BSA Co. Ralock 26 3/8” .22 LR Semi-Auto Open Bolt Rifle, MFD 1949-51 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,000.00
LSB#: WY250324AJ018
Model: Ralock
Serial Number: T12070
Year of Manufacture: 1949-51
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
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 LONG RIFLE CARTRIDGE / MADE IN ENGLAND”. The trigger assembly is marked with patent dates. The barrel block has the serial number, “T12070”. There are several British proofs throughout. There is no import mark.
Barrel Length: 26 3/8″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a barrel mounted ramp with a full hood. The rear sight is a V-notch leaf sight with an adjustable elevator.
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 light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures approximately 14.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are spots of erosion and pitting in front of the chamber. There are several squib marks in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10 due to the squibbs.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks and spots of thinning throughout. There are light rust freckles throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very 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 Ralock is a fascinating and scarce British semi-automatic rimfire rifle, manufactured by the Birmingham Small Arms Company between 1949 and 1951. This model is notable for its unique open-bolt, slam-fire operating system—a rare feature in civilian rimfire rifles—and its tubular magazine fed through the buttstock. Designed for smooth function and fast follow-up shots, the Ralock was ahead of its time in mechanical innovation, but its limited production run makes it a true collector’s item today. This example is in very good overall condition, retaining about 90% of its original blued finish with expected wear, including light handling marks, minor thinning, and scattered rust freckles. The markings are clear, and the walnut stock is solid with attractive checkering and no cracks or chips, showing only mild field wear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, though it has some erosion near the chamber and several squib marks—dropping the rating to about 5/10. The open-bolt action functions correctly and features an enclosed ejection port that captures spent casings—another clever design element for its era.
For collectors of unusual and innovative post-war firearms, the BSA Ralock represents an intriguing and rare addition. Its blend of engineering creativity, limited production, and connection to one of Britain’s most storied arms manufacturers make it a standout in any vintage .22 rifle collection. While the bore condition may limit its appeal as a precision shooter, its mechanical uniqueness and historical importance more than justify its place on the wall or in the safe. -R.E.
