According to the markings on the gun, it was made in the USA. I assume it was made in St. Louis because the end of the barrel says “Benjamin Air Rifle Co St. Louis U.S.A.”. It seems from what I have found on the Internet, that the Benjamin Franklin Company was bought out by a company called Sheridan and became Benjamin Sheridan for a while. Then in the early 90’s Benjamin Sheridan was purchased by Crossman. There is a serial number printed on the left side of the gun back under the bolt. It says “H 50157”. According to Crossman’s website (link below) serial number indicates my gun was manufactured in the late 50’s. Apparently Benjamin didn’t start putting serial numbers on guns until 1957 so it must be at least that old, but the Crossman website shows the lowest serial number for 317 rifles starting at “H59440” and my number is slightly below that so I am a little fuzzy on how to interpret that. If anyone knows what the letter “H” stands for, please let me know. I have been unable to find much information about Benjamin Franklin air rifles online.
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Sweet. Is that a .22?
Looks like a 342 with the tootsie roll handle. Mac1 can probly help you out.
- This reply was modified 1 year ago by biohazardman.
Looks like a 342 with the tootsie roll handle. Mac1 can probly help you out.
its most likely a 312 or a 317…dunno who painted the black caps on the end of the tootsie roll pump handle , but it doesnt look that bad actually…. you get on ebay and find a pump cup – but they want around $12 for a rubber plunger cup , i get em in the 5 pk from mccaster-karr (u can darn near find any part you'll ever need there)….but usually ,that and some lube usually fixes it enough — and , those just unscrew where the pumparm connects (others we have to drive out pins)…. —- make sure theres nothing stuck in the barrel by opening the bolt all the way and looking thru the muzzle for light (of course, you'll have hold the open bolt area up TO the light) because ive made this mistake here lately…… i fix of these things for folks here around ft.w / dallas area (n.texas) as a hobby anymore ….. it used to be a bigger thing , but whatever…. i'll help you all i can. – paul. north texas airgun repair on fb. (formerly rane air)… cheers , man – ps: great bunch of guys here , bro…
its most likely a 312 or a 317...dunno who painted the black caps on the end of the tootsie roll pump handle , but it doesnt look that bad actually.... you get on ebay and find a pump cup - but they want around $12 for a rubber plunger cup , i get em in the 5 pk from mccaster-karr (u can darn near find any part you'll ever need there)....but usually ,that and some lube usually fixes it enough -- and , those just unscrew where the pumparm connects (others we have to drive out pins).... ---- make sure theres nothing stuck in the barrel by opening the bolt all the way and looking thru the muzzle for light (of course, you'll have hold the open bolt area up TO the light) because ive made this mistake here lately...... i fix of these things for folks here around ft.w / dallas area (n.texas) as a hobby anymore ..... it used to be a bigger thing , but whatever.... i'll help you all i can. - paul. north texas airgun repair on fb. (formerly rane air)... cheers , man - ps: great bunch of guys here , bro...
Just finished a total rebuilding of my Blue Streak .20 a few months ago. Have owned it since the 70's never failed.
Just finished a total rebuilding of my Blue Streak .20 a few months ago. Have owned it since the 70's never failed.
….if you need metal parts – you'll need to to call tim, or someone at mac1 airguns in calif…..that's where i get my metal parts when i dont have spares……trust me he'll probably have you need there…..and honestly , maybe you better send it to him and wait the 4-5 months to get it back ( but mac1 IS the best for older american airguns ) ….. call him , find ouit what he would charge ( dont ask too much about the turn around time ) …..because i charge $75-80 for complete rebuild of all rubber parts….you need metal parts, too sounds like…. those 312 / 317 ones are way more accurate than the 392's ive tried lately , even tho these newer ones are bigger and more powerful. – paul.
....if you need metal parts - you'll need to to call tim, or someone at mac1 airguns in calif.....that's where i get my metal parts when i dont have spares......trust me he'll probably have you need there.....and honestly , maybe you better send it to him and wait the 4-5 months to get it back ( but mac1 IS the best for older american airguns ) ..... call him , find ouit what he would charge ( dont ask too much about the turn around time ) .....because i charge $75-80 for complete rebuild of all rubber parts....you need metal parts, too sounds like.... those 312 / 317 ones are way more accurate than the 392's ive tried lately , even tho these newer ones are bigger and more powerful. - paul.
…,.the model number will be either on the breech area , or on the the back end cap , at the back of that whole brass tube the gun is built inside… – paul.
...,.the model number will be either on the breech area , or on the the back end cap , at the back of that whole brass tube the gun is built inside... - paul.
I’m pretty sure you have either the 312 or 317 Benjamin Franklin. There is a you tube video of one where the guy did a cut away to show how the valve system works. They can be rebuilt and are fun guns. I just did a 312 that I have had for years.
I’m pretty sure you have either the 312 or 317 Benjamin Franklin. There is a you tube video of one where the guy did a cut away to show how the valve system works. They can be rebuilt and are fun guns. I just did a 312 that I have had for years.
Benjamin Franklin Air Gun Serial Numbers
Nice Vintage Early Benjamin Franklin 312 Pellet Gun Air Rifle NO Serial Pre-1958 eBay Production started for the 312 rifle was 1940. Sheridan acquired Benjamin prior to the 1990s, creating the Benjamin Sheridan Company, which produced air rifles. This company was purchased by Crosman in 1991. All Benjamin air rifles produced after 1992 list the month and year the rifle was produced in the serial number. My son gave me this old Benjamin Franklin Model 132, 22 Cal., pellet gun, serial #B239122. It was in rough shape when I got it, and many hours and beers of polishing it turned into a beauty and shoots great. Anyone have any info on this pellet pistol, age, value, collectable? Make: Benjamin Franklin Model: 257 Serial Number: NSN Year of Manufacture: Pre-1957 Caliber:.177 Action Type: Spring Action Single Shot Air Pistol Markings: The left side of the air cylinder is marked “’BENJAMIN FRANKLIN’ MADE IN USA”. At the rear of the air gun is the number '257' as well as 'BENJAMIN AIR RIFLE CO.