Need help with ID and value on BSA rifle

[.22fanatic]

Hi everyone, I have a BSA rifle that I know very little about and was hoping you could tell me what it is and hopefully an idea of what it's worth. I don't shoot it and could use the money for something else.

I assume that the stock is not original but it's in very good condition with a few small defects. The finish on the barrel is mostly gone but no rust or pitting. The barrel appears to be about 25" long with a diameter of approx .82". There is writing going around the barrel a few inches back from the front sight but it's too small for me to be able to read. The finish on the receiver is still very good. It has front and rear Parker Hale sights.

Other than that I'm not sure what information is useful. I tried to show all marks and proofs in the pictures as well as the overall condition.

Pictures can be viewed here with this Dropbox link (Can't figure out how to post them)

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wusm0c5ds...P0NH2dDPa?dl=0


Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[aqbill]

Need pictures of whole rifle! Custom stock for sure so, perhaps, could be cut down Model 12 or Model 13 with a heavy barrel.

[CZ_islandguy]

I'm guessing a modified 12/15, based on "P" SN, sights, and receiver. What could be the purpose of the band ahead of the knox form?

[CZ_islandguy]

Got it, sorry. The fore-end mounting screw location has changed rear-wards, hence the necessity of the barrel band to mount the threaded nut for the screw in that location.

[.22fanatic]

Originally Posted by aqbill

Need pictures of whole rifle! Custom stock for sure so, perhaps, could be cut down Model 12 or Model 13 with a heavy barrel.

Hi, if you click on the image it will open up to show the whole rifle.

[David Valdina]

My assumptions are that the rifle is mechanically correct and shoots well. I would guess a low value of $450 and a high value of $650. I think you should take it out and shoot some bench rested A23/5 targets and she how well you can make it shoot, then report back. See here on RFC the 50 yard iron sight matches. A number of those rifles compete. Some have shot perfect scores, but that in large part is a calm day with match ammo etc. I think my average is a 200 with 10 to 15 x count. But if you do that, you may end up really liking it and wanting to keep it. Fits in the gun safe well without nudging the neighboring long guns as it has no bolt handle sticking out. Everything comes apart really well for cleaning. One of the nicest rifles made.

[Onearm]

Originally Posted by David Valdina

My assumptions are that the rifle is mechanically correct and shoots well. I would guess a low value of $450 and a high value of $650. I think you should take it out and shoot some bench rested A23/5 targets and she how well you can make it shoot, then report back. See here on RFC the 50 yard iron sight matches. A number of those rifles compete. Some have shot perfect scores, but that in large part is a calm day with match ammo etc. I think my average is a 200 with 10 to 15 x count. But if you do that, you may end up really liking it and wanting to keep it. Fits in the gun safe well without nudging the neighboring long guns as it has no bolt handle sticking out. Everything comes apart really well for cleaning. One of the nicest rifles made.

I agree with one reservation. If the stock was original, I would go as high as $500. With the aftermarket forearm I would say about $400. In truth, because 12/15 is about the top of the line target Martini, other than the heavy Internationals, I would keep the rifle and try to find a proper 12/15 style stock. In the mean time, I would just shoot it a lot.

If you sell it, you may never see another for sale and you will be sorry.

[.22fanatic]

Your points are well taken, I obviously didn't know just how good the rifle was (or should be at least). I guess that the stock is the main reason I don't shoot it, I just don't do much bench rest shooting. Maybe I'll look around for an original style stock and see what I can find.

Plenty to think about, thanks again.

[Onearm]

Originally Posted by .22fanatic

Hi everyone, I have a BSA rifle that I know very little about and was hoping you could tell me what it is and hopefully an idea of what it's worth. I don't shoot it and could use the money for something else.

I assume that the stock is not original but it's in very good condition with a few small defects. The finish on the barrel is mostly gone but no rust or pitting. The barrel appears to be about 25" long with a diameter of approx .82". There is writing going around the barrel a few inches back from the front sight but it's too small for me to be able to read. The finish on the receiver is still very good. It has front and rear Parker Hale sights.

Other than that I'm not sure what information is useful. I tried to show all marks and proofs in the pictures as well as the overall condition.

Pictures can be viewed here with this Dropbox link (Can't figure out how to post them)

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wusm0c5ds...P0NH2dDPa?dl=0


Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Based on the sights and the shape of the lever, I would say it is a Model 12/15, with an aftermarket stock. The lever and pistol grip shape of the buttstock on the model 12/15 are rather distinctive. The stock is obviously not original to the rifle and greatly detracts from the value. None the less, it is a fine rifle, as long as the chamber, bore and crown and all internal parts are rust free and undamaged.

Here is my 12/15. Notice the shape of the lever, how the rear sight is mounted and the pistol grip style of the buttstock:


Here it is at the range:



Here is a link to full details on the 12/15:
http://www.rifleman.org.uk/BSA_Model_12-15.htm

[.22fanatic]

I knew this would be the place to go for information. What do you guys think is a reasonable selling price to ask for this rifle?