BSA GUNS

The history of BSA Guns begins with the formation of the Birmingham Small Arms Company in Birmingham in 1861. A group of local gunsmiths came together to manufacture firearms using modern industrial methods, primarily for British government contracts. The company built its main factory at Small Heath, Birmingham, and quickly became one of Europe’s largest arms manufacturers.

Early Years (1861–1914)

• Founded in 1861 as the Birmingham Small Arms Company.
• Introduced interchangeable-part manufacturing techniques, improving production efficiency.
• Secured military contracts for rifles, carbines, and ammunition.
• Expanded into bicycles in the late 19th century and later motorcycles.

World War I

During the First World War, BSA became a major supplier to the British war effort, producing over 1.6 million rifles and large numbers of machine guns, motorcycles, bicycles, ammunition, and military equipment. At the time it was one of Britain’s largest engineering companies.

Air Rifles and Sporting Guns

After military demand declined, BSA expanded its sporting and civilian products. The company became famous for air rifles, producing several iconic models:

• BSA AirSporter (1948) – one of Britain’s most famous underlever air rifles.
• BSA Meteor (1959) – one of the world’s best-selling air rifles, with over two million sold.
• BSA Mercury (1972) – a popular sporting break-barrel rifle.
• BSA Buccaneer (1977) – aimed at younger and beginner shooters.

Decline and Revival

Following the Second World War, BSA’s huge industrial empire—including motorcycles, bicycles, vehicles, and firearms—struggled financially. The original Birmingham Small Arms Company effectively disappeared after a government-backed restructuring and takeover in 1973.

The BSA guns brand survived, however. Rights to the BSA guns business were later acquired by Gamo, which established BSA Guns as a specialist airgun manufacturer. Today BSA air rifles are still produced in Birmingham and remain highly regarded for their hammer-forged barrels and hunting accuracy.

Interesting Fact

Many people know BSA for its motorcycles, but the company originally existed to make firearms. The famous BSA motorcycle brand actually grew out of the same Birmingham Small Arms company that produced rifles and airguns.

BSA remains one of the UK’s best-known airgun manufacturers, with production centered in Birmingham and a range covering both PCP and spring-powered rifles.

Some of the key BSA air rifles currently available in the UK include:

• BSA AirSport SL – A new regulated side-lever PCP launched at the 2026 British Shooting Show. It features a 300cc carbon-wrapped air cylinder, side-lever action, cold hammer-forged barrel, and synthetic thumbhole stock.
• BSA R12 CLX Pro – BSA’s flagship regulated PCP platform, built around the CLX side-lever action with high shot counts and premium Minelli stocks.
• BSA R12 SLX – A newer side-lever version of the R12 platform available in walnut, laminate, and black editions.
• BSA R10 TH – The latest evolution of the long-running R10 series, offering increased air capacity and shot count.
• BSA Lightning CLX – The modern version of BSA’s classic sporting spring rifle.
• BSA Meteor – A legendary British break-barrel air rifle that remains popular among collectors and recreational shooters.

Which BSA is best in 2026?

For most shooters looking for a high-end PCP under the 12 ft·lb limit, the R12 CLX Pro is generally considered BSA’s flagship offering, while the new AirSport SL is attracting attention as a more affordable regulated PCP introduced for 2026.

Please call for further information and prices