Like many here I have the new 392 and it's ancestors. My "new-2-me" 342 is being shipped today so I am relying on 40 year old memories for that one.The old ones were well built airguns and have stood the test of time. While they are all basically the same length the top 392PA (2015) feels like a larger gun.it does have some plastic parts like the trigger guard and the wood finish is more "modern". The positive to it is you get a warranty and parts are available direct from Crosman. The bottom 312 was bought for the "Vintage" aspect and I like it for that. Fun to shoot a airgun that was made right after WWII. It is a smaller gun because it is narrow and light. Rebuild parts are available, but if you need anything other than seals and valves you are not left with many sources. Maybe a Parts donor gun. Now, that said, one you haven't mentioned and may not know about is the middle 392P. They were made right after the Crosman buy-out from some left over parts from Benjamin and new parts from Crosman... I LOVE this gun! all metal, nice trigger and very sturdy. and it feel adult sized. Again, part supplies are limited but still available.Seems like Bakers has a few 39X P at all times. The best part of a new 392PA is if you do happen to get a lemon, exchange it under warranty... and Crosman's customer support is one of the best out there. Also, I too "Drank the Kool-aid and recently picked up a Sheridan Blue Streak. While similar, it is a different animal. I have it taken apart for refinishing but when it arrived I was surprised at it's size. It is smaller than I remember I thought they were big as a kid. About the same as a modern 392PA.They are held to a different standard. Top quality and I bet they made a million of them so parts are easier to come by... but pricey.The down side to a 'Streak to me is pellet availability and selection. They only came in .20 and you got a choice of about 5 different pellets that need to be ordered. I like being able to go to the local Walmart and pick up a tin of .22 pellets and shoot a Benjamin when ever I want.
Thanks! Once the 342 arrives and the Blue Streak is back together I will post an updated family photo... Sorry Tom, the "white gun" is a break-barrel springer and doesn't really relate to Chris's question.So with that, I guess my long winded answer above was not really and answer. Chris if you want a gun just to shoot I would get a new one or even a refurb. If you want the nostalgia of the air gun from your youth get one.Either one is a gamble as to if your going to get a out of the box shooter or not. I was just pointing out the Pro's and Cons of both new and old.
As you guys know, someone once said "Only accurate guns are interesting." If I cant get a pump gun to shoot close to level as my Disco, I wont be happy. From the sound of it, getting a 392 that will is a &^^& shoot. In the past 10 years or so, I have not seen one 31X or 34X at the swapmeets or pawn shops. Other wise, I would have probably jumped on it. Ordering a older gun online, seems to be a crapshoot as well. If I got one with a bad bore, it would be money down the drain. From what I see online, the cost, shipping, parts and rebuild excced the cost of a new 392 quite a bit. At 20 yards, what can I expect from a 392 that is not accurate?Chris
At 20 yards, what can I expect from a 392 that is not accurate?
As stated above there are a few sold on here every now and then, and the members here will always give you straight on what the condition is of there guns.