No surprise that the Benjamin gets a lot of votes as second to the Sheridan. The Sheridan Streaks are, after all, refined copies of the Benjamin 317/312. I also don't much care for any of the two-piece, die-cast receiver guns, starting with the 760. Alright for their low-cost niche I suppose, but nowhere near the quality of the older wood and steel (or brass) guns.
In the beginning Sheridan was the gold standard but after its Supergrades were too expensive for the American market they didnt innovate, they copied the successful Benjamin rifle? The valving system is an exact copy. They copied the soldering of the barrel on the tube. Something Crosman I think wisely never did. Yes the quality of manufacturing was excellent but the rifle was basically a dressed up copy. Not sure I would call that the Gold Standard?
The 77A is like my ex; looks great but there's too much going on and it's not worth the effort! The discussion made me wonder what exactly is going on with Crosman and the Sheridan name? After they discontinued the .20 pump guns they came out with that "Superstreak" springer, then the lever action bb gun, and now the reissued steel breech Sheridan 2260. Fade to oblivion I suppose. Sad
The 392 should carry the Sheridan label, it is a direct descendent. (Not a crummy little kid's BB gun.) The last of their kind, it will be a shame to see them go.
I picked up a Project 101 to rebuild and help keep my (little) sanity this winter. I was surprised at the size of it. Look and feel of a full sized rifle. It is clear they were not a "toy".