BSA Guns Ltd stands as one of the most storied names in British gunmaking, renowned across the globe for its high-quality air rifles and innovative designs. Becoming part of the BSA family means investing in a legacy that spans centuries, a company built on a foundation of precision, craftsmanship and relentless innovation. Though its roots are deeply entwined with the military and industrial history of Britain, today BSA is equally proud of its modern range of sporting and hunting air rifles, recognised worldwide for their performance, reliability, and engineering excellence.
The origins of BSA can be traced back to 1689, when a group of skilled Birmingham gunsmiths first supplied muskets to the British Government under the reign of King William III. This cooperative spirit led to the formation of the Birmingham Small Arms Trade Association during the Crimean War, and in 1861, the establishment of The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited. From its Small Heath factory, BSA rapidly rose to become Europe’s largest private arms manufacturer. Its iconic 'Piled Arms' emblem, three crossed rifles, became a symbol of British gunmaking heritage, and through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the company expanded into munitions, bicycles, motorcycles and beyond.
BSA’s contribution to Britain’s war efforts during both World Wars was nothing short of extraordinary. With over 67 factories under its control and 28,000 people employed during the Second World War, BSA produced more than half of the small arms used by British forces. From Browning machine guns for Spitfires to millions of rifles and Sten guns, BSA’s output helped define Britain’s military capability. Today, while no longer involved in military manufacturing, BSA Guns Ltd continues to uphold its legacy through the production of top-tier air rifles, exporting over half of its products globally and remaining a proud standard-bearer of British gunmaking excellence.
