Repair advice on my 1914 BSA Sporting

[45flint]

This rifle arrive and I could tell the spring was not right. Opened it up today and easy to see that one of the 2 springs are broken. Should I try to replace the short spring or just buy a new long spring that will fit? My thought is a new long spring. Any modern spring that works? Leather seal seems to seal the tube very well. Odd hole in the cylinder washer?

[averageplinker]

Hello, sorry I can't help with suggesting a spring. However there is a whole load of knowledge on here and I am sure someone will help.
As for the hole/dimple in the seal.......it looks very round and uniform which makes me wonder if someone tried to shoot a small steel ball bearing which got into the cylinder at some point?
Rich

[45flint]

Hello, sorry I can't help with suggesting a spring. However there is a whole load of knowledge on here and I am sure someone will help.
As for the hole/dimple in the seal.......it looks very round and uniform which makes me wonder if someone tried to shoot a small steel ball bearing which got into the cylinder at some point?
Rich

Yes I think you are right.

[wickerman]

use a one piece spring someone will know what fits.....agree hole looks like bb gone in cylinder

[jirushi]

Binners put me in touch with a gentleman who supplied me with good quality flat section springs for my prewar BSA.
I think that would be the best option.
You can also use an Airsporter spring, but I have found that the fit isn't great. Airsporter springs are available from Protek, for instance.

[gunshop]

just have a look on the airgunspares site, they specialise in the older guns. Dont put an airsporter spring in, it is too powerful