BSA Meteor MK I help

[felix gunner]

Thanks for taking the time to post that. I think it's worth doing as the rest of the gun is so original for it's age and in generally excellent condition with a pleasing patina.

Only annoying thing is I snapped the little leaf spring under the sight on dismantling but I can fashion something although it's not really needed as the sliding part is tight enough. Also the small runner part under the front of the sight perished but I replaced that with a small square cut from a rubber washer.

I have found though even on the lowest/closest setting (ie slider all the way back) that it still shoots 2 inches high indoors at say 25 ft.

[mrto]

No problem,the MK1's are the best of the Meteor's and definitely worth saving!

[MattyBoy]

I have found though even on the lowest/closest setting (ie slider all the way back) that it still shoots 2 inches high indoors at say 25 ft.

You need a taller front sight then

Matty

[piggy589]

The rear sight should have a tiny coil spring located in a hole at the front of the base.

Be careful when refitting it to the barrel,it's easy to separate the base from the dovetail section,the two are held together with a single spot weld.

A new replacement standard mainspring should be around 240mm long,cheapest supplier protek supplies.

[felix gunner]

The rear sight should have a tiny coil spring located in a hole at the front of the base.

Be careful when refitting it to the barrel,it's easy to separate the base from the dovetail section,the two are held together with a single spot weld.

A new replacement standard mainspring should be around 240mm long,cheapest supplier protek supplies.

Ahhh, mine had a small rubber piece that seemed original as it had a dimple at the base to fit in the hole?

To replace it I drifted out the pin in the main sight assembly that the moving part (that holds the slider) pivots on...

[felix gunner]

The rear sight should have a tiny coil spring located in a hole at the front of the base.

Be careful when refitting it to the barrel,it's easy to separate the base from the dovetail section,the two are held together with a single spot weld.

A new replacement standard mainspring should be around 240mm long,cheapest supplier protek supplies.

Mine measures 220mm and bends both ways....

So, new breech seal, spring, front sight and cup washer should complete the list - and cost about 1/2 what the gun cost...

[MattyBoy]

Mine measures 220mm and bends both ways....

So, new breech seal, spring, front sight and cup washer should complete the list - and cost about 1/2 what the gun cost...

That seal looks spot on to me mate. I would put a wipe of neatsfoot or SM50 oil on the original and use that.

Give it a go before trying to size and re-bed a new leather seal.

I've been here myself having owned 4 MK1 Meteors (I still have 2)

New spring to OEM spec from Chambers is the way to go.

8 ft lb and it will shoot sweet. I got one up to 10 by lengthening the stroke and adding a piston weight but it wasn't nearly as nice to shoot. it's what it is - a small gun built for 8 ft lb.

Matty

[felix gunner]

Good advice, I'll do that.

Here's the home made sight. I'll have to get the spring first I guess as the new one will affect power/aim of course.

[felix gunner]

Just to update if anyone interested in the follow up - I mentioned the fit of the piston head being loose - thanks to ggggr for the tip to use a thin piece of leather. I cut a piece ever so slightly oversized from thin leather (taken from Poundshop riggers gloves - always a useful source for small leather items, especially for catapult pouches ) and after soaking overnight together with the original cup washer I test fitted it all today to try in the cylinder.

A lot of fine trimming but spot on now and a very snug fit. Not sure if it benefits in adding a slight second seal but with finger over the port there is a gentle air spring effect now and the fit in the cylinder is beautifully snug but smooth too.

[MattyBoy]

Good advice, I'll do that.

Here's the home made sight. I'll have to get the spring first I guess as the new one will affect power/aim of course.

Grind the front of the sight blade you made to follow the contour of the front elevation of the sight block (i.e. concave) and you'll be pretty close to the original profile.

Nice work.

Matty

[felix gunner]

You need a taller front sight then

Matty

Just before I read that I noticed the screw in the front sight! - they certainly made these junior guns to a high standard in the good old days.

[goes to workshop to make new taller front sight]

EDIT: See Knibbs has these too - mine is currently the lowest he stocks 9mm = A (I).

[MattyBoy]

Just before I read that I noticed the screw in the front sight! - they certainly made these junior guns to a high standard in the good old days.

[goes to workshop to make new taller front sight]

EDIT: See Knibbs has these too - mine is currently the lowest he stocks 9mm = A (I).

Yes there are several different elements available with differing bead heights.

Sounds as if you have the skills to make a piece out of sheet to at least work out what will give a decent sight picture on zero at 20 yards

Matty

[felix gunner]

Cheers Matty, yes just a piece of mild steel 2mm thick, just knocked one up at 10.5mm high - pretty easy to shape and drill with the usual tools - heated with a blow torch and quenched in engine oil to blue it - looks pretty good! I will need to reassemble of course to try first - then I can get the actual BSA one once I dial in the best height.