Quote from: Blowpipe Sam on May 04, 2021, 11:52:55 AMThese are all great air rifles. But what makes them great? Is your favorite a vintage survivor covered with dings and dents demonstrating that it has seen prolonged hard use? Is it an NIB attic find? I own three Crosman 1400’s (2 shooters and a basket case). Two have seen hard use and have slop in the pump linkage. The one I got from 19Sheridan57 has a tight linkage indicating that the gun had not seen much use or abuse. The OP’s question was which ones hold up the best? Age is a factor but use and abuse should be considered too. I’ll bet my grungiest, rustiest, old Crosman is as tough as any pampered Benjamin or Sheridan.I have had several 'Dans and Benji's that were anything other than "pampered". Bet my 312 and C9 were "grungier" than anyone in their right mind would consider restoring... Let alone buying.
These are all great air rifles. But what makes them great? Is your favorite a vintage survivor covered with dings and dents demonstrating that it has seen prolonged hard use? Is it an NIB attic find? I own three Crosman 1400’s (2 shooters and a basket case). Two have seen hard use and have slop in the pump linkage. The one I got from 19Sheridan57 has a tight linkage indicating that the gun had not seen much use or abuse. The OP’s question was which ones hold up the best? Age is a factor but use and abuse should be considered too. I’ll bet my grungiest, rustiest, old Crosman is as tough as any pampered Benjamin or Sheridan.