BSA Meteor Air Rifle: History & Comparison | Air Armoury

Air Armoury - Episode 61 - BSA Meteor Air Rifle: History & Comparison
This month the Air Armoury's JRH looks at the history of the classic BSA Meteor air rifle, and compares some of the different Mks.
*At 11:04 I meant to say 18" was the standard length for Mks 1-3, not 1-4.
Air Armoury 'BSA Meteor / Super Meteor (Mk 4) Air Rifle' Video.
• BSA Meteor / Super Met...
Years/Serial Numbers.
T - Meteor Mk.1 - .22 - 1959-1962
N - Meteor Mk.1 - .177 - 1959-1962
TA - Meteor Mk.2 - .22 - 1962-1966
TB - Meteor Mk.2 - .22 - 1966-1968
NA - Meteor Mk.2 - .177 - 1962-1966
NB - Meteor Mk.2 - .177 - 1966-1968
TD - Meteor & Super Meteor Mk.3 - .22 - 1967-1969
TE - Meteor & Super Meteor Mk.3 - .22 - 1969-1973
ND - Meteor & Super Meteor Mk.3 - .177 - 1967-1969
NE - Meteor & Super Meteor Mk.3 - .177 - 1969-1973
TG - Meteor & Super Meteor Mk.4 - .22 - 1974-1978
NG - Meteor & Super Meteor Mk.4 - .177 - 1973-1979
TH - Meteor & Super Meteor Mk.5 - .22 - 1979-1994
NH - Meteor & Super Meteor Mk.5 - .177 - 1979-1994
ZE/WE Meteor & Carbine Mk.6 - .177/.22 - 1993-2007
QF Meteor Mk.7 - .177/.22 - 2010-present
Meteor Evo
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[@Embrabrummie]

Thanks for this informative, well researched, and fascinating video. I have an interest in BSA, my Gran worked there during the first World War, on the Lewis gun assembly line. In 1969, my dad bought me a second hand Meteor Super - perhaps a Mk.3? I have used it ever since, though I have acquired both a Mercury and Comet over the years. This month I received my first instalment of my Old Age Pension! I decided to spend it on something I really want, and this morning became the proud owner of a Weihrauch 95 carbine, and am looking forward to putting it through it's paces. Comparing it to my original Meteor, it really is a product of a different age. When I got back from the shop, I was given the happy news that I am to be a Grandfather for the third time, later this year. I am glad that I found out after I had bought the Weihrauch, otherwise I would have felt guilty about spending the money on myself. Next months pension can go on a pram - I have got my carbine! Looking forward to teaching my new grandchild to shoot air weapons in a few years.

[@davidp4456]

Congratulations! I still also have my BSA meteor from childhood andI also recently bought a Weirauch HW77 with custom stock. I had a good look at the 95, it was very nice, but the HW77 retains the option to use open sights so I opted for this very similar gun instead.

[@BATMAN777888]

Great video as ever Mr JRH. Always interesting, informative with lots of content. Makes such a welcome change to see life in these old guns. I’ve said it before but I will say again you have a really cool channel logo, is there was some merchandise out there I could buy. That hoodie is awesome, I want one!

[@douglaswilson3978]

Love your video's, thanks Master..

[@TaunusTV]

I had the Mk.4 in cal .22 a long time ago ;-) It was quite powerful, pretty much precise and sure fun to shoot with ! Thanks for the video 👍

[@sirbollocks609]

Me to mine was a super metoer MK 5e, what a cracking air rifle it was, had it fitted with the rear open sight on the back of the air cylinder for a longer sight line and also a pair of 4x20 optics, for its day very accurate

[@TehBr0]

Great video, thank you.

[@Paulie-276]

Thanks ! found out i have a Mk 1 first edition , had no idea :)

[@markhomer7628]

More excellent stuff ... Love these vids , so much so I've even bought the " blue book " of airguns ... Now THAT is a good read ..

[@markhomer5704]

@Time4Survival If your interested in the history of airguns ( which im sure you are ) it will be a great read .. especially if your thinking of purchasing an antique rifle , give you all the valuations as well ..

[@MrPhilgascoine]

Thank you for all the info on the guns , this has help me with getting parts for mine which is a 4 with a stock like the 5 but it’s definitely a 4 from the serial number thanks again 👍👍 knowledge is a powerful thing 👍

[@davidtaylor8822]

I have a Mk3 or 4 (early 1970s) Meteor inherited from a tragically deceased school friend way back in 1974. I'm surprised you don't like the trigger in the later models, because the trigger is the best thing about my rifle: single-stage, light and crisp with no creep. Unlike the Cadet and Cadet Major before it, the Meteor cylinder/receiver was made of sheet metal and quality wasn't great. My rifle suffered rapid wear and metal fatigue around the barrel pivot pin. I bored it out on a milling machine and made new a new pin and bushings on a lathe, but the while it worked initially, I couldn't stop a crack propagating in the surrounding metal. I never use it now - the mainspring's weakened and I long ago cut the stock down so my kids could use it. But I hang onto it for sentimental reasons.

[@shaneweightman]

Yrs and yrs ago I had a super meteor, cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧

[@TheBas1984]

Good stuff!! Maybe add in some chrono data just for fun!

[@davidlucas6701]

I have just been given a meteor,I can now try to identify it! Great video and content thanks

[@starflash08]

Awesome thanks very much, I bought new , had a mk4 stock with a mk5 barrel

[@davemonday5381]

Marvellous. The good thing about the mk7 is it has a loverly stock and it’s finally full powered But I do know what you mean. I own most of the modern bsa springers and gas ram. And enjoy shooting them just as much as my air arms tx200hc and weihrauch s. Great video.

[@williamking1554]

i have the brocock independant wich is a pimped up meteor with longer cylinder for more power blued with a walnut stock very nice airgun interesting vid mate

[@blueband8114]

I had a meteor mk5 in the mid 80's. Very basic, but never let me down.

[@stevelewis7263]

My BSA Meteor (which I won in a competition) in around 1980 ish, has the serial number on the left hand side of the cocking bracket and is NH 20236, it could be a MK3 but not certain

[@un-_-known688]

Its all gud james, i got it back together after 3hours thanks tho

[@aflatminor]

Hi there I have a mk1, A mk2 and a mk5 Meteors, The mk1 and 2 are ok but the mk5 barrel slops side to side, When the stock fore screws are tightened it actually pulls the breech jaws apart!! It doesn't seem as bad on the earlier guns, Also have a Cadet and a Cadet Major and I think the Meteors were a step backwards from those fine old guns! Smashing video's by the way- Keep up the good work 👍😎

[@colinsmith4998]

I received my .22 Mk2 on my 14th birthday in 1962. I have other guns, but still enjoy shooting it. I plan to totally rebuild it this year.

[@coastriderscc3939]

Any idea where I can download a manual for the MK 2 (NA serial) ? All sites I think I have found require a CC ??

[@jasyamaha]

Great video, thanks. Now I know I have an early mk2 smooth bore in .177. I cronoed it a year ago and got 480 fps with 7.7 gr pellets. The gun is in great condition and I was going to give it to a friend but after watching this I'm going to keep it and freshen it up inside. Is there a gas piston available for it ? I can't find one online.

[@jeffthetalkingmongoose8129]

Hi. Enjoyed the video. I have a mk5, you mentioned that the rear sight can be mounted much more rearwards. Would you recommend making this alteration?

[@danny007boy123]

the triggers are known for being too harsh a pull weight on the mark 4/5 but can the be reworked to improve them ? its such a shame

[@davidp4456]

I have two mark 4 Meteors in .22. Interestingly these are latter versions and ‘hybridised’ with the mark 5. Stocks and cocking levers are as your mark 4 but but the sights and trigger are as your mark 5. I recently modded one of the guns with a gas ram and replaced the stock with a nice Mk. 5 super meteor I found as new-old stock. I had to find a second hand Mk. 5 cocking lever (not so easy) which switched out easily creating a nice gas ram gun that is comfortable to shoot.

[@ThisOldPanda]

Whats wrong with the mk6? I was looking at getting one.

[@carsmax]

hello. Yesterday I found a BSA Meteor with the serial number ND 8116. The only info´s I could find at a forum was it should be a MK 2 Super Meteor 1967-1969. Can that be right?? Thanks !!

[@bellcow6728]

I have a .22 cal and was wondering what size scope would I need

[@un-_-known688]

P.s why is the mk6 hard to find info and parts does anyone know? Plzzz

[@Primer595]

The barrels are "crowned" to protect the rifling. "Back bored" is a term used for shotgun chokes. Nice video!

[@VinCent-xy5lg]

Thank you I have a Meteor MK V .177 doing about 7 ft/lbs

[@peterakeborn2929]

Do you turn the screw clockwise to lighten the triggerweight ?

[@carsmax]

Hello.I found out it is a MK3 . I did a chrony test with the MK 3 and the results are disappointing .With a 5.7 gr. lead free pellet I got 3.6 fpe . How much power does had these guns new at the late 60´s ?? And would you recommend a mainspring wich produce close to 12 fpe??? Or is it to much for this little air rifle !!!! Thanks for an answer ! Greetings from Norway

[@DP-52657]

Very informative video, thanks for that! But was this made with a 25 year old camcorder? Perhaps record with a phone camera?

[@Pr0ject2]

Just been given a TA mk2. First ever rifle. Any tips on stuff I can do to upgrade it? Is it worth doing bits to it now or just use it until I decide on a newer gun?

[@davidp4456]

You should replace the spring, top hot and seals to bring it back to firing like new. Parts are readily available and instructions can be found on KZbin. You will need a workmate type bench clamp, a sash clamp, basic screw drivers and a small hammer to remove the pin. If you’re feeling adventurous replace the spring with a gas ram from Airseals Australia. He has lots of spares and instructional videos as well.

[@johnfiore9390]

Csn anyone help I have a bsa meteor but no idea what year or mk?? The serial number is th6849

[@TurboNinjaKilla]

I have a BSA Meteor (.22) bought second hand well over 30 years ago. It measures 88cm in total length. I cannot not find a serial number but there is a single letter R. Can anyone assist further with identifying this model?

[@davemonday5381]

You should try the mk8 evo.silencium You’ll be very impressed. I have the mk3, mk3 late, mk4 and mk5 and the gamo meteor’ s mk3 late seems to be the best built and quality. The one that you’d find interesting is a mk4, it has a highly polished cylinder and mirror finish piston upgraded seals and bushes a gas ram polished trigger seaers mk5 super meteor stock and cocking arm with evo sights looks and shoots like a brand new gun. And it’s one of the most accurate guns I own. And the trigger is as good as my 77 and TX it’s a gun BSA should have made. Cheers carry on your good work.

[@bazstokes1914]

I've got a. 22cal bsa airsporter but not sure what mk it is

[@davemonday5381]

My 22 cal super meteor has a TP serial number. What does this mean. Cheers.

[@bodybagged6906]

Just been given a mark 5 from my dad, really cool gun.

[@tatuborang2266]

Nice ... Luv u from india

[@robagg6899]

I have a .22 "Super Meteor Mk 5" number TH - 56010. We know that the TH prefix means it was manufactured from 1979 - 1993/4 but is there anything out there that might home in on the actual year? A potential 15 year window is a bit wide. Just had it serviced with new internal everythings. I bought a smashing and VERY cost effective VICTOPTICS 3-9x40 scope which really works well on it. I think I might sell it now. Not sure what to replace it with - however again the real reason for my post is fundamentally to see if anyone can get closer on the actual year of manufacture for me?

[@maulanajusup7716]

MK 2,product THN brp.?

[@aflatminor]

I think the term for the 'Backbore' is counterbore 👍👍

[@yussapmaevincartono2547]

Is there still any The item is for sale

[@ue7443]

Thank you for the video. We cleared our Mum's loft after she died and found an airgun wrapped in a sheet of plastic. The detail on your video and the serial number detail was so helpful; we are pretty sure the air gun is a BSA .22 Super Meteor Mark 3. Do you have any advice on selling an airgun...?

[@oscyvizionreal9508]

is it still for sale? if so where abouts are you located?

[@ue7443]

@@oscyvizionreal9508 yes we still have the air gun, I am so sorry I did not pick up your message sooner. Where in the UK are you?...we are in Greater London area. I will check my email account more often than 2 months in case you are still interested!

[@oscyvizionreal9508]

@@ue7443 how can i contact you? im still interested

[@adriancox-thesantjordigolf3646]

Classics

[@lexblack8306]

Nice vid..i got the mk5 but the stock is the same as your mk4!? it needs a new spring and piston i also found out that there is a gas piston avalible for it but than again not here in the Netherlands parts are not sold here anymore for the mk5😒

[@markhomer5704]

Theres a company over here ( UK ) called " john knibbs " im sure they export , they WILL have everything for your rifle ...

[@markhomer5704]

www.airgunspares.com/store/

[@lexblack8306]

@@markhomer5704 thank you for the link i will check it out and try to order the parts..i have other rifles but i want this one working again i had a lot of fun with it 25 years ago😁

[@markhomer5704]

@@lexblack8306 Did you get in contact with theairgunspares shop?

[@lexblack8306]

@@markhomer5704 no not yet i am building a new shed at the moment but i did look on the website and i will contact them eventually its not that i cant shoot anymore at this moment i shoot my weihrauch hw 97tk .22 the bsa will be a project gun i want to make a new stock for it the template is ready need my new shed first it wil come in due time.

[@somethingelse4878]

Whats the power of the mk4 deluxe? I had a bad second hand one that if you flicked it like a fishing rod it would cock My brother a home gunsmith polished the guts, replaced the seals and plunger Then bored it out to take a new ox spring ment for the bigger bsa and fitted a muzzle weigh to help cope with the jump. In went from a gun that went through half a 1980s thick bean can, and took one hand to load to a gun that kicked and went through 3.5 thick bean cans taking two hands to load The grouping was fantastic hole in hole or sometimes 50p size at as far as you could use the sites. I set them and used Kentucky windage after that and it served me very well. Id be interested to know the power of yours and the old thick can test results. Remember when buying a gun to replace the spring, even going for a more powerful spring that's for the air rifle model as most air guns are far below 12flbs from new

[@not-himx5593]

cool vid I used to have the mercury .22 was good gun, those sound well under powered fit the super sport or air sportier spring and new top hat and breach seal.

[@richardmumford2708]

Not the exact markings as the mk4 as the lettering is larger and expands out of the scope rail

[@carsmax]

17:55 don´t you hit the target ?? Idid not heard impact .

[@sumintawidjaja2288]

How price of gun mk v

[@69pigface]

I have one from 1975. Still in ace condition. Seals have gone but still extremely accurate Lovely find out where I can get a seal. Drop me a link if you know

[@69pigface]

Love to find*

[@ADE300867]

John Knibbs or Chambers are usually the best for BSA spares. Check their websites for availability.

[@GWLAD]

Mine is A Mk3 serial number TE

[@pmcg7823]

Interesting as I just picked up a cheap meteor to renovate. Just found the channel but no recent uploads...shame.

[@davidprocter3578]

That mk 2 of yours must be quite late all the mk 2' I have or have had, had the braised on ramp foresight of the mk 1 many also had the pressed steel cylinder end cap of the mk1 and most seem to have been fitted with the milbro diana ramp and wedge rear sight, stocks were still fluted as on the mk1 in fact the only real visual difference was the change from the gold photo etching on top of the cylinder to the stamped name and logo.

[@MrRockstar1968]

Where's the BSA Meteor Evo SILENTIUM ?

[@BloodnGutz43]

Barrel recessed not heard of back boring but recessings well known terminology JRH

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Great guns but the cocking arms eventually break.

[@Rodeha]

I have an mk5

[@vinceguerra1310]

Hi. I have a ZC 3499. could you please tell me what year it is? Thanks.

[@ADE300867]

A ZC prefix is a BSA Mercury MkIII .22 1978-1985.

[@richardmumford2708]

Mine is T F

[@user-lh8ql5zr5e]

I had the mk5 (year 1983) with the sights at the rear. I am getting the Evo next month, even if it's owned by gamo now, I'll pretend I don't know that, for emotional reasons! It's still made in England, isn't it?

[@lexblack8306]

Yess its still a english gun 👌my webley vmx classic is made by hatsan in turkey it is marked on the gun my webley is the same as the hatsan striker 1000s.

[@user-lh8ql5zr5e]

@@lexblack8306 I finally got the Supersport SE instead of the METEOR.

[@lexblack8306]

@@user-lh8ql5zr5e Nice!!!👍i love my custom meteor mk5 i shoot it the most of all my guns and i have a hw97

[@rajowanfaraji5726]

I have MK 5

[@Brian-cr1ep]

Didn’t you steal the chipmunks

Nice content! Keep it up! Would you like to be KZbin friends? :)

[@southerneruk]

Mark 1 and 2 maybe 3 was the better guns for hunting, from 4 onwards they was more for your target guns