Benjamin Model 137 .177 cal. Pistol
Hello to all,
Benjamin Air Rifle Co. produced the Model 130- smooth bore, rifled barrel M- 132 .22 caliber and M-137.177 caliber single shot MSP Pistols from 1942- 1986, early model units had wood grips later units’ plastic grips, some very early units had metal only pump levers, so I have read? Later units had the more familiar “Tootsie Roll” wood handle pump levers, fixed post front, adjustable rear sights, and push type trigger safety on frame; OAL 11 inches barrel 8 inches, turn bolt button to unlock and cock, black finish, weight 1. 5 lbs, trigger pull 3.25 lbs over all a very nice-looking unit.
My oldest son picked up 2- M-137 .177 caliber Pistols in 1977 on a clearance sale at “Oshmans Sporting Goods Store” (now defunct) in Houston, Texas. They were marked down from $ 48.05 to $ 38.95, he said, just could not pass them up! He gave one to me! He has probably shot 100,000 or more pellets thru his; conservative estimate!! I have rebuilt it a few times; he always used 12 pumps!! I have shot no more than 400-500 pellets thru mine; it has remained in the safe, more of a memento for me, considering the provenance. Serial numbers indicated 1975 production on both pistols using Crosman/Benjamin info posted on net.
I have routinely taken my M- 137 out of my safe and silicone the pump cup, oiled pivot points etc.; and would shoot a few times and always kept it stored with 2 pumps. I decided it was time to do a complete field range test on this unit, Chrono/ accuracy etc. since it had never really been sighted in!! Also wanted to see if the seals / valve seats, pump piston etc. were still good after some 40+ years of storage, I felt they were, as during my periodical testing from the safe; I was always able to pump up and shoot normally, although I never pumped up more than 8 times!! We shall see how she does after some 40+ years!!
The literature I have read quoted 200- 380 fps; depending on the number of pumps for the M-137 .177 caliber. Accuracy quoted as 1 inch @ 30 ft. for both 132 and 137 rifled barrel Pistols. Normally I conduct accuracy/ velocity simultaneously, but this time I conducted the test separately (*rain) I checked velocity first and accuracy another day. I decided to use a single pellet for these tests, the Benjamin 7.9 gr. HP in the black 750 count cans, I have had good luck with these particular pellets and wanted to test Benjamin to Benjamin in this case! I shot 5 rounds each at 8-10- and 12 pumps with the following results:
8-Pumps, 5 shots averaged -380 fps/ 2.6 ft. lbs—high 389fps—low 371fps
10-Pumps, 5 shots averaged- 416 fps/ 3.0 ft.lbs – high 425- low 405 fps
12- Pumps, 5 shots averaged- 400 + fps/3.4 ft. lbs- high 450- low 433 fps
These were some pretty stout numbers in my view, the valve/pump system was still in very good working condition, it appears that my periodic application with silicone oil and storing with 2 pumps, as alluded to previously, must have helped, I know it may seem implausible, but this pistol has not been rebuilt!! It has always been stored in a climate-controlled status, that may have helped preserve it, or maybe I was just lucky!
Accuracy tests were conducted from bench rest at 30 ft. The following accuracy results were obtained using the Benjamin pellets:
8-pumps -5 shots = .790” center to center groups *(average for all three groups 0.81” center to center; diameter of a Quarter is .955”)
10-pumps -5 shots =.765” center to center groups.
12 pumps -5 shots = .875” center to center groups
*(There were 2 highflyers on the 10-pump target?? I don’t know why? I am putting it off on bad pellets because I had no further problems! My hold was exactly the same for all shots!)
Really not a significant difference between 8-10-or 12 pumps accuracy wise; Benjamin clearly states in their literature that 10-12 pumps is ok, and I found that all air was dumped after 8-10 pumps with a little residual air remaining after 12 pumps. Benjamin really got the hammer/valve system tuned well on these units. Personally, for my use I will use 8 pumps for all my shooting with this pistol, one really doesn’t gain much going with 10 or 12 pumps and you can tell those 12 pumps is really a strain on the pump linkage. But of course if the situation warrants it, 10 or 12 pumps can be utilized!! My M-137 shall now go back in the safe! Next time it comes out of the Safe, I will give it a fresh rebuild.
My Benjamin M-137 is a fine example of early Benjamin MSP Air Pistols; will deliver "depending on number of pumps” up to 400+ fps 2.5 -3.5 ft. lbs. with 5 shot .800" accuracy at 30ft. "Rodents Beware!!
Garey
