THE PERFECT STORM

Pete is back on the Tempest trail, taking a look at what lies beneath

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In my previous instalment we took in the Webley Tempest which featured in Webley’s line-up for close on 40 years. Given these impressive statistics, it’s safe to assume that there are many still around for anyone interested in a classic, well made and endearing pistol.

My own two have certainly engaged my interest, which is no mean feat because I am not really a massive pistol fan. Previous prejudices apart, I can well understand the appeal of a compact pistol, and the pure shooting enjoyment they can provide for back garden informal target practice. Let’s face it, it’s the humble tin can which brought many of us into this glorious hobby of airgunning, and long may that trend continue.

I was well aware that my own pistol was running well below par, around 1.4 ft.lbs., with the vintage Webley Specials in .22, so some improvement to reap perhaps? Each discharge was punctuated by a slow curl of blue smoke, with the unmistakable smell of burnt oil, a sure sign of oil ignition in the compression chamber.

PRE-OP CONSIDERATIONS

Webley thoughtfully provided a detailed strip-down guide with the Tempest when new, but unfortunately, many of these have been lost in the sands of time. The procedures I have outlined are based on the suggested order of service, with a couple of Evans’ top tips to help keep everyone out of trouble.

No special tools are required for the strip-down, although ensure that you have a set of parallel punches, principally those at the smaller end of the size spectrum.

There are a number of small diameter roll pins (assuming you have a Brum-made Tempest), holding everything together. Webley specify a 2.25mm diameter punch, although I used a 1.5mm which worked very well; a few of these pins pass through plastic components, which are all too easy to split if the correct size tool is not used. A lightweight hammer, and slot head screwdriver and you are good to go.