BSA GRT Lightning XL SE. Affordable, high-performance gas ram. Full test and review.

[@MirlitronOne]

I have owned the GRT SE (non-XL) model for about seven years and can agree that it's an excellent rifle for the price.

[@skdavrs]

Bought one in .22 recently and not had any trouble. Thread locked the stock and scope screws from day one. 5p groups at 30 yards are easy with HN FTT

[@three-phase562]

Yes that certainly is a good looking rifle. The scope you kitted it out with really added to that. Thanks for the review.

[@timholt8141]

I have the springer version in .22, cracking air rifle. Can see a GRT joining it soon.

[@PiperX1X]

Great review and plenty of safety tips which I like to see, I have the bsa lightning se and it’s a cracking little rifle, bought it just before the first lockdown before prices went a tad silly. Bsa airguns have been around for years and have a good track record and are definitely value for money, just wish more companies put a thumb scallop for those who like to shoot thumb up, are you listening Weihrauch! Another thing I like about the bsa safety catches are that they are silent which can make or break a shot, many other springers or gas rams have this click which is enough to spook your quarry, again are you listening Weihrauch! But yes I love the bsa lightnings had them all over the years but settled on the Se as one of my grab and go guns and it’s never let me down, pure quality.

[@darrengoodale6854]

a lot of people don't like theses but loks good in this review

[@BionicRusty]

Cracking rifle, Rich. Nice review 👍 I owned a cheap Nova Vista gas ram a few years ago and it’s cocking action and firing cycle was as smooth as silk. Gas rams are seriously underrated imo.

[@airgunextra]

Thanks Bionic and I agree with you...

[@greylag8630]

Good to see a review on this! Thanks Rich 👍 I was looking at getting one a few years ago when re-starting my air rifle journey. Looks like it wouldn’t have been a bad option.

[@airgunextra]

Great value for money Richard.

[@TT_STUIE]

Hi. Got both GRT and spring version of this BSA. They are super guns, really nice to handle. But....... Had to put in a longer trigger adjustment screw to get rid of the excessive creep. The GRT is really smooth and shot well till it lost power. BSA are looking at it as we speak! The springer is savage on scopes and the stock bolts keep coming loose. Needs threadlock on to keep tight. Nice review, cheers

[@airgunextra]

Thanks Stuart. I hope you get you rifle back soon.

[@georgecooke5639]

I’ve got the same problem with my grt. Could I just ask what was the problem (according to bsa) and did the fix last? I should also say, my rifle has been sent to bsa to fix, I’m very curious as a friend of mine has had no issue at all.

[@TT_STUIE]

Hi. Bsa had my grt for nearly 3 months. I had to ring/email every week. Then they just sent me a new one. No idea what went wrong, I think they lost it.

[@georgecooke5639]

@@TT_STUIE wow, three months!! I hope your new one works as it should. Thanks for coming back to me.

[@davemonday5381]

I bought 3 lightnings almost 4 years ago for myself and two of my friends we take them to the range often. Not had any problems whatsoever and they’ve been superb powerful accurate and super smooth. Blueing is brilliant in black stock is lovely. I’m that impressed I bought the rest of the bsa range.

[@tintsloop5830]

Aluminium pellets work very well with this rifle

[@ianedwards8530]

Thanks, great look around this rifle and review. Im hoping to be in the market for something like this soon as a tradeup from my 30 year old training rifle.

[@CaptainKarate]

Thank you Rich for displaying the correct and only safe loading technique for a break barrel air rifle🥰🥰Leon Hosking NSRA RCO

[@airgunextra]

Thanks Leon. Makes me wince when I see some people playing Russian roulette with their fingers!

[@davidrobinson4553]

I had one of the original Lightnings with the ugly Volumetric (I think it was) silencer this one is a great looking rifle, thank's for reviewing it Richard 👍

[@kevb9319]

Cracking looking rifle, looks a nice combo with the MTC compact 👍

[@carlthorley3030]

Beautiful looking gun and as always a honest and great review, thanks Richard.

[@airgunextra]

Thanks very much Carl. Sure is a looker!

[@MrRockstar1968]

The trigger is plastic and is heavy. I put longer M2.5 x 10mm bolt in my trigger to et better adjustment, though when doing this hit and bang the stock stock to make sure the trigger isn't too light of a hair trigger and causes it to fire. It's best to use 2 or 3 spring washers to get the correct setting for a lighter trigger.

[@ericgsericgs]

Finally a person that shows how to load a pellet like i do on a Brake barrel, to me, if the sear lets go fo any reason, will be very hard to keep it from going balistic, i realize that i tend to grab the barrel whit less and less force when tryng to put a little 177 on a little hole

[@airgunextra]

Yes, a lot safer. However some break barrels require a bit of tension to reveal the breech even if you don't cock it - the HW90K is like that - so you have to make sure it won't ping back and pinch a finger.

[@justingreen9262]

Hi Richard.Another good review.A really nice compact gas ram that looks lovely and Shoots really well.for that money,it’s well worth it! Atvb and Happy Easter👍🏻😎

[@MrRockstar1968]

I think the raised scope rail may be due to it having a raised bolt and a bolt hole to secure a scope mount to at the back to prevent the scope moving back due to recoil.

[@secretspyfrog593]

yea ya sold me.... i'm off to get one

[@dirtyharry5957]

Did you get one if so any good ? I fancy one

[@richardhartley5210]

Think ppl may need to test different pellets as those 4.52 AA DF’s have a fairly big spread.., but is that because it’s a new rifle and the barrel isn’t leaded in yet. Wouldn’t mind seeing a follow up vid of this a few months down the line just to see if that grouping improves with time and lead. I haven’t got a gas ram in the “cabinet” yet and this looks better than other gas ram items.😎

[@OffGridMadMan]

Do you think that was a bad group?

[@airgunextra]

Hi Richard. You're right that the barrel would probably benefit from a bit of leading in, and the rifle no doubt would improve with some use. But the group wasn't that bad straight out of the box with a quick barrel clean,

[@MrRockstar1968]

After testing 38 different pellet brands and weights on my BSA GRT Lightning .22 cal, I managed to get a 5 shot group through the same pellet hole which made a group of 6mm circumference on 5.52mm pellets.

[@roberttaylor6075]

Which brand did you get that group with.

[@MrRockstar1968]

That so called silencer is more of a shroud as it has no baffles inside, it is also only effective from halfway down the tubing where it has metal circular support threaded to the end of the barrel. I managed to get mine 6db quieter by doing some alterations.

[@strawman3059]

It certainly doesn't sound quiet!

[@sunlessirondude]

Great review Richard, I have the GRT in the black finish, lovely looking rifle but quite a thunk when fired, still keeps my concentration on the job at hand!

[@airgunextra]

Thanks Tom. It's certainly a rifle you have to shoot properly to get the best from, which makes it all the more rewarding

[@patrickpirelli7897]

I bought one from Keith sports and took it straight out and shot 15 or so pellets through it and took it back immediately, I then went up to bagnels in Newcastle and bought my 95k and what a massive improvement when I shot that straight out the box, yep still got it and love it.thinknthe BSA looks better though

[@Granto-ni9qw]

Hi bud I go to both shops hw 95k all day Putin a order in for a swfs,imp

[@patrickpirelli7897]

@@Granto-ni9qw nice one going out with mine today. Mine likes jsb exacts 👍

[@Granto-ni9qw]

@@patrickpirelli7897 lads at Newcastle wil not sell me out but HW,

[@skol6384]

​@@Granto-ni9qw hows the imp holding up marra?

[@Granto-ni9qw]

@@skol6384 Hi bud I never got it I have been very Sick how's the 95 ????

[@earleysamantha]

Just b ouoght a second hand one and have no problems,shoots just like the hw 90,and sirocco I had back in the day tbh☺

[@michaelholt7963]

Hiya Richard I think the extra scope rail is of a certain material which absorbs the little recoil she possesses, as always cracking show pal. The birds were sounding fantastic at the range

[@airgunextra]

Could be Michael...

[@markcopeman3552]

Great Review Richard. I bought this rifle with a tactical stock in 22 , having not shot a gun in years I decided to see if would still enjoy it. Thought I'd start with a spring or gas ram before stepping up to a PCP gun. Really pleased with the BSA , it's a decent gun for the money. However, I do feel it goes off with a bit of a crack. Is it worth throwing an extra silencer on the end or do you think it won't make much of a difference? I know shorter barrels can produce more noise .

[@airgunextra]

Hi Mark. Thanks very much. Yes, I expect that an extra silencer would make a difference. Do you have one you can borrow from a mate to try before you buy?

[@markcopeman3552]

@@airgunextra Thanks for your advice Richard. I'll check out some silencers at my local gunship, they have a good range and like your good self are very helpful

[@coba83]

Имею несколько пружинных винтовок. Но BSA Lightning XL SE самая любимая. В качестве единственной я бы оставил именно её.

[@OlegLitovchenko-t1d]

Полностью согласен !за три "захода" по тюнингу довёл ход поршня с 70 мм до 86 мм теперь gsb 0.67 гр - 238 / 246 м/с - стала "мягко" стрелять - кайф 🎉😊 🎉🎉

[@roberttaylor6075]

I have the mk1 lightning and mk1 supersport they are both better than this new gen version, the supersport with it's longer barrel is the best though and still after all these years there is zero play in the breach.

[@MrRockstar1968]

The trigger is plastic unless they recently upgraded this. It can also only be adjusted if you fit a longer M2.5 10mm length bolt, though need to do a drop test to make sure the trigger isn't too light.

[@GhostofCTC]

I’ve heard such conflicting reviews on these. Just couldn’t buy one just incase the bad reviews are correct and I’d already been warned. It’s a shame because they look great and if they do do what they claim then it would be a great rifle for the price.

[@bulishfx]

Let me ask a question. Why England doesnt include shooting competition in COMMON WEALTH GAMES 2022?

[@lfcmarkeb7124]

with the use of a pivot pin not a screw and nut will probably end up with a wobbly barrel due to wear

[@davemonday5381]

Mine is every bit has good has my TX200hc and just has accurate.

[@vonfields6889]

Good show.

[@airgunacademy6764]

it looks good and compact. but is it considered a long rifle? cant tell from the camera...

[@airgunextra]

It's pretty compact, but yes considered a full rifle...

[@aboutthemetal8783]

Could you tell me what version feels the smoothest in recoil and cocking action , the gas ram or Springer ?

[@airgunextra]

It really depends on the rifle. A good springer is nice and smooth and a bad one is horrible. The same for a gas ram. The difference is that with a gas ram of course you are not compressing a spring. Gas rams can also sometimes feel like they get harder to cock the closer you get to fully compressing the air chamber.

[@chrismclean2989]

🤔 Wonder how the lock time and firing cycle compares between the Gas Ram and the Spring versions ?… Follow through is very important with “recoiling” air guns…

[@airgunextra]

To be honest Chris, I've found the springer shoots better than the gas ram...

[@barrydavies998]

Hmmm ... after telling us to set the safety catch to safe when loading a pellet you don't practice what you preach Richard... But each to their own as long as the rifle is pointing in a safe direction and finger well clear of the trigger , just be aware of clothing catching ( buttons and the like) as you manouver the rifle to the aim

[@airgunextra]

Hi Barry. I'm glad you are listening so closely to every word. I think if you are shooting continuously on the range, cocking, loading and firing you can get away without setting the safety catch each time. But if you're hunting for instance and leaving the gun cocked for any period of time, then the safety catch going on is a must.

[@stephengunrunnerhanson3550]

Great rifle and it shoots well it's not liking them pellet

[@grioghairmacgrioghair5311]

GLAD TO SEE YOUR COMMENTS was about to take mu=ine back after seeing reviews from from some self appointed experts as after their comments about how bad it is I thought mine could not be a real bsa grt as it is easy to cock trigger feels good recoil is light [ mebbe because I am used to full bore stuff and very accurate mebbe some of those guys need a visit to specsavers or just cant shoot.should point out that I have 4 friends who also shoot the lightening in grt or springer ,all are happy with the gun however all are old time proffessional shooters from millitary backgrounds used to the big boys mebbe thats the advantage they have all of them are entitled to wear the crossed rifle badge on their arm

[@airgunextra]

Certainly I'd imagine being taught to shoot properly would be an advantage when it comes to any springer/gas ram. Thanks very much for watching.

[@hunting.egypt964]

Thank you enjoyed the video I have this gun do you know best gamo pellets for it as we don’t have here airarms

[@airgunextra]

Thanks. Do you have access to JSB or H&N pellets?

[@hunting.egypt964]

@@airgunextra HN yes

[@airgunextra]

@@hunting.egypt964 H&N pellets are worth a try. Probably better than Gamo to be honest. Good luck.

[@303alsmith]

Good tip re the safety,but I notice you didn't use it whilst on the range

[@airgunextra]

If you're shooting pellet after pellet on the range I don't think it is necessary. But don't listen to me!

[@andy2610]

Ive juat bought this rifle in .177 and unsure if ive made a mistake now. Theres loads of mixed reviews 😓

[@airgunextra]

Hi Andy. I'd say they are not the easiest rifles to shoot accurately right out of the box. It's worth trying plenty of different pellets to find one that works for you. And then simply practising with the rifle and learning a consistent hold so the recoil recoils to the same extent each time. Good luck.

[@andy2610]

@@airgunextra thank you. I decided to cancel my order for the BSA lighting and decided go with the walther rotex rm8. I have seen alot of positives about this pcp.

[@airgunextra]

@@andy2610 It's a great rifle Andy. I'm sure you'll enjoy using it.

[@douglasjackson6955]

why did you not follow you recommendations over operations of the safety ?

[@airgunextra]

What do you mean Douglas?

[@douglasjackson6955]

@@airgunextra you recommend earlier in the Vid its safe practice to set the safety when raising a loaded gun to shoot, on the range you did not do this, I do not do this in any derogatory way just an observation, enjoy your vid.

[@brettrichmond23]

What scope is that you have on it if you don't mind me asking

[@airgunextra]

Hi Brett. Its an MTC Copperhead. I don't recall if it was the 3-12x or 4-16x but both a great compact scopes with normal eye relief alphamilitaria.com/shop/mtc-copperhead-f2/

[@georgethepatriot2785]

All reviews state 2 stage trigger . My new GRT .22 has no 2 stage trigger. Quality control issues at BSA me thinks.

[@airgunextra]

Hi George. Have you tried any adjustment? Often the triggers on brand new rifles are set quite heavy for safety reasons. You might find that some adjustment to make it lighter will reveal the stages a little.

[@georgethepatriot2785]

@@airgunextra thankyou for your excellent advice.

[@Aman.n]

what's the range on these? i struggle to figure out the range these can shoot at, its never listed anywhere, or am i missing something?

[@airgunextra]

Hi Aman. 10:45 - 30 metres.

[@Lander76]

Thanks for the review. How does this gun stack up against the hw90k in terms of build quality, accuracy and how well it shoots?

[@airgunextra]

I'd happily have either, but if I had to give one up it would be the BSA, but only just.

[@Lander76]

@@airgunextra Interesting, thanks!

[@FantasticCraptacular]

Which scope?

[@airgunextra]

Its an MTC Optics Copperhead. Available as 3-12x or 4-16x with a 44mm objective. I really like them - nice and compact, normal eye relief and great clarity. Well priced too...

[@davidstopps6322]

Do you need a license for the gas rifle

[@airgunextra]

Hi David. It depends on where you live. In England and Wales you do not need a license as long as the rifle is less than 12 ft/lbs, which the GRT Lightning is.

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

The wood stock is quite bulky and awkward.

[@airgunextra]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! I think its one of the best looking rifles on the market. Have you seen one in the flesh? If you get the chance give it a go 👍

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

@@airgunextra Yes very true comment. No not seen one in the flesh only here on your video, I grew up with BSA Cadet and Meteors in the 1970's and wish I still had them. I do like the gas piston and the silencer.

[@darrenmcguire9532]

I have a 177 bsa grt new and can’t get it to group with various pellets at 10 mtrs, my grouping is about 30 mm any ideas

[@airgunextra]

Hi Darren. Sorry to hear you're having issues. Springers/gas rams are more difficult to shoot accurately than PCPs, as I'm sure you know. The best results come from holding the rifle exactly the same way each time to allow the rifle to recoil consistently. That doesn't mean you have to hold it in a death grip, just the same consistent pressure of hold. Also, make sure you look down the centre of the scope each time. Changing your eye position will also result in shot to shot inconsistency. Other than that, if you haven't already done so, its worth giving the barrel a good clean with a pull through kit and ensuring all the stock bolts and screws are nice and tight. And of course, you may need to have to try different brands of pellets to find one that works best with your rifle. Test them at 15 metres to find which groups best and then move the range out. As a general rule, stick to the quality brands - JSB, Air Arms, H&N etc...Good luck and let us know how you get on. If you ever find yourself near Reading on a Saturday you'd be very welcome to drop in to Reading Air Target Shooting club - just let me know in advance.

[@darrenmcguire9532]

@@airgunextra thanks a lot for your reply, I use the aa Diablo pellets but like you say I have had my s410 for a long time and that is bang on but with no recoil so maybe I need to change a few things 👍

[@chrisjohn4101]

Assumimng the Lightning is pretty much built the same across the range, are you not going to mention that the barrel axis is a simple pin - there is no adjustment for wear on this critical joint so the gun has a limited life span with regards to accuracy.

[@airgunextra]

Hi Chris. Unfortunately, I can't mention every single aspect of every rifle I look at. But now you've covered it I'm sure folks will be grateful.

[@chrisjohn4101]

@@airgunextra It's a glaring cheap design trait, difficult to miss even for an amatuer such as myself.

[@bramster-b9v]

Too bad that this great air rifle is not available in my region!

[@airgunextra]

where are you based?

[@bramster-b9v]

@@airgunextra I live in Germany and have not yet found a suitable dealer.

[@airgunextra]

Have you tried this company? They are listed as BSA's distributor in Germany: www.german-sport-guns.com@@bramster-b9v

[@MsJosekiss]

Distance of blank?

[@airgunextra]

Sorry, not getting you?

[@mikedolman7056]

No open sights why?

[@airgunextra]

Hi Mike. I'm guessing because 99.9% of people would want to fit a scope...

[@OlegLitovchenko-t1d]

Лучшие характеристики при ходе поршня 90 мм при D-29 mm , в cal.: -5.5 mm, ( ~24/26 jouls )

[@airgunextra]

But illegal in the UK without an FAC.

[@AK-ky3ou]

I think these are discontinued in the US. Anybody know for sure? Can’t find any online.

[@airgunextra]

We'll see if we can find out for you...

[@airgunextra]

Hi. We checked with BSA and they said that unfortunately the GRT Lightning is not sold in the US at the moment.

[@AK-ky3ou]

@@airgunextra damn, thanks for the help.

[@A.Romanov]

The barrel has a length of 261mm.

[@airgunextra]

Not according to BSA - 370mm. Check out their website. bsaguns.co.uk/air-rifles/spring-guns/lightning-xl-se/

[@A.Romanov]

@@airgunextra , marketing trick))). Measure with a thin soft wire hook. Many manufacturers do this, even Air Arms))

[@TheKipper999]

In your demo you said you put the gun safety on the cock the gun but on the range you didn’t do that once

[@airgunextra]

Hi Grant. That's because I was shooting it on the range with only a few seconds in between each shot. In any case, when on a range its not good practice to wave your rifle around.

[@DanaDRichards]

The gamo trigger is awful and I preferred the spring model it's a pretty gun

[@airgunextra]

Hi Dana. It's not as good as the trigger on some other rifles, but I've always found it to be ok. And like you, I prefer the springer over the GRT. Thanks for watching.

[@keithdeley7236]

Are bsa still made in Birmingham?

[@airgunextra]

Yep ...

[@keithdeley7236]

@@airgunextra thank you

[@noseyparker6622]

If you look on the gun its states "made in the EU" which basically means no it isn't made in Birmingham.

[@keithdeley7236]

@@noseyparker6622 BSA air guns are made in armoury road Birmingham England u need to do some research?

[@nigelmonaireo5024]

I have the wood one in 177 and the black in 177 very good hunting rifle

[@migsy2728]

Richard what's your own personal best air rifle

[@airgunextra]

Hi. If I had to choose one it would be either my Daystate Wolverine HiLite or BSA R10. How about you?

[@migsy2728]

@@airgunextra hi Richard my favourite gun is the hw1oo ps have you had any problems with your r10

[@davehunt6661]

I have rhe gas ram .22 version and its one of the worst guns I have ever owned......it groups 5 or 6 pellets then it has flyers all over rhe place....I've tried all jsb and h+n pellets. Cleaned the barrel etc. The barrel has a pin instead of a screw to keep the breech jaws nice and tight so it will develop lateral movement after a while. It has been back to bsa and it came back even worse. The trigger is shocking for a £300 rifle. I've had air rifles for 40 years and to be honest it's not as good as a Mercury I had in the 80,s

[@TT_STUIE]

Mine was exactly the same. Good group then chase the zero all over the place. Turned out the springer version was shaking it's stock bolts AND scope screws loose! Used threadlock on the stock bolts, just keep an eye on the scope now. It's so harsh firing it pulled the recoil pin out!

[@deveronrobinson4322]

Would you recommend the springer version

[@TT_STUIE]

@@deveronrobinson4322 I would say no

[@davehunt6661]

@@deveronrobinson4322 I wouldnt buy another BSA SPRINGER/ GAS RAM...they are all made in spain and are inferior to similar priced weihrauchs etc

[@deveronrobinson4322]

@@davehunt6661 cheers dude thanks for the heads up

[@jetblack5115]

You never put the safety on when testing it... Lol.. Great video though..

[@airgunextra]

Hi. Personally I don't think it is necessary to apply the safety after each shot if you are shooting under controlled conditions on a range. Unlike say if you are hunting and you are unlikely to take a shot for some time after cocking. Thanks for watching.

[@bessiebraveheart]

I just don't like that trigger guard.

[@davemonday5381]

RWS superdomes you’ll get pellet on pellet. The lightning is one of the best shooting best looking and best kept secrets out there. It embarrasses rifles at twice the price.

[@airgunextra]

Hi Dave. You're right that the Lightning is a great rifle, and certainly a looker. I get your earlier point regarding the raised mount and recoil. I've always dealt with the issue, whenever it has occurred, with an arrester block so I can mount a scope as low to the barrel as possible. That said, with a decent set of mounts, I don't often find scope creep an issue. I'm glad you're enjoying your BSAs and flying the flag!

[@davemonday5381]

@@airgunextra cheers I’ve seen so many scopes fall off. And with the rail and low mounts the doesn’t end up any tall. The new version of the rail is called the RRR is a two piece rail. A stop block with a suspension rubber and the front scope rail. I don’t like the tall mounts I have to use to fit a 50/56mm scope. It looks like the scope is on stilts. I know it’s just aesthetics but from a technical and engineering perspective a recoilless mount and low scope mounts make sense. And protects your scope. We how savage spring guns are on scopes Hey what do I know. Loved the video.

[@hunting.egypt964]

.22 caliber

[@leeblackwell3236]

I've had 2. Look great shoot well. Horrible trigger

[@geoffbembridge868]

Dude. Have you actually attempted to adjust the trigger on rifle. Because there is almost no adjustment.

[@airgunextra]

Hi Geoff. Yes, the test rifle was a little heavy out of the box but I managed to lighten easily enough - for me anyway.

[@alanh2062]

So you returned the barrel after cocking and loading and pointed it straight up, oh dear, muzzle down mate.

[@airgunextra]

Hi Alan. Do I understand correctly that you are suggesting a break barrel rifle be cocked so that when the cocking action is finished the barrel is pointed down at the floor (so effectively point the barrel at the floor and raise the butt in the air? Have you used a break barrel?

[@jamieogorman9461]

Awful triggers.. But so did theoben gasram runs

[@redpillnibbler4423]

I had a Theoben Sirocco Delux and the trigger was pretty bad,also woefully underpowered.Not impressed.

[@richardbaker8036]

Mine spits aa out when you cock it. Not accurate at all. It's been back to bsa because its shooting 7.5 lbs, came back still useless.

[@MrDavideaton]

Hi Rich, I was just about to purchase the se lx GRT model, but have read some very negative comments One here on your channel but also on other channel's can you throw any light on the matter im now torn between a German gun or the BSA Meteor super I thought id done all my research but now im back to squre one,

[@airgunextra]

Hi David. It's a conundrum. I know plenty of people will disagree, but in my experience gas rams are more difficult to shoot accurately than springers, and certainly less tuneable. The only exception to this is the HW90 which I tested and found to be great to shoot. Of course, budget is a major factor, but I'd say that if you can stretch to it, Weihrauch has the break barrel springer market pretty much sewn up. When it comes to underlevers, they and Air Arms are the best.