BSA CF2

The BSA CF2 was a target rifle manufactured by the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA).

Description

It was a single shot, bolt action 7.62x51 NATO rifle (.308 Winchester).
*Weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
*Length: 47 5/8in (121cm)
*Barrel Length: 26 1/2in (67.3cm)
*Sight: Optical sight and bead tunnel (usually micrometer adjustable aperature sights)The rifle was finished in blued steel and had a walnut stock with a pistol grip. BSA no longer makes this rifle.

The primary use of this rifle was for long range, full bore match shooting.

Update - Correction

BSA or the Birmingham Small Arms Company started trading in 1861 in Birmingham, England, and until 1905 only did 'Government' work. In 1909 it produced it's first commercial hunting and target rifles, based on a Martini-Henry lever action. These continued in production until the company was liquidated in 1986, when the name and air weapon stuff was bought out and continues to be sold today.

The BSA CF2 was introduced in 1972 as primarily a hunting rifle. It was based on a modified Mauser style long action, and available in a variety of calibres and stock styles. It continued to be made until 1986.

The stocks included an 'American' style with a Monte Carlo combe, a 'European' with a straight combe, and a full length 'Stutzen'. All with many variants in wood grade, colour, end caps, fillers and chequering.

The BSA barrels are recognised as some of the best ever manufactured, with the standard rifle length being 24", whilst the 'Stutzen' was 20". They were available in a standard weight with a tapered profile or a heavy 'bull barrel'.

Standard calibres are .222; .22/250; .243; 6.5x55mm; 7x57mm; 7x64mm; 7mm Rem Mag; .308; .30-06; 7mm Mag; .300 Win Mag. Many have been rebarreled as the action lends itself to 'experiments'. (I own a BSA CF2 in 9.3x62mm along with 12 others in various calibres and combinations.)

They all have a spring loaded internal magazine with hinged floor-plate, and even the .222 is based on the long action, although with a modified magazine and feed ramp. They came with iron sights. The rear sight was available in 'standard' or with the 'Williams' adjustable ramp. The beaded foresight was protected by a spring steel shroud. The top of the action has the same profile and dimensions as the long action Remington 700, so all standard scope mounts will fit. The trigger module was available in both single and double set (German style) and are interchangable and fully adjustable. The bolt has a two large locking lugs with a recessed face fully enclosing the cartridge rim. There is a large single extractor claw and a spring loaded pin to assist in cartidge ejection.

The safety is conveniently positioned just to the right of the bolt handle, and locks the bolt and disengages the seer when applied. By moving the safety catch partially forward you can release the bolt whilst the rifle is still 'safe'.

The rear of the bolt is profiled and has an indicator pin showing that the action is cocked.

The manufacturing tolerances are very good, with all parts being interchangable. (I have been hunting taking the .243 and the .30-06 only to find that I had left one of the bolts at home.... I must stress, I have had the head spacing checked on all my rifles - with all bolts - and they are all well within acceptable limits.)

See also

*Gun safety