BSA Lightning CLX Vs Meteor CLX Vs Meteor Super

[Dave1]

So guys,

I've decided the I'm going to cancel my order at my local RFD. And purchase a BSA Springer from them instead.

Through quite a lot of research I'm edging towards either a BSA Lightning CLX, Meteor CLX, Meteor Super. All spring versions.

So what do owners of these guns think? If you own two or all three of these models I'd be very interested in hearing from you, how they compare.

I'm edging towards the Lightning CLX or Meteor CLX. Do they use the same trigger? The moderators look different. The meteor CLX is slightly longer than the Lightning CLX.

Do you think BSA grade their barrels? There premium rifles getting the best of the cold hammer forged barrels?

 

[MrBadger]

Genuinely curious, having just looked up prices, why you opted for one of these over a cheaper HW99 or similarly priced HW95? Or even a pre-loved TX200 or HW97, assuming under lever would be acceptable?

Having seen nothing but poor reviews of any BSA springers for over 20 years I very much doubt any sort of grading takes place anywhere.

 

[Thetraindriver01]

I have the lightning clx and it is great, quite accurate and a lovely looking thing to boot. I have a mk1 lightning and the clx version, a marked improvement from the mk1 to the clx indeed I would be in favour of the lightning clx over the others. Good luck with your choice

 

[That hurts]

Don't bother

 

[Wadcutter]

Genuinely curious, having just looked up prices, why you opted for one of these over a cheaper HW99 or similarly priced HW95? Or even a pre-loved TX200 or HW97, assuming under lever would be acceptable?

Having seen nothing but poor reviews of any BSA springers for over 20 years I very much doubt any sort of grading takes place anywhere.

This, and the above rifles will hold value more than a BSA.

If you are after .177 I'd go with an underlever, you can get a good second hand 97 for less than the new price of one of the BSA's too.

 

[Outkastmike]

Do yourself a favour and buy a weihrauch springer instead.

My Lightening CLX was agricultural at best.

 

[Dave1]

Please don't bother replying with buy a Weihrauch. I didn't ask how does BSA compare to Weihrauch. I haven't lived under a rock. I'm only interested in BSA in this thread. Stay on topic.

And there are plenty of positive reviews on the new Lightning CLX and Meteor Super, written reviews or YouTube reviews.

To put you better in the picture, I started shooting air rifles at 14 years old, I'm now 40. My first air rifle was a Webley Falcon. Then I progressed onto Webley Tomahawk, Webley Patriot, Webley Raider, Walther LGU. I wish I had kept the Raider and LGU.

When I was squirrel dray polling in my teens as part of a team, my cousin had a BSA Lightning, which was a very good rifle, and I've never forgotten it.

 

[MrBadger]

Please don't bother replying with buy a Weihrauch. I didn't ask how does BSA compare to Weihrauch. I haven't lived under a rock. I'm only interested in BSA in this thread. Stay on topic.

And there are plenty of positive reviews on the new Lightning CLX and Meteor Super, written reviews or YouTube reviews.

To put you better in the picture, I started shooting air rifles at 14 years old, I'm now 40. My first air rifle was a Webley Falcon. Then I progressed onto Webley Tomahawk, Webley Patriot, Webley Raider, Walther LGU. I wish I had kept the Raider and LGU.

When I was squirrel dray polling in my teens as part of a team, my cousin had a BSA Lightning, which was a very good rifle, and I've never forgotten it.

As per my post I was genuinely interested as to why you'd opted for a modern BSA when compared to market alternatives.
Very much on topic, as most people on the forum who buy them end up being disappointed and asking for alternatives, so understanding what you aim to achieve with the rifle could have better informed subsequent feedback.

But hey ho, all the best and enjoy

 

[cloverleaf]

 

[Dave1]

As per my post I was genuinely interested as to why you'd opted for a modern BSA when compared to market alternatives.
Very much on topic, as most people on ethe forum who buy them end up being disappointed and asking for alternatives, so understanding what you aim to achieve with the rifle could have better informed subsequent feedback.

But hey ho, all the best and enjoy

I did in part respond to you as to why I'd choose a BSA over Weihrauch in my post, the part of my post which mentions YouTube and to put you in the picture.

If you do an in-depth search on this forum there are also plenty of happy owners of the new BSA's, which is why I asked for more specific information on each model from owners, rather than should I get a BSA.The only definite aspect which is better on a Weihrauch is the trigger, but then the rekord trigger is hard to beat.

When I held both the BSA Meteor CLX and Meteor Super last week, the build quality looked fantastic and the Meteor CLX was very well balanced and pointable for shooting offhand.

I did also try the Weihrauch HW97, didn't like it. I might try the HW95 but I'd be surprised if it's as good as the Meteor CLX when it comes to balance in offhand shooting.

 

[Ashf9999]

Getting back on topic I’ve purchased 2 models of BSA springer in recent times - Lightning CLX (both calibres) and a Comet SE. I have numerous others, including Weihrauchs.

My only grumble with the Lightning CLXs were the recoil reduction rail. I bought my 2 a couple of months after launch (walnut) and my major gripe was that rail, on both. The rear screw on the arrestor section was too large to fit in the hole in the cylinder and stood proud (the end of the screw is turned down, but not sufficiently) so didn’t function (it wasn’t screwed in far enough by the factory, and couldn’t be screwed in any further). The rail is made from crappy thin aluminium and repeatedly shifted, despite the cylinder dovetails being degreased and a torque wrench used to refit it. Despite this (and using only a medium-weight scope) the rail still moved backwards. Unfortunately I wasn’t expecting that and hadn’t noticed it doing that.

When the rail hit the rear of the cylinder dovetails the aluminium rail edges peeled off, so I gave up with it. I ended up mounting directly to the cylinder dovetails, and removed the rail from the other rifle also.

With the correct screw they no doubt work better, but I’d still probably remove them from a new gun.

The only other thing I did was polish the trigger components, which helped the feel slightly. Yes it’s not a Rekord trigger, but it is perfectly acceptable.

Transfer ports are threaded, so there’s an option to ‘tune’ if you wish (factory one is very deep seated from the breech leading to unnecessary dead volume).

As you probably know, the stocks are exceptionally comfortable and look good too. There was some talk about cocking levers bending/flexing, but I’ve not had that on mine The walnut was dry, like many factory finishes these days, so I finished it with CCL.

Otherwise they are accurate and smooth rifles.

The Comet SE is obviously a cheaper gun. From the box it groups fantastically well, but sounds horrendous. I haven’t got round to a strip yet.

I don’t own a Meteor CLX, but my impression is they are expensive as far as what a traditional Meteor stood for, so I don’t know if the gap between it and the Lightning is as clear as it should have been. Personal preference, I guess.

 

[Backgardenplinker]

Im not anti BSA, have a few. If i was going to buy one, the early models of the Supersport, meteor and Lightning would be my choice over the newer models. I know Gamo took over the company when these were built but i dont think they were too involved in production. The newest ones are more Gamo influenced certainly.

Does it have to be a break barrel? How about a Superstar? Definitely the best BSA springer ive ever used

 

[Dave1]

Getting back on topic I’ve purchased 2 models of BSA springer in recent times - Lightning CLX (both calibres) and a Comet SE. I have numerous others, including Weihrauchs.

My only grumble with the Lightning CLXs were the recoil reduction rail. I bought my 2 a couple of months after launch (walnut) and my major gripe was that rail, on both. The rear screw on the arrestor section was too large to fit in the hole in the cylinder and stood proud (the end of the screw is turned down, but not sufficiently) so didn’t function (it wasn’t screwed in far enough by the factory, and couldn’t be screwed in any further). The rail is made from crappy thin aluminium and repeatedly shifted, despite the cylinder dovetails being degreased and a torque wrench used to refit it. Despite this (and using only a medium-weight scope) the rail still moved backwards. Unfortunately I wasn’t expecting that and hadn’t noticed it doing that.

When the rail hit the rear of the cylinder dovetails the aluminium rail edges peeled off, so I gave up with it. I ended up mounting directly to the cylinder dovetails, and removed the rail from the other rifle also.

With the correct screw they no doubt work better, but I’d still probably remove them from a new gun.

The only other thing I did was polish the trigger components, which helped the feel slightly. Yes it’s not a Rekord trigger, but it is perfectly acceptable.

Transfer ports are threaded, so there’s an option to ‘tune’ if you wish (factory one is very deep seated from the breech leading to unnecessary dead volume).

As you probably know, the stocks are exceptionally comfortable and look good too. There was some talk about cocking levers bending/flexing, but I’ve not had that on mine The walnut was dry, like many factory finishes these days, so I finished it with CCL.

Otherwise they are accurate and smooth rifles.

The Comet SE is obviously a cheaper gun. From the box it groups fantastically well, but sounds horrendous. I haven’t got round to a strip yet.

I don’t own a Meteor CLX, but my impression is they are expensive as far as what a traditional Meteor stood for, so I don’t know if the gap between it and the Lightning is as clear as it should have been. Personal preference, I guess.

Thanks for such an in-depth and detailed response. I'm going back to the shop next week. I will be sure to check out the arrestor block screws on my next visit to the shop. When I was last at the shop I did notice the rail on top of the Meteor CLX, and looked at it, I didn't notice any screws sitting proud,but I will double check.

The wood stocks whether Beech or Walnut look fantastic, I think the shape of the stock and weight distribution are what contributes to such well balanced and pointable rifles in the shoulder offhand.

What you say about the trigger is pretty much in alignment with what I've read.

 

[Dave1]

Im not anti BSA, have a few. If i was going to buy one, the early models of the Supersport, meteor and Lightning would be my choice over the newer models. I know Gamo took over the company when these were built but i dont think they were too involved in production. The newest ones are more Gamo influenced certainly.

Does it have to be a break barrel? How about a Superstar? Definitely the best BSA springer ive ever used

I actually did a deal on a 1986 Birmingham BSA Supersport .22, which I purchased from a shop. I asked the shop to service the rifle, and after they serviced the rifle one of the cocking arms or linkages broke, which is a known issue with the 86 Brum Supersports. Gibbs offer a updated stronger alternative, but it's costly. So both the shop and I agreed to pull out of the deal.

I have to say I have seen reviews of the Superstar, looks good. Recently watched a review featuring the BSA Goldstar underlever multi shot.

 

[Backgardenplinker]

I actually did a deal on a 1986 Birmingham BSA Supersport .22, which I purchased from a shop. I asked the shop to service the rifle, and after they serviced the rifle one of the cocking arms or linkages broke, which is a known issue with the 86 Brum Supersports. Gibbs offer a updated stronger alternative, but it's costly. So both the shop and I agreed to pull out of the deal.

I have to say I have seen reviews of the Superstar, looks good. Recently watched a review featuring the BSA Goldstar underlever multi shot.

Ahh thats a shame. Ive not heard of the issues with the linkage!

I happen to have a DS serial supersport (i think 1986) in .22 and its a good basic break barrel, accurate enough for its intended purpose. I learnt recently Theoben used that same supersport and later mks meteor? linkage in the first production run of the Sirocco too.

On the subject of cocking linkages ive read its a failure point on the new CLX lightning there was posts on the forum.

Id love to try a Goldstar.. might be a little hard to find but superstars arent too uncommon

 

[Dave1]

Ahh thats a shame. Ive not heard of the issues with the linkage!

I happen to have a DS serial supersport (i think 1986) in .22 and its a good basic break barrel, accurate enough for its intended purpose. I learnt recently Theoben used that same supersport and later mks meteor? linkage in the first production run of the Sirocco too.

On the subject of cocking linkages ive read its a failure point on the new CLX lightning there was posts on the forum.

Id love to try a Goldstar.. might be a little hard to find but superstars arent too uncommon

Yeah, I think it was only one of the linkages that broke, but that one part can't just be replaced. It had to be replaced as a complete unit. Which is what pushed the price up. The shop tried to track down the individual part from all the usual places but couldn't find one. The shop was really good to be fair, I'd have no issue using them again.

In my research I've come across the odd comment on this forum regarding the linkage potentially being a problem on the new Lightning CLX. I guess it's a good thing BSA comes with a 3 year warranty.

There is actually a Webley Eclipse locally, but I'm not sure I really want an underlever, as they are quite a bit heavier than break barrels.

 

[Chrisj]

I have two Lightning I like them both and have cut cards with both. I have done some tuning. They are not the latest ones.

 

[Dave1]

I have two Lightning I like them both and have cut cards with both. I have done some tuning. They are not the latest ones.

View attachment 980621View attachment 980622View attachment 980632View attachment 980633

That's some good shooting, the wood on the Lightning with the chequering looks very nice!

 

[Chrisj]

That's some good shooting, the wood on the Lightning with the chequering looks very nice!

Thank you.
I bought it second hand from the other forum, it was not very old the gentleman could not get on with it. I have put a V-Mach kit in it and just keep practicing with it, I also changed the scope because I seemed to be constantly adjusting it. Not easy to shoot, hold sensitive but I like it, light weight compared to my Webleys.
If you look in the cutting the deck thread I shoot it most of the time at about 15 yds just today put the target at about 17 yds and at Bisley 25 yds (or Meters) I don’t think I tried it at 50 yds.
I think they are a little difficult to master, but I don’t think BSA deliberately make a rifle that is not accurate.
The older Lightning I brought second hand and made spring guides and reduced the power a bit, it’s a .22 and the other one is .177 it has taken a while to be able to shoot it with some confidence.

 

[Dave1]

Thank you.
I bought it second hand from the other forum, it was not very old the gentleman could not get on with it. I have put a V-Mach kit in it and just keep practicing with it, I also changed the scope because I seemed to be constantly adjusting it. Not easy to shoot, hold sensitive but I like it, light weight compared to my Webleys.
If you look in the cutting the deck thread I shoot it most of the time at about 15 yds just today put the target at about 17 yds and at Bisley 25 yds (or Meters) I don’t think I tried it at 50 yds.
I think they are a little difficult to master, but I don’t think BSA deliberately make a rifle that is not accurate.
The older Lightning I brought second hand and made spring guides and reduced the power a bit, it’s a .22 and the other one is .177 it has taken a while to be able to shoot it with some confidence.

Thanks, I'll take a look at that thread. It's good to hear the differences between the two rifles that you have. The train driver 10 gave positive feedback on the CLX Lightning compared to the old lightnings, so hopefully the newest version doesn't require a tuning kit.