BSA Monarch: Remembering the Past

[@RedLeafRFO]

Thank you for the work you put into these. Fantastic videos and a fantastic channel.

[@JamesPassmore-z7r]

The "Royal" controlled feed rifles from 1955-1960 or so, were only called that for the American market. For the UK and Commonwealth countries, the models were called the BSA Royal (short Action) BSA Viscount (Medium) and BSA Imperial (Long action). (They were also called BSA "Hunters" in some marketing literature.) Just to confuse matters, the original and first in-house design for a sporting rifle by BSA was a neat little short action rifle in .222 made in 1954. It was sold as the BSA "Hunter". Then when they went to make different action lengths based of the same design in 1955, they changed the short action name to "Royal".) You can see why there might be some confusion regarding the naming of early BSA rifles. About 1961 (there was a crossover period) they went to the BSA Majestic which is a push feed version of the same rifle, (Majestic written actually on the bolt) After that from about 1967 was the Monarch rifles, push feed also, and upgraded '60's styling- manufacture started with dovetailed scope mounts on the receiver like the earlier rifles and then went to round top receiver drilled and tapped for weaver bases. Then came the BSA CF2 in the 70's and '80's. Similar to the Monarchs but heavier, chunky '70s styling stock, different bolt shroud, no dovetail for a scope. The rifles are not popular in the UK, where they sell for little money. But the old models are very popular and well remembered in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. The "Royal" series with the controlled feed actions command good prices and could be considered collectable. The Majestics are also well regarded and sought after. Similar to how the the pre-64 Winchester 70 is regarded in the US, they are considered classics. The period they came out was a time of widespread market hunting and trophy hunting in these countries, and the rifles are part of the nostalgia for those times to a certain extent. They are also very well made rifles that still perform well. CF2 rifles are not popular but I believe that is only a stylistic thing, they look unfashionable. if you put a Monarch or a CF2 into a modern classic stock, they would shine. The BSA Majestic Featherweight I have weighs 7 lbs including rings and Leupold 2-7 scope. I have had all of them in many chamberings and currently own a BSA Viscount ("Royal") in 7x57 and the BSA Majestic FWT in .308. There is no lighter handier rifle than a BSA Featherweight. True lightweights ahead of their time. You can use CZ550 rings to fit any of the BSA centrefire rifle dovetails, they are the same size. (You have to grind a bit on the recoil lug to fit, but its not a big deal, and the rings are readily available.)

[@BTORange]

The Parker-Hale rifles like yours used Mauser 98 actions from the surplus market. Many were Spanish Mausers. Later they used commercial "Santa Barbara" actions as well as Zastava commercial actions. Removing the barreled action from the wood and looking at the markings would tell. The action is a long action originally designed for 8x57 length rounds. The two opoosing locking lugs require a 90-degree bolt lift, and the length of the bolt requires a full rearward stroke. It's not a gun you are going to operate quickly in the .222 Rem caliber. That said, they were well done rifles and should last for generations.

[@gizmocarr3093]

Thank you for showcasing another interesting rifle from the past.👍

[@dungspreader]

Thanks for a good review of the BSA sporting rifles . A very underestimated rifle in my opinion . I am fortunate to have a Majestic featherweight in 30-06 and it has been an accurate and reliable game getter . I have a Leupold 2-7 and PH rings on it , but I have heard that CZ Brno dovetail rings will also fit . Looking forward to more of your reviews .

[@doma152]

i found a BSA in 3006 last year at a pawn shop and ended up buying it, its a gorgeous firearm! i think mine is from the 70s though but the scope i think is from the 80s so i want to keep it the way i got it just for the vintage vibe.

[@holleyman1970]

Thanks for the history. I have three CF2s and love them.

[@CrossHareServices]

Love my old BSA, but I would never let my brother-in-law near it!

[@ruglette407]

The rifle you are showing in this video appears to be off a Parker Hale 1200C. It clearly bares the Parker Hale pistol grip cap with rounded white diamond. The monarch’s I have seen had a rounded black ebony or rosewood forend tip also.

[@jmichos]

I’ve got a cf2 in a stutzen version in 243. Fabulous thing.

[@vincentjackson3472]

Id love to hear the ramble about henry and springfield having nothing to do with the origins!

[@johnbozak1662]

Andrew, I’ve got a Parker Hale Safari in 222. Detachable 3 shot mag, 98 Mauser action and high gloss Monte Carlo stock. Nice gun. Clean crisp trigger and accurate as hell. Shot a lot of white tailed deer, black bear and coyote with that bad boy. Action is very long for the triple deuce tho. Must of been mass produced or something and chambered into different cartridges after I guess? To look at the rifle you’d think it’s a 270 or 30.06 or some long action calibre like that. The only thing I don’t like about the rifle is that it has a very high throw to the bolt, and it sometimes it fools me when I need a fast follow up shot. But usually the first shot is all it takes. Thanks again! Cheers from Canada!

[@ruglette407]

Meant to say the stock appears to be off a Parker Hale 1200 C.

[@alaskalamb]

Love these reviews!!!