Hi Phil, respect for servicing a Spitfire yourself. I've been lazy and brought mine to JB. It came back in parts from my gunsmith in the Netherlands, he didn't have the right tools.
I have the SF version and John also repaired the slow leak. Apparently SF's have a slow leak because of a manufacturing fault; a hole was drilled too deep. Now it keeps its pressure. He also stressed to me that the gun needs to be shot regularly (ie every week). I must admit that I don't manage to do this. Does anyone know why this is?
I'm now in the process of refurbishing the stock, the varnish is off, I need to sweat the dye/stain out, sand dye and oil. My CCL kit is waiting. I'll take my time after having done it wrong (too quickly) on another stock. You live and learn... Next project will be to (try to) make a t/h stock for it. It's all good fun. These guns have got character, that's for sure. Cheers Louis