Diana 22 breach seal ?

[Benelli B76]

Does anyone know what Diana intended for breach seal replacement on this tinplate kids rifle ? Just repaired this 22 which had no power, found the small Gem spring is a perfect fit and thought it would shoot well. After re-assembling and testing found the pellets would not even penetrate cardboard. Nearly all the air was blasting out at the breach, and I found the breach has no flexible seal, just a brass face against the steel face of the barrel. Decided to cut a shallow channel in the brass face, believe it or not using a centering wood drill so I get a flat base in the channel. De-greased and filled channel with Tigerseal, left 24 hours. Next day had a nice flexible seal on the breach. On testing the pellet now penetrates three eigths inch into pine. Originally did they intend the brass insert to be replaced, if at all ?

Baz

[ggggr]

Does anyone know what Diana intended for breach seal replacement on this tinplate kids rifle ? Just repaired this 22 which had no power, found the small Gem spring is a perfect fit and thought it would shoot well. After re-assembling and testing found the pellets would not even penetrate cardboard. Nearly all the air was blasting out at the breach, and I found the breach has no flexible seal, just a brass face against the steel face of the barrel. Decided to cut a shallow channel in the brass face, believe it or not using a centering wood drill so I get a flat base in the channel. De-greased and filled channel with Tigerseal, left 24 hours. Next day had a nice flexible seal on the breach. On testing the pellet now penetrates three eigths inch into pine. Originally did they intend the brass insert to be replaced, if at all ?

Baz

The seal is on the cylinder side. It is the same with the Webley Junior/Ranger etc. I think they are quite thin but easy to knock up with a bit of leather.

[Benelli B76]

The seal is on the cylinder side. It is the same with the Webley Junior/Ranger etc. I think they are quite thin but easy to knock up with a bit of leather.

If you read my post you will see there is just a smooth flat brass face on the cylinder side, that is why I had to machine a shallow groove to put a seal in. There was nowhere to locate a seal. I never use leather as that is old material they used at the time, there are better materials to use today for giving a better airtight seal.

Baz

[ggggr]

If you read my post you will see there is just a smooth flat brass face on the cylinder side, that is why I had to machine a shallow groove to put a seal in. There was nowhere to locate a seal. I never use leather as that is old material they used at the time, there are better materials to use today for giving a better airtight seal.

Baz

Sorry Baz--I thought the first pic was the "before" pic and not the "after". I've seen a dozen or so of these rifles, both Diana and Webley versions and all have the recess for the washer. Maybe someone fitted a brass insert thinking it would seal better?