Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Fix your Benjamin or Sheridan pneumatic at home!

by B.B. Pelletier

I was flabbergasted when I saw what I'm going to write about today. An actual kit to repair a multi-pump pneumatic is a pretty rare thing. In over 40 years that I've been involved with them, I've never seen a home repair kit.

You don't have to depend on dealers to get your spare parts
While writing about the Benjamin 392/397 rifles yesterday, I was shocked to see a repair kit offered for them! This represents a 180-degree turnaround in policy from the old days, when you couldn't get these parts unless you were a dealer or a company-authorized repair station. It makes me wonder whether this is 2005 or 1905!

The new kit is good for the Benjamin 392, Benjamin 397, Sheridan Blue Streak and Sheridan Silver Streak. Who could ask for anything more?

No directions, so you have to know what you're doing!
Pyramyd Air put this kit together for you but there are no instructions, so you have to be handy or know what you are doing. Many of you are, undoubtedly, qualified. But, if you think you're not, listen to your instinct. It would be better if you had an old, non-collectible airgun that you can risk ruining to test your fix-it skills. Whatever you do, don't practice on your good Blue Streak!

This may work for you whether you're handy or not!
If you struggle to replace the batteries in a garage door opener, this kit may not work for you. There's still a benefit, since people who are technologically challenged often have good friends who can fix anything (they need them!). Buy the kit so your good buddy can install it for you! It's a win-win situation regardless of your own capabilities or interests.

Buy cheap, broken-down guns & repair them yourself!
Knowing this kit is available opens up a lot of possibilities to buy guns at flea markets and pawn shops. So what if they don't work when you get them? You can rebuild them in short order. I'll certainly be a lot more aggressive when looking for older guns that match up with this repair kit.

These parts may not work on older guns
Remember that the Benjamin 390-series rifles have been around since 1992, and the Blue and Silver Streaks have been with us since 1949! The parts in this kit are probably not going to fit the older versions of these guns, so think about that before you take the plunge.

A second repair kit is also available!
Lest you think I've overlooked it, Pyramyd also sells a repair kit for the IZH 46 and 46M. The kit has seals only, but that's all the single-stroke pneumatic needs. If you've used this kit, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Are instructions next?
These two kits are going to generate a demand for instructions. While some customers will sail through the job without stopping, much of American know-how has gone south. As cars, TVs and blenders became more disposable and less repairable over the decades, two generations of Americans have grown up without doing their own simple repairs - unless they had a detailed manual (or even a video!). They expect such support and are often shocked if it isn't instantly available, as in, "Where's the web page?"

For both repair kits, you will need some good silicone oil, and I recommend Crosman Pellgunoil. Buy it when you order your kit so you don't forget. Let me know how the Benjamin Sheridan repair kit works for you.

139 Comments:

At November 20, 2005 8:44 AM, Anonymous Orville said...

REGARDING REPAIR KIT ON THE BENJAMIN AIR GUN.
IN THE EARLY 70'S,I GOT A MODEL 1400 CROSMAN THAT WAS UNDER THE COLEMAN NAME AT THAT TIME. THE GUN LOST POWER AND I CONTACTED CROSMAN AND THEY SENT ME A COMPLETE REPAIR KIT.I REPAIRED THE GUN IN 1981.AND WITH THE REPAIR KIT THEY SENT AN EXPLODED VIEW OF PARTS AND PRICE LIST.INSTRUCTIONS STATED THEY ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THOSE WHO USE WITHOUT PROPER FACTORY TRAINING.I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE OF SOME INTEREST TO YOU THAT THEY HAD REPAIR KITS BACK IN THE 80'S FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

ORVILLE

 
At November 20, 2005 10:23 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Orville,

That was then. They probably wouldn't do that today. The company has undergone major rethinking about their repair policies.

Those were the good old days!

B.B.

 
At January 22, 2006 9:39 AM, Anonymous charles said...

I am trying to find a seal kit for benjamin 22 cal modl 342

 
At January 22, 2006 9:39 AM, Anonymous charles said...

This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

 
At January 22, 2006 12:21 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Charles,

There are no seal "kits" for Benjamins, as we know them. Crosman did away with the stock of parts for vintage airguns in the 1990s. What repair centers do now is make their own kits from parts they buy. It's expensive unless you are doing a lot of fixing. It's cheaper to send a gun to a repairman. There are four listed at this address:

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2005/07/co2-and-pneumatic-guns-where-to-get.html

Good luck with your gun and remember to keep a pump of air in it all the time after it's fixed.

B.B.

 
At January 28, 2006 6:40 PM, Anonymous Jeff Rodgers said...

I have an older Sheridan Silver Streak with the hold down safety. I need to purchase the entire pump assembly and forearm with pins. I recieved the gun without the above parts and also need the forearm wood.
Does anyone have any idea where I could purchase these parts or where to send the gun to to have this refitted and fixed?
Thanks!

 
At January 28, 2006 6:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

please email jeffrodgers208@hotmail.com with response

 
At February 19, 2006 9:53 AM, Anonymous Tom Gerber said...

I am looking for a trigger gaurd - the metal piece that goes around the trigger . And the screws for it. If anyone knows where I can get them please email me at tom@ktgerber.com. Thx

 
At February 19, 2006 9:54 AM, Anonymous Tom Gerber said...

Dang - sorry didn't post complete info. I am looking for the parts for a Sheridan Silver Streak purchased in the early 1970's.

Thx

 
At February 22, 2006 12:32 PM, Anonymous gilbert.thomas@coaie.com said...

My wife got, from her God-Father when he died a Benjamin Franklin pump 177 cal Brass model 317 and I think the s/n is 102870, those are the only numbers on the gun. It worked fine on Starlings on my purple martin house lsat year, I kept air in it after I shot, but it won't hold air this year. We live in Houston our zip code is 77095. I would like to repair it my self but if I can't get a kit I will take to someone but I need a name and address and tel #. Thanks for you help! gilbert

 
At March 24, 2006 5:42 PM, Anonymous Mike in CO said...

I am trying to replace a broken main spring in a Benjamin Sheridan Legacy 1000 (15,000+ shots). I have removed the broken spring, and plan to order a new one from Crosman or Pyramid. Any tips?

 
At March 25, 2006 8:22 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Mike,

A broken mainspring in such a short time indicates some other problem.

You might want to replace the spring with a better one from John Groenewold.

B.B.

 
At April 13, 2006 6:54 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am looking for a repair kit for a sheridan E series .20cal Co2 Pistol. I think it is a teflon seal. The kit ideally should include tooling.
Any ideas.
cheers

 
At April 13, 2006 7:35 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Crosman does not sell parts to the public, and some obsolete parts are no longer available.

You'll have to deal with a repair center for your gun.

Sorry,

B.B.

 
At April 13, 2006 7:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I did buy the sheridan around the early 90's. I am suprised that it is obsolete. I can probably make a seal,but the problem is getting to it. What tool do I need? I saw someone offering a kit for benjamin sheridan rifle which included tools.
BTW I am glad I found this site, it has been of great assistance to me.

 
At April 14, 2006 7:11 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Sheridan owner,

You need a deep-hole spanner. If you want to work on your gun, I recommend you contact Dean Fletcher (google him) and buy some of his bound Crosman repair manuals. There you will see what tools are requiresd and how to make them.

B.B.

 
At April 17, 2006 8:04 AM, Blogger CG said...

My father-in-law just gave my wife the Silver Streak that she used in about 1954. This gun has no markings except "Silver Streak" on the left side of the reciever and "Sheridan Products, Racine" on the other side. It has a hold down safety. How can I tell the caliber of pellet used? Will the repair kit you mention work on this gun?

 
At April 17, 2006 8:36 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

CG,

The only caliber Sheridan has ever been is .20 (5mm). Any other caliber and it's not a Sheridan.

The kit mentioned will not fit a gun as old as yours. I recommend you contact George Pena for repairs. George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.

B.B.

 
At April 22, 2006 9:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello BB
Glad I found your blog, I am really enjoying the information. I have a question that I hope you can help me with regarding an old Sheridan pellet rifle. I am familiar with firearms but I haven't had much to do with air rifles. The question is, how can you tell when you're looking at an original Sheridan Sporter vs the early model of the Sheridan Blue Streak?
I have been searching the internet and haven't found the answer yet, I did find some info that stated there were only 1040 Sporters made and then they started making the BLue and Silver Streaks.
I recently looked at one that has a silver colored receiver (aluminum I believe), a beautiful walnut stock, on the left side of the receiver is the word "Sheridan" and on the right side it has "Sheridan products inc Racine Wis Pat. Appl'd for". The barrel has a blue finish on it and it has peep sights. What kind of value would there be in the old Blue Streak or in the Sporter?
Thanks for any help you can give me.

 
At April 25, 2006 11:55 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi BB
My posting is also the one right above this one. Another question has surfaced as I read your web site more thoroughly. You mention in one of your postings that with the Sheridan Model A Super you have to cock it first before you pump it. I would assume from what I have been able to find out that this would also apply to the Model B sporter. As I mentioned the world of airguns is new to me so please forgive my ignorance but just what do you mean by cocking the gun first before you pump it up. What would the procedure be? At this point in time I am fairly certain that the Sheridan I am dealing with is a Sporter but I am still not positive as I am waiting to hear your reply to my earlier query.
Thanks again in advance.

 
At April 26, 2006 8:01 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Model B,

Yes, the model B has the same valve as the model A. You do have to cock it before you can pump.

To cock the gun, pull the bolt to the rear until you hear a click.

Your model B is a prime collectible and should never be refinished or re-sealed by anyone except a qualified expert. Look at the oldest Silver Streak in this blog. If your gun doesn't look like that, then it's probably a Sporter.

The value depends on the condition of the gun. It would range from a low of $400 for a parts gun to a high of $1,500 for one that's new in the box. The average model B in good condition brings $800-900 these days.

B.B.

 
At April 26, 2006 1:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

B.B.
I thank you very much.You solved my problem. When I first got the gun it would not pump up and hold air, I thought it was defective. I followed your instructions and now everything is fine. The safety now works also, before it would not come out of the fire position. I will store it with a pump of air in it. Should it be stored cocked and if not how can it be uncocked without fireing it?

I viewed the photo of the old silver streak and while the overall look is very similar it is not exactly the same as this one.

I believe this is a sporter. It has a much larger receiver than you would find on a .22 single shot rifle,it is silver in color and I believe it is aluminum or some type of alloy. Both the barrel and the air tube fit into the front of it. It has a peep sight at the rear of the receiver, also there appears to be more barrel length past the end of the stock than there is on the streak.

I felt it went a long ways back when I noticed it said "PAT. APPL'D FOR" on the right side of the receiver.

I am not sure how you grade these things but I would say it is in excellent original condition and does not appear to have ever been tamperd with. The blue finish on the barrel only has a few small scuffs,the stock and its finish are pretty much 100%. It came with two round tins of Sheridan pellet's called Bantam 5's. There is no pellet count on the tin but they look like they would be about 250 per tin, one is full to the top and the other is about half full and judging by the condition of this gun I think they may be the original pellets bought at the same time and that may be all it was ever fired.

After what you have told me I am not sure if it would be proper or wise to use this beautiful old gun or weather it would be better kept strictly to display for a great example of its kind that it is. It just shows quality from any and every angle.

Do you recommend the use of Pelgun oil or any other product to protect and keep this old girl in good condition.

Again, many many Thanks for the valuable info. and for providing such a great blog and source of help for people such as me. I find I am tuning in every day now.
Best Regards

 
At April 26, 2006 4:40 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Sheridan Sporter owner,

Well, that is a pleasure! We saved a good old gun by your patience and research.

From your description I believe you have a Sporter and I'd say it is probably worth between $900 and $1,200.

Don't shoot those old pellets. They are collector's items, too, as is the tin. You can shoot any .20 caliber pellet in your rifle, with the Benjamin pellets being close to the originals. Pyramyd Air has more choice than any dealer I know.

I have several valuable old firearms and airguns and what I do is shoot them on occasion. I think your rifle would enjoy that. Oil the pump head with three drops of Crosman Pellgunoil. Buy it here at Pyramyd Air. To see the pump head, flip the rifle on its back and open the pump handle as far as it will go. The pump head will just rise to the end of the pump slot in the bottom tube. Simply drop the oil on the head and work the pump several times to spread it around. Do this once a year and your gun will last a century or more.

To store your rifle with a pump of air, put the air in then hold the bolt back while you pull the trigger - disengaging the sear. Bu letting the bolt go forward you then ride the hammer slowly down so it doesn't pop the valve open.

Thanks for your feedback and enjoy one of the finest air rifles ever made,

B.B.

 
At June 11, 2006 10:17 AM, Anonymous Jim T. said...

I bought the C9 kit but am having trouble getting to the valve assembley. I have the gun apart but don't see how to get it out. Does it take any special tools? Which end does it come out of? Also to get the bolt seal out does that small screw/bolt take a special socket?
The gun is probably over 30 years old. It has the toggle safety.
I can easily get to the pump seal. I think this is really all that is wrong with the gun but not totally sure. It will actually work but sometimes when you pump it it won't hold a pump unless you pump it quickly to trap the air.
As a kid I remember pumping it to twenty pumps. I had no idea that it might damage the gun. Could it?
That pump seal is fairly hard and brittle. If this is my only problem then I am okay and can replace that easily.
Any suggestions that may help me finish this job would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Jim

 
At June 11, 2006 10:40 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Jim,

Let's proceed as though the valve is okay and the pump seal is the problem. Your description of fast pumping does describe that fault.

Yes special tool are required to remove the valve. You need to examine the valve from both ends. As old as the gun is, the valve body will be made of brass. You will see slots on the end of the valve body. A special spanner engages these slots and that end of the valve unscrews to access the inner parts.

Make a spanner by grinding off the sides of a socket that just fits inside the pump tube. You want square ends on either side of the socket that will fit into the slots. The first time you do this you have to estimate the slot size by eyeball then check the fit. Then a long socket extension (I use one 18 inches in length) can be used with the socket to unscrew the valve end.

If this seems daunting, don't try it! You would do better sending the gun to a repair station than possibly damaging it in some way that makes it unrepairable.

But as you mention, the pump head is easy to fix, so try that first. Once you fix it, remember to keep the pump head lubricated with Crosman Pellgunoil.

Yes, over-pumping your gun could have done damage to it. The first thing to go would be the pump linkage, whose holes would have elongated from the strain. And your velocity would have been very low before over-pumping stressed the mechanism to the point that it became inefficient.

If you need the address of a repair center, let me know. If you have an over-stressed pump linkage, there is only one place that can do the repair.

B.B.

 
At June 11, 2006 11:07 AM, Anonymous Jim T. said...

Amazingly quick response! :-)
Thanks for the great information.
I think I will go with replacing the pump head for now. I did buy some of the Crosman Pellgunoil you recommended too.
It's also amazing how much gunk is in these parts. The gun hasn't been shot much in the past 30 or so years. One weekend at a deer camp was the most action it has had. It seems to be very accurate and powerful still to this day.
It would be great if a good cleaning and replacing the pump head would do the trick.
Actually though fabricating a tool to get out the valve assembly does sound like fun I won't try it at this point. Maybe a project for another day.
When you talk about pump linkage holes getting elongated... I may have to take another look at that to see what you are talking about. Is that easily identified? Are you talking about where the linkage arms are connected? It is a little wiggly but not bad at all.
The gun always seemed to have plenty of power and didn't seem to leak air that I know of. I never noticed anything like that. What would some of the symptoms of that problem be?
Thanks again and I'll let you know how it comes out.
-Jim

 
At June 11, 2006 12:51 PM, Anonymous Jim T. said...

All I can say is:
Oh
My
Gosh!
Replacing that pump head did the trick!
I could tell with the first pump. This gun shoots like it's brand new.
I'd just like to say thank you to BB and pyramidair.
Now to go massacre some coke cans!
Thanks again all.
-Jim

 
At June 12, 2006 7:03 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Jim,

I'm so glad it worked out for you.

Remember to always store your gun with a pump of air in it and it will last for decades.

B.B.

 
At June 14, 2006 12:05 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi,

Thanks for your blog. I'm looking for the following parts for a Benjamin Model 347 (serial T273552): trigger guard & screws, sight bridge (piece that allows you to adjust sight up and down). I live in Austin, Texas.

Thanks.

JR

 
At June 14, 2006 8:16 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

JR,

Your best bet is to either buy a parts gun or contact the repair stations to see if they will sell one. George Pena is closest.

George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.

You could also make what you need since it is pretty simple. All it takes is a small piece of steel and a Dremel tool.

The part is called the elevator.

B.B.

 
At November 12, 2006 2:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Guys,

I have an old Blue Streak. I've been following the blog--very helpful. My son overpumpted it. I lost pressure at the valve. I made my own deep hole spanner--worked great. While wondering how to get the valve out i pumped the gun and it shot out! Now, i dont know what order they go back in. Does anyone have an exploded parts view? Or can anyone help explain me through it? I have digital camera and can take photos...

The parts all look like the ones in the 'repair kit' mentioned earlier. However, i have 2 springs and only one shows in the parts kit.

Any help would be appreciated

jim@vpfamily.com

 
At November 15, 2006 9:51 PM, Blogger newTEXairguner said...

can someone tell me where to get a O ring for the bolt of a sheridan silver streak C9?
what size is this ring?

 
At November 16, 2006 6:15 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Any good hardware store sells O-rings. The question you need answered is the size. You do know that Pyramyd Air sells a rebuild kit for this rifle?

B.B.

 
At November 17, 2006 9:37 AM, Anonymous reed said...

I have a early 1970's model Blue Streak that was working when I moved. I may have discharged it before the move. After the move it would not pump up. I have E-Mailed George Pena with no response. Can't find a repair shop in the area which I live and I realize by reading your comments there is a repair kit with no instructions. Does anyone know of a repair shop where I can send the gun to be fixed. My last resort will be to order the kit and phone a friend to help.

 
At November 17, 2006 9:49 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Reed,

Thanks fror checkijng with George first. He may be on vacation. Here's another place that fixed Blue Streaks:

Rick Willnecker Contact him at airgunshop@aol.com or call 717-382-1481.

Let me know if he cannot help you.

Pyramyd Air can also repair your Blue Streak. They might be the best, since they also sell the kit.

Call 888-262-4867 and ask for Boris or email boris@pyramydair.co to confirm they can do the job.

B.B.

 
At December 04, 2006 12:11 PM, Anonymous Wade said...

Seems several people are repairing the Blue and Silver Streaks...I am think of doing the same thing. I noticed a couple of posts up where a question was posed regarding drawings and/or pictures. I would like to learn what the fore-mentioned parts are and where they're located on the rifle. Any update?

Also read somewhere (may have been here) about the older model Blue/Silver Streaks may not work with the repair kits sold today. Any idea of a time frame where the kits won't work? Mine was purchased in the mid-1970's.

One last question...hope it doesn't sound dumb...what is the model number for a Blue Streak? I've seen "C9" somewhere.

 
At December 04, 2006 12:17 PM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Wade,

C9 is the model number for the Blue Streak. Your gun was made by Sheridan, probably when they were owned by Benjamin but before Crosman bought Benjamin, so the modern parts probably will not fit your rifle.

B.B.

 
At December 14, 2006 4:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have a Sheridan model C and I am trying to replace the valve. I made a deep hole spanner and it worked but the valve still wont come out. Does anyone know how to get the valve out?

Thank you in advance, your help is appreciated

Dean,

as52673@hotmail.com

 
At January 19, 2007 3:11 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

B.B.
Thanks for the list of repairmen. George Pena is just up the road from me.

I've had a Benjamin model 312, serial H153906 since I was a kid (ruined a few shirt collars pumping that baby up!).

It no longer holds air and I was hoping to fix it myself but I saw your post that no one makes kits. I'll bet it's worth repairing.

Bruce
San Antonio, TX

 
At February 01, 2007 10:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have a Sheridan H series Pump pellet pistol. Anyone know anything about these? It looks pretty old. Grips are plastic and pump handle is wood. Is this normal? Any idea how to obtain a rear sight for it? I have squirrels that want to die! (They just don't know it yet)
Thanks
Phil
In Abilene, TX

 
At February 02, 2007 8:03 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Phil,

Your Sheridan pistol is correct. If it says Sheridan on the side it was made between 1982 and 1990 in Wisconsin by Benjamin. If it doesn't, it was either made in Racine or in NY after Crosman bought Benjamin.

It is not powerful enough to kill squirrels reliably.

B.B.

 
At February 09, 2007 8:07 PM, Anonymous Sherry said...

Hi, everyone can you tell me where I can get the 5mm ammo. I work in a Wal-Mart store and have had several customers looking for it. Where can they purchase it? email me please at spaar2020@aol.com. thank you so much.

 
At February 09, 2007 8:10 PM, Blogger Sherry said...

I need the 5mm ammo, where can i get it?

 
At February 10, 2007 7:12 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Sherry,

The best source of 5mm pellets for Wal-Mart is Crosman. Wal-Mart already does a lot of business with Crosman, and Crosman owns Benjamin Sheridan. The Sheridan Blue Streak and Silver Streak pellet rifles (Models CB9 and C9) use 5mm pellets. 5mm is also called .20 caliber.

What you want to ask for is Benjamin Sheridan .20 caliber Cylindrical. They come 500/tin.

B.B.

 
At March 07, 2007 4:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

My husbandf has an old Sheridan that won't cock. It looks like the model is -C. Is this rifle worth repairing? He aalso has the Sheridan 500 cylindrical lead air pellets 5mm. Keep or toss?
Ike

 
At March 08, 2007 6:54 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Ike,

The gun is worth repairing. Call this guy:

George Pena
George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.

The pellets are collector's items, though the value is low. In the Yellow plastic box they're worth at least $10. In the red tin can they are worth $25.

B.B.

 
At March 10, 2007 11:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello there very pleased to find this site. We have 2 Sheridan "blue streaks". One My grandmother bought for my dad in Australia in 1967 it has been totally reliable and has never been serviced or had anything replaced. The only numbers I can find on it are minute numbers to the left of the breach it says 8691A can you tell anything from this ? Our other rifle is broken. when you pump it the air seems to come straight out the barrel ? In fact you can hear it. What would be wrong with that ? I look forward to your reply . "MO" in England

 
At March 11, 2007 11:01 AM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

MO,

Sheridan didn't put serial numbers on their guns until the 1970s, so the number on your father's gun is a parts number.

I can't tell youn much. You probably have a rocker safety Blue Streak that, in working condition is worth about $80 in the U.S. I can't say what it is worth in the UK because there it requires an FAC. The gun develops 14 foot-pounds or more on 8 pumps, so I imagine it is difficult to sell there.

B.B.

 
At March 26, 2007 4:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am 35 years old and have owned my sheridan blue streak for 17 years. It has had a weaver scope on it the whole time. Recently I took aim on a flying rat about 150 feet away and when i squeezed the trigger a blast of air hit my face....the barrel seperated from the pumphouse. Is this repairable??? Thanks alot.. love your blog... jim drath

 
At March 26, 2007 4:47 PM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Jim,

When the barrel separates it's all over. The barrel is soldered along its entire length at manufacture. A repair job is possible, but very costly because it's hit and miss. The Intermount they used to sell pinched between the barrel and pump tube and eventually separated the two.

There might be repair alternatives like epoxy bonding, but I am not familiar with them.

I think this is a job for Crosman.

B.B.

 
At April 03, 2007 12:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i am having a lot of trouble finding a reseal kit for a benjamin model 347. when i try and pump it, it just dosent build up. any idea where i can get ahold of one? thanks! -Ben, port arthur, TX

 
At April 06, 2007 2:48 PM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Ben,

You might try this guy:

George Pena
George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.

I think he would rather do the job for you.

B.B.

 
At May 18, 2007 6:53 PM, Blogger usabaker said...

I just found an old Sheridan Blue Streak 5m/m in my garage. I thought I had got rid of it years ago. It needs a pivot for the joint on the forarm to the pump. Anyone know of a place you can post old air rifles like this one for sale? eBay wont allow it.

 
At May 19, 2007 8:58 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

usabaker,

The best place to do this job is:

Mac-1 http://www.mac1airgun.com 310-327-3581

B.B.

 
At June 28, 2007 3:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have a Sheridan C9 vintage mid 1950's and the gun will not hold pressure for more than 5 minutes. It looks like Pyramyd has a valve kit so I took the gun apart, removed the rear cylinder so I could get to the valve, removed the stock nut and pulled it out of the rear cylinder. How do you remove the cylinder valve to replace the O-rings, etc? I did not want to buy the kit until I saw the original to see if it matched? Thanks.

 
At June 28, 2007 4:15 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

A Sheridan is not an easy gun to learn on! It uses the main tube as the valve body. You have to have a special valve retaining nut wrench to remover the retaining nur.

The tools are sold on several websites, but they don't come with instructions.

Here is a set of tools on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ultimate-Sheridan-Air-Rifle-Seal-Kit-Tool_W0QQitemZ320131450809QQcmdZViewItem

B.B.

 
At June 29, 2007 8:35 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW! Thanks for the quick response. Since there is additional expense involved and I have never done this kind of repair, I may be better off letting a repair service fix the cylinder. Could you suggest a repair location and potential price range for repair? I live in Pittsburgh, PA. Thanks for your help.

 
At June 29, 2007 9:19 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Since you have to send the gun off, it doesn't matter where it goes, but you are in luck.

Rick Willnecker Contact him at airgunshop@aol.com or call 717-382-1481.

He's in PA!

B.B.

 
At June 29, 2007 4:04 PM, Blogger roblarry2 said...

I have a Benjamin model 3120. My wife got it at a garage sell for $10. I don't know much about it. Came with an old green BENJAMIN tin that gave no shot count but said one pound at the top. It is a .22 cal repeater. Thats all I know about the gun. Any information will be helpful.

 
At June 30, 2007 7:40 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

roblarry,

The 3120 was made from 1959-1985. It is a .22 caliber rifle that's an 85-shot repeater. It shoots .22-caliber lead balls.

Don't shoot the bn\alls in the green tin because they have collector value. Get more .22 balls from Sunshine Airguns in Miami.

In average condition your rifle is worth $100.

B.B.

 
At September 09, 2007 5:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Will the aforementioned kit work on a 397P (.177cal/4.5mm) ?

 
At September 09, 2007 6:35 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

The kit is listed to work on a 397. I don't know what a 397P is. Can you elaborate?

B.B.

 
At September 19, 2007 6:18 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

B.B

I have a 1960's Sheridan with the rocker safety. I recently inherited this gun from my uncle. This is the same rifle my uncle taught me how to shoot on in the early 60s'.
After having a scope mounted on it for many years, the Sheridan intermount has separated the barrel from the tube. I was able to solder the barrel back down but now it is looking kind of ratty. I would like to strip and get it nickel plated before I send it to Mac1 for the steroid treatment. I work in a musical instrument factory so I have access to buffers and there is a plating company in town.

How do I remove the bolt? Is it necessary to remove the valve cylinder from the tube? If so, how do I remove it? I know I need to keep plating out of the barrel but do I also need to keep it out of the tube?
Also, the butt plate is missing and I would like to know where I could find a replacement.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom

 
At September 19, 2007 6:46 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Tom,

If you have to ask how the bolt comes out I don't think this is a job you want to tackle. There is a plate on the left side of the receiver that comex off and the bolt retention lug is then unscrewed.

Your gun must be 100 percent diassembled before going into the plating bath. That means the pump mechanism, hammer mechanism, trigger and valve must all be pulled out.

There are no buttplates on a rocker safety Sheridan that I know of. If yours had one, chances are someone installed it after the fact.

B.B.

 
At September 19, 2007 7:27 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

B.B.

I neglected to say in my previous post that the gun is completely disassembled except for the bolt and valve casing. The guts are removed from the valve assembly.
The bolt retention lug appears to be pinned but with no exit hole. Perhaps a 1/8" socket is all that is needed to remove the lug?
I still would like info on removing the valve casing. I don't want to try something that would damage it.
Thanks,
Tom

 
At September 19, 2007 7:55 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

B.B.
I did get the bolt out using a 1/8" socket! It was not pinned.
Now I only need to know how to remove the valve casing.
Thanks,
Tom

 
At September 19, 2007 9:06 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Tom,

I take it that you've alread removed the part that requires a special spanner? If not, that's what you need. Look down inside the gun with a strong light and you'll see what the spanner has to look like. It can be ground fron a socket that fits inside the tube.

B.B.

 
At September 19, 2007 10:18 PM, Blogger Ray said...

Need a part for a Benjamin 317, A bolt...do you have a line on used or new old stock parts like that...Or maybe someone who has custom made parts.

Thank you,
Ray W.
Phoenix, AZ

ray@rawhitetravel.com

 
At September 20, 2007 6:24 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Ray,

These parts are seldom sold as parts. The repairmen buy non-working guns and use the parts to fix other guns.

You probably need to find a used 317 for sale. Here's a good contact:

John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
http://www.jgairguns.biz

B.B.

 
At October 27, 2007 7:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, I have a crossman benjamin Sheridan 392 pa and I cant seem to find the problem. I pump the gun(once or twice) and pull the trigger nothing, when I open the gun and push in the pin on the cylinder the air is released. if you know what is wrong email me: 232.nick@gmail.com

 
At October 27, 2007 8:31 PM, Anonymous B.B. Pelletier said...

Nick,

The hammer is failing to open the gun's valve. The hammer could be stuck, due to too much lubrication that got gummy, or the mainspring could be broken. Also the valve could be stuck and require too much pressure to open.

Since you know how to dump the valve, is it safe to assume you have been inside the gun before?

Your gun needs a complete overhaul, including the replacement of springs and seals.

B.B.

 
At November 23, 2007 12:52 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have never seen so many people slide around a question... DOES ANYBODY HAVE A GOOD EXPLODED VIEW OF A C9... I want to fix mine, not send it off. Can anybody help???

 
At November 23, 2007 6:53 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

C9 owner,

Go to this place for help:

http://www.network54.com/Index/12861

B.B.

 
At November 24, 2007 3:48 PM, Anonymous Adam said...

Dear bb, I have a 392 Benjamin Sheridan. Ive opened it up before, and it dosnt look like what is included in the kit. What I need is a teflon, cylinder shaped thingy that stops the aif from leaking out, mine is slowly leaking air because it is damaged. Any ideas?

 
At November 24, 2007 4:25 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Adam,

That thingy is called a valve. It leaks because there is a nick on the edge that seals or in the brass valve seat in the gun.

It can be refinished by chucking it in a hand drill and holding it against a fine file.

Or contact this man about new parts:

John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
http://www.jgairguns.biz

B.B.

 
At November 24, 2007 5:53 PM, Anonymous adam said...

Thankyou very much bb. Your passion for air guns is an inspiration for us all.

 
At November 24, 2007 9:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have a CB9 that is about 20 years old. The gun would not pump air so I got a rebuild kit and replaced the piston head. now when i pump it it moves air, but will not hold it. I can hear the air moving, but it goes out the barrel. I then replaced the stem in the valve and the lead washer. still no luck. Does the valve need to glued into the black cylinder? Or is something else wrong?? Any ideas ( and please dont say to send it to get fixed ) Thx
Mike

 
At November 25, 2007 7:18 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Mike,

Whenever you rebuild a valve you should do everything at one time. I assume you did replace the valve return spring when you replaced the valve stem? It sounds like there is some dirt in the valve that's keeping the valve from seating against the face. Or the face itself has a small nick in it.

You mention replacing the valve stem but not the valve itself. If you didn't replace that the gun would still leak.

Glue isn't necessary.

B.B.

 
At November 26, 2007 10:02 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks BB

When I put it it had two springs in it with a little plastic spacer between them. I did NOT replace the springs, could this be the problem.

Mike

 
At November 26, 2007 11:39 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Mike,

I doubt it's the springs. I think it's dirt or a nick on the valve face.

B.B.

 
At December 13, 2007 3:09 AM, Blogger rodigjl said...

Hello, I am selling my benjamin sheridan model # 397p 4.5mm I was wondering how much you think I should sell it for? My e-mail address is rodigjl@aol.com Hope to hear from you. Thanks!

 
At December 13, 2007 9:01 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

rodigjl,

Sell it for what you think you can get. The 397 is still made, so it isn't collectible.

You might put it on American Airguns free classified page. This one blog page probably gets five views per week, while they get several thousand views each day.

B.B.

 
At December 17, 2007 9:18 PM, Anonymous thony said...

good day to all. just want to ask what is wrong with my Benjamin Franklin 317 air rifle, coz i cant feel any pressure going in the cylinder. i think there is a problem with the gasket or seal which pushes the air to trap it. thanks for your help guys.

thony_888@yahoo.com

 
At December 18, 2007 9:32 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

thony,

Parts for a Benjamin 317 have not been available for more than a decade. Airgunsmiths make them as they need them.

Contact this place for repairs, not parts:

Rick Willnecker Contact him at airgunshop@aol.com or call 717-382-1481.

B.B.

 
At December 21, 2007 8:16 AM, Anonymous colobob said...

Glad I found your site. I have a couple of questions I'm hoping you can help me with. I have a Sheridan Blue Streak that I purchased (I believe) sometime in the 70'S. The serial number is 012968. This rifle has seen very little use and functions perfectly. I would grade the condition to be about 90% or better. I can't find a model number designation other than Blue Streak. The forearm is straight and not stepped down as in recent models. The majojity of the components ie., bbl, air chamber, piston (nicle plated?), all appear to be made of brass. First can you date this rifle for me? Can you give me an approx. value in the above condition. Is there a schematic or exploded parts drawing available somewhere. Finally, I have way too many firearms (and no time) already and this pellet gun is just going to waste sitting in a closet. Is there a market for this rifle? Seems a shame its not being used or collected by someone interested in air rifles. My interest is in firearms. Would appreciate any info you can provide me. Thanks.

 
At December 21, 2007 9:14 AM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Colobob,

You have a SILVER Streak, not a Blue Streak. Same gun, different finish.

Your rifle was probably made in 1976.

You can sell it, Bob, but you're making a big mistake if you do. Remember back in 1964 when Pontiac GTOs were selling for $3,000? Now some of them pull in a cool million.

Silver Streaks of your vintage and condition bring anywhere from $100 to $135, which doesn't sound like much right now, but in 15 years when your Ruger 77 is still worth $600, your Sheridan could be, as well. I sold a 1949 Supergrade Sheridan for $650 about 5 years ago. Now they're worth $2,000.

If you really want to sell, put up a free ad on the American Airguns web page and you will sell it in three days. Heck, I'll give you $100 plus shipping for a rifle that holds and is in 90 percent condition.

http://www.airguns.net/classifieds/classifieds.html

B.B.

 
At December 30, 2007 3:06 PM, Anonymous dstier said...

B.B.

I just read your post on the repair kit offered for the Benjamin 392/297 rifles. Your post said that the kit would for the Blue Streak and Silver Streak.

I have a Sheridan "C Series" (I think it is a Blue Streak) from about 1990, and the air leaks out down the barrel everytime it is pumped. When I clicked on the repair kit link that you referenced, it states that the kit does not fit the Sheridan Blue Streak (CB9) or Silver Streak (C9).

Will this kit work for my air rifle?

Thanks

 
At December 30, 2007 3:29 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

dstier,

I don't think it will. Your rifle was produced before Crosman merged the designs and made all the pump rifles from similar parts.

This guy will reseal your rifle:

Rick Willnecker Contact him at airgunshop@aol.com or call 717-382-1481.

B.B.

 
At January 06, 2008 10:36 AM, Anonymous hunterswife said...

my husband has a 30 some odd year old Sheridan blue streak, and needs some repair parts for it, if anyone has any knowledge of this, please contact me at papillon_luv@yahoo.com

thank you

 
At January 06, 2008 12:21 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

hunterswife,

There are no parts commonly available for this rifle. Crosman (the manufacturer) got rid of them all in the 1990s.

Here are some places that can fix your husband's rifle:

Rick Willnecker in PA. Contact him at airgunshop@aol.com or call 717-382-1481.

George Pena in TX.
George is at heligun1@msn.com or 512-863-2951.

B.B.

 
At January 31, 2008 11:26 AM, Anonymous BOGDOG said...

I have an old Sheridan Blue Streak from the 70's. It would not pump up. I took another beat up one apart and looked at the pump assembly then I took mine apart. The seals on both pump assemblys are very hard and brittle. I reassembled mine and it seems to be working now. I want to know if there is somewhere that I can by a replacement seal or a piston assembly it seems like it would be very easy to replace this if availabe.

 
At January 31, 2008 7:09 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

BOGDOG,

Parts for older models are seldom available. You can try John Groenewold, but I doubt he'll sell the parts because he has to make them.

http://www.jgairguns.biz/gpage3.html1.html

B.B.

 
At February 06, 2008 2:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just got a leaky 392 for a little bit of cash and needs a little bit of work. First off O-rings what are the sizes? I need a # or some dimensions (ID, OD & wall) to replace them with. 2.Valve: unscrewed the valve body looked inside looks like moisture got in there and dried up and left behind hard water deposits (white flakey crust) trying to think of the best way to clean it out. (Help). Shot a few pellets through the Chrony before I took it apart it got around 600 fps with Benjamin 14.3 Diabolos. Then cocked the bolt again without pumping it up pulled the trigger then more air came out. (Didn’t over pump the time before) Weak hammer spring? (Just guessing not sure). Shouldn't I be getting more than 600 fps? If so is it the valve, o-rings, weak hammer spring or D: all of the above :-) or is there more to it. I need more insight. So Thanks you I LOVE this STUFF!!! Can’t get enough & B.t.w Great Blog!!!.
Bret

 
At February 06, 2008 6:12 PM, Blogger B.B. Pelletier said...

Bret,

Clean the metal parts in carburetor cleaner.

600 f.p.s. is just about right. Maybe 620 is tops.

B.B.

 
At February 06, 2008 7:24 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the carburetor cleaner idea on the 392. Any idea on the sizes on the three O-rings. I know your really busy minding this blog.
Should I go down to home depot? or any other ideas. thanks again.
Bret