Boys - Anti-Tank Rifle - 1937 Finish Army Contract in .50BMG

Sold April 2025 to a confidential private collection.

Photos first - details and descriptions coming soon!

I first met the Boys Anti-Tank rifle around 2008 as the center piece of the Seneca Arms display in the store near Green Lane - it had been there for years. The owner graciously offered to sell it to a local British reenacting unit to give it exercise and exposure to the public. I got the call and within a couple of hours I was taking home the largest caliber bolt action rifle that you can legally own and transfer as a PA resident in good standing.

It was actually commissioned in .5o BMG by the Finish Army from BSA in the later 1930's and is an excellent example of the type. Fun facts - The Boys was designed by "Captain" Boys - he was mad... (he wasn't actually a Captain). The doctrine for firing is to be kneeling in prepared position / dugout (or seated in a vehicle or similar mount to fire) - and not prone - your torso has to rock back on your pelvis under recoil. The mk2 Boys round has a tungsten penetrator core and will pierce 1..5" or armour under the right conditions (distance / incidence of hit). Carrying a Boys anywhere is very demotivating to the troops - having one firing on the flanks of your unit is very motivating to the troops.