Benji 392. Why prefer a brass valve and..... what's the differences?

[Tallbald]

I have a wonderful 392PA, bought in 2018 -2019. Is the "brass valve" that many seem to prefer a feature I can ID just removing the wood stock? Any link to a thread discussing why one is better than the other please? Not that I'd be in a position to change a valve but I do like understanding these things.
 Earlier tonight while Googling for threads on GTA about hunting with a 392 I ran across mention here on the forum of the "brass valve" preference, and began to want to know more. But that was all I found.
Thank you all as always. Don

[Duane38]

Hey, there.

The brass valve preference is due to the corrosion that eventually takes places in the aluminum valve design.  Both are identical in design and function, just the different material.

The corrosion in the aluminum versions can be thwarted by anodizing the material.  That would also mean added construction costs in addition to another step in the manufacturing process. 

So, the brass valve is more desirable. 

The valve is two parts threaded together.  The front half (inlet side) and the rear half (exhaust side). 

If you remove the stock retaining screw and then the stock, you will now have a lug with a hex head remaining.  Open the pump handle to remove any load on the valve, then remove the lug.  Looking down into the hole will reveal the valve material.  Silver color is aluminum, gold color is brass. 

Now, this will inform you only the exhaust side of the valve material.  To see what the inlet side of the valve is made of, you'd have to remove the valve in its entirety.

[Van]

   I have a 392 that is over 10 years old with aluminum valve that I have never changed to a brass one. Back then I counterbored the exhaust port and installed an O ring to seal it to the tube better.  It worked so well (extra 35fps) that I did not want to change it out.   I coat the valve with a thin coat of Super Lube silicone inside and out.  Every so often I replace the O rings and any observed corrosion has not been a problem.  I think that is because of the Super Lube. 

[Tallbald]

Thank you. I understand well now. So. I don't have a "lesser product" so much as an "updated material" product, and one which can be repaired if ever needed with identical or brass retrofit parts. Somewhat of a maintenance issue I'd say. This is comforting to know. Thanks again. Don

[pgritty]

Also you can buy a replacement valve from Crosman for about $20 shipped. The ones I have bought were all brass.
Pat

[Psipumper]

I have a wonderful 392PA, bought in 2018 -2019. Is the "brass valve" that many seem to prefer a feature I can ID just removing the wood stock? Any link to a thread discussing why one is better than the other please? Not that I'd be in a position to change a valve but I do like understanding these things.
 Earlier tonight while Googling for threads on GTA about hunting with a 392 I ran across mention here on the forum of the "brass valve" preference, and began to want to know more. But that was all I found.
Thank you all as always. Don

I don’t know what year they stopped using the aluminum valve but it was way before 2018. Your valve will be brass if you bought it new.

[Tallbald]

Well thank you. I for sure didn't know that, and would have thought that mine is aluminum rather than the more expensive brass. That's comforting in a way. I'm pretty sure mine was a 2017 or 2018 purchase new from Walmart. Don