Benjamin Benjamin Franklin 317 arrived today

A few more.
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.
Both ends.

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20250213_194424.jpg


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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!
It brings back memories for me too except I was the other guy with the Daisy. 😆
Thank you FelixS
 
Checked my '42 thru '51 models and this is somewhat unusual...

View attachment 538673
Marty, That looks a lot like an updated pump head without the felt pad and retainer. Hard to say if it was originally leather or a hy-car rubber flat top. That is the only way I've found to differentiate between a 1949 or 1950 manufacture date for OP gun.
felt pad.JPG
retainer.JPG
 
Marty, That looks a lot like an updated pump head without the felt pad and retainer. Hard to say if it was originally leather or a hy-car rubber flat top. That is the only way I've found to differentiate between a 1949 or 1950 manufacture date for OP gun.
View attachment 538693View attachment 538692
Excellent! That bottom picture answered my next question. 👍
The question was the shape of the push rod which you could see in bottom picture with the felt wrapped around it.
 
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Marty, That looks a lot like an updated pump head without the felt pad and retainer. Hard to say if it was originally leather or a hy-car rubber flat top. That is the only way I've found to differentiate between a 1949 or 1950 manufacture date for OP gun.
View attachment 538693View attachment 538692
Hello I'm inquiring about results of your find?

When did Benjamin add and remove (Made in USA) from the 317s?

From the conversation here I understand that an original rubber plunger, is a 50 model. What is different on the 51 model?
Original leather plunger on a 317, is a 49, down to ??
Thanks I appreciate y'all.
 
Hello I'm inquiring about results of your find?

When did Benjamin add and remove (Made in USA) from the 317s?

From the conversation here I understand that an original rubber plunger, is a 50 model. What is different on the 51 model?
Original leather plunger on a 317, is a 49, down to ??
Thanks I appreciate y'all.
The "MADE IN USA" stamp was first rolled on the front of the Benjamin rifle tubes in mid-1947. It was moved to the rear of tube in 1948. Notice the example gun in top pic has an inverted "BENJAMIN FRANKLIN" stamp. That "oops" can also be found on the Model 720 repeaters made during that same time frame.
1947 (mid) Made in USA.jpg


1948 Made in USA.jpg


The one piece curved bolt handle was added in 1951.
Any Benjamin gun made 1949 and before originally had a leather pump seal.
 
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