Britannia sure shot requires repair

[Andrew64]

Hi,

I have a lovely Britannia sure shot. All original and in very nice condition. It's a long story, but the rifle does not have a spring, the piston does not have a washer and appears to be missing its locating catch on the piston.

I don't have any great engineering skills or access to a workshop. Could anyone on this forum recommend a 'Britannia' gunsmith who could perhaps bring this old gun back to life?

Many thanks.

[ptdunk]

A cut down Meteor spring and 1’’ leather washer should fit.
What’s the problem with the piston? A pic of the piston would help.


Cheers,
Matt

[Andrew64]

Hi Matt,

The piston appears to be missing the inserts for catching the sear link. I will get a couple of photos up.

Thanks for the great advice, I'll purchase a 1" leather washer and meteor spring and give it a go. Scratching my head about the inserts though!

[ptdunk]

I know it sounds like a silly question, but the piston doesn’t have a cocking rod sticking out of the back does it?

If there are no slots like it might be an ineffectual replacement piston.

Matt

[Farsight]

The two bents formed in a dovetailed in and pinned plate may be what the OP's missing ?
If so , then ideally filed up from a piece of gauge plate hardened, and lightly tempered ..

[Andrew64]

Hi Matt,

I have a couple of pictures, but don't seem able to load them up at present. Can send them on PM on mobile?

[Shed tuner]

as TS says, the piston engagement slots might have broken out from the skirt and been lost...

[ptdunk]

Pics of Andrew's britannia piston:

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Is the threaded hole for the leather washer still at the end? Looks like a hollow tube.

As previously stated:

The two bents formed in a dovetailed in and pinned plate may be what the OP's missing ?
If so , then ideally filed up from a piece of gauge plate hardened, and lightly tempered ..

Should look like this:



Not something I can help with I'm afraid.

Cheers,
Matt

[micky2]

It looks like someone has tried to repair in the past with 2 holes drilled in the end of the piston. looks like a complete piston needed.

[WebleyWombler]

Doesn't look like a difficult job. Just make a plate to fit the dovetail, soft solder it in and then mill a couple of slots in to make the detents.

Strangely enough, I've just bought 6 x Meteor mainsprings and 10 x 1" leather cup washers. OP, send me a PM with a phone number please, sounds an interesting job.

[Shed tuner]

Doesn't look like a difficult job. Just make a plate to fit the dovetail, soft solder it in and then mill a couple of slots in to make the detents.

hi mate. I agree, but would prefer to weld or braze it, so as you can then harden after milling the slots

[WebleyWombler]

hi mate. I agree, but would prefer to weld or braze it, so as you can then harden after milling the slots

Possibly Jon. there are a few ways. I wouldn't be happy welding but certainly braze or hard solder. If soft soldered, the bents could be machined, hardened/tempered before soldering in. The dovetail block would have to be shaped to the piston by either turning or grinding but that is best decided with the part in ones hands, easy enough to do at home.
The only unknown quantity for me is the distance between the engagement surfaces.

[Shed tuner]

The only unknown quantity for me is the distance between the engagement surfaces.

it's not critical at all, as it purely determines the difference between hi and low power.. a few mil in either direction not an issue.

[Jimny4x4]

it's not critical at all, as it purely determines the difference between hi and low power.. a few mil in either direction not an issue.

You / he could just leave it at one notch ? Just an idea to save stressing over measurements . Seem to remember these are quite low power anyway so an added thrust washer would not go amiss to compensate .

[ptdunk]

You / he could just leave it at one notch ? Just an idea to save stressing over measurements . Seem to remember these are quite low power anyway so an added thrust washer would not go amiss to compensate .

I only ever use mine on full power, might affect resale value though if it’s only got one slot….and it is a nice example with the original adjusts rearsight.

Matt