War Office 1906 Pattern Miniature rifle……(F 925)

Model 1906 Single shot Training rifle by BSA

Chambered in .22LR – Single shot bolt action.  Built by BSA.  The rifle is a nominal 41″ long.  The round barrel is 24″ and the trigger Pull measured to centre is 13.1/2″  Built in a way to mimic the current service rifles of the time this is the basic rifle that was available to rifle clubs in an effort to encourage proficiency in shooting after the hard earned lessons of the Boer War.  The sights are very similar to the SMLE which had just come into service and even have similar protection behind them as the full bore version, in the form of two steel “ears.”

Three quarter stocked in the sporting style using figured walnut with a brass butt-plate identical to the SMLE with trap for cleaning equipment. On the LHS of the butt-stock is a clear BSA stacked rifles cartouche with the words “TRADE MARK” either side. Semi-pistol grip with steel trigger guard and smooth trigger.  The action barrel and fittings were all blued but are losing their colour and turning plumb brown with some pitting to the exposed part of the barrel forward of the for-end as does the steel trigger guard.  The bolt was mostly finished in the white but is now turning to a steely grey.  Bent bolt handle with flag safety to rear with round bolt cap.  The forward section of the body has the following upon it; “PAT 14373/07.”

The top of the action has the three stacked rifles of the BSA emblem marked upon it.  The serial number, “7514” is marked on the top LH quadrant of the action and the barrel.  Unfortunately the number on the underside of the bent bolt arm is different being, “18813”  but has been freshly proofed with this rifle.  Forward of the action opening on the RHS is the calibre marking of “.22 L”  Once again centrally on top is the following; “MIN RIFLE Crown W.O. PATT R-475418.”  Adjacent and between the last markings and the rear sight are the makers details; “MADE BY / THE BIRMINGHAM SMALLARMS CO LD / BIRMINGHAM 1909.”

The rear sights are graduated from 25 to 200 yards on the upper surface.  Open notch aperture with silver line as centre datum.  The rear section will adjust for windage with a knurled wheel on either side. Simple inverted V front sight on a block.  Swivel sight protector A/F.  The best aspect of this rifle is the condition of the bore. Strong 8-groove rifling not dissimilar to the Metford rifling which was on its way out at the time but predominantly still being used but the rifle brigades and volunteers.  The bore is clean, devoid of pitting and bright.

An early trainer in reasonable condition ready to be used once again 112 years after its inception.

Stock No F 925

£ 635.  

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