Benjamin Benjamin Franklin 317 arrived today
- Thread starter .20calguy
- Start date
I was holding about two inches of windage, into the wind.
JSB Exact 7.33s.
It was shooting low at 30 yards, and I'm guessing that can was apx 25 yards for a dead on aim height.
JSB Exact 7.33s.
It was shooting low at 30 yards, and I'm guessing that can was apx 25 yards for a dead on aim height.
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My dad had one of those restored a few years back and it’s a beautiful gun. I wish my brother would bring it back.
Rick H.
Rick H.
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Oh that Daisey, had one. One of the Grandson's had to have it, along with some others of course. We haven't got together in along time. Boy but when we did it was something else. Three boys and there little sister, had my hands full.
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The best way I find is when they're together for a family gathering. Start talking about how bad one outshot the other at their last meet, and get the juices flowing.
I never let my son forget his sister closing the show shooting a 35mm film bottle at 100 feet with the P1 pistol. Stir the pot.
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Well, AoA called this guy a 1965 model, but so far in my research, it's looking like an early forties model!
The giveaway is the flatblade screws mounting the Tootsie Roll pump handle.
Also, it seems 317s or .177 models are fewer in numbers than 312..22 cals.
I can't figure out this trigger guard.
I can't find any like it, so it may have been bent?
The giveaway is the flatblade screws mounting the Tootsie Roll pump handle.
Also, it seems 317s or .177 models are fewer in numbers than 312..22 cals.
I can't figure out this trigger guard.
I can't find any like it, so it may have been bent?
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That was a good buy for the price, but it's not a 1960's Benjamin. Looks like the trigger guard has been smashed at the front or purposefully reshaped.
The manufacture date can be narrowed down within a couple years by the characteristics of the gun. Does it have "Made in USA" stamped on the left rear or front of tube?
The manufacture date can be narrowed down within a couple years by the characteristics of the gun. Does it have "Made in USA" stamped on the left rear or front of tube?
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I have the 347 "tootsie roll" in exceptional condition. IIRC it's circa 1968. It's the one on the left.. the one on the right is a 312 that I no longer have.I was holding about two inches of windage, into the wind.
JSB Exact 7.33s.
It was shooting low at 30 yards, and I'm guessing that can was apx 25 yards for a dead on aim height.
View attachment 538400View attachment 538399View attachment 538401
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It really was They sold it for a flat $85 they covered shipping and handling. I told them that 85 plus shipping etc, was a lot for a ruined parts gun to use as a wall hanger. Who knew? They told me it didn't function.
Thers no damage on it so I don't know how they managed that shape?
Ill have to have a better look when I get glasses. I did read Benjamin Franklin, and some saftey operating instructions. A 317 on the back plate which is very hard to read. Ill have to use my jewelers galasses. Lol.
The key to it age is in the pump handle screws according to an article in GTA. Saying that the earliest models had flathead screws. 1943.
Thanks Wadcutter any help is appreciated.
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I've been collecting, studying and documenting Benjamin variants for many years and found that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet including, apparently, the article you found on GTA.
The very first 31X models from 1939-mid '41 had pins holding the pump handle on. Late 1941-1952 had the slotted screws like yours. In 1953 they went back to pins. There were many other changes during that time period also which can help identify year of manufacture.
These are facts, not regurgitated info from google searches or the "BlueBook of Airguns", which is in dire need of an overhaul.
The very first 31X models from 1939-mid '41 had pins holding the pump handle on. Late 1941-1952 had the slotted screws like yours. In 1953 they went back to pins. There were many other changes during that time period also which can help identify year of manufacture.
These are facts, not regurgitated info from google searches or the "BlueBook of Airguns", which is in dire need of an overhaul.
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I noticed!
Yup I don't think the article was necessarily wrong I think I misunderstood what I read.
Anyway what ever you'd like to see.
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The trigger guard is definitely bent/damaged.
Other markings.
Missing a screw.
Other markings.
Missing a screw.
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Yours has the "Made in USA" stamp at rear of tube and also looks like it's thicker in the grip than the slab sides. Can you post a photo of the tube slot with the pump handle fully open like example photo here. I'd like to see if it has the pump head for a leather seal or for the updated hy-car flat top seal. That will determine if its a 1949 or 1950 gun.
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Quite the deal. You must've gotten there early while they were setting up.Found at a yard sale for 5bucks, that wood sold it
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Thank you for this post, it sure brings back fond memories. I was the envy of the neighborhood as my Benji out shot all the Daisys and Crosmans. Been looking for one forever, you scored, enjoy!
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