BSA Timeline.

Since its establishment in 1861, BSA has evolved from a modest association of gunsmiths into a significant industrial conglomerate in Britain. The narrative encompasses more than a century of dynamic growth and progress, featuring not only a consistent upward trajectory but also moments of drama and excitement. BSA’s historical significance extends beyond mere business developments, as it has played a more direct role in serving the country than many other private enterprises, making its story an integral part of Britain’s history.

1861: Formation of the Company

In 1861, the company was established.

1864: First Government Military Arms Contract

In 1864, the company secured its initial government military arms contract.

Prior to 1905, all work undertaken by BSA was exclusively for UK and foreign government contracts, with no commercial projects.

1905: Introduction of the 1st Lincoln Jeffries Air Rifle

In 1905, BSA ventured into commercial production by manufacturing its first Lincoln Jeffries air rifle.

1906: Contract for War Office Pattern Miniature .22 Rifles

A significant milestone occurred in 1906 when BSA secured a contract to produce 100,000 rifles for the War Office, specifically the War Office pattern miniature .22.

1907: Milestone Achievement with the 10,000th Lincoln Jeffries Air Rifle

In 1907, BSA celebrated the production of its 10,000th Lincoln Jeffries air rifle.

1909: Introduction of BSA’s First Commercial Sporting & Target Rifle

BSA marked 1909 with the introduction of its first commercial sporting and target rifle, featuring a Martini action that remained in production until 1986.

1910: Contract for 60,000 .310 Martini Rifles for Australian Government

In 1910, BSA secured a contract to manufacture 60,000 .310 Martini rifles for the Australian Government.

1911: Production of First Mass-Produced Shotgun in .410

1911 witnessed the production of BSA’s first mass-produced shotgun, chambered in .410.

1914: WW1 Demand Leads to a Surge in Rifle Production

In response to the demands of World War I, rifle production at BSA escalated from 135 to an impressive 10,000 rifles per week within two years.

1915: Manufacturing of the 1st Lewis Gun

In 1915, BSA achieved a significant milestone by manufacturing the first Lewis Gun.

1919: Company Restructured into Three Divisions

Post-World War I, in 1919, BSA underwent a restructuring, dividing the company into three distinct divisions.

1920: Production of 12 Bore Double Barrel Shotgun

In 1920, BSA added to its repertoire with the production of a 12-bore double-barrel shotgun.

1933: Introduction of 1st BSA Break Barrel Air Rifle, ‘Breakdown Pattern’

1933 marked the introduction of BSA’s first break barrel air rifle, known as the ‘Breakdown Pattern.’

1939–1945: Significant Contribution to WW2

During World War II (1939–1945), BSA played a crucial role, manufacturing over 50% of all small arms used by the British forces. The wartime production included 568,100 .303 Browning machine guns, 1,250,000 .303 Lee Enfield rifles, and 60,000 7.92 ‘BESA’ machine guns.

1940: Impact of WWII on BSA Facilities

In 1940, the BSA factory, covering 32 acres, endured three bombings in three months, resulting in the destruction of 4.5 acres, with 53 individuals losing their lives and 89 sustaining injuries.

1945: Post-WWII Developments

The post-World War II era saw the manufacture of BSA’s first Cadet air rifle in 1945.

1946: Expansion with Cadet Major Air Rifle

In 1946, BSA expanded its air rifle offerings with the production of the Cadet Major air rifle.

1948: Introduction of 1st Airsporter Air Rifle

The year 1948 witnessed the introduction of BSA’s first Airsporter air rifle.

1949: Success with Gold Medal Winning Martini International .22 Target Rifle

In 1949, BSA achieved success with the production of its first Gold Medal-winning Martini International .22 target rifle.

1950: Government Contract for 1st Self-Loading Rifle (SLR)

BSA received a government contract in 1950 to produce the first Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) in NATO 7.62.

1954: Introduction of Hunter Sporting Rifle

1954 marked the introduction of the Hunter sporting rifle.

1959: Innovations with the ‘Majestic Range’ of Classic Sporting Air Rifles

In 1959, BSA introduced the ‘Majestic Range,’ featuring classic sporting air rifles.

1959: Telescopic Sight on Air Rifles – Introduction of the Meteor

1959 saw the introduction of the Meteor, BSA’s first air rifle equipped with a telescopic sight.

1962: Expanding Air Rifle Offerings

1962 witnessed several introductions, including the Meteor Mk2, Merlin air rifle, Armatic .22 self-loading rifle, Airsporter Mk2 air rifle, and the Snipe single barrel 12-bore shotgun.

1963: Introduction of the High Power Sporting Rifle

In 1963, BSA expanded its offerings with the introduction of the High Power sporting rifle.

1965: Launch of the Monarch Sporting Rifle

1965 marked the launch of the Monarch sporting rifle.

1972: Introduction of CF2 Range of Sporting Rifles

In 1972, BSA introduced the CF2 range of sporting rifles.

1972: Arrival of the Mercury Air Rifle

1972 witnessed the introduction of the Mercuary air rifle.

1973: Introduction of Scorpion Air Pistol

In 1973, BSA expanded into air pistols with the introduction of the Scorpion.

1977: Introduction of the Buccaneer Air Rifle

1977 saw the launch of the Buccaneer air rifle.

1980: Arrival of the Mercury S Air Rifle

1980 marked the introduction of the Mercury S air rifle.

1982: Centenary Celebration with Special Edition Airsporters

In 1982, BSA commemorated 100 years since the registration of the Piled Arms Trade Mark with a special edition of 1000 Centenary Airsporters.

1985: Expanding Air Rifle Offerings

In 1985, BSA introduced the Challenger air rifle, Maxi Grip scope rail, Airsporter Stutzen air rifle, and the Shadow and Trooper Carbine air rifles.

1985: Change in Ownership – Gamo Acquisition

In 1985, Gamo acquired BSA, marking a change in ownership.

1986: Restructuring as BSA Guns (UK) Ltd

In 1986, BSA Guns underwent liquidation and was subsequently bought by Gamo, leading to its renaming as BSA Guns (UK) Ltd.

1986: Introduction of Supersport Air Rifle

1986 witnessed the introduction of the Supersport air rifle.

1987: Further Air Rifle Innovations

In 1987, BSA continued its innovation with the introduction of the Meteor Challenger, Airsporter Carbine, and Meteor Challanger air rifles.

1990: Rotary Breech Mechanism in Superstar Air Rifle

In 1990, BSA introduced the Superstar, featuring the company’s first rotary breech mechanism in an air rifle.

1991: Commercial Repeating Air Rifle – Introduction of Goldstar

In 1991, BSA entered the commercial repeating air rifle market with the introduction of the Goldstar.

1992: Innovations in Airsporter RB2 Rotary Breech Air Rifle

In 1992, BSA introduced the Airsporter RB2,

featuring a rotary breech mechanism, enhancing the functionality of the air rifle.

1992: Safety Enhancement with Shotgun-Type Safety Catch

In the same year, BSA implemented a shotgun-type safety catch on the Airsporter RB2 air rifle, prioritizing user safety.

1993: Evolution with Meteor Mk6 Air Rifle

In 1993, BSA introduced the Meteor Mk6 air rifle, showcasing ongoing advancements in air rifle technology.

1994: Introduction of .240 Magnum Air Pistol

1994 marked the introduction of the .240 Magnum air pistol, expanding BSA’s offerings to include air pistols.

1996: Leap into Pre-Charged Pneumatic Technology – SuperTEN

In 1996, BSA made a significant leap in air rifle technology with the introduction of the SuperTEN, the company’s first pre-charged pneumatic air rifle.

1997: Supersport Lightning Air Rifle Unveiled

In 1997, BSA unveiled the Supersport Lightning air rifle, combining power and precision in its design.

1999: Evolution of SuperTEN – Introduction of Mk2

In 1999, BSA continued to refine its pre-charged pneumatic technology with the introduction of the SuperTEN Mk2.

1999: Unveiling the Spitfire Pre-Charged Pneumatic Air Rifle

1999 also saw the introduction of the Spitfire pre-charged pneumatic air rifle, adding to BSA’s diverse range.

2001: Firebird Rotary Breech Pre-Charged Pneumatic Air Rifle

In 2001, BSA introduced the Firebird, featuring a rotary breech mechanism in a pre-charged pneumatic air rifle.

2002: Distribution of Gamo Products in the UK

In 2002, BSA took on the distribution of Gamo products in the UK, expanding its product offerings to include Gamo’s air rifles and accessories.

2003: Expanding Air Rifle Range

The year 2003 brought further innovation with the introduction of the Superten Bull Barrel and the Hornet air rifle.

2003: Hornet Recognized by Shooting Times

The Hornet air rifle received acclaim in 2003, being awarded the “Best New Hunting Air Rifle” by Shooting Times.

2004: Multishot Capability with Hornet Multishot

In 2004, BSA introduced the Hornet Multishot, showcasing multishot capability in an air rifle.

2005: Centenary Celebrations with Special Editions

To celebrate 100 years of airgun manufacture, BSA launched special editions of 100 Superten and Lightning XL air rifles in 2005.

2005: Diversification with Scorpion and Ultra

2005 saw the introduction of the Scorpion and Ultra air rifles, expanding BSA’s offerings to cater to different preferences.

2006: Arrival of the Comet Air Rifle

In 2006, BSA introduced the Comet air rifle, adding another option to its diverse air rifle lineup.

2007: Expanding Tactical Offerings with Scorpion T-10t and Lonestar

2007 witnessed the introduction of the Scorpion T-10t and Lonestar air rifles, catering to those seeking tactical options.

2009: Volume Production of the R10

In 2009, BSA achieved volume production of the R10 air rifle, showcasing the company’s commitment to meeting customer demand.

2010: Launch of New Ultra Model

In 2010, BSA launched the new Ultra model, continuing its tradition of innovation in air rifle design.

2011: Celebrating 150th Anniversary

2011 marked a significant milestone as BSA celebrated its 150th anniversary, reflecting on a century and a half of contributions to the firearms industry.

2011: Evolution of R-10 – Introduction of Mk2

In the same year, BSA introduced the R-10 Mk2, building upon the success of its predecessor.

2011: Launch of Scorpion SE

2011 also witnessed the launch of the Scorpion SE, showcasing BSA’s commitment to providing options tailored to shooter preferences.

2012: Ultra SE and .25 Multishot Innovations

In 2012, BSA continued its commitment to innovation with the introduction of the Ultra SE and its first .25 cal multishot air rifle.

2012: Updates to Spring Gun Range and Introduction of Gas Ram Rifles

2012 brought updates to BSA’s spring gun range, and the introduction of gas ram rifles, showcasing the company’s dedication to evolving technologies.

2012: Return of XL Tactical Production to Birmingham

In a strategic move, BSA brought the production of the XL Tactical back to Birmingham in 2012.

2013: Scorpion Cadet ‘3P’ Approved for British Army Cadets

In 2013, the Scorpion Cadet ‘3P’ became the only officially approved PCP rifle for use by the British Army Cadets, emphasizing BSA’s commitment to quality and reliability.

2013: R-10 ‘Woodland’ & ‘Black Editions’ Introduced

BSA introduced the R-10 ‘Woodland’ and ‘Black Editions’ in 2013, providing shooters with new aesthetic options.

2013: International Expansion and Headquarters Investment

2013 marked a significant year for BSA with expansion into new and historical export markets, coupled with a major investment in the company’s headquarters on Armoury Road.

2014: Vibrant Air Rifle Offerings – BSA Ultra ‘Colours’ Range

In 2014, BSA launched the Ultra ‘Colours’ Range, adding vibrancy and personalization to its air rifle offerings.

2014: Expansion of R-10 Lineup to Include .25 Cal

Continuing its commitment to variety, BSA expanded the R-10 lineup in 2014 to include the .25 cal model.

2016: R10SE and Ultra XL PCP Innovations

In 2016, BSA introduced the R10SE and Ultra XL PCP air rifles, showcasing ongoing advancements in pre-charged pneumatic technology.

2017: Significant Investment in Barrel Production

In 2017, BSA received a substantial investment to expand barrel production, ensuring the company’s continued commitment to quality manufacturing.

2018: Debut of BSA’s First Side Lever PCP – Defiant Bullpup

2018 marked a milestone with the launch of BSA’s first-ever side lever PCP, the Defiant Bullpup, combining innovative design with practical functionality.

2019: Introduction of R10TH and Silver Star Target Rifles

In 2019, BSA expanded its target rifle offerings with the introduction of the R10TH and Silver Star models, catering to precision shooters.

2020: R10TH Super Carbine Version Launched

In 2020, BSA continued its innovation with the launch of the R10TH super carbine version, providing shooters with a compact and versatile option.