This report covers:
- Sometimes the bear wins
- Starting with the HW 35
- TX200
- History of the TX
- Benjamin multi-pump
- Why do they last?
- Summary
Sometimes the bear wins
People ask me how I can write five blogs each week. I tell them it’s usually no problem because there are plenty of things to write about. That’s usually. Sometimes, though, I’m testing something and bad things happen. Then I spend a lot of time and have nothing to show for it.
Today I was planning on showing you the accuracy of the Slavia 612 with pellets. But the sights are too far off and the airgun is too weak to shoot pellets. They tend to bounce off the target paper when shot from 25 feet! I spent a couple hours learning that before deciding to throw in the towel and choose another topic.
I still hope to at least test the 612 with darts, since that was the whole reason for acquiring it. But today I will talk about something else — airguns that have lasted in the market for a long time.
Starting with the HW 35
The HW 35 has been in production since 1951. Why? Is it the most powerful air rifle? Not really. Today it’s on the low end of power. Is it the most accurate? Again the answer is no. Then why is it still being made?
To be honest — I have no idea. It’s a nice air rifle, but so are many others that eclipse the 35 in numerous ways. But for some reason it has been in production for 73 years. It was there before the Rekord trigger came along. It was the basis for the Barakuda ether injector that came on the HW54. It is to airguns what the Checker Marathon is to taxi cabs.
TX200
Another long-term success is the TX200 from Air Arms. In 1994 I was fresh from finishing the R1 book and if any air rifle ever deserved a book of its own, the TX200 did. But I was hurting from the R1 book. It would take 7 years before Edith and I broke even on our investment for that book. I did start a book on the TX, but it never got very far.
History of the TX
The TX200 came about in the late 1980s as an improvement on the design of the HW77 that is also still in production. The 77 was considered the best spring rifle around at the time, so the TX had a high hurdle to clear.
The first TX was simply called the TX200. But after several years, Air Arms added a ratcheting catch to hold the sliding compression chamber from slamming closed during loading. That rifle was called the TX200 Mark II. I bought one of those and used it to compete in field target for a couple of years, until I switched over to a PCP. My TX was tuned first by Jim Maccari and then by Ken Reeves so I could write about each of their tunes. In truth, the TX was pretty smooth right out of the box, but the Reeves tune did make it just a bit smoother.
When the TX200 Mark III came out, I bought one to test for The Airgun Letter. I found that rifle to be just as smooth as the Reeves-tuned Mark II, plus it had a shrouded 9-inch barrel, which made it very quiet, to boot. I didn’t need two perfect guns, so the Mark II was sold. I still have the Mark III, which is the gun I modified in 2022 with a kit from Tony Leach.
The TX200 is still in production. Remember — this is a report about why some airguns last longer than others.
Benjamin multi-pump
I could go on and talk about the HW77, but let’s now turn our attention to another classic — Benjamin’s ever-popular multi-pump. If the TX has had a long life, then the Benjamin multi-pump is airgunnning’s Methuselah! What we now call the multi-pump is the most recent version of the 392/397 models. In 1992, the model 392 sprang from the ashes of the 342 that started life in 1969. And the 342 was just a modernized 312 that began back in 1940! That’s a run of 84 years!
My 397 with the beautiful curly maple stock made by reader Hank (Vana2).
The multi-pump is an underlever pneumatic that now has little opposition, since the Sheridan Blue Streak (another 64-year long-term air rifle) was discontinued in 2013. It brings variable power and accuracy to the shooter at a remarkably affordable price. The Air Venturi Dragonfly Mark II ought to be another long-term multi-pump, but time will tell.
Getting back to Benjamin, the 392 is not an easy airgun to make! The automated machinery that solders the barrel to the pump tube is large, complex and costly to operate, and I’m sure, some day, the bean counters will declare it to be too much trouble and cost. And they’ll be right, because sales aren’t what they were 20 years ago. But there will never be another machine to take its place.
The 392 is comfortable, in that it slows down the pace of things by needing to be pumped for each shot. Many shooters, including me, find that very relaxing. A Benjamin pneumatic has been on the market continuously since 1899, and the 392 proudly carries the banner today.
Why do they last?
So, there you have some airguns that have lasted. Now, the question becomes: Why? Let’s say that you’re a new-hire engineer working at Crosman. Wouldn’t you like to develop a model airgun that was still in production on the day you retire? Think what that would do for your career! “Don’t mess with Simmons — he’s the guy who invented the Backyard Blaster! The front office thinks he’s golden!”
At least that is how we all hope it works — right? We hope that Crosman realizes that people like Ed Schultz are the backbone of their company, to say nothing of the airgun industry as a whole in Ed’s case. But as great as these people are, even they don’t determine why a particular model becomes an icon. Sometimes it just happens.
Summary
Speaking of things that happen, that’s what happens when the bear beats BB. Hopefully it won’t happen too many times.
B.B.
Pellets bouncing off the target? Certainly it requires a cronny reading? 10 fps-50fps????
Things that just plain work, usually hang around a long time. Think VW bug, baking soda, Ballistol, door hinges.
-Y
Yogi,
We got the velocity in Part 2 of the 612 report. These probably hit at 150-175 f.p.s.
BB
It appears Crosman is now owned by Daisy/Gamo. Doubt this is a good thing, but only time will tell.
Maybe a group of enthusiasts could bring back the multu-pump and CO2 Benjamin guns? It was done to Ithaca!
https://ir.compassdiversified.com/news/Press-Releases/Press-Release-Details/2024/Compass-Diversified-Announces-Sale-of-Crosman-Air-Gun-Business/default.aspx
JerryC
I kept hoping, as I read your referenced article, that my calendar was off by a month and that this was April 1st, but alas,……..no joy.
Half
It now looks like Crosman/Benjamin will be going the way of BSA.
Do you have any Predator GTO wadcutters or HN Trophy Greens seated deeply to give them a head start?
I was recently gifted a beautiful 392.
Beautiful wood, perfect finish.
But the action had become unsoldered from the main tube.
From the middle forward it is still secure.
I have been trying to think of a way to repair it without damaging the finish.
I have considered a resolder, but that would require a refinish.
And what ever finish I use after a resolder would probably not be as tough as the one they originally used.
I thought about epoxy, or even JB Weld.
Any suggestions?
Ian.
Ian,
Somebody scoped that rifle, no?
If the separation is wide enough I would try JB Epoxy. That stuff is great, but it does need to penetrate the crack to some depth to effect a bond. Perhaps heating the separation before applying the epoxy?
BB
I don’t know if it had been scoped.
But I do suspect so.
I can get about 2m clearance, I can make that work with a thin blade to get completely under the receiver.
I know it’s not the “right way” to fix it, but it will fix it.
Back in the early 80’s we milled the carry handle off of a Colt SP1 AR, and JB welded a Picatinny rail in its place on the receiver.
It held up in competition for years.
Ian.
45Bravo,
So sorry that your barrel solder failed! I have a little to add.
We know that water-thin Cyanoacrylate (Cya) glues can flow into tight spaces via capillary action, but they tend to be brittle when set. What kind of shock do you think would be imposed on the glue joint?
Epoxies have some flexibility and are tougher, but it’s hard to get that thick stuff into the joint. Epoxy does reduce in viscosity when heated with a hair dryer and that can improve its ability to flow into a narrow space, especially if the joint area of the gun was preheated.
Some CyA glues have a rubberizer in them to toughen them (but they are thicker than heavy cream) and some specialized ones can be found in woodworking catalogs, that tout extreme durability. A friend told me about those, I haven’t tried them.
I hope you win this one Ian!
Regards,
WIll
Will and 45Bravo,
JB Weld Epoxy is quite a bit thinner than most epoxies. It’s also expensive, though you get enough to last for years and the bottles it comes in seal quite well.
BB
Ian,
I’d try cleaning/flushing the the seam with an aggressive solvent like acetone, letting it dry throughly and using a suitable viscosity CA glue (thin?) to wet the joint (capillary action is your friend here).
Two cautions…
– Use enough but not too much CA (be ready to wipe up any drips) – the thin CA loves to flow! Maybe do a trial run with water to get an idea of how things will go.
– Check your “clamping system” to make sure it won’t get glued to the gun. Depending on tension/spring in the parts, fiberglass reinforced tape may do the job, at the other extreme you may have to make/print a couple of blocks to get the clamping pressures needed. The CA joint should be strong enough.
As a side-bar. When making articulated streamer flies you need to join two hooks with a wire loop. In tests, just lashing the wire to the leading hook with a couple of spiral wraps of thread and applying a drop of CA will result in the CA flowing to form a perfect fillet. The CA glue joint is very strong and nearly invisible. Guess you could add an extra fillet of JB Weld if you wanted to reinforce the whole barrel to tube seam.
Good luck with the repair!
Hank
Ian-
I have moved epoxy into tight locations via air pressure, either positive (compressed air) or negative (vacuum). Works well when access is limited. Think through the process, check it twice BEFORE mixing the epoxy. Good luck!
45Bravo,
JB Weld is great stuff, although I have not used it as you’re thinking of doing. But I bet it would work. I have used it to repair a great many things, even to repair an old Volkswagen cylinder head cam retaining bolt. The stuff can be tapped and holds a thread and doesn’t mind high temperatures. I think that it would be worth trying, but know that it would be difficult to remove if necessary.
For the DIYer, JB Weld is magic.
Let us know what you do and the results.
MiTurn
Ian,
Fix it if possible as it is no more.
When I received it the breech end was already un soldered.
That’s why the previous owner gave it to me.
The separation runs about 10 inches up the barrel.
Just looking at it, you cannot tell that is actually damaged.
There’s no gaps, only when you either pull up on the breech end you’ll see it or if you fire it, you’ll feel a slight puff.
The repair will be a blog.
Ian.
Ian,
My Benjamin 312 had the same issue I tried to solder it but tried not to overheat the seam. I think that was my mistake. It sort of worked but is really ugly. If you decide to solder disassemble the gun get all the inards out. Use fresh Flux and a solder that flows well.
I am sure you know that preparation; getting the seam clean is very critical whatever method you use.
When I was a kid I made a scope mount that I JB welded to the pump tube and barrel on one side only. It held until 30 plus years later when my dad ran into it with the car, it was leaning against a cabinet in the garage. The scope mount broke off and the barrel and action came loose from the pump tube. I would try JB weld.
Hank is a wizard with CA glue and it would look the best.
Please let us know how it turns out, we are very curious.
Good luck,
Don
Think Energiser Bunny (a wascally wabbit by the way). He just keeps going and going. When I decided to buy a pickup truck twenty years ago, I remembered a co-worker (that I have a great respect for) who said his old Toyota Tacoma just kept going and going. I bought a new one and have had it since then. I still get inquiries from people, who want to buy it, all the time.
I think that why things last is mostly related to their popularity. And things that work well, are built well, and are practical to own and operate tend to be popular.
The best truck I ever had was a 98 Tacoma. I got it cheap from my sister as the dealership had told her it needed a new transmission, so she sold it to me for the trade in price. It had around 180,000 miles on it then and as it turned out the transmission was fine, there was just a worn out bushing in the shifter linkage. I used it hard for years, hauling, towing and occasionally going off-road or using it to help remove stumps and it never gave me a lick of trouble. By the time I reached 260,000 miles I had outgrown it though and needed a bigger truck. I sold it to a tenant of mine and he still has it and uses it in his landscaping business. Last I heard it had around 360,000 miles on it.
BB,
it’s probably true the HW 35 has been eclipsed in every single discipline.
But as far as the whole package goes…
– Built like a tank
– Very accurate
– Smooth shot cycle
– Best in class trigger
– Best in class open sights with selection of inserts
– No fiber optics or fragile plastic parts
– Barrel latch
– Articulated cocking linkage
– Available with walnut stock
– Lasts forever and only needs pellets, some oil and maybe a new spring and seals every few decades
Which other rifle offers all these features? At a price that is not cheap but still reasonable?
I can see why they’re keeping it around. It’s not for everyone but it is their signature product and enough people are still buying it. I think VW and Citroën might still be making Beetles and 2CVs if modern safety and emission standards were not a thing and you didn’t need an expensive factory to make cars (obsolete or not).
It would be interesting to know which models are the top sellers at Weihrauch… I wonder whether they would tell us 🙂
Oh, by the way… here are some groups. They are 10-shot groups in case anybody is wondering…
Stephan
Stephan, please resend the pic. Is anyone else not able to see it? My phone says “the image cannot be loaded.”
RG,
I cannot see it either.
Roamin,
I see the pic fine. You have been having some computer issues lately. No?
BB
I can see it on my Android phone as well (Chrome and Brave browsers).
If it doesn’t work, maybe pressing F5 (or the reload button) or clearing your browser cache could help.
Resending the picture probably wouldn’t change anything.
I see it fine across phone and tablet.
I see it now. Sorry for the false alarm.
Nice shooting! I see HW 35’s for sale here and there from time to time. When I had what has now become B.B.’s Barakuda on loan from our dear friend, the late, great Frank Balistreri, I loved how precisely and solidly it was put together. The gun is a joy to shoot. Everything just clicks together like a bank vault. A bit heavy, perhaps, but then again, so am I. ;o) The reason the HW 35 is still going strong is hard to explain unless you experience it. It is that…an experience. Dang, I think I just enabled myself.
Roamin Greco,
What exactly do you mean when you say, ” the late great Frank Balisteri”? Did Frank pass?
Kevin,
Yes. He passed away on Jan. 13.
BB
Tom,
Thanks for the reply. Had no idea. Frank and I did a lot of airgun trading. He was a straight up guy. I’m sad. Goodbye always makes my throat hurt.
kevin
FM IS able to see Stephan’s quite impressive groups on his elderly iPhone 7. On the other hand, it will not get a call or text thru to a friend in Germany no matter how FM configures the number, though he can get thru to this side.
Modern devices…ready to use this one for target practice; better not let Mrs. FM read his mind.
Stephan
Nothing comes up on IPad but nice round groups are there to see on my android phone.
Deck
BB,
I do not know how to tell you this, but the Benji 397/392 is no more. They killed it a few years back. They gave it a plastic stock and when that did not work, they went to the 362.
I think that we are going to see more airgun models come and go in the future. More of the manufacturers are trying to come out with new models every year. They are also starting to use throw away materials instead of long lasting stuff.
If OhioPlinker is right, then pretty much every decent Crosman/Benjamin is doomed.
RR,
Oh no! The sky is falling! 😉
BB
Very likely.
Couple of things bother me about that merger.
Too many Airgun companies under the same parent company.
But we do know Daisy is not probably not going anywhere anytime soon.
Remember what Daisy did the Smith & Wesson 78/79 series?
Ian.
BB,
Kinda off topic, forgive me.
You wrote about not shooting your 853 for six years.
We all know you have quite a stable of airguns to choose from to shoot. Which one has sat the longest without having been shot? Why?
rk,
It’s probably an airgun I forgot I had. The Tyrolean Buglespanner was one that went longer than the 853.
BB
To all-
An opportunity for you Texas folks-
May 16 at Extreme Tactics & Training Solutions (ETTS) in Waxahachie, TX.
Primary Arms Optics Range Day
Looks like fun with hands on guns and gear across multiple brands and platforms. I have several Primary Arms branded scopes and reflex sights. Good stuff. Looks like a good chance to compare what’s out there. There is a $50 fee to register (covers ammo (some of it anyway), food, t-shirt, events, etc) and you need to do that by May 6. Check out the Primary Arms website for more info. Wish I was closer.
Ah, the Sheridan Blue Streak. I was given one many years ago by my bro-in-law when he inherited a cache of firearms from a deceased friend. I loved that gun. Per the serial number it was vintage 1983 or 1984. Very accurate out to 20 feet, which is as far as I could shoot open sights with these old eyes. And it took its share of cowbirds (the only non-game bird I pop).
Problems: .20 caliber and a slowly-leaking seal. A couple years ago .20 pellets were difficult to get and absurdly expensive. And the leaking seal was not something I was interested in repairing; because, most of all, I was tired of pumping up an air charge. Too old-school for me.
I sold it and bought my first “modern” airgun, a Crosman Shockwave .177 break-barrel. And the world has been a happier place since then.
🙂
MiTurn
B.B.,
I have always wondered about: “The automated machinery that solders the barrel to the pump tube is large, complex and costly to operate, and I’m sure, some day, the bean counters will declare it to be too much trouble and cost.”
I wondered about why the choice of soldering instead of the much stronger result when Brass is Brazed to Brass.
Do you have background knowledge on the why behind the choice made by Benjamin to solder the barrel to the pump tube?
shootski
shootski,
Not to worry. The bean counters have already won. The 397/392 is no more. Now it looks like TCFKAC is to be no more. It was just sold to Gamo. It will likely go the way of BSA.
Please wait while I climb out from under my rock. Daisy is owned by Gamo? I just felt the earth move under my feet! Is it La Daisy now or El Daisy? Will it be El Crosman? I feel dizzy.
Do you think the rest of the Anniversary 362s will sell out now? Glad I got mine.
I should get some parts for it and my regular 362. B.B. what spare parts would you recommend for those? How about for an old Disco?
Roamin,
Get any seal that’s proprietary. But remember that rubber ages even on the shelf.
BB
I wonder if you put the rubber seals in a glass mason jar with some silicone lube on them and then pull a vacuum on the jar?
My wife is into canning and preserving food.
She read about preserving bananas. She peeled and sliced a banana, put it in a mason jar. Then used her jar vacuum to vacuum seal it. We put it on the kitchen counter.
A month later we popped the lid.
The banana was still firm, and smelled fresh.
She tried a bite and said it was good.
I wasn’t that brave and took her word for it
Ian
A little brandy and a match would take care of those bananas, Foster.
For an old Disco, only Disco Daisy Duck seals will do, El Greco. Sorry, that was pretty bad. ;P
That’s OK. I not bad at drawing though. And as far as painting goes, I can make a fair impression of a house painter.
RR.
TCFKAC needs to be amended.
TCFKAC Is now: TCFKACNSTG.
Which is TCFKAC Now Sold To Gamo.
I can’t say anything bad though.
I always have and always will love Crosman products. Especially the vintage ones.
Ian
Ian,
How about TCFKACNSTVONSTG?
My biggest question is will they hang onto people like Ed or will he once again be set adrift?
shootski,
Because it worked in the 1940s when the machine was built. And if people don’t mount scopes with claw mounts, it still holds fine.
BB
B.B.,
Sometimes the bear wins.
I spent a couple hours learning that before deciding to throw in the towel and choose another topic.
Having experienced the bear one time to many i decided to learn from my previous bear encounters.
I found these bear truths:
1. The bear is not in charge
2. The bear can only chase you half way into the woods and no more. (Readers confused by this metric may ask how this is possible.)
3. Earliest decision point to disengage is when the first: This is JUST NOT working… intrudes on your thoughts on how to proceed.
4. One orbit is a far greater distance to cover than straight to the EXIT.
5. Have a Plan B, BB, B1, C, C1, D, and D1 for the days when “…when the bear beats BB….”
“Speaking of things that happen, that’s what happens when the bear beats BB. Hopefully it won’t happen too many times.”
Best wishes,
shootski
I should think, wear and tear has a major impact on an airgun’s longevity.
Therefore, the more airguns one uses in rotation, the longer they’ll all last, won’t they? 🙂
hihihi,
Possibly
But Wear and Tear are more of an indicator of improper design, build material selection, operator abuse, poor storage conditions, or improper Preventative Maintenance.
You cannot do all that much about the first two on the list beside researching your airgun purchases carefully.
All the other items on the list are under your control to eliminate and outside of an accident or intentional misuse will keep your one airgun (or many airguns) operating for a long time.
I have flown many aircraft that are as old as i am (some even older) and they have performed as well as or better than the day they rolled off the assembly line.
That is one of the biggest reasons why i own Quackenbush Airguns.
shootski
I think my wife uses the same theory with shoes and purses. No wonder there are so many of them around here. Oh well, it excuses the occasional airgun purchase.
BB,
The one that comes to mind, for me, has to be the Crosman 13XX series. Affordable, accurate, durable and really customizable. For many people it is a gateway airgun and lots of people still have (at least) one sitting around, waiting for the next ‘plink’.
Even some of the Quackenbush guns use parts from them!
Bill
To find out why the HW 35 is still made, I think you would have to ask the British and Europeans. I expect they are why the HW 35 is still made.
I think the quality of materials makes a huge difference in how guns last. The cheaper guns used steel alloys my friend used to call crapaloy instead of steel, brass, and other better materials.
Honestly, the Crosman, Benjamin, Sheridan, and Daisys are the most impressive. They managed to make guns that could be sold for meager prices that would last through multiple generations of kids while receiving none to minimal maintenance or lubrication.
David Enoch
David, that last paragraph is absolutely the truth.
Ian
Hello all,
I will never purchase a new offering from any of the current famufactures (never say never.) Do not see the need. Current manufacturers counting beans wont tempt me. These manufactures can go the way of the dinosaurs. I do not want plastic, unusable sights or mushy triggers. Too many vintage guns selling at the used market for less of current offerings. If one is patient enough, one may acquire the best of what has been manufactured. I have an Daisy number 108 model 39 with original leather seals and copper washed spring that can split soda cans at five and even ten yards. That is an eighty year old BB that surpasses current offerings. Also have WWII era Red Ryders that dance around newer Chinese ones. My favorite Daisys are the model 99 and model 299 soda pop ones (like B.B said, lawyers will not allow these models to be brought to market again.) Have an Sheridan Blue Streak model C with the rocker safety from the late 1960’s that held air in my safe for over nine months. Has not been resealed. Can not pass on those youth Dianas that can be had for less than what replacement seals and springs cost. An Beeman R7, Feinwerkbau 124 and an Weihrauch 50 fill my target and hunting needs. All these were acquired for less than current offerings.
Would you rather own a new El Gamo (El Cheppo) or a classic Feinwerkbau or Weihrauch?
Do like the lines , wood and blueying of the British BSAs and Webleys but when available go above what I am willing to pay ( I acquired an BSA Airsporter mk1. Think I over paid for it. Just found it to be beautiful.) On the hunt for a Webley mk3.
Forgot to mention,
On the look out for an Feinwerkbau 300S, Walther LG, Anschutz 355, BSF 55 or 70, Diana 60 or 75, Beeman R8……etc.
I think that T.W. Chambers in England or JG Airguns appreciate my business more than others (have found Chambers to be faster, more reliable and knowledgeable than JG eventhough Chambers is located in England and JG here in the states.) I have had excellent customer service with both Crosman and Daisy when ordering parts. Do note: parts for older products and not current offerings.
With all these classics to acquire, cannot think of purchasing a new El Cheppo.