Crosman model 101

[Dumptruckz36]

Howdy folks, Kevin here from Michigan. I recently inherited a Crosman model 101 air rifle from my grandpa. I have ordered a rebuild kit from Baker Airguns that should arrive in a few days.

I know very little about air rifles. I've shot this one about 50 times before it started leaking air out of the end of the barrel. Hence the pending rebuild.

What I could really use it help identifying when this thing was made. Based on my grandpa's life, I'd guess he bought in highschool (1931-1935), but I don't really know. Could anyone here help me figure it out? 

 

[Odoyle]

You probably want to put a generous amount of Pellgun oil or Alphabet org on the pump head while the pump handle is fully extended to bring it back to life before worrying. Alphabet org auto transmission stop leak quick fix is a secret that can fix things Co2 and pumpers not too far gone may be worth trying before the last resort of rebuilding them.

https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2016/05/crosman-101-multi-pump-pneumatic-part-1/

 

[provels]

Very nice. Check here:

https://www.crosman.com/discover/crosman/crosman-product-dates

 

[JohnL57]

That rifle is in fine condition!

I'm no expert, but from the looks of the knurled cocking knob it's probably an earlier one. If I remember right I think the later ones had a grooved cocking knob. They're nice guns, I had one for quite a few years before I passed it on to a buddy. The barrels are brass so be careful if you decide to clean the bore. A pull through like the patch worn would be ok.

I just did a Google search "Crosman 101 History" and got lots of info. Here are a couple pics of mine-the wire wrap was to hold the pump arm up, the leaf spring that held it broke and replacements are unobtainium. Notice the grooved cocking knob.

 

[Moog]

Interesting air rifle. It kinda reminds me of a Remington Rolling Block.

 

[Bob-in-WV]

You inherited a very nice rifle indeed! I have seen a bunch of those rifles over the years at airgun shows and yours is in better shape than 99% of those that survived. Congrats and let us know how the rebuild goes.

5

 

[xsarfc9x]

3rd variant pre-1949. Looks like its in good condition. Has the large knurled knob, so it's probably an earlier 3rd variant. Later models had the 5 ring or diablo knobs. Post 1949 variants had the nicer sight and a clip at the back of the receiver.

As mentioned earlier try some alcohol to flush the valve and Mac1 sauce or pellgun oil after. Ive been able to get a few back in working order that way.



American Vintage forum or GTA vintage forum can walk you thru anything you need to know. Ive learn alot at those two sites. Congrats and enjoy it.

 

[KWK]

A lot of people don't know that you must cock the hammer before you pump or it will not build pressure! I've seen this often with 101's

Be sure before you go to any trouble rebuilding. 

Don't scratch where it doesn't itch!

 

[Ripper]

 I have a 101 also and looks Just slightly different than yours. I did a lot of research on that particular gun and found out that some of them are hard to date because they used random parts sometimes. They said in the same year you might get a gun with a brass barrel or a steel barrel. And then sometimes they would run out Of parts and use older model parts from previous years. The real early ones have a patent date on the side. Also the early ones had walnut stocks.I can’t exactly date mine but do know that it was made in the late 40s. Also certain years have different cocking knobs on them. And also the Peepsight were different on different years. Yours Has a different cocking knob than mine.Mines never been worked on and I believe it’s a little low on power.But here’s a picture of mine that was made in the late 40s And has the steel barrel. I was wondering if yours was steel or brass.

 

[KWK]

Does the hammer spring adjust for some reason on them? I've had two 101's for many years and I think I read about that once.



" 'cause my head is like a sieve." Cheech and Chong Earache my Eye LOL!

 

[xsarfc9x]

I've never run mine over the chrono but it probably does. Not sure how consistent it would be though since it might adjust on the threads after a few shots. When I store the gun I decock it after pumping and back the cocking knob off the valve stem and spring to relieve any pressure on it.

 

[Arzrover]

Mike Baker has parts, but I'm not sure how many. He repairs most older Cros/Benji/Sheridans. He knows quite a bit about them if you wish to give him a call. Very nice and helpful guy. Not associated with Baker Airguns.

503 706 9512

I've had several and kept one with steel pump tube and steel barrel. I put a 20 cal LW barrel on it to mess around. Very nice carry rifle for bunnies or squirrels. I really enjoy the better pumpers and that is one. Yours seems to be in great condition. Enjoy !

Bob

 

[Hoppes7]

I have one I just rebuilt