What's it worth?
By B.B. Pelletier
The most-asked question at Pyramyd Air is, "What is my airgun worth?" We all want to know what our stuff is worth, and for airguns, finding the answer is as easy as looking in a book!
Blue Book of Airguns, Fourth Edition
THE authority on the value of airguns!
You can't just look in ANY book, of course - it has to be the Blue Book of Airguns. It's THE ONLY authoritative price guide for new and used airguns available anywhere. Other price guides have been published over the years but they were either too narrow in scope or were created for the specific purpose of deceiving someone. Some of them valued guns extra-low so their publishers could continue to buy them at great prices, while at least one guide over-valued airguns so the author could sell his collection at a great price!
The American B.B Gun
The American B.B gun
The one book that did have reasonable prices when it was published was The American B.B Gun by Arni T. Dunathan. But it was only published one time, then republished decades later without attempts to update prices. As a result, nothing in that book has been reliable, price-wise, since the middle 1970s. Also, this book only covers BB guns, leaving pellet guns high and dry.
The Blue Book has been published annually since its inception, and each edition gets progressively better. The fifth edition is due out in a short time and will be the most comprehensive book published to date.
Don't trust internet prices!
Some gun dealers and internet sellers haven't got a clue what they're selling. I see "Benjamin Franklin" airguns for sale all the time (no such airgun ever existed!). Their owners don't know they have common Benjamin airguns, worth very little because all the black nickel and silver nickel underneath has been rubbed off. So they ask $250 for a "Benjamin Franklin" 130 whose brass has been shined up like a trumpet. Such a gun would be worth $50 if it held air - and most don't.
Beware of antique shops and gun shows!
These are the places where you find a Daisy Red Ryder from 1995 in beat-up condition selling for $90, when it is really worth $10. Or, you might find a "real Winchester" model 423 (Diana model 23) for $350, like I once did. Gun-show buyers are often not too savvy about airguns, and they've heard stories about Daisys worth $10,000, so a beat-up Number 25 pump with engraving (1936 model) that should sell for $40 becomes "rare" and valued at $325. It happens!
The last word
And just because a gun is "worth" such-and-such in the Blue Book doesn't make it so! If the seller has a price of $1,000 on a Quackenbush model 5 because he found that number in the Blue Book, it's your job to inform him that without the floating firing pin and in the 20-percent condition his gun is in, it's really just a $500 gun to you. Then, the two of you begin the famous tarantula dance of two guys in a hot deal, and both will survive to tell the world how they overcame the other guy!
The Blue Book of Airguns belongs in your library!
posted by B.B. Pelletier @ 4:30 AM
229 comments
229 Comments:
I just baught a Benjamin and Franklin BB Gun and it it stamped right on it "Benjamin and Franklin" and it does hold air. Its a 22 calibre BB pistol with wood gripps.
Yes sir, it does have "Benjamin Franklin" stamped on the left side of the receiver tube, but that is just a play on the name of the company - the Benjamin Air Rifle Company, which you'l find stamped on the end cap behind the bolt.
There has never been a Benjamin Frankin model. Many older Benjamin guns have that name stamped on the side. The fact that the name is in quotes indicates that it's not meant seriously.
B.B.
ANyone know anything at all about a Crosman 380 Rocket-Sea Spear gun? I've had and used one for years and only know they were made from 59-61. I have no manual and can find little other info.
J
J
I sold one at Roanoke a few year back. It went for $65.
B.B.
This is a little misleading. The guns were indeed originally marketed as Benjamin Franklin air guns. Later, the company changed its name to Benjamin, and the guns were marketed as Benjamins. But yes, you do often see polished guns represented as antiques.
Michael,
The guns were never sold as Benjamin Franklin. That is just a play on the name Benjamin, an abbreviation of The Benjaimin Air Rifle Company, which was formed in St. Louis at the turn of the 20th century. The phrase "Benjamin Franklin" on the left side of the older guns is in quotation marks so people will know it is not real.
B.B.
I just found a "Benjamin Franklin" air rifle in a storage unit. It is in excellent condition, and it holds air as well! Can you give me an idea of its worth?
Thank You, KW
KW,
I need to know the nodel number. It's on the back of the receiver, behind the bolt.
What you have is a Benjamin. The words "Benjamin Franklin" are just a play on the company name. That's why they are in quotes.
Also, please describe the condition more specifically. To be excellent, all the original black nickle need to be present. The silver nickle should not be showing, nor should any of the brass base metal show.
B.B.
Hi B.B.,
Yes I did read all of the posts above and I was very suprised. That is why I put the name in quotations like you said to above, "Benjamin Franklin". Ok it is a model 342 22 cal. It has NO stratches in the blue (black nickle), except for two places, one at the very end of the barrell near the trigger side and underneath where the air pump closes against the barrell. The rest of the barrell looks factory new! Not a scratch or worn spot. The stock has some very small scratches in it from normal wear, but they are not noticable and I think that they give the gun character and a collector would like them just like you would petina on an old collectible. other than those very small things the gun looks like it was new. I would rate it a B++ or mabye a low A rating. Thank You, KW
KW,
Okay, I can work with that. The 342 was made from 1969 to 1992, so it's painted a dark phosphate gray, not nickeled black over silver. At least I think they were all painted. If yours is nickled, it is a very early one. Also, if it has the Tootsie Roll pump handle (round withj grooves) it's an old one.
I would rate the condition as 90 percent from what you say. It might be a little higher but probably no lower. Blue Book of Airguns says it's worth $115. Add 15 percent for the Tootsie Roll pump handle; 10 percent for the box with instructions; 10 percent for a Williams peep sight; 10 percent for a 4x scope; and 20 percent for a two-piece cocking bolt.
And remember, this price I give is just relative. The real price is whatever someone is willing to pay.
How did you make out?
B.B.
Serial #T179452 Not a tootsie roll, but a two piece cocking bolt for sure. Also a Williams peep sight included, so I guess that it is worth about 147.00 to 150.00. Which is three times what I paid for the storage unit! so I say that I made out just fine!
Thank You so much for your help!
Have a great Christmas, KW
KW,
I should have explained that a twp-piece bolt means the handle is separate fromt the bolt. On later guns Benjamin simply bent the bolt into a handle at the rear.
Sounds like you did okay! Merry Christmas,
B.B.
i got a benjamin franklin .22 pellet gun it has the number on the tube below the bolt its number 312 it holds air no leaks at all and it has the benjamin franklin name on the left side of the bolt on the tube that holds the air what is it worth
also the gun is identical to the one on the book at the bottom of the bluebook of airguns the blueing is worn off in some spots but the stock is in near to perfect condition please respond
jason
As posted in the blog on Wed., Feb. 8, B.B. is out of town & won't be back til Tues., Feb. 14. He won't be able to answer your question til then.
jason,
Your rifle is a Benjamin model 312. The words "Benjamin Franklin" on the side are just a play on the company name.
A working 312 in the condition you describe should be worth $60-75. That's a little higher than the Blue Book allows, but I think they are low on this model.
B.B.
I just found my Benjamin Model 342 .22 cal pellet rifle while moving. It doesn't seem to be holding air and I was wondering if this is something that can be fixed or repaired or is it forever dead? Any help you can give me would be great...links to kits (if they are around), cost of repair, etc. Thank you in advance!
Benjamin 392,
First, there IS something you can try before going further. Get some Crosman Pellgunoil (or Gamo gun oil or Daisy gun oil) at Wal-Mart and drop a few drops on the pump head. To see that, open the swinging pump lever as far as it will go with the rifle laying upside down. Looking through the pump linkage slot, you will just barely see the dark pump head when the lever is all the way forward. Drop several drops of oil on that part and work the pump several times. Somethimes all the seals need is a little oil to reseal.
If you have to get the gun fixed, try George Pena in Austin Texas. The cost will be $30-40 plus shipping. Contact George at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.
After your gun is fixed don't forget to leave one or two pumps in it at all times and you will never have to have it fixed again.
B.B.
B.B.
I have come across a Benjamin Franklin Mod.340 Cal. BB in like new condition.
Am I limited to BB's in it, and if so , what size?
Thank you
BB I too have a B.F. 22cal pellet rifle. I got it in the early 70's from an old man in his 70's who had been bedridden since the mid 60's & it was old when he gave it to me. Not sure of the model but the ser # is H49862, be interested to know what it's worth, but it doesn't really matter I have no intention of selling it. Problem is it no longer pumps up.Any suggestions on getting it working? I used to plink around with it 30 yrs ago, now my son wants to but can't
gmwincw,
B.B. is out of town but will return later this week. He'll answer your questions at that time, if no one else has already done so.
B.B.'s assistant
gmwincw,
Your Benjamin air rifle can be resealed. The model number (or letter, if it is really old) is on the end cap at the rear of the action.
Because you call it a Ben Franklin gun, I think yours was made in the 1930s to 1950s. That's when Benjamin put that on the side of their guns as a joke (it's in quotes).
Contact George Pena about fixing your rifle.
George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.
B.B.
Benjamin 340,
Your Benjamin 340 was made from 1969 to 1986. It is a smoothbore, and was designed to shoot steel BBs, but you should also be able to shoot .177 lead pellets in it.
Regarding BB sizes, all steel BBs are supposed to be the same size. Either Crosman or Daisy BBs will work in your gun.
B.B.
hi there,
i was searching around for info on a benjamin air gun that shoots darts. mine too says "Benjamin Franklin" on the left side but the previous posts have clear that up for me. i was wonder where i could find the model number on it. i found only one number so far, 122. it is on a circular metal plat at the rear of the gun below the bolt. around the number it says "Benjamin Air Rifle Co. St. Louis, U.S. i think it must be pretty old because my grandpa used it for target practice when my dad was a kid.
thanks for the help,
Bill
Bill,
You have a model 122, a front-pump pistol. The Benjamin 122 is a .22-caliber pellet-only pistol made from 1935 to 1941. I wasn't brought back after the war.
Because it has a rifled brass barrel, it was only meant to shoot lead pellets. Shooting brass or steel darts can ruin the soft rifling pretty quick.
Your pistol originally had a thin coat of what we call "black nickel" over a silver nickel surface, on top of brass. The black wore off pretty fast, but the silver was tough and had to be removed intentionally.
Your gun has a valve ranging from a low of $30 to a high of $155.
.B.
so i got a benjamin mod 112 .22 cal and i was wondering what its worth in 60% condition? and im looking for parts anyone know of any place to look i need a trigger for it.
The Blue Book puts a 60 percent Benjamin 112 at $65. As far as parts, the pistols shared similar triggers, so you need to locate a parts gun. Repair centers are not selling their parts to vintage guns.
B.B.
i have a 340 model benjamin franklin air rifle and i would like to gather all the info on it.
The year it was made and how much is it worth. and how much i can get for it. serial# is t312519. if yall have any info please let me know.
I boughtr a winchester model 422 pellet rifle about 10 years ago at a swap meet. near mint condition. I just noticed that they have been reintroduced into the market at a Bass Pro shop in Las Vegas. Mine says made in Germany and small numbers on the barrell 10 71. What can you tell me about this gun, Thanks
Winchester 422,
Your gun was made by Dianawerke and is their model 22. Winchester sold them between 1969 and 1975. Dianas were also sold under many other names, but the Winchester name carries the most demand.
In perfect condition a 422 is worth $65, according to the Blue Book of Airguns.
B.B.
B.B.----Have an air pistol marked (R) Benjamin Franklin B208575 Made in U.S.A. on one side and CAL 22 MODEL 132 on the other. Tootise Roll pump handle and white & Gray mottled plistic grips marked marked Benjamin High Compression. In fairly good condition but has a broken trigger. Where can I find a new trigger..Thanks
Larry Gleasman
Grampa's Gun Shop
Madison, WI
Larry,
Your Benjamin (not Benjamin Franklin, that's just a play on the company name) now exists as parts guns, only. Yours is a relatively late model, but the triggers should all the the same and there were a LOT of 130s, 132s and 137s made from 1946 to 1985. Also, triggers from some of the other models should fit.
Check with John Groenewold, the leading supplier of vintage parts.
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
where can i send a benjamin 312 to git it fixed
George Pena
George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.
B.B.
I acquired a "BENJAMIN FRANKLIN" pump pistol but all i've read above is about .22 cal. There is noway mine is that big. On the round plate in back it has 110in the middle & the St Louis Blurb around it. Its not in great shape (a little brass on the sides, loose and missing screws & what appears to be a bent rear sight). Anyone recognize this?
Your Benjamin 110 is a smoothbore BB gun. It was made to shoot BBs, but Benjamin made the bore large enough to also accept pellets and darts.
Your gun has a transition pump mechanism that is extremely weak. That could explain the missing screws. At this point it's a parts gun worth $30-40.
B.B.
I am working on restoring a model 122 and all has gone well except it wont hold air. What can I do to get it fixed? Do I have to ship it out, or is there something I can do at home?
Thanks, Steve
i have a modle 342 and i need to know if you can buy new seals for it thanks brent
what is a benjamin franklin 22 cal model 132 pump air pistol in working condition worth
In working condition with all brass (no finish) a Benjamin 132 is worth $50.
B.B.
Brent,
I doubt you can buy seals for a 342, but Crosman is the only place to check. They make the seals for all Benjamin guns.
You might be able to adapt 392 seals and use off-the-shelf O-rings.
B.B.
We have a Benjamin Air Rifle. It's a Benjamin 700, 26 shot repeater. It belonged to my husbands grandfather. Do you have any information on this gun? Year it was made.
Your Benjamin 700 was made in the 1930s and no later than 1939, according to the Blue Book of Airguns. It is a multi-pump pneumatic smoothbore that gets several shots per fill of air. It can shoot modern steel BBs.
The value range is from $100 for one in 20 percent condition and working up to $225 for one that's 100 percent. The finish was black nickel over silver nickel over brass.
B.B.
What should you use to clean the barrel of this Benjamin 700? Would I just use regular gun oil?
I have an older model Benjamin Franklin (S/N T157821) model 340. It no longer fires, I think compression is shot. Can you suggest repairman in Dallas, TX area? Any idea of age of gun? I received it about 30 years ago.
Thanks for any/all help.
I have an air rifle that says"Benjamin Franklin" on the left side of the receiver followed by made in usa . The only other information is on the right side of the receiver under the safety it says cock hammer to release safety . There is no coloring left on the metal. It is all brass. My grandfather gave it to me in the early 60s. He used it as a boy and he was born in 1892. Is ther any value to this other than sentimental?
Look at today's blog and send your gun to George Pena in Austin.
B.B.
The book shown at the beginning of this posting has pictures of the early Benjamin guns. Because your gun has no model designation on the back of the receiver, it might very well be an early one.
Is there a piece of angled metal at the rear o0f the receiver that seems to be part of the trigger?
B.B.
I have in my hands a "Benjamin Franklin" -Model 347 4.5mm (177cal)
Serial #194378 made by Benjanin Air Rifle Co.and is in mint condition.
Anyone know if it is worth keeping?
A Benjamin 347 (there are NO Benjamin Franklins - that's just a play on words) in perfect condition is worth $145, according to the Blue Book.
B.B.
Can send pics of "Benjamin Franklin" on rifle.
Mine has a R with a circle around it and then "Benjamin Franklin" on one side and Benjanin Air Rifle Co. on the other.
Thanks,
Tony
Tony,
This is not a good place to sell your rifle. You should try the classified ads, they are free.
www.airguninfo.com
B.B.
OOps!!Didn't know I was interested in selling it.I was offering the pics as information that there is and are 347's out here with
"Benjamin Franklin" -Model 347 4.5mm (177cal)
on one side of the barrel.
Sorry to have given you that impression.
Enjoy your day best regards.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Yes, I know the gun says "Benjamin Franklin" in quotes on the left side of the receiver. The reason it's in quote is because it is a play on the company name, Benjamin. What I was saying before is that there are no Benjamin Franklin airguns, just as there are no cars named Chevy.
B.B.
Thanks for the info.Guess mine isn't all that special after all.
Now I'll try to research my "Havia" model 620 made in Czechoslovakia.
Thanks again,
Tony
I have a Benjamin Franklin air gun On the barrel butte is states Benjamin Air Rifle Co. St Louis USA model 117. It belong to a lady who is about 60 and she said it belong to her gandfather. It is very old and complete and still has power. Is it worth anything. Oh has a walnut handle.
please let me know about this gun
Brenda,
The Benjamin (not Benjamin Franklin - that's a joke played by the company) model 117 was made 1938 to 1941. It have a fr4agile pump mechanism that gets out of order easily.
In perfect condition (an all-black gun in a box) it's worth $175. In average condition (silver and brass showing, no box) it's worth 130. In poor condition (all brass but still shooting) it's worth $100.
B.B.
Just read all the blogs , I too have 312 series 22 cal. pellet gun . all I have been able to find out is the 312 series started in 1932 , My gun serial number is H15835 , 35000 before any recorded number have been placed. could any one tell me more about this gun then I aready know. it has been in my familly for 47-48 years.It is good working condition .
thanks ,,,, saasman
saasman,
The Benjamin 312 was made from 1940 to 1969. There was a change that helps date the guns. The original finish was black nickle over silver nickle over brass.Some time in the late '50s or early '60s the finish changed to paint over brass.
B.B.
I have a Benjamin 100 air pistol with no compression. Where do I get parts to fix it? Is it worth fixing?
Ben. 100,
There are no parts. You can have your gun fixed by George Pena in Austin Texas. The cost will be $30-40 plus shipping. Contact George at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.
Yes, it is worth it.
I had aquired a crosman model 112 from a friend of the family about ten years ago, and was wondering on how I would go about getting a 10 ounce refillable tank or anything else that I might need for it.
Crosman 112,
You don't need a Crosman 10-ounce tank. You just need a paintball tank and an adaptor to adapt it to the threads in the fill port of your pistol. This site has the tanks you need, under ACCESSORIES> PAINTBALL ACCESSORIES
I don't have a source for these adaptors, but they are easy to make. Dennis Quackenbush makes the adaptor to connect a 20-pound (or any size) CO2 tank to a Crosman 10-ounce tank, so he MAY have an adaptor to connect a paintball tank to a gun. He's at
http://www.quackenbushairguns.com
Don't forget to put LOTS of pellgun oil in the fill port before you fill the gun. Chances are 50-50 that the seals still hold, but Pellgunoil will help.
B.B.
I have a Havia model 620 made in Czechoslovakia and I have no info on it. I can't find any onfo on teh web at all about it, and it was my dads when he was a kid. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
George,
I think you have a Slavia. It's a common Czech brand. They were imported in the 1950s and '60s. Pr5eceise Imports Corp. (PIC) was one importer.
They are breakbarrel spring guns and the old ones probably have leather seals, so they should be oiled frequently to maintain power. Drop three drops of regular household oil down the transfer port, which is the hole in the receiver that you see when the barrel is broken open. Let the gun stand on its butt for 30 minutes before shooting.
Your gun is probably worth around $50 if it's in good condition. If it is rifled only use lead pellets - never steel BBs or darts.
B.B.
thanks so much on the info, the wrong spelling of the name is probably why I could not find info, it was in cursive.
I took the recommendation of another poster and had my Benjamin Franklin Model 312 sent to George Pena in Texas. For a resonable price he completely repaired/replaced items on the gun and shipped it back to me in Indiana in short order. He far exceeded by expectations. Highly recommend him. George Pena in Georgetown, TX is the best. RJK
Hi
My Dad has a air gun, "BENJAMIN FRANKLIN" model 150. It has a blued steel look which is about 75% complete.
Could you give me a little idea of this guns age and maybe a value
Thanks
Mac
Your father's pistol is called a Benjamin, not a Benjamin Franklin. That's just a joke using the company name. That's why it is in quotes.
Your father has a fairly valuable air pistol, as long as it still works and has some finish left. It was originally finished in black nickle over silver nickle over brass. If there is some black remaining and no brass showing, the gun is worth about $200. From your description, that sounds like what you have. If you still have the box and instruction sheet and the gun still works, it's worth $300 or a little more.
Never let a regular gunsmith look at this airgun, as one wrong move will destroy the value. Send it to a qualified repair shop.
If there is no black and some brass showing, $150. If it's all brass, it's still a $100 pistol because of the relative rarity.
Find it in the Blue Book of Airguns.
B.B.
I have A "Benjamin Franklin" Model 720 air rifle. Tootsie roll forearm and brass barrel. Serial # H195082. It appears 100% and holds air. What's the value and should I polish the brass? I am sure it would liiok sharp if I did.Thank you all, Marc
Marc,
You have a Benjamin, not a Benjamin Franklin. The company put quotes around that play on their name so people would know it was just a joke.
If you polish the brass you remove all collector value, unless there is zero finish now.
B.B.
Hello B.B.
I have seen you quote current values for various Benjamin Air guns. I currently have a model 132, with about 80 - 85 % of it's bluing left on the pistol, original box the three sheet instructions (including pellet ordering pamphlet). The sight looks good, and it has the tootsie roll pump handle. There are a few scratches on the trigger guard, and it is currently not holding air. I think the seal may be bad (I can hear air escaping when it is pumped)
First question is, Is there a place I can get new seals for this gun?
Secondly , is there some place in the Chicago Suburbs that you can recommend for repair if I am unable to accomplish the task on my own?
And lastly, what would be the value of this pellet pisol, both in it's current state and if and when I am able to get it to function properly?
Thank you for sharing your expertise. Pirologists
Pirologists,
I don't know any fixit styations in the Chicago area. There are only a few reliable ones in the nation, but there are plenty of hacks who'd love to learn by working on your airgun!
A working 132 with the box and papers in the condition of your is worth $150-175.
B.B.
Hello B.B.
I have a "BENJAMIN FRANKLIN" Model 177. It has all it's finnish worn off but I think the brass barrel looks better. I have had this air gun since the late fifties and plan to keep it. Alas the gun needs work, the seal is shot and there are some screws missing. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer everyone's questions. I plan to ship my gun to Mr. Pena in Austin. Thanks again. Del Madsen
heya B.B.
I dont know a thing about these guns, but found one in my gramps old things. Telling you everything I can just by looking at it, it says "Benjamin High Compression" with some sort of HC stamp on the handles. It says Benjamin Franklin on the side. ITs also says CAL 177 and Model 137. Its a little rusty, doesnt seem to be in to bad of shape. I dont think it holds air. Any idea how much it would be worth? Thanks.
A 137 pistol in the condition you describe is worth $30-50. You can get it resealed if you want to shoot it again.
George Pena
George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.
B.B.
found a benjamin 312. holds air but will not fire
says to cock bolt to release safety
bolt moves loosely
what am i missing here?
If the bolt moves you probably don't have a hammer spring.
B.B.
B.B.,
I have a Benjamin model 342 tootsie roll. The buttstock is cracked. Can you tell me where I could get a price list? Thanks.
John Groenewold sells replacement stocks
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
I have Benjamin model 347 .177 cal that was a Christmas gift about 13 or 14 years ago. The butt stock is cracked and I need another one. Does anyone know where I can get one?
Contact this man:
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
B.B.,
I have what must be a model 177 Benjamin Franklin pistol. Silver in color except the grip band, which is a dull gray. Pump end cap has circular ridges, which must be what you are calling Tootsie Roll. Barrel is 7" from breech to muzzle. I remember my father using it in the 50's and I would shoot it on occasion. I have recently dragged it out of the attic. It no longer holds air. Even if I had some gun oil, I'm not sure where to put it. There is a tiny hole in the underside of the pump tube about 3/4" from the muzzle. Would like to get it working again. Suggestions? Estimated value range?
Dave
Dave,
In the condition you describe, your BBenjamin 117 is worth about $100-125.
Try this place for repairs
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
I just found today a "benjamin franklin"137 st louis usa on the back pistol hidden in a 40,s + - house,that is being demolished,it has about 30% brass showing and it works.no other numbers.has rifelings. b.o srl3777@aol.com
I have an old Benjamin Franklin pellet gun rifle #312 - .22 cal. pump action. The stock has a crack in it & I was wondering where I might be able to find a replacement. Please contact with any info. Thank you
For a stock for the Benjamin 312, contact this man:
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
I have an air pistol that says "Benjamin Franklin" on side but does not have any other markings that I can find. Probably shoots .177 BB or pellets. Is there repair kit I can buy for this gun? Seal is worn out.
Ken,
You have a Benjamin air pistol. The words "Benjamin Franklin" are in quotes to connote a play on the company name.
On the back of the gun there is a flat round cap with the model number in large numerals. If you will tell me what those three numbers are, I'll tell you what ammunition it shoots. Not all Benjamin pistols are safe to shoot steel BBs!
Here is the name of a man who can repair your gun for you:
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
I have a Ben Franklin .177 rifle that's been in the family about 50 years. It's in fine working order and very powerful at least compared to the BB guns of my youth.
There are no markings on this gun out side of the safety info near the safety and the Benjamin Franklin name in quotes.
It is a single shot, bolt action, pump that functions very well, still powerful, will go thru a pop can without hardly moving it.
It was passed down to me from my father which I guess dates it to the 40's - mid 50's, guessing.
Trying to figure out the value.
Are you sure there is no writing on the round cap at the rear of the action? That is where Benjamin marked all of its guns in the time frame you are talking about.
I'm going to guess you have a Benjamin 310 underlever pump gun. If it is worn down to brass, it;s worth about $50-75. If it has most of its silbver nickel, it's worth $100. If it has 50 percent of the original black nickel, it's worth $150-175.
B.B.
You are so right. At the rear center it says "317". Around the edge it says " Bejamin Air Rifle Co. St. Louis USA"
There is no nickel or silver , it apppears that it may have been brass all along, I don't even see a trace of the silver nickel. But, then I couldn't even find the model number.
Thanks for the reply
Al
It is an underlever pump with the tootsie roll grip on the pump handle.
Thakns
Al
Al,
It originally had black nickel over silver nickel. As those finishes wore off, someone decided to take it down to brass. That's real common with Benjamin guns. The 317 is the rifles version of the 300 series long guns.
Your rifle was made from 1940 to 1969, but with the toosie roll pump handle, you have one made in the 40s or 50s. The price I gavce you still holds.
B.B.
Thanks for taking the time for the info. It not worth enough to move it and it sure looks good in the gun cabinet.
Al
Just wanted to know an estimated value of a winchester model 423 is?
thanks...
A 423 is worth $60-$100.
B.B.
I've got an older air pistol, A Benjamin 132 pump. It doesn't hold air anymore, and I am trying to locate a place to get it repaired, or at least a place that I can find parts. Please advise. THX
George Pena
George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.
B.B.
Hi B.B.,
I have a "Benjamin Franklin" air rifle, Model 312 .22 cal. Benjamin Air Rifle Co St. Louis Mo on the back end of barrel. It also has a tootsie roll style pump handle. There is a brass tinge showing through the black on the metal. Was wondering value and approx age. Thank you. DR
Sorry BB, I forgot to add that the model 312 does hold air and still shoot. Serial # is H355039 Thanks again DR
DR,
The 312 was made from 1940 to 1969. If yours has silver nickel under the black it's a old one worth $100-150. If it's a painted one, a dark charcoal to dark green, it's worth $80-100 in functioning cindition.
At a gun show you might get 25 percent more for it because they buyers aren't as awaqre of the prices as airgunners are.
I have a real Benjamin Franklin air rifle. Yes, there is a real gun called the Benjamin Franklin. Mine says so on the barrel. Model number 347, and if you like I will provide pictures that prove this. I am sorry, but your comment that "no such airgun ever existed" is simply false.
Landon Norman
Augusta, Ga
Landon,
Your gun is NOT a "Benjamin Franklin" That is a JOKE that the Benjamin Air Rifle Company used to put on the left side of their guns. They put it inside quotes, so people would know it was just a play on the company name.
Whenever quotes are set around a phrase or word that is not actually being spoken, it refers to a play on words or an imprecise naming of the thing.
All Benjamins made between certain dates say "Benjamin Franklin" on the left side of the receiver and it is understood to be a play on words. You can read more about it in the Blue Book of Airguns.
B.B.