BSA Hunter/Viscount

icedog

Well-Known Member
BSA Hunter/Viscount in .243 for sale here ... looks like it has the integral scope base requiring special Parker Hale rings, can anyone confirm that would be the case? It does have the factory BESA muzzle brake. I own a couple BSA rifles, but am not familiar with the hunter/viscount line ... any offers to educate me about them would be much appreciated. My interest in possibly purchasing this rifle is heightened by the ..243 chambering. I am an old fool who purchased .243 reloading dies several years ago, but have never owned a .243 rifle ... this BSA could be fulfilling my destiny.
 
The muzzle brake will increase muzzle blast. Remove it and it'll be reasonable enough to shoot. Leave it on and it won't be so reasonable. Newton's Third Law. The recoil is reduced by directing the emerging gases rearward. You've been warned!
 
Thanks for the comments gentlemen. Spent some time checking around the last few days on the history and features of these rifles, with much of the info coming from earlier threads on this forum. Also closed the deal on the .243 and located a set of PH rings to fit it with ... no glass yet, but that will happen soon enough. Regarding the BESA blast, two of my other rifles have muzzle breaks, so I know about the noise (ouch!). As my sighting is usually done at a one seat range, and the rifles are essentIally used for hunting, I plan to live with the noise. I do like to keep these oldies farly original if possible. Looking forward to the delivery of the rifle, the deep cleaning and refinishing project, and finally using those .243 dies that have been sitting idlefor so many years.
 
If you pm me the serial number, I will have a look in John Knibb's book 'The Golden Century' and let you know what it says.
I think BSA made a device that fits over the muzzle brake to assist with the noise problems it causes.
 
OOPS! I know it's a muzzle brake, not a muzzle break ... could try to blame spell check, but it was probably me.
 
Uncle Norm,
Kind offer, and much appreciated. The serial # prefix is 11B . I won't have the rest of it until the rifle arrives here via Canada Post .. from Ontario to British Columbia .... likely 10-12 days as it takes a round about route ... I'll be in touch.
 
The exact year of manufacture is determined by the letters in the cross swords proof marks on the barrel, so EB is 1954, FB is 1955 and GB is 1956 etc.
 
Uncle Norm,
Kind offer, and much appreciated. The serial # prefix is 11B . I won't have the rest of it until the rifle arrives here via Canada Post .. from Ontario to British Columbia .... likely 10-12 days as it takes a round about route ... I'll be in touch.

Any pics of it?
 
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