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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Vintage Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: 45flint on June 14, 2018, 03:25:04 PM

Title: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 14, 2018, 03:25:04 PM
There are no .20 cal pellets in my town!   Are you kidding me! 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: joek on June 14, 2018, 03:36:12 PM
Every year its less and less  :(
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 14, 2018, 04:00:51 PM
Nope... no joke.
I have very little selection in my town , Walmart, Tractor Supply, and Rural King are the only places that carry pellets at all. .22 and .177  and brands are Crosman, Gamo, Daisy, and Winchester.
 The larger "City" south of me, Populataion 265,000 roughly, has the same choices.  ::)

.20 pellets are all mail order.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: kelvinator on June 14, 2018, 05:12:11 PM
I order the Benjamin labeled .20 cylindrical's from Wal Mart online website and choose in store pick up.
They don't have them in the stores but they are (or were the last time i looked) available on their website.
They'll ship them to your local store for free and text you when they are in.
If you have a wally world nearby might be worth a try.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 14, 2018, 05:44:30 PM
I order the Benjamin labeled .20 cylindrical's from Wal Mart online website and choose in store pick up.
They don't have them in the stores but they are (or were the last time i looked) available on their website.
They'll ship them to your local store for free and text you when they are in.
If you have a wally world nearby might be worth a try.

Good thought, actually I think I have a outfitter store 30 minutes away that would have them.  Just had a large order last week from Pyramid Air but need to have multiple order to justify postage.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 14, 2018, 07:59:50 PM
I order these. Buy 3 get one free. No better deal out there & the packaging will blow your mind. Incidently; I knew we'd get you sucked in eventually. ;D

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 14, 2018, 08:16:18 PM
I order these. Buy 3 get one free. No better deal out there & the packaging will blow your mind. Incidently; I knew we'd get you sucked in eventually. ;D

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477)

I just did the 3 get one free!   I don’t shoot that much.  3 day trial so may not be sucked in yet!
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 14, 2018, 08:26:15 PM
Oh you will...  ;)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 14, 2018, 08:31:14 PM
Oh you will...  ;)

I know this gun could not shoot and I’d still buy it lol
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 14, 2018, 08:32:30 PM
Interesting the Benjamin pellets almost look like old school slugs
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 14, 2018, 08:34:02 PM
Yep, I have never shot the old "ashcans" but the new Benji Cylinders do quite well in all my .20s
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 14, 2018, 09:04:58 PM
I order these. Buy 3 get one free. No better deal out there & the packaging will blow your mind. Incidently; I knew we'd get you sucked in eventually. ;D

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477)

I just did the 3 get one free!   I don’t shoot that much.  3 day trial so may not be sucked in yet!

No need for a trial. Trust me on this one.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: avator on June 14, 2018, 09:18:06 PM
I stumbled across a few tins of copperhead .20 at the outfitter around the corner but he said his supplier just happen to have them from old stock and that was it. No other local source so I order from PA. At least you know they are packed well and rarely come damaged. And if they do, PA will make it right.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: RBQChicken on June 14, 2018, 09:36:35 PM
I don't know if you have Fleet Farms in Ohio, but if you do, check there.  The one's in Wisconsin carry the Benjamin .20 pellets. 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: avator on June 14, 2018, 09:43:32 PM
All my .20 guns like the Exact Diabolos better than the Benjis.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: TerryM on June 14, 2018, 09:45:08 PM
  If you have to mail order, get the best.  I see JSB .20 caliber have gone up in price.  Still well worth it, 2,000 rounds for 60 bucks with the four for three discount, the most accurate .20 on the market. 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: A.K.A. Tommy Boy on June 14, 2018, 09:59:10 PM
I order these. Buy 3 get one free. No better deal out there & the packaging will blow your mind. Incidently; I knew we'd get you sucked in eventually. ;D

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477)

I bought a 20cal rifle from Marty, awhile back.  He said get these ^ and I did.    I took his word for it... that these were a good way to go and I bought 3,000 JSB Diablo Exact pellets in 20cal, from PA, with out having ever shot any.   Just like Marty said...They DO shoot very well.  I shot up 100 pellets the first day I got these and I was impressed with the gun and these pellets.    What ever Marty Says..You can take That to the Bank !     
I wish you..the best of luck with this rifle, in it's trial period.   I hope things work out for you.

Best Wishes  -  Tom

Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Wayne52 on June 14, 2018, 10:14:17 PM
Back in the 70's a person could walk into any gun shop and buy .20 pellets, many of your supermarkets were the same.  Walmart is good if you like Crosman pellets but I guarantee you there isn't any 20 cal.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 15, 2018, 06:25:07 AM
I order these. Buy 3 get one free. No better deal out there & the packaging will blow your mind. Incidently; I knew we'd get you sucked in eventually. ;D

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-diabolo-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed-500ct?p=477)

I bought a 20cal rifle from Marty, awhile back.  He said get these ^ and I did.    I took his word for it... that these were a good way to go and I bought 3,000 JSB Diablo Exact pellets in 20cal, from PA, with out having ever shot any.   Just like Marty said...They DO shoot very well.  I shot up 100 pellets the first day I got these and I was impressed with the gun and these pellets.    What ever Marty Says..You can take That to the Bank !     
I wish you..the best of luck with this rifle, in it's trial period.   I hope things work out for you.

Best Wishes  -  Tom

Dang Tom, you need to patent that kindness gene of yours & sell it in pill form. I’d be first in line. ;)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 19Sheridan57 on June 15, 2018, 06:42:03 AM
   I have owned a couple of high powered rifles in the past, that were odd-ball calibers, so I had to order the ammo for those. I am used to ordering online now, & prefer delivery to my door for everything, unless I am in a big hurry .
  Once in awhile I might run across a tin of .20 pellets in a retail store . They will always be Benjamin-Sheridan, which will shoot quite well in Sheridans. The JSB Exacts shoot a bit more accurately than B-S, but Benji's have a little more penetration, if you are a hunter. H & N Field Target are pretty good, too , & can sometimes be found at lower prices than the other two.  They are lighter in weight, so higher velocity. ENJOY your new rifle.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Wayne52 on June 15, 2018, 07:02:24 AM
Trenier has them in JSB https://www.trenieroutdoors.com/ammo/jsb/jsb-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed/ (https://www.trenieroutdoors.com/ammo/jsb/jsb-exact-20-cal-13-73-grains-domed/)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Gertrude on June 15, 2018, 07:35:49 AM
here ya go

https://www.amazon.com/Baracuda-Airgun-Pellets-Caliber-Grains/dp/B002V6BLIG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1529058564&sr=8-2&keywords=.20+caliber+pellets (https://www.amazon.com/Baracuda-Airgun-Pellets-Caliber-Grains/dp/B002V6BLIG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1529058564&sr=8-2&keywords=.20+caliber+pellets)


https://www.amazon.com/Predator-Polymag-Ballistic-Airgun-Pellets/dp/B003J3F2SU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1529058626&sr=8-3&keywords=.20+caliber+pellets&dpID=51HDDly4-TL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch (https://www.amazon.com/Predator-Polymag-Ballistic-Airgun-Pellets/dp/B003J3F2SU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1529058626&sr=8-3&keywords=.20+caliber+pellets&dpID=51HDDly4-TL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)


https://www.amazon.com/JSB-Diabolo-Exact-13-73-Grains/dp/B076JFKTHB/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1529058626&sr=8-12&keywords=.20+caliber+pellets (https://www.amazon.com/JSB-Diabolo-Exact-13-73-Grains/dp/B076JFKTHB/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1529058626&sr=8-12&keywords=.20+caliber+pellets)

Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: SteveP-52 on June 15, 2018, 10:20:40 AM
Straight from Predator, you can get their Polymags in what they term "dented" tins for $10 a piece and save $4.99 a tin. I ordered some in several calibers, they came nicely wrapped in bubble wrap pouches and the only thing I could find wrong with the tins was off center labels. Not a single one had dents.

http://predatorpellets.com/product/polymag-20-caliber-dent/ (http://predatorpellets.com/product/polymag-20-caliber-dent/)

For what it might be worth, PA carries 5 of the 6 kinds left and I have all 6. The H&N Spitzkugels I only got after a phone call to Airguns of Arizona to see if they even had any left as they were the only place on line still showing them and I asked the Customer Service rep to have someone in the warehouse actually put hands on them and find out how many they had. I bought 10 tins at $9.95 each after he said they had 25 tins left although he admitted to being shocked they even had any.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yatzee982 on June 16, 2018, 10:18:14 PM
I don't know if you have Fleet Farms in Ohio, but if you do, check there.  The one's in Wisconsin carry the Benjamin .20 pellets.


I dodn't know this, thank you. I check the Fleet Farm/Farm Fleets in Wisconsin for .22 cal rim fire but havn't checked for .20 cal pellets yet.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Tonykarter on June 16, 2018, 10:30:19 PM
Quote
All my .20 guns like the Exact Diabolos better than the Benjis.
  All of mine do as well.  The Predators were a close second, then the H&N Baracudas.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: bantam5s on June 17, 2018, 03:47:14 AM
The only place in my town to get pellets is the hardware store which of course only has .177 crosmans.
I get most my pellets at Walmart then big5 for the .20's about 35 miles away where I do my grocery shopping.

My ol' blue likes the crosman made pellets just fine so that's what I buy, otherwise I'd definitely have to order them.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 17, 2018, 08:05:39 AM
David, does your Walmart stock .20 pellets?
or do you order them on line "shipped to store" for pick-up?
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Habanero69er on June 17, 2018, 08:10:16 AM
I would definitely not order pellets from Amazon. Their record of shipping pellets is at best abysmal. They tend to ship in too large of boxes & the pellet tins ping pong around inside the box & end up damaged. Pyramyd, AGD, or Trenier are the way to go since they are known for their expertise in pellet shipping.

Steve, since you live less than 100mi from Pyramyd, you'll probably have your pellets by Monday. Tuesday at the latest. 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: avator on June 17, 2018, 08:18:38 AM
Scott, I believe he wrote that he gets the .20 at Big5. We don't have Big5 around here.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: avator on June 17, 2018, 08:21:41 AM
I would definitely not order pellets from Amazon. Their record of shipping pellets is at best abysmal. They tend to ship in too large of boxes & the pellet tins ping pong around inside the box & end up damaged. Pyramyd, AGD, or Trenier are the way to go since they are known for their expertise in pellet shipping.

Steve, since you live less than 100mi from Pyramyd, you'll probably have your pellets by Monday. Tuesday at the latest.
Not only that.. if you do a bit of research there are a few ways to save money by using codes and timely ordering.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 17, 2018, 08:30:09 AM
Scott, I believe he wrote that he gets the .20 at Big5. We don't have Big5 around here.

Your right Bill, my speed reading blew right past that detail.  ::)

Quote
I get most my pellets at Walmart then big5 for the .20's
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: avator on June 17, 2018, 08:32:34 AM
I almost did... I think I have only been in a Big5 once and I didn't know they carried pellets.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 17, 2018, 09:09:59 AM
I would definitely not order pellets from Amazon. Their record of shipping pellets is at best abysmal. They tend to ship in too large of boxes & the pellet tins ping pong around inside the box & end up damaged. Pyramyd, AGD, or Trenier are the way to go since they are known for their expertise in pellet shipping.

Steve, since you live less than 100mi from Pyramyd, you'll probably have your pellets by Monday. Tuesday at the latest.

Once he receives his pellets from PA he’ll stop searching elsewhere.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 17, 2018, 09:17:53 AM
I would definitely not order pellets from Amazon. Their record of shipping pellets is at best abysmal. They tend to ship in too large of boxes & the pellet tins ping pong around inside the box & end up damaged. Pyramyd, AGD, or Trenier are the way to go since they are known for their expertise in pellet shipping.

Steve, since you live less than 100mi from Pyramyd, you'll probably have your pellets by Monday. Tuesday at the latest.

Irony is it takes longer given I think they end up being routed through PA.  Funny I could drive up there but they don’t have a retail outlet. I’m going to try the Walmart delivery to store, cheapest way.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: avator on June 17, 2018, 09:25:09 AM
Steve... If you do site to store with Walmart be sure to open them before you leave the pick up counter and in front of the clerk.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Privateer on June 17, 2018, 09:42:34 AM
Darn. If I'd have seen this thread sooner I could have dropped off a couple tins of .20's
I blew through Wooster twice Friday on a company supply run to Minerva.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 17, 2018, 09:45:09 AM
If you carefully search on Amazon, Air Venturi (PA / AGD) is a 3rd party seller there and you get their same awesome packaging. But you gotta watch and you don't get the 4 for 3 deal or the Bullseye bucks.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 17, 2018, 09:54:53 AM
I’m going to try the Walmart delivery to store, cheapest way.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: bantam5s on June 17, 2018, 02:19:25 PM
David, does your Walmart stock .20 pellets?
or do you order them on line "shipped to store" for pick-up?
No the big 5 stocks the crosman made .20 pellets, Walmart only has various crosman, Daisy, gamo, and Ruger .177 and .22 pellets.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: SteveP-52 on June 18, 2018, 12:48:46 AM
If memory serves, PA doesn't have a retail outlet, but they will let you pick up orders from them if you call ahead and arrange to. Maybe shoot them an email and ask for sure.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: bantam5s on June 19, 2018, 01:39:10 PM
I almost did... I think I have only been in a Big5 once and I didn't know they carried pellets.
They're behind the counter with the boolits and scattergun cartiges.
Surprisingly every Big 5 I know of around me stocks the crosman made .20's.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Habanero69er on June 19, 2018, 02:34:30 PM
If memory serves, PA doesn't have a retail outlet, but they will let you pick up orders from them if you call ahead and arrange to. Maybe shoot them an email and ask for sure.

From PA’s website:

Order pickup and facility visit If you'd like to pick up your order at Pyramyd Air or visit our facility for any other reason, please call 216-896-0893 to make an appointment. Please provide 72 hours notice. Reception is available Monday-Friday, 10 AM-4 PM, Eastern.
By phone: (888) 262-4867
By fax: (216) 896-0896
Via e-mail: [email protected]
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Back_Roads on June 19, 2018, 11:11:23 PM
 I had posted this in the bargain gate awhile back for the Polymag fans http://predatorpellets.com/product-category/dent/ (http://predatorpellets.com/product-category/dent/)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 21, 2018, 11:45:18 AM
My new to me 20 cal gun is arriving Monday and I found some 20 cal Benjamin pellets at an outfitter 30 minutes from me, only 20 cal. pellet they have.  Should be good for a 3 day trial, but the chances of this rifle going back is pretty negligible.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 19Sheridan57 on June 21, 2018, 11:50:05 AM
I have owned many, many Sheridans & and still do . They are extremely accurate rifles. The rifles with B-S pellets are still more accurate than I can shoot !
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 21, 2018, 11:58:17 AM
I have owned many, many Sheridans & and still do . They are extremely accurate rifles. The rifles with B-S pellets are still more accurate than I can shoot !

Ironically if this rifle shoots it’s only a added benefit, it’s looks to me to be the nicest stock I have ever seen on a pumper? Monday will tell the story. Few guns have I had more anticipation waiting for? If it’s a bust I doubt I will be able to recover, lol.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 19Sheridan57 on June 21, 2018, 12:11:11 PM
 You will be fine.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 21, 2018, 08:13:14 PM
I was going to ask for an update but then remembered you were on vacation.
 Well... how was (is) it?
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 21, 2018, 09:07:12 PM
I was going to ask for an update but then remembered you were on vacation.
 Well... how was (is) it?

Vacation was great except for trying to get UPS to delay shipping delivery since my seller forgot to.  UPS now holding gun for Monday pickup.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 24, 2018, 07:33:57 PM
What are the odds my 20 cal pellets are scheduled to arrive tomorrow, the same day I’m picking up the Airgun from UPS.  This never happens?
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: A.K.A. Tommy Boy on June 24, 2018, 07:41:07 PM
What are the odds my 20 cal pellets are scheduled to arrive tomorrow, the same day I’m picking up the Airgun from UPS.  This never happens?

Steve........I'm anxious to see more pictures of this gun !  ;D                     Best Wishes  -  Tom
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 24, 2018, 07:54:07 PM
Love it! You’d think it was Christmas Eve 50 years ago.  ;D
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 25, 2018, 01:12:05 PM
Did a unboxing video since my expectations were high, luckily I was not disappointed, it is Sterioded, milled cocking arm, have to cock it first to pump.  It is absolutely prestine, not a mark on it.  Funny still waiting for delivery of the pellets today. 

https://youtu.be/9fwLSj2tPBY (https://youtu.be/9fwLSj2tPBY)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 25, 2018, 01:38:36 PM
WOW!!
Very nice....Congrats!
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: A.K.A. Tommy Boy on June 25, 2018, 01:41:53 PM
Wow Steve !    ;D     Exceptionally Nice Rifle !    ;D   That Rifle Is Just Absolutely Fantastic !  ;)

                                                              Congratulations !

Best Wishes  -  Tom
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 25, 2018, 02:01:56 PM
Look what just came in the mail?  Should have some fun with the Chrony this afternoon.  No way this gun is going anywhere after 3 day trial.  I could drop a new gun in the stock and still be $ ahead. Interesting that Crosman 22 pellets are 14.3 grain as well so easy to compare guns.
(https://i.imgur.com/ARjjnBR.jpg)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 25, 2018, 03:13:24 PM
Very nice Steve & the video was an added plus. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 25, 2018, 04:42:47 PM
Out in the backyard and it was pumping up well but I can hear a slow leak coming from the pellet chamber when the bolt is open.  The O ring on the bolt seems to stop it but seems like a leaky exhaust valve?  I’m sure it’s been sitting a while and I just put some Sause down the pump rod so I’ll give it a little time. Got 656 with 8 pumps.  I know it’s Sterioded but I couldn’t go for more in my backyard, too loud.  I spent most of the time with my normal 3 pumps knocking down my metal targets.  Trigger must have been worked on 2 lbs at the most.

Wonder if this has the old aluminum valve?  They went back to brass, I can get a whole new brass valve for $30 so it shouldn’t be an issue, if it needs it.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: kelvinator on June 25, 2018, 05:33:31 PM
Now THAT is a real beauty, wow!
Congrats.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 25, 2018, 06:24:47 PM
Got an email back from the stock builder, Steve Corcoran, pretty interesting:

“If I remember right I built that around 6 years or so ago. Probably built less than 10 of them. Not many folks willing to spend that much on those guns. Really transform them for those who are.”

I assumed it would be a rare bird especially now that he is building them for $600 with all the extras I got.  Given the PCP market has taken over much market share, very few people would put that much money into a pumper.  Most of his stocks now are much higher end guns. 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yatzee982 on June 25, 2018, 06:48:20 PM
Very Nice !! Looks like a keeper in any event.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 25, 2018, 07:44:35 PM
For those who want to see how skillful this stockmaker is here is a slideshow, hit “more” if you want to see all the pics, it loads a set amount to begin:

https://imgur.com/gallery/rQzmcKb (https://imgur.com/gallery/rQzmcKb)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Habanero69er on June 25, 2018, 07:47:15 PM
Hideous! Absolutely hideous. 😉
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 25, 2018, 07:59:26 PM
Ever watched this video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lbK3us_JCY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lbK3us_JCY)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 25, 2018, 08:43:09 PM
Ever watched this video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lbK3us_JCY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lbK3us_JCY)

I have seen that UTube, a real art.  On his website, Steve will hand cut checkering if you want but most of the texturing nowadays is laser. 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on June 25, 2018, 08:46:44 PM
I would take a sheridan with a cothran stock like that one over any pcp.  Worth whatever you paid, for certain.  For sure a collector's item, and i am sure it could fetch twice what you paid within a lifetime.  Family heirloom for sure.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 25, 2018, 09:15:53 PM
I would take a sheridan with a cothran stock like that one over any pcp.  Worth whatever you paid, for certain.  For sure a collector's item, and i am sure it could fetch twice what you paid within a lifetime.  Family heirloom for sure.

This was offered on gunbroker by a gun shop and he like most gun shops dont know air rifles.  It was sold only as a Benjamin Sheridan C9A.  I asked if the stock was original thinking it was maybe a special offering, he didn’t know.  He also didn’t know that it was Sterioded which would have added value.  It was an expensive C9A but ended up being the best airgun buy I have ever made. 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: avator on June 25, 2018, 09:31:14 PM
Really nice Steve.. congrats.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Yng@hrt on June 26, 2018, 12:11:46 AM
Ever watched this video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lbK3us_JCY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lbK3us_JCY)

I have seen that UTube, a real art.  On his website, Steve will hand cut checkering if you want but most of the texturing nowadays is laser.

Yes it certainly is a work of art. His craftsmanship is at a whole other level. I was in awe the first time I saw it. His foresight, focus, patience & steady hands are something to behold. Nice to know folks like him still exist in a world of automation & time is money mentality. I’m certain the cost for something like this would be out of most folk’s hands but well worth it whatever the cost. Man this is something I would like to try someday…famous last words.

At any rate again...Nice gun Steve! Be proud.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 26, 2018, 08:35:54 AM
Huge part of the fun of collecting is spotting treasures that are going unnoticed.  I came across this rifle with only hours left in the auction.  Normally I do a crazy amount of research and thinking before I bid, I overthink everything when I spend money. Lol (retired banker).  I was kind of perturbed cause I had just lost an auction for an airpistol when someone ran it up beyond its value.  I saw those ebony end caps and thought, no one does this on a pump air rifle? Luckily only 2 other people bid and only drove it $50 above asking price.  It was the day after I won, a post on this board showed me it was Steve’s work, and then the in the pic, the pump rod looked like a Mac-1.  Had to wait till after vacation to see if it was what it seemed. That’s fun, open the box and yes, so cool.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: mentolio on June 27, 2018, 10:13:26 PM
That's an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G rifle you've got there! How's it shoot (as if we all didn't already know)?
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 27, 2018, 11:53:36 PM
That's an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G rifle you've got there! How's it shoot (as if we all didn't already know)?

Good question but to early to know how good, haven’t gone to the bags yet.  Been trying to see if I can get it to seal at higher pressures.  Can get it up to 5-6 pumps, any more and then air leaks out the breech. I bet someone tried to take it up high and blew a seal?   These are pretty easy to work on, but the Sterioding is making me go slow.  May pay just to send it to Mac-1 or at least talk to him.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on June 28, 2018, 01:54:02 AM
Tim McMurray has a great reputation.  Contact him and i am sure he will straighten it out, for little or nothing.  Those guns are as simple and strong as an airgun could get, whatever kind of sealing issue is there should be a cheap and easy fix.

Edit- link to mac1 website:
http://mac1airgun.com/mac1home.html (http://mac1airgun.com/mac1home.html)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 28, 2018, 08:22:16 AM
Tim McMurray has a great reputation.  Contact him and i am sure he will straighten it out, for little or nothing.  Those guns are as simple and strong as an airgun could get, whatever kind of sealing issue is there should be a cheap and easy fix.

Edit- link to mac1 website:
http://mac1airgun.com/mac1home.html (http://mac1airgun.com/mac1home.html)

I’m sure your right but interesting issue cause it will hold pressure overnight at those moderate pressures.  Just been having fun plicking in the backyard cause I never take it beyond 4 there anyway.  Been reluctant to take it apart cause having fun, don’t want the down time.

The stock is about ergonomic perfection, there is an indent for the swell of your hand behind your thumb on the back grip that just locks it in. I have never seen that? Some may not like that feel? I see on his website he makes some with it, some without.  The stippling locks up your pumping and shooting. 
(https://i.imgur.com/y7glN2l.jpg)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on June 28, 2018, 02:58:32 PM
I'm sure a gun like that could hunt on 5 pumps as well.  I don't think I'd be ready to take my hands of it yet, either.  But on that site, it does specify that the sooner you get it fixed the better, when a minor issue arizes vs. waiting for it to get worse.  You should at least contact him about it.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 28, 2018, 03:23:26 PM
I'm sure a gun like that could hunt on 5 pumps as well.  I don't think I'd be ready to take my hands of it yet, either.  But on that site, it does specify that the sooner you get it fixed the better, when a minor issue arizes vs. waiting for it to get worse.  You should at least contact him about it.

No I will contact this week l’m hoping he thinks it just need a specific seal and I can put it in.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Habanero69er on June 28, 2018, 04:51:20 PM
If you haven’t already, give it a half a dozen drops of Secret Sauce.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 28, 2018, 06:01:14 PM
If you haven’t already, give it a half a dozen drops of Secret Sauce.

Done it twice ☹️  May have overdone it.  Waiting to see when it clears.
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on June 29, 2018, 12:02:02 AM
It will clear out after you shoot it enough.  Just more reason to have it in your hands, right?

The insides of the valve will collect dirt and dust, keeping the gun lubed will help blow that stuff out.  Kind of like when you sneeze or blow your nose, if you are sick.

The slow leak at higher pressure could very well just be dirty/gritty gunk from the atmosphere, and might just all blow out. 

Lube it and shoot the crud out of it (literally) every day, lol.

I would still contact Tim, though.

Good luck brother!
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: mentolio on June 29, 2018, 03:16:40 AM
Try an alcohol flush? It can do wonders...
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 29, 2018, 05:04:13 AM
Try an alcohol flush? It can do wonders...

I thought about that.  I also thought I should just take it apart and clean it.  I’ve seen in a UTube these are about as simple a it can be to take apart. They have a cartridge Crosman developed that just pops out and unscrews. Crosman sells the entire unit if you just want to replace it. Below he is just replacing the old aluminum valve. They now make them out of brass, the aluminum can be problematic, even Tim says so.
Need to pop it open and see what I’ve got. 
 https://youtu.be/M3xlS4f89QU (https://youtu.be/M3xlS4f89QU)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 29, 2018, 08:31:08 PM
Rifle seems to be sealing now at higher pump levels.  I’m at 8 pumps with no leaking.  I have not gone higher cause it’s starting to sound too much like a gunshot in the back yard.  I think I put too much Secret Sause down the pump cup when I got it.  Took quite a few shot to get it out.  Also it couldn’t have ever been shot that much so it may have needed to clear out from storage.  I’m keeping pumps in it when not in use now

Personally I will rarely go over 4 pumps. 3 is ideal for backyard fun.  8 was over 13 foot pounds if I’m after small game?  Even if it is sterioded I really have no need for it. 

Have done more target shooting with it now it is as accurate as any of my rifles.  Did a back and forth with my Crosman 108 today, seems very similar.  Not sure it beats my 1952 Diana 50, the sighting on that gun is just superior. 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on June 29, 2018, 09:26:52 PM
Too much fluid in the valve could potentially cause valve lock, due to the higher pressure developed on each stroke, much the same as utoo many pumps could do.  I doubt it will happen because the way they are modified, it would take some serious overpressure.

I don't think I would even take a gun like that to a full charge.  The stock is so sweet, why strain it?  I am glad to hear it is sealing better.

I would still put a drop or two of secret sauce in there every day, and keep shooting it.  I'd like to see what happens when you dry fire it on a piece of paper, a foot or two from the muzzle, on just a couple of pumps.  I wanna see how bad her sinus infection is :)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Habanero69er on June 29, 2018, 09:34:30 PM
The Secret Sauce will only help flush out any dirt or build up that may have accumulated inside the rifle over the years. I highly doubt it would harm it.

Did you try contacting Tim McMurray to see if it is one of his?
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 29, 2018, 09:43:12 PM
The Secret Sauce will only help flush out any dirt or build up that may have accumulated inside the rifle over the years. I highly doubt it would harm it.

Did you try contacting Tim McMurray to see if it is one of his?

I plan to but want to take a little time to see if these sealing issues clear up as they seem to be.  Then I know what I need to ask him. 
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on June 30, 2018, 09:16:28 AM


The stock is about ergonomic perfection, there is an indent for the swell of your hand behind your thumb on the back grip that just locks it in. I have never seen that? Some may not like that feel? I see on his website he makes some with it, some without.  The stippling locks up your pumping and shooting. 

(https://i.imgur.com/y7glN2l.jpg)


I would not hold the gun there while pumping, especially with a stock that nice and being a steroided pumper.
 Better to put your "Non-Pumping" hand grasped over the breech and bring the pump arm stroke up to it.
I have seen too many vintage pump guns with cracked / broken stocks right where you are showing.

Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Habanero69er on June 30, 2018, 10:03:32 AM
^^^ Agreed!
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 30, 2018, 04:08:12 PM


The stock is about ergonomic perfection, there is an indent for the swell of your hand behind your thumb on the back grip that just locks it in. I have never seen that? Some may not like that feel? I see on his website he makes some with it, some without.  The stippling locks up your pumping and shooting. 

(https://i.imgur.com/y7glN2l.jpg)


I would not hold the gun there while pumping, especially with a stock that nice and being a steroided pumper.
 Better to put your "Non-Pumping" hand grasped over the breech and bring the pump arm stroke up to it.
I have seen too many vintage pump guns with cracked / broken stocks right where you are showing.

By Bad, When I said the stippling locks your hand I meant the stippling on the cocking arm.  I always pump using the above technique, much easier besides keeping the stock out of harms ways.  By the way is there anywhere where you can get those barrel protectors for pumping I see on the Sheridan’s?
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Habanero69er on June 30, 2018, 05:17:19 PM
You used to be able to get them on Gun Broker or eBay. If I remember correctly, it was the same guy selling them on both sites. But I don’t see any on either site.   ???
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: 45flint on June 30, 2018, 05:29:08 PM
Just back from Airgun Show and yes now I have just above all the 20 cal. made!  Lol
(https://i.imgur.com/oMEzdik.jpg)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: Mackado on July 01, 2018, 03:25:43 AM
By the way is there anywhere where you can get those barrel protectors for pumping I see on the Sheridan’s?

on this recent thread here the contact email is listed on first post for the gunbroker seller...

https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=144226.0 (https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=144226.0)
Title: Re: I get my first vintage .20 cal air rifle and?
Post by: ddmann on July 03, 2018, 04:24:24 PM

Yep, I have never shot the old "ashcans" but the new Benji Cylinders do quite well in all my .20s


You would be surprised at how accurate they can be.  Although for me once I shot past about 30ish feet they could vary wildly.