Webley Mk1 Pistol Spring Length

[Cicero]

I bought another Mark1 recently, this time in .177. Thing is, it won't cock! I think the spring is probably at fault as it measures 183mm or just over 7 -1/8" in old money, which I guess is too long?

Could anyone tell me the correct length of the Mk 1 (sloping grip) spring?

Thanks.

[Cicero]

Actually, after digging around on here I found a thread that confirms the spring should be 7 - 7.25" so mine is actually okay.

Can't understand why it fails to cock though. I have removed the spring and the cocking action is fine - new cocking shoe fitted - and everything working as it should. Refit the spring and it fails to cock!

Any ideas?

[Josie & John]

At the risk of making a daft suggestion, is the Trigger Adjusting screw screwed in too far, in that it is not engaging with the sear?

If not, it could be the sear has worn and is at fault.

Good luck with putting it right.

John

[Cicero]

Thanks John. I will have a look at that tomorrow. The pistol is new to me and I haven't seen it working, so this could well be the case.

Thanks again ...

[Cicero]

Well, I finally managed to cock it! But it took a heck of a pull; can't be good for the barell to do that more than a time or two.

The spring ends are buffed to mirror finish, everything is lubed perfectly so the only thing I can think of is either the spring is too long (although it appears to be standard length) or the new cocking shoe needs some more filing and fitting? At a bit of a loss really ...

[Cicero]

SORTED!

Two coils off the spring and it a different pistol! Oh, and a little further smoothing of cocking shoe.

Thanks everyone ...