000 in 1909, and ended in 1939 with the high 59,000 range. In 1947, serials were restarted at P60,000 (Model 12/15) and ended with the model in the low P76,000 range. No martini rifles were produced from November, 1915 until July 1919 because of the war. Production was again halted in October, 1939, and didn't resume until July, 1947 after the rifle was reconfigured as the 12/15. The BSA small action martini came in several configurations, but the most commonly found are the Cadet model, as sold to Australia for training rifles, and the standard martini, used in nearly all of the target and sporting rifles.

The standard actions are improved over the Cadet models in the following ways: 1. M-audio fast track ultra 8r driver. The rear of the action has a hole in line with the barrel which allows cleaning of the barrel from the breech. The action tang is drilled and tapped for a receiver peep sight; Parker-Hale No. 7 or 7A target sight, or BSA No.

8 folding tang sight (which came in 5 different heights). The trigger guard is held by a slotted head threaded pin rather than the split pin found on the Cadets This appears to be a Model 9 The early BSA catalogs list many different martini models, including models 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 12/15. Incidently, the models 1, 2 & 3 were bolt action. None of BSA martini rifles were marked with the model number, so we have to use our best judgement to classify them. I've condensed the model descriptions to the most common (see below). According to a pre-1920 BSA catalog, 'B.S.A.

Rifles are consistently capable, in the hands of a good shot, of grouping within a 2-inch circle at 100 yards, or a 4-inch circle at 200 yards. B.S.A.22 Target Rifles are not allowed to leave the factory unless they conform to a very high standard based on these performances.' Many barrels were relined by Parker-Hale or A.G. Parker in England, and guaranteed to be as accurate (or more accurate) as the original bore. I personally have found this to be true. An original A.G. Parker brochure on 'Pakerifling' from the 1930's states: TO-DAY a 'PARKERIFLED' barrel is comparable to the finest Match Barrel.

Constant research has produced the most suitable and hard wearing grade of Swedish Sandvik Steel from which the tubes are drawn.' 'PARKERIFLED' BARRELS SET THE PRESENT DAY STANDARD OF ACCURACY, a 2in CIRCLE AT 100 YARDS. CLOSE SHOOTING IS GUARANTEED. THE 'PARKERIFLED' BARREL SHOOTS BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL,' IS NO UNCOMMON REMARK. BSA Small Action Martini rifles Model 12.

The Model 12 weighs about 8 lbs. And has a 29' barrel with 1' diameter at the breech, tapering to 3/4' at the muzzle. Thinwall or thickwall actions. Heavier than the model 6 & 13, these work well for hunting and informal target shooting, as well as general plinking. I've sold many for silhouette rifles. A few are found with the takedown feature, and occasionally they are found in centerfire (.300 Rook). Straight grip stock wwith a half length beavertail forend.

These come with either a target style, tang mounted, peep sight (Parker-Hale 7 or 7A) or a barel mounted ladder sight. They were manufactured from about 1909 about 1940, with serial numbers under 55,000. The Model 8 is essentially the same, but with the shorter 25' barrel. Note: Some barrels may be relined. For availability and prices, visit my For more information on the Model 12, (U.K. HISTORIC ARMS RESOURCE CENTRE) Model 6 & 13.

Models 6 & 13 are essentially light sporting/target rifles. Weight is about 6 - 7 lbs. And the lightest we have found.

These have a barrel about 25' long, 7/8' diameter at the breech, and a pencil taper to 5/8' at the muzzle. Actions may be thinwall (like the Cadet), thickwall, or rebated (thickwall at breech, thinwall at stock). Straight grip stock with a lightweight forend. A few are found with the take-down feature, and a few are seen in.300 Rook centerfire. They come with either a target style rear peep sight (Parker-Hale 7 or 7A), or a barrel mounted open 'v' or ladder sight.