Here is my 392, it seems to have been restored, but the SN was saved
Quote from: AirJunkie62 on January 09, 2023, 05:22:15 PMSo just purchased a Nickel Benjamin 397P with its original box in the last 24 hours and now waiting for it to arrive. Here's the info:Front Left on Pump tube: Read manual before using, Available free from MFG.Serial Number: I005132Rear Left : Model 397P 4.5MM (.177 Cal) Pellets OnlyRear Right: Benjamin Air Rifle Co. Racine, WI. 53403 USA So just picked up another nickel 397P short receiver version. It has the same exact markings as my other rifle; Benjamin Air Rifle Co., Racine, WI. etc. Here's the kicker, it has no serial number stamped into it. Ideas why?
So just purchased a Nickel Benjamin 397P with its original box in the last 24 hours and now waiting for it to arrive. Here's the info:Front Left on Pump tube: Read manual before using, Available free from MFG.Serial Number: I005132Rear Left : Model 397P 4.5MM (.177 Cal) Pellets OnlyRear Right: Benjamin Air Rifle Co. Racine, WI. 53403 USA
Quote from: Back_Roads on July 02, 2022, 11:37:12 AM Here is my 392, it seems to have been restored, but the SN was saved I had to look if I posted my 392, yup I did
Quote from: AirJunkie62 on May 18, 2023, 09:04:45 PMQuote from: AirJunkie62 on January 09, 2023, 05:22:15 PMSo just purchased a Nickel Benjamin 397P with its original box in the last 24 hours and now waiting for it to arrive. Here's the info:Front Left on Pump tube: Read manual before using, Available free from MFG.Serial Number: I005132Rear Left : Model 397P 4.5MM (.177 Cal) Pellets OnlyRear Right: Benjamin Air Rifle Co. Racine, WI. 53403 USA So just picked up another nickel 397P short receiver version. It has the same exact markings as my other rifle; Benjamin Air Rifle Co., Racine, WI. etc. Here's the kicker, it has no serial number stamped into it. Ideas why?hmmm, did you take the stock off. I've never seen one stamped so low that it was completely hidden by the stock, but I have seen them half hidden under the stock. So you say it's stamped Benjamin Air Rifle Co. on the right side, correct? (not Benjamin Sheridan corp.)? and are the screws at the back of the tube under the receiver flat head or philips (and the screw holding the stock on)?
Well, if the photo's came through both rifles should be shown. I added the period correct Williams sights to both. The stock was removed and there was not a s/n under it. There's three differences that I can tell, 1st is the lack of a s/n , 2nd the serial numbered rifle has a large receiver where as the other has a small one. 3rd the cam covers are oval vs squared. The screws are all flat head except for the two screws that secure the trigger guard.
This thread pops up from time to time, so finally went and dug thru the pile-o-airguns and found a couple to add. First one I thought was interesting as it has no Benjamin markings, but has the rear slide out safety which I'm guessing that was a Benjamin modification. Also the R, maybe a refurb?
Quote from: AirJunkie62 on May 22, 2023, 11:12:42 PM Well, if the photo's came through both rifles should be shown. I added the period correct Williams sights to both. The stock was removed and there was not a s/n under it. There's three differences that I can tell, 1st is the lack of a s/n , 2nd the serial numbered rifle has a large receiver where as the other has a small one. 3rd the cam covers are oval vs squared. The screws are all flat head except for the two screws that secure the trigger guard.@airjunkie62, hmmm, very interesting. well, having the short receiver, it was made in made in 1992 or 1993. seems unlikely that the factory just forgot to put a serial number on it. either it was made on the side buy a guy at the factory for his personal use and ended up on the market. OR, someone acquired a replacement barrel/tube assembly and put the gun together themselves. any gun that was repaired at the factory received an R stamp on it. I've seen barrel/tube assemblies sold on ebay that didn't have serial numbers and so those must have been new old stock that someone ended up with at some point from the factory. possibly left over when crosman moved everything over to NY in 1994 and maybe sold off old stock tubes that still had the old stamp on them (stamp changed after the NY move - and actually before it also).
I'm hesitant to call it a prototype, but could it be possible that the rifle was a factory test gun for the new shorter breech? Remember, the 39XP prototype was built with a nickel plated 342 tube and also had no serial number.
Quote from: xcalibur on May 25, 2023, 12:13:12 AMI'm hesitant to call it a prototype, but could it be possible that the rifle was a factory test gun for the new shorter breech? Remember, the 39XP prototype was built with a nickel plated 342 tube and also had no serial number.It seems like the chances of ending up with such a gun would be super small, but I guess anything is possible.
Quote from: Flint on May 21, 2023, 10:16:01 AMQuote from: AirJunkie62 on May 18, 2023, 09:04:45 PMQuote from: AirJunkie62 on January 09, 2023, 05:22:15 PMSo just purchased a Nickel Benjamin 397P with its original box in the last 24 hours and now waiting for it to arrive. Here's the info:Front Left on Pump tube: Read manual before using, Available free from MFG.Serial Number: I005132Rear Left : Model 397P 4.5MM (.177 Cal) Pellets OnlyRear Right: Benjamin Air Rifle Co. Racine, WI. 53403 USA So just picked up another nickel 397P short receiver version. It has the same exact markings as my other rifle; Benjamin Air Rifle Co., Racine, WI. etc. Here's the kicker, it has no serial number stamped into it. Ideas why?hmmm, did you take the stock off. I've never seen one stamped so low that it was completely hidden by the stock, but I have seen them half hidden under the stock. So you say it's stamped Benjamin Air Rifle Co. on the right side, correct? (not Benjamin Sheridan corp.)? and are the screws at the back of the tube under the receiver flat head or philips (and the screw holding the stock on)? Well, if the photo's came through both rifles should be shown. I added the period correct Williams sights to both. The stock was removed and there was not a s/n under it. There's three differences that I can tell, 1st is the lack of a s/n , 2nd the serial numbered rifle has a large receiver where as the other has a small one. 3rd the cam covers are oval vs squared. The screws are all flat head except for the two screws that secure the trigger guard.
Ok.... seems I have an addiction as I have picked up another Benjamin Air Rifle Co nickel 397P. All the markings are the same as my previously submitted rifle info. The serial number for this one is: V081228
I know this is an old post but the OP was looking for serial numbers in the late 1980’s early 1990’s. That is the period of the Benjamin Sterling. My Serial number is J087234. I see no J on any other Benjamin of this period? If I apply logic it could be January of 1987 which would be right in the middle of production? Not sure logic has anything to do with it? Any thoughts?