BSA Co. Ralock .22 Short 22″ Semi-Auto Open Bolt Rifle, MFD 1947-51 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,606.00
LSB#: WY250324AJ030
Make: Bermingham Small Arms Co.
Model: Ralock
Serial Number: S10634
Year of Manufacture: 1947-51
Caliber: .22 Short
Action Type: Semi-Auto Open Bolt Slam Fire, Fed by Internal Magazine tube
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS CO. LTD BIRMINGHAM ENGLAND”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “B.S.A. “RALOCK” SELF LOADING RIFLE .22 SHORT CARTRIDGE / MADE IN ENGLAND”. The trigger assembly is marked with patent dates. The barrel block has the serial number, “S10634”. There are several British proofs throughout. There is no import mark.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a barrel mounted ramp with a full hood. The rear sight is a rotating drum adjustable V-notch dovetailed to the .
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered walnut with a rounded forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. There are scrapes, scuffs, scratches, and pressure dents throughout. There are some small chips but there are no cracks. The LOP measures approximately 14.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fair to Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion and pitting in front of the chamber. There are several squib marks in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are light rust freckles throughout with scratches and wear marks. The action has light to moderate wear. The markings appear to be factory electro-penciled on the receiver. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. This rifle has an enclosed ejection port that captures spent brass.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The BSA Co. Ralock is an uncommon and intriguing semi-automatic rifle designed and produced by Birmingham Small Arms in postwar England between 1947 and 1951. Chambered in .22 Short and utilizing a unique open-bolt, slam-fire mechanism, the Ralock stands apart from more conventional rimfire semi-autos of the era. Its sleek profile, integral magazine tube, and distinctive enclosed ejection port demonstrate both ingenuity and a commitment to elegant, functional design. Built during a time of innovation and rebuilding in post-WWII Britain, the Ralock exemplifies a rare intersection of craftsmanship and mechanical experimentation. This example shows about 70% of its original blued finish, with areas of thinning, light rust freckling, and honest wear. The markings are clear, appearing to have been electro-penciled at the factory—a characteristic consistent with other late-production BSA rimfires. The two-piece walnut stock, while showing signs of wear with scratches, scuffs, and small chips, remains structurally sound and free of cracks, rating in Fair to Good condition. The bore is a highlight of this rifle—bright, with sharp rifling and no visible erosion—though squib marks near the chamber suggest past use of underpowered or improperly seated ammunition. Despite this, the bore still rates 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Collectors of British small arms or unique postwar designs will appreciate this BSA Ralock for its rarity, engineering, and unusual action. The open-bolt semi-automatic design, typically reserved for military submachine guns, is virtually unheard of in rimfire sporters, making this a standout in any collection. While the rifle shows its age, it remains functional and offers historical insight into the innovative arms development of mid-20th century Britain. It’s a piece as fascinating mechanically as it is historically. -R.E.
