Parker Hale or BSA

[cf2fan]

My interest in these rifles is growing and I would like to acquire a Parker Hale or another BSA. I have learned a bit about BSA CF2s since my recently resolved trigger issue. I know very little about Parker Hale but I do know that they are K98 based.
Which PH/BSA models do you prefer?
Are there desirable production years for PH/BSA?
Are PH Santa Barbara actions really inferior?
Does the PH use the original K98-type of trigger?
Overall, would you choose PH or BSA, and for what reason?

These questions may seem quite basic but these rifles are not common where I live. I prefer the opinions and experience of actual owners and users rather than generic internet research. I look forward to any and all replies.

Thanks.

 

[Essexsussex]

My interest in these rifles is growing and I would like to acquire a Parker Hale or another BSA. I have learned a bit about BSA CF2s since my recently resolved trigger issue. I know very little about Parker Hale but I do know that they are K98 based.
Which PH/BSA models do you prefer?
Are there desirable production years for PH/BSA?
Are PH Santa Barbara actions really inferior?
Does the PH use the original K98-type of trigger?
Overall, would you choose PH or BSA, and for what reason?

These questions may seem quite basic but these rifles are not common where I live. I prefer the opinions and experience of actual owners and users rather than generic internet research. I look forward to any and all replies.

Thanks.

Can you import from the uk? There are loads here gathering dust…

 

[VSS]

My first centrefire rifle was a Parker-Hale Safari Deluxe in .243, and I liked it so much that I went and bought another one identical to it, but in .270

I've adjusted the trigger pull weights to be identical, used butt pads to get the LOP identical, and put the same comb raisers on both. Oh, and the same genuine P-H leather slings.
Since the photo was taken I've also upgraded the optics on the .243 (top rifle in the pic) so now both wear identical Leupold scopes.
The only difference (apart from calibre) is that one is screwcut (so can be moderated) whereas the other still has its original open sights.

Price wise, the most expensive of the two cost me £175

I think they're great rifles, and would have no hesitation in recommending the same.

 

[Essexsussex]

My first centrefire rifle was a Parker-Hale Safari Deluxe in .243, and I liked it so much that I went and bought another one identical to it, but in .270
View attachment 385149
I've adjusted the trigger pull weights to be identical, used butt pads to get the LOP identical, and put the same comb raisers on both. Oh, and the same genuine P-H leather slings.
Since the photo was taken I've also upgraded the optics on the .243 (top rifle in the pic) so now both wear identical Leupold scopes.
The only difference (apart from calibre) is that one is screwcut (so can be moderated) whereas the other still has its original open sights.

Price wise, the most expensive of the two cost me £175

I think they're great rifles, and would have no hesitation in recommending the same.

How we used to drool over Parker hale at school, as kids who wished we were into more than airguns they were the most revered rifles we could imagine. Much like Mitchell match was the best reel in the world…
I like my cf2 it can see why the best PHs are a cut above.

 

[Covert]

How we used to drool over Parker hale at school, as kids who wished we were into more than airguns they were the most revered rifles we could imagine. Much like Mitchell match was the best reel in the world…
I like my cf2 it can see why the best PHs are a cut above.

Likewise.
Could only aspire to Mitchell 300’s.
Have used and owned many PH and BSA centre fires over the years.
My preference was for the BSA Majestic or slightly heavier Monarch, had one in 270 as my main rifle for around 15 years. Very accurate rifle using 130 grn Norma. Currently have an un modified PH M81 in 7x57 which I coverted back in the day but couldn’t afford.

 

[spanj]

How we used to drool over Parker hale at school, as kids who wished we were into more than airguns they were the most revered rifles we could imagine. Much like Mitchell match was the best reel in the world…
I like my cf2 it can see why the best PHs are a cut above.

I still prefer my mitchell reels

 

[cf2fan]

Can you import from the uk? There are loads here gathering dust…

I usually can see a few of them now and again at a large importer but that importer is a 3 hour drive from me.

 

[cf2fan]

My first centrefire rifle was a Parker-Hale Safari Deluxe in .243, and I liked it so much that I went and bought another one identical to it, but in .270
View attachment 385149
I've adjusted the trigger pull weights to be identical, used butt pads to get the LOP identical, and put the same comb raisers on both. Oh, and the same genuine P-H leather slings.
Since the photo was taken I've also upgraded the optics on the .243 (top rifle in the pic) so now both wear identical Leupold scopes.
The only difference (apart from calibre) is that one is screwcut (so can be moderated) whereas the other still has its original open sights.

Price wise, the most expensive of the two cost me £175

I think they're great rifles, and would have no hesitation in recommending the same.

What an exquisite pair of PHs.
Thanks for the excellent picture.

 

[HandB]

I recommend you get a 1950s era BSA as during that period they manufactured their own high quality mini-Mauser designs with smooth bolts, decent triggers and cut rifled barrels. I have a couple of BSA Hunters (one from 1954 in .222 and one from 1955 in 7x57). The former has almost no rifling left due to horrendous rust/pitting but still shoots ok (photo shows a group at 100yds with 50gr VMAX on a 20mm black circle). The latter was mint condition and also shoots ok (photo shows a group at 200yds with 130gr SMK on a 20mm black circle). Subsequent era BSAs are also good shooters (e.g., CF2s) but they changed the designs to save costs so are generally simpler in style. I happen to prefer the 1950s era but I have a shooting buddy who prefers late era CF2s.

 

[User00056]

Superb rifles. I've never actually owned one myself, but the ones I've considered in the past have appeared to be excellent quality.

 

[cf2fan]

I have to ask this...I am told to stay away from P-H Midland 2100 rifles. They use a Spanish (?) made Mauser action with a 1903 Springfield bolt. Are Midland 2100s that bad or are they an entry level to the higher end P-H rifles? It seems that some hate them, some love them and some say they are just OK. I want to know what the members here think.

 

[alberta boy]

I've owned a number of BSA and PH rifles . While both are good solid rifles , I've come to prefer the PH mauser based rifles . Mostly because I use a lot of rifles that are built , or at least based , on 98 actions , so it's more about familiarity than anything . Both rifles were very popular in Canada during their production years and still have a good reputation today . One of the most accurate factory sporter weight rifles I've ever owned was an older model PH ( built on a surplus Mauser 98 action , easily spotted by the thumb groove in the left receiver wall ) chambered in 308 Norma Mag . It would consistently keep 5 , not three , rounds inside of an inch at 100 meters . I also had a BSA CF2 in 270 that shot almost as well as the 308NM . Either model makes a good hunting rifle , it's just a matter of personal preference , I'd happily use either one . The only problem I've seen in the PH models involved the trigger on the adjustable versions . It is made of some sort of pot metal and can crack over the years . It's not a common problem , but it does occur . The early models used the original two stage triggers or ones that were modified to turn them into single stage .
As HandB pointed out , I prefer the early model BSA rifles . If you can find one in decent shape , they're great little rifles . I had a BSA Hunter in 222 Rem like HandBs about 20 years ago , a truly useful little thing that accounted for a lot of Coyotes over the years . Good luck in the Rabbit hole lol .

AB

 

[alberta boy]

I have to ask this...I am told to stay away from P-H Midland 2100 rifles. They use a Spanish (?) made Mauser action with a 1903 Springfield bolt. Are Midland 2100s that bad or are they an entry level to the higher end P-H rifles? It seems that some hate them, some love them and some say they are just OK. I want to know what the members here think.

I've owned exactly one in 30-06 , it was OK for what it cost , which wasn't much . They were made to a price point and did the job they were designed to do , which is enough for a lot of people .

AB

 

[Essexsussex]

The only other thing to point out on cf2, which you may know,
Is that they are the same size and weight for all calibre as far as I recall. So a 222 will
Be a heavy for calibre rifle.
If you are into that age group of rifles, other European ones to look out for over there are the variety of husqvarnas. But that’s a whole other post!

 

[cf2fan]

I've owned a number of BSA and PH rifles . While both are good solid rifles , I've come to prefer the PH mauser based rifles . Mostly because I use a lot of rifles that are built , or at least based , on 98 actions , so it's more about familiarity than anything . Both rifles were very popular in Canada during their production years and still have a good reputation today . One of the most accurate factory sporter weight rifles I've ever owned was an older model PH ( built on a surplus Mauser 98 action , easily spotted by the thumb groove in the left receiver wall ) chambered in 308 Norma Mag . It would consistently keep 5 , not three , rounds inside of an inch at 100 meters . I also had a BSA CF2 in 270 that shot almost as well as the 308NM . Either model makes a good hunting rifle , it's just a matter of personal preference , I'd happily use either one . The only problem I've seen in the PH models involved the trigger on the adjustable versions . It is made of some sort of pot metal and can crack over the years . It's not a common problem , but it does occur . The early models used the original two stage triggers or ones that were modified to turn them into single stage .
As HandB pointed out , I prefer the early model BSA rifles . If you can find one in decent shape , they're great little rifles . I had a BSA Hunter in 222 Rem like HandBs about 20 years ago , a truly useful little thing that accounted for a lot of Coyotes over the years . Good luck in the Rabbit hole lol .

AB

Rabbit hole, indeed! P-H and BSA rifles are a new, compelling pursuit for me for sure. Thanks for your honest and balanced opinion. Lots of info for me to ponder.

 

[cf2fan]

The only other thing to point out on cf2, which you may know,
Is that they are the same size and weight for all calibre as far as I recall. So a 222 will
Be a heavy for calibre rifle.
If you are into that age group of rifles, other European ones to look out for over there are the variety of husqvarnas. But that’s a whole other post!

You are 100% correct and recall correctly, CF2s are heavy rifles regardless of caliber. Believe it or not, Husqvarnas are another interest of mine. I guess great minds do think alike!

 

[Husky]

I have to ask this...I am told to stay away from P-H Midland 2100 rifles. They use a Spanish (?) made Mauser action with a 1903 Springfield bolt. Are Midland 2100s that bad or are they an entry level to the higher end P-H rifles? It seems that some hate them, some love them and some say they are just OK. I want to know what the members here think.

I bought a PH Midland in 1985, brand new it cost £165, had it for about 20 years, shot a lot of deer with it.
As you say they were the entry level rifle of the range, no frills just a basic rifle but it worked well.

 

[Essexsussex]

You are 100% correct and recall correctly, CF2s are heavy rifles regardless of caliber. Believe it or not, Husqvarnas are another interest of mine. I guess great minds do think alike!

Sadly this one is the one I am struggling to get to shoot - but my niece has my original 1900 243 and is taking a few roe with it, and my Swede 1900 is bang on as well.
I’ve been talked into trying harder to make this one work properly…we don’t get many over here, the actions on them are just so slick and aesthetically pleasing I had a problem not buying them when I had a slot for a rifle!

 

[cf2fan]

The 1900s are the best of the Husqvarna line, imho. So smooth, elegant and refined. Over here, they are less common than the 1600/1640 series, which are excellent in their own right. You’re right, they deserve a whole different post. To be honest, I really never saw a 1900 that didn’t work flawlessly and wasn’t accurate. I hope it is a problem you can resolve.

 

[6.5a square]

I ve had 2 bsa cf2. My first centrefire .243 calibre i had for number of years and loved it. Very accurate.
My second i ve had for a couple years , in 270 stutzen model also very accurate and is a favourite of mine