Inside the 1912 BSA Improved D

[45flint]

Took apart the new to me 1912 BSA and it was mostly good news. Rifling clean like a mirror. I have the original spring, see pic with the 3 rifles stamp. John’s book says this rifle would have a single spring. The piston and spring are in good shape. The leather seal is still intact but the screw that holds it on has been beaten by slamming into the rifle barrel. The impression of the barrel in in the screw and brass seal cover. See pic. Not sure if I should peen it back and kept it as is or replace the leather seal with a new one I already have, see it in the pics. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[TonyL]

Thank you for sharing. This really emphasises the fine build and quality of these rifles. Excellent. If that old seal works fine, I might be tempted to just freshen it up a little with some neatsfoot and dress that screw. Having said that, if the replacement was to enjoy as long a life as the original, it's probably tempting to replace, safe in the knowledge that it will, hopefully, be good for another 100+ years.

Tough choice.....

[BRYAN3]

Is it possible to get the original spring re tempered?

[keith66]

The old seal looks like a replacement cut from a flat piece of leather belting or similar & looks too thin, I would replace it.

[Garvin]

Unusually, I disagree with Tony and like Keith I think you should change the seal for a parachute-type one based on the original pattern although that new seal you have looks a bit cracked.

[BC312]

Cupped seal or parachute seal is better for the gun. Usually the leather breaks down over time and you end up with a flat washer.