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Gateway To Product Reviews => Air Gun Reviews => : PeakChick August 11, 2007, 02:27:40 AM
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I picked up my BSA Lightning XL from my local Sportsman's Warehouse yesterday. I had been wanting a high quality European .177 rifle in a more compact size than the RWS 36 that I had. I was considering several Weihrauch rifles, the HW50, HW95 and HW97K.......all in .177. I go into Sportsman's Warehouse about weekly for pellets, misc. shooting supplies and they had this BSA in the rack for months. I had peeked at it before, but was a bit put off by the price $429.00, (The two other sites I found online for this rifle in the US list this rifle at $479.00). I made the mistake of asking to handle and shoulder the rifle about a month ago. Wow, very compact, shoulders very well, light in weight, beautiful wood, great metal, deep, even satin bluing. Two weeks ago I went in and asked an old friend that works there to let me take it out back and cycle it and shoot cleaning pellets through it to feel the action and trigger. That was all it took to convince me. It has a very smooth cocking cycle, great trigger, the barrel locks up like the proverbial bank vault. I put money down on it for lay-a-way that day.
I got home with the new rifle yesterday morning, took her out of the box and began prep. I cleaned the barrel thouroughly, the barrel cleaned up quickly, not a lot of crud from the factory. As a point of interest, the BSA barrels are very high quality, hammer forged units. Scope mounting revealed that the BSA "Maxi Grip" rail on the receiver is a 14mm rail, so I could not use the BKL 260 11mm mount I had that I wanted to use, (BKL does offer the 400 series mounts in 14mm). An Accushot 1pc medium mount worked fine on the rail with the clamping plate reversed to allow for the wider width. The scope mounted on it now is a Leapers 3-9 x 32mm AO. I will put a different scope on it in fairly short order, probably a Leapers 3-9 x 40mm AO or a Bushnell Banner 3-12 x 40mm AO. I will probably stick with the Accushot mount, strong and compact, works just fine on this rifle.
I sighted the rifle in on my indoor 10m range. I used BSA Wolverines 8.4 gr FTs, (These are BSA labled JSB exacts). I tried a sampling of different pellets, the BSA, RWS superdomes, CPHP, Gamo Hunter. The rifle prefers the BSA pellet and this pleases me as I am very sold on this pellet for accuracy, quality and performance. The rifle dieseled consistently for the first 75 shots, no detonation, just smoke. Accuracy is very good for a carbine sized rifle, very consistent. Cocking effort is a bit high due to the short barrel on this rifle, and the compact, fairly high powerplant in this gun. I would guess cocking effort at about 35-40lbs, not bad, just not the effortless stroke like my HW30. BSA lists this rifle at 900 fps, 15fpe. AOA shows their testing at 14fpe, so the advertised power is pretty close. I don't have a chrony so no numbers, but perceived power is right up there with any of my higher powered rifles. The trigger is very good, light, short first stage, very crisp second stage at about 2-2.5 lbs. I have not adjusted the trigger yet. This rifle has a "moderator" built in to the barrel, a mechanical baffeled unit. I'm not certain of the effectiveness, the rifle is not loud, but not silent either. The mechanical noise is just a sharp, smooth slap, report is a sharp, quick pop.
This rifle is very compact: 37.5" OAL, 14.5" overall barrel length (the actual barrel on this gun is 10", combined length is the barrel and moderator). Its listed weight on the BSA site is 6.1 lbs unscoped. Scoped as it is now it is 7.5lbs on my bathroom scale.
Pics below show the rifle, the rifle with my HW30 and .177 CFX for size comparison, and a 10m target, 6 shot group with Wolverines, rifle forestock cupped in my left hand on my rest, elbows on the bench, butt unsupported on my shoulder.
She's a keeper!
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GREAT REVIEW Stephanie !
Thanks for the review of your new baby, "Shooter" !
Now you do have my order button finger twitching. ;-)
Now if it only came in .20 caliber ! Hummmmm
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I adjusted the trigger this morning. The adjustment is a true second stage adjustment using a very fine allen grub screw in the forward part of the trigger blade. It didn't affect the light, short first stage and it now has a positive, crisp second stage let off that feels like about 1lb. :) :)
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Great review of the new BSA Carbine Stephanie. She sure stands out amongst your other two babies...:) Very purdy indeed. Sounds like the trigger is big PLUS as well. I would expect the BSA to be closer than most maunfactures that generally report a min of 20% over the actual real time fps. I would imagine she is doing in the mid 800's if not higher. That carbine sure has some nice curves there..:) and the wood is very nice as well.
Gene
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Enjoyed your review very much Stephanie. Best of luck with the rifle, she's sure a beauty....
Jeff
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Fab review Stephanie :) and that a sweetheart there. Keep us updated on the performence. Ed
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Very good write up. Sounds like a great rifle. BTW, that CFX looks outstanding too, (I am trying to convince myself to buy the CFX .22).
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Nice review and real nice hole's in the target Stephanie :) Ed
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David, I would recommend a CFX, in either caliber, in an instant. I have both a .177 and a .22 CFX. I am amazed at the accuracy of both rifles. They are not at all hold sensitive, powerful and easy to shoot. I am very fond of my CFXs.
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Thats a sweet rifle you got there. And an excellent review, The gun fits in with your stable rather well too. Maybe I'm just preduced(with a name like Pennsylvania Pistolero how could I not be ;-) ) but it looks like you could use a couple more pistols in that stable through. Perhaps a 1377 and or a 2240 (Maybe even a Mountain Air 2540) or even a IHZ53M to get you started in the breakbarrel pistols. Worth a thought.
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Hi,
Are you still liking the XL after having it for about a month. I have an interest in this gun and am trying to get some opinions on it. Would you buy it again? Have you had it apart yet? Any velocity figures?
thank, Scott
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Scott, I don't have a chrony, so sorry, no velocity figures for you. Do I still like my Lightning? That's easy, yes very much. The rifle is so comfortable to shoulder, quick, very pointable. It is a compact length, but the stock is adult sized, no length of pull issues. The only things I have done to mine were to locktite the stock screws and adjust the trigger. The Machined , threaded cap on the end of the moderator needed locktite too.
The rifle is brilliantly accurate, not hold sensitive. I have taken a number of pest birds with it at ranges from 15-40 yds, effortlessly. As far as power goes, based on my perceived impression, this is a powerful .177 rifle. Power wise it is in the same league as my CFX, my RWS 34. It is listed at 900 fps in .177, and I feel that is not too far off the mark. Mine shoots best with BSA Wolverines, 8.4gr (Relabled JSB Exacts), but is not overly pellet fussy.
The rifle is very well built, great wood, well finished metal. The barrel lock up is delightfully solid. Cocking effort is firm, I'd guess in the 40 lb. range due to the short barrel on a powerful action, but is not an issue for me.
The Lighning does have the BSA "Maxi-Grip" scope rail. The rail is 14mm, a BKL 260 11mm mount would not fit, but an Accushot one piece mount worked fine with the clamping plate reversed for a larger opening. BKL does make 14mm one and two piece mounts that are an option too. the action is fairly short so it will not clear a very long scope. I have a 3-9 x 32 AO scope on mine that works well. I think something in the range of a Bushnell Banner or Trophy 4-12 x 40 is about the longest scope that can be mounted on it.
Would I buy it again? Yes, without hesitation.
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Stephanie,
Thanks for your review on the Lightning XL, very informative and I'm sorry that I hadn't read it until now. Must remember to try and go through some of the other areas in the forum from time to time. It certainly is a beautiful rifle and from the group you posted, it looks as though it shoots fantastic. Of course, you probably have a little something to do with that. Looks like it is a great addition to a bunch of great rifles that you have.
I have to wonder exactly how it compares to something like the TX-200 Mk.III as far as accuracy, power, fit, finish, etc. You probably saw that I am seriously considering that as my next purchase. Oh well, guess I'll just have to flip a coin, maybe buy both!
Thanks,
Jeff
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Jeff, I'm kinda biased towards my Lightning, but either rifle TX or lightning is a superb choice. Power wise the TX probably has a slight edge, but they are close. Accuracy, hmmm, another tough one, again I say they are both in the same leauge. The TX probably has a slightly higher level of "polish" to the finish, but the BSA is very good. The biggest difference for me is weight, my Lightning is 7.5lbs scoped, a TX200 MkIII is 9.3 lbs bare, the HC is 8.5lb bare. The Lightning is a pure hunter carbine. If I were buying a rifle to tote around in the woods it would be the Lightning, hands down.
I agree, it is a tough choice between the BSA and the TX (either variant). I'm am seriously pondering a TX in the future, but there are a couple of Weihrauch rifles in the running too. If I could afford both, I'd have a Lightning as a hunter and the full size TX for target/FT.
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Hey Peak Chick from another Colorado airgunner!
I think I just figured out the "Peak" part of Peak Chick! My sister graduated from CC back in 1990, and I am a Littleton native. Anyhoo, fun reading your reviews! I had read one the other day on your BSA Sportsman HV, and I saw the pictures you posted. I too have seen the rifle at Sportsman's Warehouse, but the one you have iappears to be moderated. Did you buy it that way and if not where did you have the work done? Can you post a full review of this rifle? I have looked at this rifle at the same place, as has my buddy, and reviews are somewhat unclear about the gun. Do you have the clip problems with loading etc., and is it dependable so far etc.? I would appreciate any and all you could tell me about the rifle!
thanks! Springer out
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Dutch, my Sportsman HV is a very well built, very accurate, very powerful rifle. The rifle has been completely reliable with no issues at all. The Sportsman HV is just an unregluated Hornet. Typically I shoot about 20-30 shots and then top off the reservoir with my FX pump. It ususally takes only about 30-40 pump storkes to bring the rifle back up to 220-230 BAR. The trigger is very adjustable, but mine is in stock adjustment as delivered, very good for a hunting rifle. The Sportsman HV is quite loud in stock trim. It is not shrouded or moderated as stock. The barrel end is threaded with standard 1/2 x 20 UNF thread for barrel "accessories." Mine does have an aftermarket LDC on it and is quite neighborhood friendly now. You can PM for about the rifle if you wish.
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Scott, just adding that I did buy another BSA Lightning XL .177. And everything Peak has written is exactly how I feel about them. So no need to write any thing else. Peak has said it all..:)
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Hi,
In reading your review I noticed that you mentioned considering the HW 97K. I also noticed that you already have an HW 97 .177. Is there a HW 97 & an HW 97K? If so, what are the differences? I just bought an HW 97 MKIII .177 from AOA that shipped today, & am just curious to know if you could clear this up? By the way, although I a fairly new to the hobby I've read your interest along with others on the AA TX200 MKIII. I bought one in Beech .177 about 3 months ago and put a Leapers 4-16x56 RG AO Accushot scope on it. It quickly became my favorite rifle. Recently I bought the matching Walnut rifle with a Centerpoint 4-16x56 RG AO scope on it. I sighted it in today in about 5 minutes. I can't recommend this gun highly enough. The quality of workmanship is outstanding. The cocking effort is a little less than my BSA XL Tactical which I believe is about the same as your Lightning. It is as smooth as glass! The wood finish on Beech or Walnut is just superb. But, most importantly..... It shoots like a dream! Yes, it's a little heavey. No, I wouldn't take it hunting. I would take my BSA. But for FT shooting, I would put it up against anything else I own. Maybe, just maybe until I receive my HW 97 MKIII Friday. Thanks for the review, & if you could clear up the HW 97 & the 97 confusion for me I would be very much thankful.
Geoff
Seattle, WA
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Geoff The HW97K is the carbine version of the HW97
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Geoff, I did indeed get an HW97K, sometime after I bought my Lightning. As Leadbottom mentioned, the HW97K is the carbine (Karbine in Deustch) version of the HW97. The HW97K is the most common version you'll see in that rifle. I think the longer barrel HW97 is pretty hard to find this side of the pond these days. The HW77 uses the same action, basically as the HW97 and is available in the full length rifle more commonly. The HW77 does have a more European conventional stock profile on it. The HW97K has a stock more oriented to scope only use, with a much higher comb. The HW97 and TX200 are the most used springer rifles for FT competition an I fell it is really neck and neck between the two as to which is the better rifle. My HW97K is brilliantly accurate, very easy one hole groups at 10m, almost too easy. I have an Air Force 4-16 x 50 AO scope on my HW97K in a one piece, high mount. This is a somewhat heavy rifle, by design, as the added heft tend to stabilize the rifle in off hand shooting for FT, the TX 200 shares the same design philosophy. My HW97 certainly has the accuracy to be a fine hunting rifle, but I would probably only consider it for hunting from a fixed stand or hide, as it would be a bit more weight than I would want to tote around on a walking hunt all day.
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I must mention that the HW-77 and 97 are superbly well designed. After doing several tunes on these models I cannot say enough about the solid build and design. They are IMO, one of the best built springers available. Should last several life times..:)
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Thank you all for the replies. I received my HW 97K yesterday. Wow! I couldn't stop shooting it for several hours. I had said previously that my (2) TX200's were my favorite rifle until yesterday... Now, it is definitely a tie between the two. The HW 97K is strikingly beautiful! It shoots like a dream. I have been shooting in my backyard at 25 yards, & can nearly put pellets on top of each other. It's so much fun to shoot a rifle of this quality. The main thing I notice with my new acquisition is the cocking effort. It is a little easier on the Beeman & smooth as silk. The top loading breech is nice being able to load on the left or right as apposed to the TX200 you can only load on the right. With the Centerpoint 4-16x56 scope I put on it is a little difficult to squeeze my fingers in to load. I don't have large hands, but the 56mm objective is about 1-2mm away from the breech and barrel. I used the highest rings I could, from AOA but this was the best I could do, and shouldn't expect much else with that large of a scope. Bottom line, I LOVE this rifle, & it will obviously be one of those heirloom items you will pass down to your children one day, WAAAAAY down the road. Before the HW97K I would recommend the TX200 every time. Now, I would just have to say to the potential buyer, pick either. At the $600 price point of either rifle, you can not go wrong. I am glad I was fortunate enough to have two of the TX200's & my new Beeman. They are definitely my favorite out of approx. a dozen rifles!!!
Thank you everyone again for your input, and clarification on the 97 & 97K... This cleared things up very well.
Geoff
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Congratulations Geoff on a superb springer choice. Happy shooting and have lots of fun...:) We will want to see some pictures also...:)
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Nice Gun! and for a good deal!
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Thank you..... I will post pictures here as soon as possible.
Geoff
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A few of you asked for some pictures of my rifles. I took some today, but can't for the life of me figure out how to upload them. I keep getting error messages. Any advice on the simplest way to do this would be great, then I can make you all happy with some pics.
Thanks in advance,
Geoff
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Over the pond here ,the Lightnings and other BSA`s are well-liked,but recently the prices have crept up a tad.The new model Walnut stocked Lightning XL ,now goes for £330 ,the beach one lists at £303,so if you see one at a reasonable price GRAB IT! To put this in context,a TX200HC can be had for £335,so not many people at my club are buying BSA springers (I`m the secy of Juniper Green Air Rifle Club;biggest club in Scotland) http://jgarc.org.uk/ There are also strong rumours that the very latest BSA`s are to be assembled at Gamo`s plant in Spain :another good reason to grab a BSA springer NOW! (hell buy two!!,you won`t regret it!)
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We heard that BSA was sending there springer's to Gamo. And I bought a second one like you suggested.
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Just found out ,my local dealer had a Supersport and a basic Lightning (not XL) with Gamo style seriel no.s.The componants are still made in Birmingham,but the assembly is done in Spain,so if any viewers even see a decent s/hand BSA springer it might be a better (wiser) buy than ever.
Take care
Kenny B.
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Evening folks. Logged on for some light reading and saw this thread. Was wondering if someone could expand on the BSA being assembled in Spain issue. I just picked up a Sportsman HV on closeout at SW. Was really on the fence because they only had two left and both had issues. Excess glue on the pad on both and the pads are about 1/8th oversized. One with some incomplete staining in the checkered area on one side. Everything else looked fine and I picked up the one with the poor stain because the wood was much nicer. The serial number is 4B 2237 and it says made in England. Could this either be sloppiness of them closing the line or else do I have a made in Spain issue?
On another note this purchase wasn't even on the radar, went in for some of the BSA pellets for a friend. I have no way of shooting the damn thing but it reminded be of my Lightning and they do seem well made from this beginner's perspective.
Thanks, Ron
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Generally the manufacturer will stamp somewhere on the metal where it was made. Only the springers are being sent to Gamo of Spain to be manufactured. It may take a while for the spanish made springers from BSA to show up.
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Thanks Gene for the info. Guess it just one of those days on the line.
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I`m off to my local BSA guy tomorrow,so I`ll quiz him about Gamo seriel no`s on new production BSA springers
Kenny BSA
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Kenny who is your BSA guy if you do not mind me asking?
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My BSA (also Ruger, Air Arms,Daystate,Cometta,Crosman.......) guy is Scott of Livelines, Armadale,West Lothian;-I saw a Spanish built Tactical XL springer there,the serial no is stamped on the left side of the barrel next to the pivot point and starts with the prefix "S-*********".
Catch you later
Kenny B