Senior 'stiff' to cock - any ideas?

[felix gunner]

Thanks Lakey. I’m not sure as over the years it has persisted and I’ve used it with three different barrel and linkage assemblies but it still does the same.

[felix gunner]

Update following a few strips and trials and advice on and off forum.

Stiffness starts early before linkages contact nub on end of pistol.

Interchanging two different complete assemblies has the exact result and same feel so I think all must be OK with linkages and shoes - all feel and look good and not worn out.

However, removing piston and reassembling (*without* the piston ring) exasperates the feel. No real gouging (very faint lines) inside pistol but where the front of the piston touches the inner pistol there are signs of 'flattening'.

But reassembling complete with all parts but new grease and some CLP lube and it's lovely and smooth again.

This despite the fact it was, I thought, well lubed before however, the grease seemed to have migrated and piston front was seemingly dry.

It's well used and maybe worn inside although as I say no real scoring to speak of and inside is mirror shiny - I think it just needs more frequent lube and maybe more oil than grease?

IIRC was it not written that these Webleys by nature should be run more oily than not and maybe dare I say with minor dieselling present now and again??

[mrto]

I've had exactly the same thing with Seniors,when greased they are smooth,but I find repeated oiling has the reverse affect and they become stiff and 'notchy' to cock.

[Shed tuner]

too much lateral play in the piston ? i.e undersize ?

[felix gunner]

Dunno ST, it's all original to the best of my knowledge and seems a lovely fit. I'm pretty sure it's just a lube issue as lovely and slick now.

[mrto]

Dunno ST, it's all original to the best of my knowledge and seems a lovely fit. I'm pretty sure it's just a lube issue as lovely and slick now.

I'm sure it's a lube issue,too had the same thing with most of my Seniors from time to time.

[felix gunner]

So what do others use for the innards? I moly the piston ring, smear the front inner cylinder, front of piston, spring/guide inside and out and drop the odd couple of drips of oil in. Diesels for ten or so but then OK. Soon seems to run dry though.