Dating a Benjamin 312

[Waggs]

Hi folks,

Recently inherited a 312 from my father.

I've been trying to date the age of it but the S/N is not falling in line with any listed @ crosman.com/cs/dates-benjamin.

The S/N on the gun is an H484xx series.

Earliest range listed on the site is 1957 H59440-H87277

Does that mean it was manufactured prior to 1957? Did Benjamin produce 312's pre-1957?

I appreciate any help.

[bbv13]

It looks like the Benjamin 312 was manufactured from 1940 to 1974. If you scroll down farther on the crosman site you will see it. There were probably a lot of guns made prior to WWII but production was probably close to nothing during the war years. I believe your gun was likely made before 1957. The reason the site doesn't show the early years is that there may be no way to tell exactly which year guns manufactured before 1957 were made in? There's bound to be someone out there that knows something about your gun but finding them may be really hard. Maybe someone here will be able to help you?

Good luck

Bryan

[Waggs]

Ah, completely missed the production dates at the bottom... whoops.

If the S/N's are accurate chronologically, pre-57, I'm guessing its 54-56'ish. Just curious of the exact year because it's in really good shape considering it's age, very minimal wear on the bluing.

[bbv13]

Ah, completely missed the production dates at the bottom... whoops.

If the S/N's are accurate chronologically, pre-57, I'm guessing its 54-56'ish. Just curious of the exact year because it's in really good shape considering it's age, very minimal wear on the bluing.

I doubt they are but the place to find out is Crosman. You should give them a call.

Bryan

[Bicycleman]

Waggs, I have a 310, which is the same rifle except in .177 BB.  The serial number is H47***.  I don't know the exact year, but my dad bought it for me new in the mid 50s.  I have hung onto it over the years and recently had it redone by Smith Airgun Repair.  They really treated me in a professional manner.

Good luck with your precious toy.

[amb5500c]

Gotta love them old ones.
Richard

[eeler1]

Benjamin was notorious for not keeping track of models or production or serial #'s or design changes or special stuff in the earlier  years.  According to Dean Fletcher, who wrote the book on Benjamin, production was basically shut down during WWII, and really started up again a year or two afterwards.   So yours is likely between about 1947 and 1957 when they did start to keep track.  I think thats about as close as you are going to get in dating it.