BSA Lightning XL

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I can't help but like the looks of the BSA Lightning XL. The big questions are: are they worth the price? I hear they're made in Spain (Gamo?) and do they have the same quality build  issues that the newer Gamos seem to have? Ate they well made? Buzzing or spring twang?  I like the .22 caliber even tho it seems slow in FPS. I know...speed isn't everything but if I recall the AOA specs, they go somewhere in the 600 FPS range. I fancy myself as a middlin' shot and feel I can place a pellet where it should be on a target. I'm more concerned with quality and dependability as well as customer service if anything goes wrong. I'd value any and all comments--pro OR con-- concerning the BSA.
  Thanks for the input...
   Larry

[Tpatner412]

Okay.

The Lightning is now made by Gamo.  I used to have a UK made one and it was a great gun.  It handles awesome and shoots well.  In terms of the price, I do not think they are worth the price new.  At almost $500, you could get a R9 or a TX for that money.  And mine didn't shoot better than either of the R9's I have.  If you could find a UK model used that would be the way to go in my opinion.  Mine was in .177 but the FPS was right on the money.  they are 12 FPE springers and the chrony numbers will reflect that.  Mine never really had any twang.  A little vibration when fired but it was more of a solid thunk on my shoulder.  I imagine any issues you would have would be handled by AOA.  My suggestion would be to find one used for less than you can get an R9.  If you can't find that then you might as well buy another R9 in .22.  Just my opinions here.  They are great little rifles but no, they are not worth the almost $500 price tag.

[longislandhunter]

The original UK made XL's were a thing of beauty and a joy to shoot.  Wish I had bought one when I had the chance.  As for the newer ones,, haven't handled one but I hear they are not what they once were. 

Jeff

[samTN]

Just several months ago I owned two UK made BSA lightining XL in 0.177 and 0.22.  The stock was beautiful and accuracy was great with enough power to take a small game up to say 30 yards.  However, at the same time I owned 3 R-9's (0.177, 0.20, and 0.22) and one HW95 (0.20) and let me tell you it is not fair to comapre the lightining XL to the R-9 or HW.  I did not like the welding process in the lightining xl which gave it kind a cheap look.  I also did not like the breech seal with its side slit.  The triger on the R-9 or HW is much better than that on the lightining xl.  For the price, I would go with the 0.20 HW 95 which is an excellent all around rifle.  Just my opinion.    

[samTN]

I just noticed that you already own a 0.20 R-9, so forget the Lightining XL.  Save your money for the ProSport.  I believe it is the most beautiful springer ever made.  I'm saving for the Walnut stock.

[gene_sc]

BSA UK built Lightning XL's, I feel are worth the $450.00 they sell for. Having owning a couple and now just one I have had many great hours of pleasure shooting them. I love the carbines and the Lightning style stocks fits me perfect. The ones I have owned have been dependable and very accurate for me to shoot. FPS is a respectable 800-850 and IMO perfect for small game and punching paper.

Can't make a comment on BSA's without a picture or two...

[gene_sc]

BSA Lightning's should not be compared to any of the HW guns. Two different styles of guns. As far as the BSA goes, I have tunes many of them and the build quality and materials used are of equal quality and design. Both the HW and BSA are high quality. And the HW triggers are the best trigger ever made for the springers. You just can't beat the quality of said triggers. I love all my HW built air guns and there triggers as well.

Don't think anyone could say one thing bad about those Record triggers.

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Thanks, fellas...you've confirmed my suspicions about the newer BSA Lightning XL rifles. I'm gonna take the good advice I've received here and pass on the BSA.
  Sam: I love the idea of the ProSport...especially in walnut! My TX200 is walnut-stocked and it's hard to beat. Any idea what the FPS of your ProSport 22 is?
  Thanks again for all your input.   
   Larry

[samTN]

Larry:  Here is a string of ten shots through the chrony (did them just three days ago) using 0.22 RWS Superdome 14.5 gr:

704, 704, 710, 712, 710, 697, 717, 714, 713, 709

Which gives an average velocity of 709 fps and average energy of 16 lb.ft.

I must say that I do not have more than say 100 pellets dowm its barrel, still breaking in.

[gene_sc]

It is sad that the BSA springers are no longer produced in the UK by the professionals at their factory. Once was a great gun before Gamo bought up BSA and took over production. I feel as time passes that Gamo will gradually pull all the BSA air guns built and designed by BSA into there factories in Spain. Just like the turkes did Webly/Scott air rifles.

[samTN]

It is sad Gene, it is.

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It is sad that the BSA springers are no longer produced in the UK by the professionals at their factory. Once was a great gun before Gamo bought up BSA and took over production. I feel as time passes that Gamo will gradually pull all the BSA air guns built and designed by BSA into there factories in Spain. Just like the turkes did Webly/Scott air rifles.

   Yeah, Gene...wouldn't surprise me if eventually ALL air rifles are not outsourced to other countries.
   

Larry:  Here is a string of ten shots through the chrony (did them just three days ago) using 0.22 RWS Superdome 14.5 gr:

704, 704, 710, 712, 710, 697, 717, 714, 713, 709

Which gives an average velocity of 709 fps and average energy of 16 lb.ft.

I must say that I do not have more than say 100 pellets dowm its barrel, still breaking in.

   Thanks, Sam..That's rather faster than I had thought it would be. I'm assuming that's at the muzzle.

[Frank]

I will just say that I have had a UK  BSA XL .22 for a few years now and have never been satisfied with it. There are better rifles for the price.

[grumpy]

How can you tell a UK made BSA lighting from a Spanish one ?

[Tpatner412]

The UK ones say BSA ltd. England or Birmingham UK on the top of the barrel near the breech

[grumpy]

Easy enough, Thanks

[rbshoots]

I have a UK Lightning and would not part with it for any price. Mine is shooting just over 700 FPS with AA falcon pellets (13.5? gn) It is a very very accurate gun and is a proven pigeon killer...... I have taken uncounted pigeons at 50+ yds with this rifle, and a few approaching the 100 Yd mark.........great guns in my opinion smooth shooting, compact, lightweight killers

[gene_sc]

I still own my BSA Lightning. Had the tactical but let her go and kept my wood BSA. Mine is a .177 and for me it shoots fantastic. Good 1" consistant groups at 30 yards and still retains the 800 plus fps with JSB Exacts. The stock fits me well and I even bought a BSA Ultra with same style of stock. Love shooting them both.

NOTE: I would not buy one made by Gamo...