Benjamin Benjamin Franklin 312 pre serial - Is this the earliest version?

[WIndOnYerGrape]

Been looking for one of these, for quite some time. Finally lucked up on one locally.

I know there are a few changes that date them. Curious if this is the earliest version with the non bullseye safety and non adjustable rear sight?

Please school me on pre serial BF 312's. Any advice on fixing her back up, is also greatly appreciated.

What a cool form factor. Dang thing still works too!

 

[gendoc]

i have one built in 1959, the year i was born. my dad bought it new and gave it to me when i was 12.
still got it today and its been restored by Dennis Baker (Baker Airguns) several years ago.
it will never go away from my family.

 

[FelixS]

That sure looks like my first pellet gun. I never really paid that much attention to serial numbers or identifying marks, I just shot it. I was the envy of my friends because it was so accurate. Nice to see one in functional condition.

 

[Sean_Eason]

i have one built in 1959, the year i was born. my dad bought it new and gave it to me when i was 12.
still got it today and its been restored by Dennis Baker (Baker Airguns) several years ago.
it will never go away from my family.View attachment 437180

Beautiful!!!!!!

 

[gendoc]

Beautiful!!!!!!

thank you !!!

 

[Sean_Eason]

These are my 342’s in .22 cal, great pumpers !

 

[Wadcutter]

WindOnYerGrape, A couple things will help determine year of production.​

Can you post a pic of the stock inletting with the tube removed? ​

Check the breech cap with a magnet and see if it's steel.

 

[WIndOnYerGrape]

WindOnYerGrape, A couple things will help determine year of production.​

Can you post a pic of the stock inletting with the tube removed? ​

Check the breech cap with a magnet and see if it's steel.

Breech cap is steel and magnetic.

Stock pics:

 

[Wadcutter]

Thank you.
The earliest of the model 31X series was fall of 1939. .Judging by its characteristics, it looks like your rifle was manufactured in early 1954. The safety on it is not original to that rifle.

 

[WIndOnYerGrape]

Thank you.
The earliest of the model 31X series was fall of 1939. .Judging by its characteristics, it looks like your rifle was manufactured in early 1954. The safety on it is not original to that rifle.

Really cool, thanks for the info!