GTA

Airguns by Make and Model => Vintage Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: OneDollarBob on February 23, 2025, 06:34:17 PM

Title: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: OneDollarBob on February 23, 2025, 06:34:17 PM
Anyone want to try an afternoon Jeopardy answer ?

The years Benjamin models 310,312, and 317 were sold with smooth tootsie style pump handles.

All answers must be in the form of a question  :D
Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: OneDollarBob on February 23, 2025, 06:37:44 PM
Here is one for reference.

Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: xcalibur on February 23, 2025, 07:08:48 PM
Anyone want to try an afternoon Jeopardy answer ?

The years Benjamin models 310,312, and 317 were sold with smooth tootsie style pump handles.

All answers must be in the form of a question  :D

What is 1953?
In fact, there are two variants of the smooth pump handle models. One without the caliber stamp, and around mid-1953 the caliber stamp was added to the right side of the receiver. In 1954, the pump handles once again had grooves.
The one in your reference photo has the wrong bolt. It should be a curved one piece.
Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: OneDollarBob on February 23, 2025, 10:25:15 PM
Thank you !   So only one year  ?
Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: splitbeing on February 23, 2025, 10:29:12 PM
In 1953 the tootsie had no rolls?
Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: xcalibur on February 24, 2025, 01:21:27 AM
Thank you !   So only one year  ?

Yes, Benjamin also returned to utilizing pins to fasten the pump handles in 1953, a practice that had not been employed since 1941.
Instruction Sheet illustrating the smooth handle.


Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: OneDollarBob on March 03, 2025, 06:44:51 AM
In 1953 the tootsie had no rolls?

They couldn't find their groove :)
Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: splitbeing on March 03, 2025, 03:50:04 PM
In 1953 the tootsie had no rolls?

They couldn't find their groove :)

[chuckling]
Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: JoninMA on March 11, 2025, 08:47:49 AM
I thought the smooth handle guns were sold by Montgomery Ward?
Title: Re: Benjamin with smooth cocking handle
Post by: xcalibur on March 11, 2025, 06:55:24 PM
I thought the smooth handle guns were sold by Montgomery Ward?
Montgomery Ward sold Benjamjn airguns, but the smooth handle ones were not exclusive to that retailer. The factory was constantly making changes to the Benjamin airguns and the smooth pump handles were apparently an idea they tried out for awhile.