ref the ABT.. as the notch is fixed, the one thing that dictates the position of the rod that passes through the ABT is the engagement with the piston / comp tube. At a certain point the comp tube moves independently of the rear carrier.. so if the interface / overlap at which they part company can be tuned to happen earlier, then that rod with the big notch will stop moving forwards earlier - and not bugger up the ABT. Maybe just sticking it all together properly, with the circlip etc might just sort it enough to get into the adjustment range of the little slider that blocks off the ABT ratchet.
Piston washer looks great.. I had an FWB like that too. Interesting on the damper...
Always looking for any cheap, interesting, knackered "project" guns. Thanks, JB.