Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
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Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
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Topic: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question (Read 769 times))
c801tfd
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 644
yes
Real Name: Elroy
Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
on:
March 24, 2021, 02:01:29 PM »
I have decided to re-seal and restore a recently purchased Benjamin 312. Based on information/description found on the vintage airguns gallery site my 312 was made in 1956 as it matches the key details listed for that production year.
Current condition:
Needs resealed and new piston cup and felts, I have the seal kit and internal springs ordered and special tool, have seen ideas for new felts and may try one of these methods out.
Most of the metal parts and screws are rusted due to past water damage or neglect, all will need cleaned up or replaced. Bolt and sight are salvageable. However bolt only has the little spring and no bearing for inside, don’t know how big that is or if it is critical to have the bearing.
I wanted to leave the brass patina as is, it has no black. However, there was some sort of tar or black bumpy corrosion that would not clean up, so it is getting polished and buffed. This is the most brass I have polished since the days of being a young firefighter. Not sure if I will leave as is or try to reblack it in some way, I just hate the thought of using black paint on brass.
The butt of the stock had significant black streaks and the stock finish was flaking away, all wood has been striped and treated with a product known as Savogran (oxalic acid) which removed the black staining.
The one question I have at this point is the front muzzle plug, most of the 312’s I have seen have a brass muzzle plug. The one I have is steel, is this the correct plug or should it be made of brass as well?
This plug was rust encrusted but has cleaned up very nicely and was able to remove the retaining screw with the help of some low heat and penetrating oil. The only thing left to do to it is paint it black or cold blue it for re-use if it is the correct one, if not the search for a brass muzzle plug begins.
Since it is currently disassembled and waiting new parts, I am also open to ideas or input restoration of what will become a new old gun.
I will post pictures of current progress soon.
«
Last Edit: March 24, 2021, 02:16:01 PM by c801tfd
»
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Montana, USA
.177:
2 Beeman San Rafael FWB 124 Sport Deluxe JNC Stamp (77/78); (80/81);R7 Santa Rosa; HW77 (1984); BSF 55N; BSF 35; BSF S60; Crosman 100 – 1948 x 2; 113 - 50-55; 147 BP - 1968; Diana Model 25A 20's-30’s; EM-GE Krone DRGM 1936; Feinwerkbau Sport; B3-1; Marksman 70; Colt Commander; Weihrauch HW55MM; Winchester XSU 1100
.20:
Beeman R1 Santa Rosa; Sheridan Model C “BS” (52/53); Model C "SS” (53/54)
.22:
Beeman San Rafael FWB 127 Sport; Benjamin 132 1946; 312 - 40's; 312 - 1956; Crosman Model 99 X 2; 101 – 1930-38 Disc Logo; 101 - 1925-29 Straight Logo X 4; 102 - 1929 Checkered Stocks x 3; 114 - 1950-55; 140 1st var thumb cock; 140 2nd Var; 120; 362; 362 - 100 year Anniversary Edition; 1322 Phase II; Diana 34 T06; 35; Falke Model 70; Hatsan Model 95; Haenel Model III DRP 10/1927; Model I DRP 1-12-1935; Rochester - DT Fletcher; Ruger Impact Max Elite; Sig Sauer ASP20; S & W 77A ; Winchester 427
.25:
Hatsan Model 125 Sniper
c801tfd
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 644
yes
Real Name: Elroy
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #1 on:
March 25, 2021, 04:18:45 AM »
Here is the stock after one 25 minute soak treatment in Savogran and the clean up of barrel and pump tube. I plan on soaking the stock one more time for about an hour this time.
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Montana, USA
.177:
2 Beeman San Rafael FWB 124 Sport Deluxe JNC Stamp (77/78); (80/81);R7 Santa Rosa; HW77 (1984); BSF 55N; BSF 35; BSF S60; Crosman 100 – 1948 x 2; 113 - 50-55; 147 BP - 1968; Diana Model 25A 20's-30’s; EM-GE Krone DRGM 1936; Feinwerkbau Sport; B3-1; Marksman 70; Colt Commander; Weihrauch HW55MM; Winchester XSU 1100
.20:
Beeman R1 Santa Rosa; Sheridan Model C “BS” (52/53); Model C "SS” (53/54)
.22:
Beeman San Rafael FWB 127 Sport; Benjamin 132 1946; 312 - 40's; 312 - 1956; Crosman Model 99 X 2; 101 – 1930-38 Disc Logo; 101 - 1925-29 Straight Logo X 4; 102 - 1929 Checkered Stocks x 3; 114 - 1950-55; 140 1st var thumb cock; 140 2nd Var; 120; 362; 362 - 100 year Anniversary Edition; 1322 Phase II; Diana 34 T06; 35; Falke Model 70; Hatsan Model 95; Haenel Model III DRP 10/1927; Model I DRP 1-12-1935; Rochester - DT Fletcher; Ruger Impact Max Elite; Sig Sauer ASP20; S & W 77A ; Winchester 427
.25:
Hatsan Model 125 Sniper
Pellet Fun
Expert
Posts: 1160
yes
Real Name: Gary
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #2 on:
March 25, 2021, 10:15:44 AM »
Your rifle is starting to transform. Looking good. Wish I could advise on the plug, but I don't know. Thanks for the pics and keep them coming as your work moves along.
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Tidewater Virginia
xcalibur
Vintage Airgun Enthusiast
Plinker
Posts: 185
Real Name: Steven
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #3 on:
March 25, 2021, 12:05:52 PM »
Looking good.....
I don't have any 31X examples with steel muzzle plugs, but have four rifles ranging from1951-1954 with steel breech plugs. Type of metal used whether brass or steel seems to have been randomly selected thru that period of time at least. A fellow collector informs me that he has several rifles with steel muzzle plugs. Considering these facts, the plug in your '56 rifle is most likely factory. Just to verify, and when you find time, post or PM pics of the plug from different angles.
The factory felt oilers are dense and rarely tear up. I would suggest removing them and soaking in mineral spirits. Mineral spirits works best to dissolve old grease and oils. After a day or so soaking in the spirits, suds them up with Dawn dish soap and water. Let dry thoroughly before oiling and reinstallation.
Your rifle should also have the tang style thumb safety. This style was used on the 31X series from mid 1955 thru basically 1968. Even though the 31X models were replaced by the improved 34X series at that time, there were a very few 31X models still being manufactured into the mid 70's.
Steven
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Solsberry, IN
Steven
c801tfd
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 644
yes
Real Name: Elroy
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #4 on:
March 25, 2021, 01:41:52 PM »
Pellet Fun,
Thank you for the kind words of encouragement, I will keep udating as I go. Never thought I would but I am starting to like these old pumpers, still like the German made springers; but Vintage American Made pumpers are just as great if not more so.
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Montana, USA
.177:
2 Beeman San Rafael FWB 124 Sport Deluxe JNC Stamp (77/78); (80/81);R7 Santa Rosa; HW77 (1984); BSF 55N; BSF 35; BSF S60; Crosman 100 – 1948 x 2; 113 - 50-55; 147 BP - 1968; Diana Model 25A 20's-30’s; EM-GE Krone DRGM 1936; Feinwerkbau Sport; B3-1; Marksman 70; Colt Commander; Weihrauch HW55MM; Winchester XSU 1100
.20:
Beeman R1 Santa Rosa; Sheridan Model C “BS” (52/53); Model C "SS” (53/54)
.22:
Beeman San Rafael FWB 127 Sport; Benjamin 132 1946; 312 - 40's; 312 - 1956; Crosman Model 99 X 2; 101 – 1930-38 Disc Logo; 101 - 1925-29 Straight Logo X 4; 102 - 1929 Checkered Stocks x 3; 114 - 1950-55; 140 1st var thumb cock; 140 2nd Var; 120; 362; 362 - 100 year Anniversary Edition; 1322 Phase II; Diana 34 T06; 35; Falke Model 70; Hatsan Model 95; Haenel Model III DRP 10/1927; Model I DRP 1-12-1935; Rochester - DT Fletcher; Ruger Impact Max Elite; Sig Sauer ASP20; S & W 77A ; Winchester 427
.25:
Hatsan Model 125 Sniper
c801tfd
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 644
yes
Real Name: Elroy
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #5 on:
March 25, 2021, 01:46:44 PM »
xcalibur,
I will take pictures of the muzzle plug tonight, forgot to do that last night. Also thanks for the tip on the felts, mine seem to be good, but very dirty almost to the point of hard, I will start soaking them tonight. It will be getting the tang style syfety, one is on its way. Intresting they pushed the 31X line into the 70's, but nice that they did because it makes finding parts a lot easier.
Logged
Montana, USA
.177:
2 Beeman San Rafael FWB 124 Sport Deluxe JNC Stamp (77/78); (80/81);R7 Santa Rosa; HW77 (1984); BSF 55N; BSF 35; BSF S60; Crosman 100 – 1948 x 2; 113 - 50-55; 147 BP - 1968; Diana Model 25A 20's-30’s; EM-GE Krone DRGM 1936; Feinwerkbau Sport; B3-1; Marksman 70; Colt Commander; Weihrauch HW55MM; Winchester XSU 1100
.20:
Beeman R1 Santa Rosa; Sheridan Model C “BS” (52/53); Model C "SS” (53/54)
.22:
Beeman San Rafael FWB 127 Sport; Benjamin 132 1946; 312 - 40's; 312 - 1956; Crosman Model 99 X 2; 101 – 1930-38 Disc Logo; 101 - 1925-29 Straight Logo X 4; 102 - 1929 Checkered Stocks x 3; 114 - 1950-55; 140 1st var thumb cock; 140 2nd Var; 120; 362; 362 - 100 year Anniversary Edition; 1322 Phase II; Diana 34 T06; 35; Falke Model 70; Hatsan Model 95; Haenel Model III DRP 10/1927; Model I DRP 1-12-1935; Rochester - DT Fletcher; Ruger Impact Max Elite; Sig Sauer ASP20; S & W 77A ; Winchester 427
.25:
Hatsan Model 125 Sniper
RBQChicken
Expert
Posts: 1648
Real Name: Randy
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #6 on:
March 25, 2021, 09:44:18 PM »
Interesting (and good!) that the Savogran didn't bleach the natural wood color from the wood. I read that oxalic acid wood bleach would do that. Sure, if the natural color was bleached out you could get a close match with the right stain or dye, but you wouldn't have the variations you get in the natural wood.
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U.P. of MI
The first time I hit it, I missed. The second time I hit it in the same place.
Air Head
I think I used to be indecisive, but I'm not so sure of that anymore.
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 651
yes
Real Name: Rich
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #7 on:
March 25, 2021, 10:47:41 PM »
Nice clean up!
Looking forward to seeing it complete!
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Stalingrad, California USA
The best things in life are....
financially out of my reach...
c801tfd
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 644
yes
Real Name: Elroy
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #8 on:
March 26, 2021, 03:20:55 AM »
A few pictures of the muzzle plug in question
Logged
Montana, USA
.177:
2 Beeman San Rafael FWB 124 Sport Deluxe JNC Stamp (77/78); (80/81);R7 Santa Rosa; HW77 (1984); BSF 55N; BSF 35; BSF S60; Crosman 100 – 1948 x 2; 113 - 50-55; 147 BP - 1968; Diana Model 25A 20's-30’s; EM-GE Krone DRGM 1936; Feinwerkbau Sport; B3-1; Marksman 70; Colt Commander; Weihrauch HW55MM; Winchester XSU 1100
.20:
Beeman R1 Santa Rosa; Sheridan Model C “BS” (52/53); Model C "SS” (53/54)
.22:
Beeman San Rafael FWB 127 Sport; Benjamin 132 1946; 312 - 40's; 312 - 1956; Crosman Model 99 X 2; 101 – 1930-38 Disc Logo; 101 - 1925-29 Straight Logo X 4; 102 - 1929 Checkered Stocks x 3; 114 - 1950-55; 140 1st var thumb cock; 140 2nd Var; 120; 362; 362 - 100 year Anniversary Edition; 1322 Phase II; Diana 34 T06; 35; Falke Model 70; Hatsan Model 95; Haenel Model III DRP 10/1927; Model I DRP 1-12-1935; Rochester - DT Fletcher; Ruger Impact Max Elite; Sig Sauer ASP20; S & W 77A ; Winchester 427
.25:
Hatsan Model 125 Sniper
Cloud 9
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 647
Real Name: Jeff
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #9 on:
April 01, 2021, 06:50:11 PM »
I think that plug should be brass in that era. My 4 Benji 312's of same vintage have brass plugs. I believe JGAirguns.biz would have the 312 brass end plug. I have purchased the breech plug from them before.
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DFW TX
Cloud 9
Beeman HW97K Blue .177 "The Blue Max"
Beeman HW97K Lukas Parsley FT Stock
Whiscombe JW50 Mk2
Air Arms Pro Sport .177 Walnut
RAW TM1000
1947,1948,1949,1951 Sheridan Super Grade "A"
1949 Sheridan Sporter "B"
1950, 1963 Sheridan Silver Streak
1969 Sheridan Blue Streak
1955 Benjamin 312
c801tfd
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 644
yes
Real Name: Elroy
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #10 on:
April 01, 2021, 08:02:03 PM »
Cloud 9,
Thank you for the input, makes feel comfortable using the brass one I found online and since I am going with the brass look it will look complete with a matching muzzle plug.
Logged
Montana, USA
.177:
2 Beeman San Rafael FWB 124 Sport Deluxe JNC Stamp (77/78); (80/81);R7 Santa Rosa; HW77 (1984); BSF 55N; BSF 35; BSF S60; Crosman 100 – 1948 x 2; 113 - 50-55; 147 BP - 1968; Diana Model 25A 20's-30’s; EM-GE Krone DRGM 1936; Feinwerkbau Sport; B3-1; Marksman 70; Colt Commander; Weihrauch HW55MM; Winchester XSU 1100
.20:
Beeman R1 Santa Rosa; Sheridan Model C “BS” (52/53); Model C "SS” (53/54)
.22:
Beeman San Rafael FWB 127 Sport; Benjamin 132 1946; 312 - 40's; 312 - 1956; Crosman Model 99 X 2; 101 – 1930-38 Disc Logo; 101 - 1925-29 Straight Logo X 4; 102 - 1929 Checkered Stocks x 3; 114 - 1950-55; 140 1st var thumb cock; 140 2nd Var; 120; 362; 362 - 100 year Anniversary Edition; 1322 Phase II; Diana 34 T06; 35; Falke Model 70; Hatsan Model 95; Haenel Model III DRP 10/1927; Model I DRP 1-12-1935; Rochester - DT Fletcher; Ruger Impact Max Elite; Sig Sauer ASP20; S & W 77A ; Winchester 427
.25:
Hatsan Model 125 Sniper
Latches
Plinker
Posts: 110
yes
Real Name: Marshall
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #11 on:
April 03, 2021, 07:35:31 PM »
My circa 1948 317, similar vintage 310 and somewhat newer 312 all have brass muzzle plugs. It is possible that Benjamin switched to steel as a cost saving on newer guns.
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Denver, CO, USA
c801tfd
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 644
yes
Real Name: Elroy
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #12 on:
April 11, 2021, 04:05:28 AM »
Calling it a success, here is the 1956 Benjamin 312 I purchased in mid March. Back then it would not pump up, stock needed work to save it, all the metal parts were rusty, safety was missing, brass was tarnished and blotchy, cocking arm needed a new spring to keep it in position.
Over the last few weeks the wood was striped, treated to remove/reduce impacts of past water damage. All metal parts were either cleaned up or replaced as needed. The brass was cleaned up and the felts for the pump assembly were salvaged and cleaned up for reuse. I also found a brass muzzle plug and installed it as well. Tonight it got all new springs and seals installed and new pump cup and was put back together with fresh pelgun oil.
It now pumps up and holds air and no signs of a leak. I test fired it with 6 pumps, wow it pushes a pellet. Can’t wait to test for accuracy and chrony. I also tested for residual air at 7 and 8 pumps, it dumps all the air each time. It is now sitting in the corner pumped up to see if it holds air over night.
«
Last Edit: April 11, 2021, 04:07:51 AM by c801tfd
»
Logged
Montana, USA
.177:
2 Beeman San Rafael FWB 124 Sport Deluxe JNC Stamp (77/78); (80/81);R7 Santa Rosa; HW77 (1984); BSF 55N; BSF 35; BSF S60; Crosman 100 – 1948 x 2; 113 - 50-55; 147 BP - 1968; Diana Model 25A 20's-30’s; EM-GE Krone DRGM 1936; Feinwerkbau Sport; B3-1; Marksman 70; Colt Commander; Weihrauch HW55MM; Winchester XSU 1100
.20:
Beeman R1 Santa Rosa; Sheridan Model C “BS” (52/53); Model C "SS” (53/54)
.22:
Beeman San Rafael FWB 127 Sport; Benjamin 132 1946; 312 - 40's; 312 - 1956; Crosman Model 99 X 2; 101 – 1930-38 Disc Logo; 101 - 1925-29 Straight Logo X 4; 102 - 1929 Checkered Stocks x 3; 114 - 1950-55; 140 1st var thumb cock; 140 2nd Var; 120; 362; 362 - 100 year Anniversary Edition; 1322 Phase II; Diana 34 T06; 35; Falke Model 70; Hatsan Model 95; Haenel Model III DRP 10/1927; Model I DRP 1-12-1935; Rochester - DT Fletcher; Ruger Impact Max Elite; Sig Sauer ASP20; S & W 77A ; Winchester 427
.25:
Hatsan Model 125 Sniper
Compressorguy
Plinker
Posts: 101
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Real Name: Scott
Re: Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question
«
Reply #13 on:
April 11, 2021, 07:45:24 PM »
Very nice!
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USA, Clayton, NC
Scott
1940 Diana 27 DRP, Militia Diana 27 Asian Copy, Beeman’s Original 27, RWS Diana 45, RWS Diana 36 chopped, RWS Diana 75T01, HyScore 819 /Diana 10, RWS Diana 6M, Walther LGV Spezial, Sheridan Silver Streak, Slavia 619
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Restoration and Reseal of Benjamin 312 made in 1956 and muzzle plug question