Had this lovely Webley Senior for a few weeks. It’s in very good condition in terms of original finish, if a little dulled.

Some of the screws were a bit chewed up, it had very little power (1.2-2.1 ft/lb) a near 100fps shot spread and was hopelessly inaccurate (couldn’t get 10 shots on a target card at 6 yards).

I decided on a full strip down to assess the innards. The spring and phosphor bronze piston ring were in very good order, but there was no trace of lubricant anywhere. The ancient leather breech seal had disintegrated and was leaking explaining the low power and poor consistency.

The screw head were dressed and refinished, and the steel frame carefully polished on my wheel to restore it’s luster. The piston and spring were lubricated correctly, and a genuine Webley breech seal fitted.

It looks lovely now, is making 3.3 ft/lb with an 11 fps shot spread, and groups under 2.5″ at 10 yards.

The starting point – Webley Senior

Knackered breech seal

Stripped!

New breech seal fitted

That’s better!

All finished!