Bsa Lightening Xl Opinions?

[tomburras 2,730]

Hi guys I'm looking for a compact sub 12 springer to keep handy. I'm liking the look of the lightening xl and wondered if anyone here has used one and what did they think of it? Iv owned a spring version years ago but not the newer gas ram version.

 

Any info/opinions appreciated!

[tomburras 2,730]

Would also like to hear any info about the spring version too.

[Rez 4,961]

Had one, in .22 with a red dot sight mounted. Say had one cos I px'd it back in the day for my old S300, wish I never had in hindsight, but I did on a wim, then stuck a 177 strut from theoben in it. Was popping out around 15-16 FPE. Beast. Took it to bits and stored it in the loft for years and then gave it away free.

 

Didn't have it long enough to really see what it could do but it had a sharpe kick, naturally with the strut installed. What I did hit with it though, did not get back up.

 

Looking back now, I think it could of been quite a weapon for just shooting off hand in woodland. Wouldn't have one now though. I don't know if there in the same league as the HW models. The looks aren't right for me personally tombo, but that's just an op.

[PeskyWabbits 464]

I had one in .177 a few years ago. I bought it as a 'guest gun' for friends, as too many people can't work out the barrel latch on the HW35 (yes really!)

 

It was really light and had a terrific recoil which I never mastered. I eventually sold it as it was under used.

 

It always looked really nice and classy. The silencer used to rattle, despite all attempts to secure it.

 

It wasn't in the same league as my HW35. If I had the chance to buy one now, I would go for an HW99 or the like.

[charlie caller 3,654]

Rather harsh,poor quality, get a hw99, tune it and have a super accurate,light springer, that is light years away in terms of build quality.

[mark williams 7,568]

Had a lightning way back when they were newly introduced in .22.

Bag of crap and part chopped it.

[mattwhite 1,993]

Had a few lightenings. The very early ones barrels were good but then something changed that bsa customer support couldn't explain so just decided to tell me perhaps I needed more shooting practice! A hw springer, tx or pro sport will give you far more confidence pal.

[tomburras 2,730]

Had a few lightenings. The very early ones barrels were good but then something changed that bsa customer support couldn't explain so just decided to tell me perhaps I needed more shooting practice! A hw springer, tx or pro sport will give you far more confidence pal.

 

Im sure they will iv owned them all over the years but for some reason im fancying a new version lightening to play with, im liking the look of them and the light weight compactness. Iv just had a gun clear out of ones I dont use often and now im starting to buy more the grass is never greener on the other side! and seem to just stick to the same 2 guns .

[mattwhite 1,993]

 

 

Had a few lightenings. The very early ones barrels were good but then something changed that bsa customer support couldn't explain so just decided to tell me perhaps I needed more shooting practice! A hw springer, tx or pro sport will give you far more confidence pal.

 

Im sure they will iv owned them all over the years but for some reason im fancying a new version lightening to play with, im liking the look of them and the light weight compactness. Iv just had a gun clear out of ones I dont use often and now im starting to buy more the grass is never greener on the other side! and seem to just stick to the same 2 guns .

I was told to go for the Birmingham manufactured guns as opposed to imported as quality control is tighter here but I have lost faith in bsa break barrels. It's a shame because I do love the lightening, hance why I've owned so many over the last 25 years. Good luck with your purchase anyway pal and don't forget to post some pics when you get it.?

[tomburras 2,730]

 

 

Had a few lightenings. The very early ones barrels were good but then something changed that bsa customer support couldn't explain so just decided to tell me perhaps I needed more shooting practice! A hw springer, tx or pro sport will give you far more confidence pal.

Im sure they will iv owned them all over the years but for some reason im fancying a new version lightening to play with, im liking the look of them and the light weight compactness. Iv just had a gun clear out of ones I dont use often and now im starting to buy more the grass is never greener on the other side! and seem to just stick to the same 2 guns .

I was told to go for the Birmingham manufactured guns as opposed to imported as quality control is tighter here but I have lost faith in bsa break barrels. It's a shame because I do love the lightening, hance why I've owned so many over the last 25 years. Good luck with your purchase anyway pal and don't forget to post some pics when you get it.

 

 

 

cheers!

 

I have now ordered one second hand with 200 pellets through it (off pw forum private sales section) should land saturday morning. stock looks nice!

 

had a birmingham one years ago but for some reason cant remember much about it.

 

ill have a trip out and let you know my thaughts. if it shoots pants ill give it to my brother to work his magic and try to get it shooting nicer.

[mattwhite 1,993]

 

 

 

Had a few lightenings. The very early ones barrels were good but then something changed that bsa customer support couldn't explain so just decided to tell me perhaps I needed more shooting practice! A hw springer, tx or pro sport will give you far more confidence pal.

 

Im sure they will iv owned them all over the years but for some reason im fancying a new version lightening to play with, im liking the look of them and the light weight compactness. Iv just had a gun clear out of ones I dont use often and now im starting to buy more the grass is never greener on the other side! and seem to just stick to the same 2 guns .

I was told to go for the Birmingham manufactured guns as opposed to imported as quality control is tighter here but I have lost faith in bsa break barrels. It's a shame because I do love the lightening, hance why I've owned so many over the last 25 years. Good luck with your purchase anyway pal and don't forget to post some pics when you get it.

 

cheers!

 

I have now ordered one second hand with 200 pellets through it (off pw forum private sales section) should land saturday morning. stock looks nice!

 

had a birmingham one years ago but for some reason cant remember much about it.

 

ill have a trip out and let you know my thaughts. if it shoots pants ill give it to my brother to work his magic and try to get it shooting nicer.

good stuff pal. Keep us posted.

[tomburras 2,730]

will do mattwhite.

[Deker 3,491]

 

One of my short lived mistakes, thought it would be useful to have one knocking about but I was wrong.

 

This is the spring version and goes back around 6 years, no idea about gas ram version.

 

Edited March 19, 2016 by Deker

[bigmac 97kt 13,836]

Lightninga.jpg

 

One of my short lived mistakes, thought it would be useful to have one knocking about but I was wrong.

 

This is the spring version and goes back around 6 years, no idea about gas ram version.

 

deker my grandson has the same and iv got to say iv had this rifle tuned and polished and it shoots spot on next to no recoil and smooth as to cock no noise what so ever

 

but in saying that its not my cup of tea mind

 

to fecking light

 

atvbmac :thumbs:

[tomburras 2,730]

Thanks for the comments guys! I know it won't be great, iv got a decent airgun for proper shooting but thaught I'd give one a go due to it's small size. If anything it will be handy for despatching rats in cage traps or the odd rat visiting the bird table. I like the look of them too, I know it's in a different league to an HW but will be nice to have a play with.