Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 16 to 17 of 17

Thread: In praise of the old leather seal

  1. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    Glasgow
    Posts
    924
    I suspect that the modern synthetic seal is the culmination of manufacturers attempts to move away from leather seals, which they wanted to do to simplify and speed up production. Webley tried piston rings and later the solid PTFE washer, BSA and others tried O-rings, and eventually the modern and almost ubiquitous "parachute" seal evolved.

    Leather seals work extremely well, but require softening, sizing and lubricating to work. A synthetic seal, popped out of a mould, goes straight onto the piston and straight into the gun. From a manufacturing aspect it's no contest.

  2. #17
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    essex
    Posts
    1,775
    This is all interesting stuff and I’ve enjoyed reading all these comments.

    I converted my Webley mk 3 to a synthetic parachute seal years ago and it really smoothed the shot cycle out and is within 3fps with a certain pellet ,But this thread has made me want to try a leather seal on my 97 just to see how it feels? I currently run orings as just a test and I’m not liking it much, bit too snappy and quick. I like a soft shooting springer even if it is slower than a short stroke which I gave a few for Hft which are short strokes, but my 97 which I bought from New has always been snappy and harsh compared to friends 97s, so I’ve experimented for years trying all sorts, new cylinders, seals ect but I’ve never thought of trying a leather piston seal which would seem quite a crazy thing to do .......but I think when I get a bit of time on my hands I may just try it.

    Atb
    Daniel

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •