American stock for Royal series

Hello Mick,

This is my first post on this great forum. I have always had a great passion for B.S.A. sporting rifles made from 1953/4 to 1959. I have owned two B.S.A. sporting rifles in .222 Rem calibre, both had the continental style stocks with wide sweep pistol-grip and schnobble type fore-ends. one was a "Hunter" made in 1954 with cranked bolt handle without recoil hole in rear dovetail, and the other a "Royel" model "Regent" also a .222 Rem with straight bolt handle and with recoil stop hole in rear dovetail, made in 1960. Although the "Royel" series of rifles ceased in 1959 and gave way to the "Majestic" seies of rifles, there were plenty of parts to continue making the "Royel" series until 1963. The "Hunter" short action was only made in .22 Hornet Win & .222 Rem. The "Hunter" name which was engraved on the right hand side of the receiver, was discontinued in 1954/5, and replaced with the initials B.S.A. At the same time the bolt-handle was straightened, a guide rib added to the bolt, two gas escape holes drilled, one in the bolt and one in the receiver, plus a hole milled in the rear dovetail to act as a recoil stop.

I am at this present time awaiting a B.S.A. .222 Rem "Regal" rifle in mint condition made in 1956 with the High Comb Style with full pistol grip and Monte Carlo type { American } stock. What I can Say about the { American } stock is that it is better suited for scope use. It also has a flat bottom to the forend. The Continental Style Stock is better suited to shooting with iron sights, not having such a high comb. The two types of stocks were made for all three receiver lengths e.g. Short action "Regent" Medium action "Viscount" and Long action "Imperial". There was also an "Emperor" model made only in .458 Win calibre, which was only a Long action reinforced "Imperial" receiver.

All three action sizes were offered, if required with a BESA Recoil Reducer, exept the "Emperor" Which came with a BESA R.R. fitted.

Hope some of this post is of interest.

Best Wishs Blackjack AKA Mike { The Limey }