kessler back to life

[threesuns]

Being a native Western New Yorker there are many things I like about this area but LOVE … not so much, except my Kessler! Made briefly in Buffalo, NY. I’ve owned her for many years, in none working condition, researching & reading everything I could about what makes her tick. The single biggest issue was the breech casting. The stock retaining screw hole was stripped! I’m no machinist but if I can fix it myself I will & inspiration hit when I put a HeliCoil in an old John Deere mower. I looked for something manufactured & wound up making it myself since the casting material is soft & there just isn’t a lot to work with. Now there's a threaded steel insert (see pic), that I think will hold up for another 70 years. Pic of Kessler assembled & ready for use. S/N on pump link is 1452, remembered reading a thread from a while back someone was researching that.

[c801tfd]

Nice looking Kessler glad to see it up and running. I hope to find one in about the same condition one day to pair with my Rochester. I have found these rifles to be well built, but have also seen where they can be difficult to reseal if they leak. Lubricate it as needed and dont over pump and it should last many more years.   

[OTmachine]

Good to see you got it together.  The bushing looks like a good repair.  Congrats!

[DWTrull]

The zinc alloy receiver is easily stripped out where the stock retaining screw goes. Nice to see you fixed the problem.
You have a Model A variant 2.
Kessler produced 4 models, A,B,C and D.

[Pellet Fun]

I'd be willing to bet your insert will last. Good job.

[Markspit]

Hi, I have a Rochester/Kessler air rifle in pieces. Does anyone have a schematic or drawing of the insides or the valve configuration?
Thanks,
Markspit

[OTmachine]

@ Markspit, please look here:
https://anotherairgunblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/kessler-air-rifle-disassembly-part-1.html
And:
https://anotherairgunblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/rochester-air-rifle-disassembly-part-1.html

[SpringerGuy]

I just bought a Kessler rifle on Ebay.  Has not arrived yet but I am excited about its arrival.  I will compare it to my Crosman 140. 

 

[chuckinohio]

  Word to the wise

  Before you disassemble the valve, make careful witness marks on all the associated pieces so that you can line it back up when reassembling.
  The valve transfer port is aligned with the receiver by a dog point set screw, but the valve body halves, and the valve nose to the pump tube, are aligned radially so that the front sight will not be canted left or right.
  I have an OEM seal set on hand if anyone needs dimensions for fabrication purposes. I am gonna say sorry in advance, but the seal set is NOT for sale.
 A torx driver will work on the OEM set screws, but the correct tool for them is a .145 Bristol wrench. The screws are 1/4-28 thread and you can easily replace them with allen or torx set screws if desired. The barrel and valve set screws are half dog point screws.

 Do not try to reef the valve set screw like a gorilla, it will strip. Nip it up, then a good snugging will do.

  Dimensions are also given in this thread
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/americanvintageairguns/kessler-has-a-new-lease-on-life-t10457.html#p67465