JayDee24ca wrote:
Crisis averted, I have the old Mk 1 shooting the way it used to, with two power levels! I disassembled it one more time, and checked the availability of the two hammer positions before I bolted everything back in place. Perhaps by doing that, I aligned things properly. Anyway, when I got it all back together it was all good. I then took it apart one more time, and inserted a small diameter high tension compression spring inside the hammer spring. The jury is still out as to whether or not I gained anything, but I think I might have a <bit> more fps.
Thanks for all the help, this forum is a great thing to have available!
JD
If you don't gain as much fps as desired then you can change out the valve return spring for something lighter. This will allow the valve to stay open a fraction of a second longer for more flow and power. A 3/8"OD spring works well for the valve and you can just cut to length and bend the last coil (if needed) to get it to stay on the valve stem. A stronger hammer spring in conjunction with a mild valve spring will increase your valve duration. Get ready for a bark and a little barrel lift during firing. It's a bit like shooting a rimfire pistol only more fun because you can take it to a gravel pit and smash cans.
Here is what you want for the valve.... $2.21 at HD. Trim to length.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/paulin ... 1000127115This one works well for the hammer spring insert... also $2.21 at HD. Trim to length.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/paulin ... 1000127099Please post how you are doing with this pistol. It's a great design!