Simon's restoration of BSA Air Rifle serial no. 11834.

Thanks to Simon for these excellent pics.

He says: "I acquired this old lady a while ago & have spent several weeks giving her a ‘sympathetic’ make-over. What I mean by ‘sympathetic’ is cleaning her up & removing as much of the rust, spray paint & pitting as I can without losing the identity, factory marks & serial numbers. As you can see from the pictures she was in need of cleaning up to get her back to being looked after & used.

I took as many of the stock scratches out as I could without losing the factory stamp or leaving big dips. Now it is re-oiled to a satin finish.

All the metalwork, (screws, sights, loading tap etc.) has been cleaned up as much as I dare without leaving pot-holes or rubbing anything important out. She’s had a re-blue (cold blueing as there are over 20 parts to be done), new spring & piston washer. Now I won’t get covered in rust every time I use her, I won’t neglect the maintenance so hopefully she can be enjoyed for another 107 odd years. It’s been satisfying to do & will be enjoyable using her, which is what they were made for after all. Maybe not to every-ones taste but I like these old BSA’s especially as some models are becoming scarce. She is one of only 2000 made in December 1906 to January 1907, I wonder how many are still useable today……"

Pics starting with unrestored rifle: