Mk2 Meteor refurbishment
Printed From: Kiwi Airgunners
Category: Technical
Forum Name: Pauly's Technical Area
Forum Description: Technical information, Modifications and DIY projects are all in here
URL: www.kiwiairgunners.co.nz/forum_posts.asp?TID=976
Printed Date: 01 Jul 2025 at 10:52pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.14 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Mk2 Meteor refurbishment
Posted By: Declan
Subject: Mk2 Meteor refurbishment
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2024 at 6:05am
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I purchased an old Mk2 BSA Meteor .177. From the photos it looked to be in reasonable shape, but on arrival it was in pretty rough condition. But just the same I decided to retain the original 55 year old look. However after cleaning it up I reckon that it would be better to do a full refurbishment. So instead of hanging onto the past 55 years I’ll make it so it will last another 55 years.  |
Replies:
Posted By: kruzaroad
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2024 at 7:06am
| Does it have leather seals at that age? |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2024 at 8:13am
| Yes, leather piston seal with rubber/synthetic breech seal. |
Posted By: Pauly5
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2024 at 3:34am
| Have you got spare seals? I made a mold to make new seals from leather a while ago. and even have a seal I made. I can check the size, and if you need it you can have it. |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2024 at 6:48am
| Thank you Pauly.That’s very generous of you. As luck would have I have a spare seal left over from the days when my daughter had an old Meteor. Cheers. Declan. |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2024 at 6:22am
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I’ve completed the dis-assembly of the MK2. The big surprise was that the mainspring guide was broken, with both ears completely snapped off. This is something I’ve never seen before. The mainspring was dry so I assume it wasn’t able to rotate and caused the ears to snap off. I’ve ordered a new part which should arrive in a few weeks. The good news is that there was no metal dross on the leather piston seal. |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 29 Feb 2024 at 7:04am
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A brief update - those in the know are aware that from the Mk2 onwards Meteor metal work was painted gloss black. As time passed the paint chipped and rust set in. Over the past couple of days I begun to prepare the metal components for painting. The full process usually takes me about a week. More to follow. |
Posted By: kruzaroad
Date Posted: 29 Feb 2024 at 7:14am
| Any pics of said effect. |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 29 Feb 2024 at 10:45am
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Happy to put up pictures but just not yet. I’ve learnt from experience it’s best to minimise the handling of prepared steel until after the final coat of paint is applied, dried and cured if you want a great finish. I’m applying a gloss paint but not black. If I get time tomorrow I will post about how the stock is progressing. Cheers. Declan |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2024 at 10:30am
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Although the Mk2’s hardware is being given a new look I’m attempting to save the stock’s patina that was built up over the decades. This means that I cannot use any abrasive materials on it. My first step was to clean off the dirt and grime, then remove the green and white paint splatter. This took a couple of days work using a damp soapy rag along with turps to remove the paint. After this work was complete I applied a daily coating of bees wax which I worked the way into the bare wood. The worn parts of the stock are starting to darken as the wax is absorbed into the wood but it is going to take a long time to get the stock looking aged but sort of attractive. 
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Posted By: kruzaroad
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2024 at 6:05pm
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That's looking good. 👍 |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 04 Mar 2024 at 6:32am
| The painting is complete and the stock receives its daily rub down with bees but all else is on hold. I’ll post again when work recommences after the parts arrive. Declan. |
Posted By: Pauly5
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2024 at 9:51am
I know you didn't need it, but if anyone wanted this, let me know. |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2024 at 10:21am
| Thanks Pauly.PM sent accepting your offer. Cheers. Declan. |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2024 at 6:49am
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The refurbishment is complete. For guidance the price of seals and mainspring is in the range of $60 to $70 inclusive of shipping. Paint etc is additional. Bearing in mind that these guns were more about plinking than hunting its not a (modern) powerhouse, however they’re ok of shooting small prey such as rats. The chrono readings shooting JSB Exact 8.44 pellets are: 201.8, 200.9, 201.6, 200.1, 201.6, 201.8 and 200.7 metres per second. This is the advertised velocity for when the gun was new - which is pretty good for a 60 year old with leather piston seal. Cheers. Declan. 
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Posted By: kruzaroad
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2024 at 8:32am
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That's sweet. Looks good. At 7 fpe it would make a sweet bird gun for under and around the trees. How accurate is it. |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2024 at 7:57am
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I will probably get to the range over the next month or so to check the accuracy. But with these old airguns it is more about nostalgia and enjoying fixing one up than getting an accurate shooter. When this model first came out good accuracy was ctc1.5 inches at 25 yards. If you got lucky you might get one that shot 1inch groups. These oldies are no match for the accuracy of today’s modern springers such as an HW30S. |
Posted By: Pauly5
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2024 at 9:38am
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I agree with you there Declan. The business I work for has a Meteor that was purchased 33 years ago before I started here, and I always thought it was the bees knees with it's 15mm telescopic sights. Once I got into airgunning properly and did shooting jobs, I just used my own guns. A few years ago I give the Meteor a going over and found it to be fun to shoot, but not accurate as you say. I haven't shot it for ages now, but from memory it was the trigger that is probably what lets it down a lot too.
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Posted By: mercs
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2024 at 12:29pm
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.22 MkII Meteor 1962 - 1966. Taranaki family wanted this to be passed on to someone that would use it, so myself and another club member took it on. New spring and seals otherwise rifle is as found. Mounts and Tasco Scope added so it could front up at the 25 yard range.  |
Posted By: Declan
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2024 at 9:16am
| Nice. Very commendable of you to service and shoot the gun for the family. |
Posted By: mercs
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2024 at 2:41pm
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Performance Results using my XCORTECH X300 Chronograph Basic service by me with some local help and a kit from Youngs Airguns. 1960's model as pictured used for plinking.
Local engineers rifle after a meticulous overhaul with a kit from Custom Seals. 1970's model used regularly for noteworthy pest control. I will try to get a picture, this is another family owned airgun 50 years+ I expect.
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Posted By: JasonEdward
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2024 at 5:10pm
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Declan wrote: