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Back in the late ‘70’s or early ‘80’s I replaced a Spanish self-opening SLE which had proved somewhat unreliable with a pre-war BSA much like the one pictured. That BSA , machine made but probably hand fitted on assembly, had a semi-pistol grip but Grange Gun Company made a nice job of re-shaping it to the straight grip I preferred.

It proved entirely satisfactory, and would probably have remained my game gun of choice had I not been given the Edwinson Green BLE I still enjoy.

As that BSA seemed surplus to requirements, I sold it and recollect getting £300 (about £1,150 in today’s money).

In the timed sale that ended yesterday, and no doubt prompted by nostalgia, I secured an almost identical gun at a hammer price of £14.

It is partially engraved, so one of their slightly more expensive grades, and like its predecessor has dovetailed chopper lump Jessop’s Fluid Steel barrels.

It lacks 2 fore-end retaining screws, which may well cost me more to replace than I paid for the gun.

I do not often make sound financial decisions, but deciding to sell that first BSA when I did was clearly one of my better ones.

Last edited by Parabola; 09/13/26 01:53 PM.