'Back in my day'

"Back in my day"  Air Rifle Nostalgia

www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk

"Back in my day" is a comment we often hear in our gun shop. Air gun technology has come a long way, even in just the past couple of years with electronic triggers and regulators.

There is still a market however for the old second hand guns for those that like a bit of nostalgia.

Just in to the shop is a Cadet Major. This is in excellent condition for it's age and we have appraised it as being worth around £170 when compare to others on the market.

BSA Cadet Major

With old guns like this, collectors will look for the original markings on both the barrel and stock, any chips or scratches and any discoloration to the wood. Quite often we find that the sights on old guns are broken off and this lowers the value considerably.

Now here's why I am writing this...... These guns are fine for collectors, a bit of nostalgia etc. However the customers that tell us they are after a 'cheap' second hand gun are barking up the wrong tree.
If you want a functional gun for shooting vermin (or targets) it is best to buy a new one. Prices these days start at £99 for a 'full power' air rifle which is far cheaper than the second hand ones. Included in these are the Hatsan Breaker and the BSA Hornet. If you are buying a spring gun second hand the power will have dropped considerably (from 12ftlbs to around 3-4ftlbs in some cases!) A new spring will set you back around £40 and if you need a gunsmith to do the work, they aren't exactly cheap.

Our advice is to only have an old gun fixed up if it is in really good condition (i.e. just the spring needs doing) or if it has sentimental value (Grandad's gun etc). If it's a reliable gun you are after you really are better off buying something new.

Having said that... if you are after an old school gun, come and have a look. We have most things from most eras in stock. Including pre-war BSA No. 1 air rifles.

 

BSA Breakdown Air Rifle C.1930

Have a look at Trevs airgun scrapbook if you are interested in these. http://cinedux.com/ 

Our second hand gun selection gets updated on a monthly basis on our website.
Find us at www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk