GTA

All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Vintage Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: Ckistner on August 02, 2012, 08:05:47 PM

Title: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on August 02, 2012, 08:05:47 PM
Hi all,

New to the board and I just had to show my new S&W 77a.  Newer Sheridan under.

I picked this up recently for $80.  Seals need replaced and I can't wait to get her working.  If you have any experience with this model, let me know.  I would love to hear how they perform.

Thanks,
Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: PakProtector on August 03, 2012, 06:55:55 PM
hey-Hey!!!,
I like that S&W. Had a 79G when I was young...no idea what became of it. Still have the Sheridan though, and another besides. Would love to fall into a 77...:) How does yours shoot?
cheers,
Douglas
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on August 04, 2012, 07:11:55 PM
hey-Hey!!!,
I like that S&W. Had a 79G when I was young...no idea what became of it. Still have the Sheridan though, and another besides. Would love to fall into a 77...:) How does yours shoot?
cheers,
Douglas

It currently doesn't.  As I mentioned in the original post, seals seem to be shot.  I have been trying to gather info on repairing.  So far, I have had offers to repair but nothing on where I can get parts.  And I can't seem to find anyone that has one that can tell me how theirs shoots.  I did learn that these guns were only made between 1970 and 1978.

Thanks,
Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: ezman604 on August 04, 2012, 08:46:27 PM
Hey Ck,
I picked one of these up a short time back. It's a hard shooter, for a multi-pumper. Mine has had no internal maintenance as far as I know ands shoots HARD. Here are a few posts on it that I have made.

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,23618.msg213683.html#msg213683 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,23618.msg213683.html#msg213683)

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,22091.msg202373.html#msg202373 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,22091.msg202373.html#msg202373)

Remember 1 important point about this gun. You must FIRST cock it or it will not pump up or hold pressure. I made that mistake the first 2-3 times I tried to shoot mine. And this was with a nutter within 20 yards and in my sights. Thought he was bullet proof at first. LOL
Next, add some Pelgun oil to the wiper behind the pump seal.
If you find you need parts, check our Mall area for JG Airguns. John carries some parts for these guns.
Good luck, welcome and keep us posted.
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 8)
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on August 05, 2012, 02:35:38 PM
Hey Dave,

Thanks for the response and the links.  Glad to hear I have something to be excited about.  Love the post about the scope mount and awesome job.  I thought it was interesting that my 77a does have a dovetail for a scope.  I added a pic below.  Since yours is a 1970, I would have to assume they added this feature later.  Do you know of any clue's to identify the year?

Also, I can't seem to get the first link you provided to work.  The others provided great info and I didn't want to miss anything.

Thanks for the info and the welcome,
Ck

Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: ezman604 on August 05, 2012, 03:31:39 PM
Hmmm...not sure how that link got posted. Here is the correct one.
http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,21229.msg189856.html#msg189856 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,21229.msg189856.html#msg189856)

There were 2 versions of the 77a. Mine, without the dovetail, is the first version. I think 78 or 79 is when they revised it by adding the dovetail.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on August 05, 2012, 03:51:23 PM
Did you ever find the exploded part diagram you were looking for?  I just took mine apart.  Someone had jammed a plastic pellet in the barrel.  All clear now and was going to remove the pump to check out the seals.  The front site has the screw that I removed but was curious if there was a trick to removing?  It doesn't seem to want to budge and I'm not forcing it until I know what I am dealing with.

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: SnoValley on August 09, 2012, 11:48:20 PM
Ck, I had one of these and resealed it myself. It was a while ago and I don't remember it being anymore difficult than any other.
I do remember that there was a specific sequence to follow to take it apart and get it back together, one of those part A must be in place before you attempt to fit part B type of things. It was a hard shooter when done but this was when my Chrony went missing, so I don't have any numbers. but it was as strong as a good Sheridan and very accurate. If you have yours apart, you know how well these are made, they are the real deal.
I traded mine to Tim Schmidt, he is a real fan of these. If you need parts he probably has them. I got the parts I needed from Rick @ Precision Pellet.
I have a scan of the manual and some exploded pictures of the valve etc. If you need them let me know and I'll e-mail them to ya..
Enjoy that rifle, I would have kept mine, except my current limitations to my shoulder make the big guns hard to shoot and pump.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on August 10, 2012, 03:10:47 PM
Ck, I had one of these and resealed it myself. It was a while ago and I don't remember it being anymore difficult than any other.
I do remember that there was a specific sequence to follow to take it apart and get it back together, one of those part A must be in place before you attempt to fit part B type of things. It was a hard shooter when done but this was when my Chrony went missing, so I don't have any numbers. but it was as strong as a good Sheridan and very accurate. If you have yours apart, you know how well these are made, they are the real deal.
I traded mine to Tim Schmidt, he is a real fan of these. If you need parts he probably has them. I got the parts I needed from Rick @ Precision Pellet.
I have a scan of the manual and some exploded pictures of the valve etc. If you need them let me know and I'll e-mail them to ya..
Enjoy that rifle, I would have kept mine, except my current limitations to my shoulder make the big guns hard to shoot and pump.

Thanks Snovalley,  I will take you up on your offer for manual and pics.  I will PM you my info. 

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: ezman604 on August 10, 2012, 03:13:20 PM
I THOUGHT I had a file copy of the manual but cannot locate it. I did however, send a photo showing the valve assembly disassembled. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: SnoValley on August 10, 2012, 08:23:31 PM
Ck you've got mail, broke it up into 3 e-mails, wasn't sure of your bandwidth.
David
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on August 10, 2012, 09:09:34 PM
Got it.  Thanks.  Sent you back a PDF in case you wanted.

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Rocker1 on August 14, 2012, 03:10:50 PM
 I got to hold one of those a few days ago at the flea market a gentlemen had just bought, said he gave 125 for it sure was a fine looking old ag with a walnut stock on the one I seen.  David
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on August 16, 2012, 02:35:12 PM
J.G. Airguns not longer makes parts for the 77a.  They only carry the o-rings.  Anyone have suggestions on where else might carry parts?

Thanks,
Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: SnoValley on August 17, 2012, 12:34:22 PM
Try Rick Willnecker @ Precision Pellet.
He has many of the obscure parts for the older guns and actually has some of the harder to get stuff manufactured new.
717-382-1481
www.airgunshop.net (http://www.airgunshop.net)
I discovered him a couple years ago and use him for just about everything I need. He is a great guy to talk to and knows what he's talking about, great resource!
Never met him but have talked on the phone many times.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on August 21, 2012, 11:07:35 AM
Try Rick Willnecker @ Precision Pellet.
He has many of the obscure parts for the older guns and actually has some of the harder to get stuff manufactured new.
717-382-1481
www.airgunshop.net (http://www.airgunshop.net)
I discovered him a couple years ago and use him for just about everything I need. He is a great guy to talk to and knows what he's talking about, great resource!
Never met him but have talked on the phone many times.

Rick also only repairs and does not sell parts kit.

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on September 05, 2012, 07:50:02 PM
Well...  Decided to pull the trigger and have a professional fix my 77.  I am having it serviced by Dennis Baker at Airgun Repair.   He sealed an old Benji for me so I thought I would trust him with my 77.  Has anyone used him before?

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: PakProtector on September 16, 2012, 09:06:00 PM
hey-Hey!!!,
There is one for sale now...it is labled as 'pick up in MA only'...and I am not in MA, but MI...now if I were in ME it might be possible...grrrr, what am I going to do?
cheers,
Douglas
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on September 17, 2012, 11:45:41 PM
hey-Hey!!!,
There is one for sale now...it is labled as 'pick up in MA only'...and I am not in MA, but MI...now if I were in ME it might be possible...grrrr, what am I going to do?
cheers,
Douglas

I saw that post.  Who would post on that site and not be willing to ship.  Makes no sense.

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on October 13, 2012, 05:32:25 PM
Well it finally arrived. What a perfect day to go out. No one is in the house. Duck out back with a fresh pack of pellets to see what this 77 can do. I have been waiting for this since I found it in an estate auction back in July. Well, I'm here to tell you it did not disappoint. This thing is so easy to pump. I'm use to my old Bens and Dans which can tire you out after a while.

First shot at about 40ft, went left of the target. The sight was off. Straightened it up and the little yard statue that my wife likes to buy from Big Lots, didn't stand a chance.

Documentation from service center says it registered 610 fps at 10 pumps. I've read that these can be pumped up to 20 times. I borrowed a ChronoPro Jr from a friend in anticipation of delivery this weekend but I can get the "dang" thing to work. Screen just reads 8.8.8.8 and wont go to ready.

Oh well. Time to go back out and shoot some more. Just wanted to update everyone. Thanks for all who contributed to this thread.

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: grumpy on October 13, 2012, 06:43:42 PM
Dang I miss my 77A, I should have never sold it ! ...
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: ezman604 on October 13, 2012, 06:45:34 PM
Good deal and thanks for the update. Try replacing the battery on the Chrony. See if that brings it back to life.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on October 13, 2012, 08:21:48 PM
Good deal and thanks for the update. Try replacing the battery on the Chrony. See if that brings it back to life.

Uhh...   Yeah...  Of course tried new battery.  No go...
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: ezman604 on October 13, 2012, 10:22:07 PM
Uhhhh....okay. Worth a shot anyway.
 ;D
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: roughneck49 on October 17, 2012, 01:38:24 PM
Hello All!  New guy here...

I recently pulled my grandfather's S&W 77A out of the closet to where it sat dormant since I got it years ago and tried to shoot it. 

...Long story short it's now in many pieces and I can't get it back together...hoping for any diagrams, manuals, pics, advice, hope, etc.  I noticed a few of you have good experience with this model within the thread.  Is it just me or is this thing a little on the complex side...should I return my engineering degree and PE license?  If I had four hands and three woodworking clamps would it be back together?

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: roughneck49 on October 17, 2012, 09:16:13 PM
Thanks SnoValley & CKistner, going to attempt again this weekend...be looking for pics.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on December 13, 2012, 06:13:58 PM
Finally got my hands on an F1 Chrony.  Bought a brand new one on eBay for $80 including shipping.  Not bad.  Of course the first gun I wanted to test was the 77A and it did not disappoint.  After putting through 10 shots at 20 pumps per shot, it averaged 880 fps.  The amazing thing is that even after pump 20, it was still easy to pump.  Easier than any of my other AG's. 

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: grumpy on December 13, 2012, 06:24:11 PM
I miss my 77A so much. Its a power house of a pumper..
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: ezman604 on December 13, 2012, 06:30:06 PM
Yep, they powerful...but loud too. LOL
Easier to pump due to the length of the pump handle and lever. Awsome airgun!!!
And those numbers are fantastic. Congrats on the F1. Is it a Master with the remote display?
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: PakProtector on December 13, 2012, 06:42:57 PM
Awwww....880 fps? are you kidding? What pellet? I must have had a severe case of PCP-itis when I passed on one for $90 in need of a seal up job. Am painfully reminded how classy they look. Won't miss the next one...:) or maybe I need another Sheridan?
cheers,
Douglas
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on December 13, 2012, 07:07:41 PM
Yep, they powerful...but loud too. LOL
Easier to pump due to the length of the pump handle and lever. Awsome airgun!!!
And those numbers are fantastic. Congrats on the F1. Is it a Master with the remote display?

No.  Just went with the basic model.  Figured I could add on later.

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on December 13, 2012, 07:10:52 PM
Awwww....880 fps? are you kidding? What pellet? I must have had a severe case of PCP-itis when I passed on one for $90 in need of a seal up job. Am painfully reminded how classy they look. Won't miss the next one...:) or maybe I need another Sheridan?
cheers,
Douglas
Just some old Crosman wadcutters.  Nothing special. 

Ck
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: PakProtector on December 13, 2012, 08:32:45 PM
Sweet..likely around 12-13 grains? Kicking myself for forgetting the ease of pumping. Looking for a pumper for my son and this would have been just too sweet. D-Oh!
cheers,
Douglas
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson 22 Cal. Air Rifle Model 77a
Post by: Ckistner on December 13, 2012, 08:59:01 PM
Sweet..likely around 12-13 grains? Kicking myself for forgetting the ease of pumping. Looking for a pumper for my son and this would have been just too sweet. D-Oh!
cheers,
Douglas
You crack me up with your responses.  I will keep my eye out for one and PM you if I find one...

Ck