Out of the blue something caught my thought,old Sheridan air rifles,said was a well made rifle and Benjamin bought them them 1977.So did Benjamin just use Sheridan models and changed the name to Benjamin? Shake the old memories.
Sheridan Are Sheridan air rifles that much better than Benjamin?
- Thread starter boscoebrea
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I believe the design is the same but manufacturing and materials have changed some . (tolerances ? )Out of the blue something caught my thought,old Sheridan air rifles,said was a well made rifle and Benjamin bought them them 1977.So did Benjamin just use Sheridan models and changed the name to Benjamin? Shake the old memories.
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I have several of both and my impression was that early on, Benjamin did not make changes but actually updated the fabrication methods such that the last "Sheridans" were more problematic than the early Benj remakes. I believe that the infusion of cash from the early takeover by Benjamin allowed a modernization of the manufacturing process. Then the cost driven decline started. The pump mechanism became much less tolerant of stress. Mac 1 made improvements to these. I think the real swan dive started with Crossman takeover.
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Good question and I can’t speak to current production guns but I have a Blue Streak and a Benjamin from the same time period, late 60’s/early 70’s. Both completely rebuilt and both very good shooters. I’d be happy with another of both guns. Manufacturing doesn’t seem to be as good today. It should be better with current tech but they seem to be pinching pennies a bit too much. Fortunately there are still many good quality reasonably priced modern day guns available.
Rick H.
Rick H.
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My, possibly faulty, recollection is that when Benj first acquired Sheridan they built a new factory and made an effort to retain any Sheirdan employees willing to drive across the river to the new plant. The early Benj production was in my examples fully equal to older Sheridan and superior to the product just before the takeover.
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That is why many "statesmen" are going back in time and acquiring USA-made goods, the kind that has good machine work. The good old days are still relevant today
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IMHO, in the early 90’s, Benjamin made significant improvements to the older models. In all three calibers. The big improvement is the attachment of the barrel to the receiver. Not uncommon to see the older Sheridan’s separated. Benjamin lengthened the stock, added a butt plate and made a more robust cocking handle. The “Silver Streak” model has a gorgeous nickel plated finish. Easier to rebuild also the original “Sheridan owned” model. When Crosman acquired Benjamin the quality slowly went downhill.
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Bear , I had one in 1990 and I agree it was the best $130 I spent and I wish I never sold it ....young and dumb lol. Also it looked the best with the recoil pad and it still had the metal trigger.
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I assume so.
I have a C9A that turned into a really good shooter once the paint overspray was cleaned from the muzzle end of the barrel.
I believe that even Timmy at MAC1 says that the early cartridge valve rifles are the ones that are the best of the breed.
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Yes. These are two of the models. The top is a 177 caliber (earlier model, 1991). The bottom is a 5mm (2003). The stocks and triggers on all three calibers eventually went to the lower one (2003 model). All really fine and sturdy guns. These two are in the incredible nickel finish. Probably never to be outdone.
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I am still going to gun shows (PB) and farm or garage sales looking for the sheridan's
" Hey Ma , this guy just gave me 20 bucks for that ol' BBgun --laughing "
" Hey Ma , this guy just gave me 20 bucks for that ol' BBgun --laughing "
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Each of these were the same price at two different pawn shops. $199. For a 1965, and $199 fir a 1955. $8 shipping on one, and $15 shipping on the other. I found them doing daily internet searches.
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When I say that my 55 is the cream of the crop, I'm reffering to shooting and handling comfort. It is only due to the 55's pump handle, however the cheek riser is more comfortable on later models. The cheek on the 55 is raised making it a little harder to get down on the sights. The smaller diameter pump handle of the 55 really makes the rifle handy.
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AOA just sold a 60s era Sheridan with a Williams peep sight for $225. I was going to buy it but I hesitated because I've already spent a stupid amount of money on airguns these past few months. I waited a day and it was gone.
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