I have an opportunity to purchase a Winchester 333 in good cosmetic condition. We shot it at the gun shop today, it cocked and fired but the leather seals must be dry rotted, the pellet didn't move inside the breach.

I've never owned a 333 or 65 model. I've read a few comments that Mike D. has posted about the 333 rifle and that got me interested. Finally came across one and a clean Webley MK3 rifle.

Who is the guru of these old tack drivers? Most of my airguns have been tuned by Watts and Bimrose has done the Diana 75's and FWB 300's.

I'm sure someone specializes in the old Dianas and would be very familiar with the Winchester 333 / Diana 65 series.

As always, any info would be appreciated.

Have a good weekend.

JB
America, Home of the Free because of the Brave!
Don't take anyone or anything for granted.

See if the seal looks pink. That would be an old one. Those have begun to crumble, but can be replaced.

Here's some pics of one I did. Very labor intensive. Many parts.
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Redfeather, looks like the 333/Diana 65 orig seal is leather. They may have switched over when the Diana 75 went into production.

Rob, good photo information, more than a thousand words. LOL.

Yes, looks involved for an amateur DIY project. If I had the time slot, replacement parts in hand to start it and finish it on the same day, maybe. LOL. Rob, FYI, read a couple of good reviews on your springer tunes on another site.

Mike Driskill, thanks for your info regarding this rifle. I have a near new condition 300S-Universal sitting here waiting to go to Randy. He's just a hour north of me, I'll be talking to him this week. The FWB sat for many years before I purchased it.

I'll know by Tuesday if the owner of the 333 wants to adjust the price. Cosmetically it's a 9+ so it's worth staying on top of. I enjoy break barrels and have wanted a clean Diana 65 for a few years.

Guys, have a good week.

JB