BSA, short for Birmingham Small Arms, is one of the oldest names in British gun making. The company was formed in Birmingham in 1861 and has made air rifles since the early 1900s. Generations of British shooters learned on a BSA Meteor, and today the company builds modern PCPs such as the R10, Ultra and Gold Star. Since the 1980s BSA has been owned by the Spanish maker Gamo, but its air rifles are still designed and built in Birmingham.
BSA rifles are plentiful second hand, so there are bargains to be had, from cheap classic springers to high-end PCPs.
BSA air rifles for sale now
- BSA R12 bolt action £650
- DEFIANT FOR SALE £250
- BSA MERCURY £260
- Bsa Ultra XL 10 shot Pcp £550
- Bsa r10 se super carbine black addition £1,000
- 1908 BSA Lincoln Jefferies Improved Model D Light/Ladies .177 £350
See all 24 Used BSA Air Rifles for Sale UK →
Classic BSA spring rifles
BSA Meteor
The Meteor is a light break-barrel springer and probably the most common used air rifle in Britain. It is a great first rifle and easy to work on. Later Mk versions changed the stock and sights, but the basic design stayed the same.
BSA Airsporter
The Airsporter is an underlever spring rifle with a tap-loading system. Older Airsporters are collectible, and the Airsporter name was later used on a newer design.
BSA Supersport, Lightning and Mercury
The Supersport is a solid, full-size break-barrel. The Lightning is a lighter, compact springer, often found in XL and SE versions with a built-in silencer. The Mercury is an older, powerful break-barrel that many people remember fondly.
BSA Stutzen and Polymag
The Stutzen has a distinctive full-length stock. The Polymag is a Meteor-style rifle with a magazine for pointed pellets. Both turn up occasionally and attract collectors.
BSA PCP rifles
BSA Superten
The Superten was one of the first popular British multi-shot PCPs. It has a 10-shot magazine and a strong following. Older examples may need seals and some care, so check them carefully.
BSA Ultra
The Ultra is a compact, lightweight PCP and is popular for hunting from vehicles or in tight spaces. Versions include the Ultra SE, Ultra JSR and Ultra XL.
BSA Hornet, Scorpion and Gold Star
The Hornet is a compact PCP, the Scorpion is a full-size multi-shot, and the Gold Star is a premium regulated PCP with a large air reservoir.
BSA R10, R12 and Buccaneer
The R10 is a regulated, multi-shot hunting PCP and one of BSA’s best-selling modern rifles. The R12 is its successor, and the Buccaneer is a compact model. All are good second hand buys.
Used BSA prices in the UK
These figures come from the asking prices in real FreeGunAds ads and update automatically.
| Model | Ads | Typical asking price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 4 | £260 | £240 – £260 |
| Ultra | 5 | £550 | £450 – £550 |
| R10 | 4 | £690 | £480 – £890 |
| R12 | 2 | £825 | £650 – £1,000 |
| All BSA ads | 24 | £350 | £250 – £555 |
Based on 24 asking prices in FreeGunAds ads since 2023, updated automatically. These are asking prices, and condition, extras and power (12 ft-lb or FAC) all move the price.
What to check on a used BSA
- Springers: cock and fire the rifle. A rough cocking stroke or a twang on firing usually means a tired spring or piston seal. Parts for Meteors and Lightnings are cheap and easy to fit.
- Breech seal and lock-up: on break-barrels, check the barrel closes firmly with no play.
- PCP leaks: fill the rifle and leave it overnight. Superten and older PCPs may need new seals.
- Regulator (R10, Gold Star, Ultra SE): ask whether it has been serviced and whether shot-to-shot power is consistent.
- Magazine: check it rotates cleanly and that the rifle feeds pellets reliably.
- Power: confirm it shoots under 12 ft-lb unless you hold an FAC that covers it.
Common questions
Is an old BSA Meteor worth buying?
Yes, as a first rifle or a project. They are cheap, simple and parts are easy to find. Don’t expect the accuracy of a modern PCP, though.
Is the BSA R10 a good used PCP?
Yes. It is regulated, accurate and well supported. Check the service history and test for leaks.
Do I need a licence for a BSA air rifle?
Not in England and Wales if it is under 12 ft-lb and you are 18 or over. Read our guide to air rifle law in the UK for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Buying or selling a BSA
Browse used BSA air rifles for sale, compare with the best used PCPs for beginners, or sell your BSA free.
