BSA Silver Star PART 2

Mark Camoccio concludes his catch-up with BSA’s new target model and evaluates the choice of power

- Mark Camoccio

The Silver Star comes supplied with the probe style of charging adaptor, and charging to BSA’s usual high pressure of 232bar is all done with the cylinder in situ. The process is as follows: Pull off the plastic valve cover, insert the probe, and gently open the airline. Many bottles come with controlled, slow air feed these days, but if not, then charge slowly to maintain a true pressure and keep the air cooler. Where probe systems are concerned, I would always check that the probe is still properly inserted into the valve early in the charging process, let pressure hit 232bar, close off the air, bleed the line and remove the probe. Finally, replace the valve cover.

NEW ‘T ‘BAR

BSA’s latest pneumatics have featured an improved trigger, and the two-stage, semi-match design fitted here is a fully adjustable unit. I’ve never been brilliant at setting up triggers, and I left well alone, since everything felt responsive with a reasonably light shot release. For the record, and for those who favour an off-centre release, the blade can be rotated so the angle can be altered.

One obvious brand new feature on the Silver Star, is the metal ‘T’ bar cocking bolt. It’s ambidextrous and simply moves in a straight line, but with very reasonable cocking effort on test, and a mechanism that causes the bolt to snap back into position at the end of its travel before the shot is taken. I found it all very satisfying to use.

PERFORMANCE FIGURES

As mentioned, this model comes supplied either with a half-power cylinder or full-power, and for the purposes of my test review, BSA supplied the rifle with both pressure cylinders, to enable me to evaluate both. My range report is therefore split, to show both sets of results.

6 FT.LBS. CONFIGURATION