B.S.A. 310 Cadet Training Rifle………( section 58ii ) SOLD

A Very Good 310 Cadet by BSA for the Government of Victoria, Australia

The classic collectible Martini-Henry style training rifle made by The Birmingham Small Arms Company for the Australian Commonwealth.  This particular rifle was sold to the government of Victoria and shows a last issue date of “6/11” on the RHS of the butt-stock.  These superbly balanced and lightweight rifles were specifically developed for the purpose of training.  Boy scouts and army recruits alike formed their early shooting habits on these reliable, highly accurate, little, single shot rifles.  This example is in fine untouched condition yet, still displays a good degree of original blue on many of the components.

The rifle measures an overall length of 40.1/4″ from muzzle to butt-plate.  The round blued barrel is 25.1/4″ long and the trigger pull is 13.3/8″.  The action is of falling block type, just as its bigger compatriot the Martini-Henry.  The block drops down by action of the underlever at the rear of the trigger guard.  Once the block has dropped the breech is exposed and a cartridge can be loaded.  During the previous operation any spent cases are ejected.  The lever is then pulled up and the block raised – a cocking indicator located on the RHS of the block will indicate a loaded, ready rifle. The trigger is serrated and has a very short but firm pull which will fire the weapon.  These actions are notoriously strong and for just that reason, any rifles in good condition are very accurate.  Fine results can still be achieved, even with a rifle of this vintage.

The action walls carry many markings the LHS has the makers details and logo of three stacked rifles and reads; “MADE BY THE BIRMINGHAM SMALLARMS Co LTD /  TRADE (rifle logo) MARKS / B.S.A.”  The obverse reads; “COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA / VIC”.  Then below that is a number which is repeated on the top, rear surface of the falling block which is “15237”.  However, it is the authors opinion that the number at the base of the side-plate has been force matched; the second to last digit, the 3 has been over-stamped on top of a 4.  I believe this has been done back in the day as the type face of the stamps used is absolutely the same. There is another number which, is repeated on the barrel knox form, stamped on the top RH corner of the same side, the number “45123.”

Alongside the barrel stamping are the original view and proof marks and read “310 12- 120”.  The receiver top is clearly marked with the kangaroo marking.

The rear sights are protected towards the rear by two upright ears, the sights being finely adjustable for both windage and elevation.  The top face of the sight is graduated to 100 yards.  If pulled upright the sights can be seen to be marked on the underside with a matching serial number of  “45123” Adjustment of windage and elevation is positive with no back-slack to the screw threads – these sights will hold under recoil.  Directly in front of the rear sight is a roll-marking; “MADE BY THE BIRMINGHAM SMALLARMS Co LTD”  There are traces of strong original blues in protected areas like the trigger guard and the front sling swivel.  The barrel and the action are still in their original finish but the barrel is just starting to slip into that familiar plum-brown commonly seen on undisturbed antique weapons.  There is some light wear around the front sight block and on some of the high edges.

The walnut stock is in good condition whilst showing signs of normal usage but no splits or shakes.  The rifle is fitted with a contoured steel butt-plate.  The odd ding or dent and scratch decorate the surface as to be expected.  There is a cartouche beneath the finish on the RHS of the butt-stock in a circular form declaring ownership of the Australian Government.  The rifle is equipped, as it should be with twin sling swivels, front and rear.  The front sight is an inverted “V” upon a block.  The bore really is in fine condition with no visible traces of corrosion or pitting and the lands and grooves still seem to be in a strong condition while the whole bore remains very bright.

An excellent fine condition BSA Cadet in good used condition, worthy of any collection.

£ 965.  (Sold) 

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