HW/Weihrauch 1972 HW50 piston seal

crowski

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Dec 14, 2020
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This is one of my newest old rifles, a HW50 I believe from 1972.
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I was shooting it and it was making noises that were alien when jacking.
I took apart last night. First rifle I was able to just twist off the trigger housing without pounding it. Felt like Sampson.
I read a post where Mycapt said to sand the slot for the cocking shoe. Bingo Not the cleanest pic. He think he nailed it. A big thanks.
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When I removed the piston this was it’s position. 1/4 turn and it fell out.
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Is this the correct piston seal?
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I read here the transfer port is different for the leather seal. I will convert back if it’s leather. The gun was accurate .
I took some of the sharp edges out, did want to go too far
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A few deep gouges hopefully smoothed out enough.
My main concern is the piston seal. Crow
 
Hunt one or make one

Maybe check 2 of the 2 bottom 7 could work

 
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Thats a seal conversion adapter., you can use any small 25mm (HW 77-hw30) seal.
not all leather gun transfer ports were large. Have an HW50 that I coverted also. Used the same small port .119 as the newer HW rifles.
good luck.
BTW- it shoots great with the newer synth' seal. Just make sure you fit it. Lower power guns will loose a lot of fps with a tight seal.
 
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It was originally a leather seal as you figured. It is soooo much nicer/smoother in leather.
It’s the first piston head I’ve seen like this.
Should I use a mild lock tite on the screw?
Does the leather seal go on the same assembly?
Crow
Hunt one or make one

Maybe check 2 of the 2 bottom 7 could work

Thanks for the contact. Didn’t have that one.
Crow
Thats a seal conversion adapter., you can use any small 25mm (HW 77-hw30) seal.
not all leather gun transfer ports were large. Have an HW50 that I coverted also. Used the same small port .119 as the newer HW rifles.
good luck.
BTW- it shoots great with the newer synth' seal. Just make sure you fit it. Lower power guns will loose a lot of fps with a tight seal.
In 5 minutes I’m going to ask you to stop. All great news. Thanks for the hot tips. Crow
 
Thats a seal conversion adapter., you can use any small 25mm (HW 77-hw30) seal.
not all leather gun transfer ports were large. Have an HW50 that I coverted also. Used the same small port .119 as the newer HW rifles.
good luck.
BTW- it shoots great with the newer synth' seal. Just make sure you fit it. Lower power guns will loose a lot of fps with a tight seal.
This is all true. I have limited experience with leather sealed guns. I've since learned from working with Mike Driskill on one of his 35s that not all leather sealed rifles had the larger port. I stand humbly corrected by more experienced fellas like you and him. Oddly the few guns he checked in his collection didn't reveal a simple change over date as the port sizes hopped all over production dates. Now I'll I can say it's check your port size before considering a conversion to synthetic seals. I'm sorry if I have mislead anyone that they all had larger ports.

Thank you &
Be well
Ron
 
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The leather seal has its own screw. The adapter, screw and nylon seal are a conversion kit. A tiny spec of Loctite is needed. If degreasing with lacquer thinner (both female and male) do not use but a spec of Blue Loctite.
Thanks. This is a new chapter for me and loving it.
I believe I’m degreasing with brake cleaner.
I appreciate all advice. Crow
This is all true. I have limited experience with leather sealed guns. I've since learned from working with Mike Driskill on one of his 35s that not all leather sealed rifles had the larger port. I stand humbly corrected by more experienced fellas like you and him. Oddly the few guns he checked in his collection didn't reveal a simple change over date as the port sizes hopped all over production dates. Now I'll I can say it's check your port size before considering a conversion to synthetic seals. I'm sorry if I have mislead anyone that they all had larger ports.

Thank you &
Be well
Ron
Thanks Ron. I thought I read that somewhere not long ago by someone I thought as an experienced air gun smith.
I’m thrilled that my short term is still functioning.
‘How do you measure the port size?
I do have my dad’s drills - numbered-lettered and fraction.
This has been another valuable lesson as I hoping to score older rifles if I can find then. Again thanks. Crow
 
Over a year ago I scored some nuts and bolts from Chambers. Am I glad I did. This gun was missing a washer so I replaced both.
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Also I needed a small washer.
Long ago I bought out a bike shop. I got the upper washer there. I believe they were a washer from seat posts. Handiest washer ever. I have more than I’ll ever use.
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If your into tuning and have parts and want some. PM me and I’ll send you some.
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Crow
 
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I noticed when I took the spring out. It was metal to metal inside the piston. can I put this no one washer in to smooth it out? It’s from the TBT kitView attachment 519003 or would I be better just to put it back original without the washer? Crow
I'm not sure about the older guns but usually there's a thin metal washer atop the spring. It acts like a bearing. It's not crazy critical. You can put the nylon washer in there as long as it centers in the piston reasonably well. You should polish up the spring end to be sure it doesn't cut up the nylon washer
 
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