Quote Originally Posted by Bruno27 View Post
Agree Mick. As you cock the rifle, most of the load is taken by the rear bearing surface. I consider the load at the front of the piston to be negligible during cocking, the seal being able to take this load and as you fire the gun, the only force is on the axis of the piston (if you ignore moment on this axis induced by the spring). I have modified the piston of my Diana 35 (old) with no front bearing and it works fine.

Less friction = more power and more consistency

Cheers, Bruno
The guide also helps keep the piston flying straight and true as the latch rod is inside it all the time