New BSA Pistons with synthetic seals at Protek

[Binners]

Just ordered one of these from Protek. Has anyone else fitted one yet?

http://www.proteksupplies.co.uk/bsa-...jor-parts.html

[Thegreg]

I’ve fitted one to a Cadet. Made my own adaptor though. After initial assembly I found the seal is tight and creates quite a lot of drag. Wouldn’t be so much much of an issue on a more powerful gun, but it has sapped the power from the little Cadet.

It’s been in my to-do list to strip it back down and re-size the seal. I’m sure it can be made to shoot really sweet.

Cheers
Greg

[KWK1]

Just ordered one of these from Protek. Has anyone else fitted one yet?

http://www.proteksupplies.co.uk/bsa-...jor-parts.html

They came in 3 different lengths so how does it fit them all?

Light and Standard length and then the Sporting is the third. Later Sporting pistons can also have the longer skirt extension that the post war Long Tom has.

I buy from Protek but you have to know your stuff because some of the descriptions aren't accurate.


Early Standard rifle piston (bottom) with two Sporting pattern. One has the later extended skirt (top)

[KWK1]

Little light pattern piston
Made a new screw, brass washer, and seal with leather backer

[Binners]

I have asked for a Light pattern piston. Thank you for your post and great photos.

[ggggr]

The only way I could see me fitting a parachute seal to a Cadet or Major, would be if I had a seal here already, but as I am unlikely to have washers or a thin BSF nut for the piston rod either, I couldn't see it happening.
I am not keen on parachute seals, partly as I doubt the longevity of them even though synthetic seals are not supposed to degrade like they used to. I have had a couple of Baikal 53 pistols that lost power due to the seals hardening. They looked ok though.

I think the adapter kit is ok for people who like to spend money on gimicky things or wanting a quick fix. Also if someone is doing repairs as a business, fitting one is probably quicker and easier. (Like changing multiple parts of a gun rather than trying to isolate the iffy part, which may involve multiple strips and plenty of time.)
I have never got around to putting holes in boards and pressing leather washers, as I always think "When am i going to need a leather washer of that size again?" --------I just do them as a one off. If you fit a new leather washer, the chances are it wont need doing again in the lifetimes of most in this section!

I'm sure if Protek or someone did a parachute seal for the Webley Hurricane and Tempest, there would be people only too happy to throw money at the latest miracle product. I have gone retro and fitted leather washers to a Hurricane, Tempest and my Typest and all shoot really sweetly.