I have done a few Scorpion projects in the past, had two almost given to me, covered in rust and one had been taken to a powered wire brush that also caught the plastic. Internals were a mess too. Lots of polishing, nickle plating and internal rebuild to them both (.177 and .22). Done for fun many years ago (beyond me now, just passed 80) but sold them on for decent money. Probably still out there now.

I have my original MKII bought in around 1976 (I know the books say they came out later but it has scope rail so it is a MKII) I later bought a MKI sans scope rail. Even got a vintage BSA scope on the MKII.

Never noticed any sound difference with/without cocking aid, I must try that out this weekend. (If I can still cock them, need two hands for my HW35E these days).

Ho hum, age don't come alone.