BSA 12/15
Moderator: joseyclosey
BSA 12/15
does anyone have any idea of average prices for these, and does anyone want one? the reason I say this is that I've seen one in London for £150, with some serious superficial rusting, and with its original sights and loading block on the right side. The dealer in question is threatening to turn it into a bunny-basher, so I was wondering what your thoughts were on it?
Nick
Nick
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- Brian the Brit
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BSA 12/15
It is becoming difficult even to give these lovely rifles away in the UK.
The younger shooters seem to want semi-automatics with telescopic sights and plastic stocks and consider the small-frame BSAs to be obsolete relics.
I gave £30 about a year ago for an early BSA No 12 that is a real tack driver. The previous owner's widow had been told by a couple of dealers that it was only fit for spare parts. No one in her late husband's club was remotely interested in it even at such a ridiculously low price.
Their loss was my gain.
The younger shooters seem to want semi-automatics with telescopic sights and plastic stocks and consider the small-frame BSAs to be obsolete relics.
I gave £30 about a year ago for an early BSA No 12 that is a real tack driver. The previous owner's widow had been told by a couple of dealers that it was only fit for spare parts. No one in her late husband's club was remotely interested in it even at such a ridiculously low price.
Their loss was my gain.
Prices are going up however, but not that much.
I could be tempted to part with that much dosh for a mint to very excellent example, unshot, in the box, complete with original invoice and full authenticated provenance of a 12/15.
The one I'm currently using, or more correctly my daughter is using in this years Harc leagues cost me £60 2 years ago and it is in very good condition.
I bought another one around 18 months ago in excellent condition, still had the case hardening on the block and there was not the usual proliferation on holes on the fore ends for hand stops/sling points etc.
That one cost me £80.
I think £150 for what you describe is pure greed and avarice, rifles think those should be given away to loving homes that will restore them sensitively and use them in the spirit for that which they were intended.
Brian picking up that Famous 12 for £30 was just obscene and he takes great delight in reminding us of what a bargain he got.
Just jealous Brian, just jealous.
I could be tempted to part with that much dosh for a mint to very excellent example, unshot, in the box, complete with original invoice and full authenticated provenance of a 12/15.
The one I'm currently using, or more correctly my daughter is using in this years Harc leagues cost me £60 2 years ago and it is in very good condition.
I bought another one around 18 months ago in excellent condition, still had the case hardening on the block and there was not the usual proliferation on holes on the fore ends for hand stops/sling points etc.
That one cost me £80.
I think £150 for what you describe is pure greed and avarice, rifles think those should be given away to loving homes that will restore them sensitively and use them in the spirit for that which they were intended.
Brian picking up that Famous 12 for £30 was just obscene and he takes great delight in reminding us of what a bargain he got.

Just jealous Brian, just jealous.

Last edited by dromia on Fri Aug 25, 2006 8:44 am, edited 1 time in total.


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it gets worse
I agree Adam, they are pieces of history. I think the guy had been around pricey shotguns too long, as he didn't consider it worth saving. besides the rail for a handstop (the old style with the screw in rather than slide), it didn't have any major damage besides the rust. I'd be tempted, as it would probably make a fun restoration project, but I have my eyes on something else if it ever appears from Scotland, so I just offer it up here. he might be willing to bargain. I fear though that he will do what he threatened: restock it, remove 5" from the barrel and scope it. personally, my opinion of the gentleman is far from polite
Nick
Nick