Recently Acquired Crosman 101s

[CaptJ]

JoeK and I worked out a trade recently where I acquired 3 101s from him. One shoots and two need work.

The one that shoots is what seems to be an honestly worn/patina-ed prewar from 1925. .  I suspect it got a respray/paint at some point but probably a while ago. Steel barrel. Hard to say if it was blued once under the paint? The cocking knob is incorrect as is the rear sight from my research. Also that Philips head screw/bolt needs to get replaced. Somewhat surprisingly based on some research is the trigger seems to be flared? The Butt-stock is tight but not aligned well? Also not sure the rod is adjusted quite long enough? It seems to need quite a few pumps to get decent power and doesn't get harder with each pump so was thinking maybe the cam over distance (see photos) is a bit too much yet? I haven't tried chronographing it yet but probably will before making any adjustments.

The second prewar is probably from 1931-32.   Bronze/brass barrel. Loose butt-stock and needs a front pivot pin. Correct cocking knob and rear sight I think though. Might swap those over to the 1925 in the mean time?

The third is a postwar. Not sure what year? Bronze/brass barrel. Also a loose butt-stock. Sometimes wants to build the tiniest bit of compression but even cocked, seems to be usually just blowing out the barrel. Based on that, I'm guessing an alcohol flush won't work a miracle? Correct parts I think? I have been told the V hex sight is an original factory sight, although what years is unknown to me. Corrosion on the barrel exterior. Probably the best candidate for a complete strip and repaint.  It will probably be the first candidate for a rebuild so I am hopefully more experienced when I tackle the 31-32.

Now some questions.
1. It looks like Baker has the tool and seal kits. Before I order, any other places I should consider instead?  Looks like Mac1 has a flat-top pump that I might consider later, especially if reversible.
2. Any general tips on how to gently clean up the painted parts and wood?
3. Any tips on butt stock alignment/tightening?
4. As asked above, maybe some pictures on where a good shooting 101 cams over?

I think that is it for now. I have a bunch of the previous 101 threads open to try to glean information from but haven't found some of the above specifics in those.

Thank you for any help/encouragement you can give!

[joek]

thought you'd have the correct parts swapped onto the 1925 and all shined up by now!  (just kidding)

[CaptJ]

Haha. Almost. Then I decided I should document/photograph as received first.

Also as asked above, I'm not sure what the best way is to gentle clean the wood and painted metal? Trying not to dive in without some understanding of what at least to avoid using.

Hoping 45Flint swings by as I know he's got a nice collection and might have some tips.

[pgritty]

I'm no 45Flint but on the wood I have had some success with a mixture of beeswax, gun turpentine and boiled linseed oil in about equal parts mixed together. Wipe on a thin layer and use some oooo steel wool to 'gently' scrub off the grime from the wooden surfaces.
Pat

[CaptJ]

Pgritty, thank you for the tips! I'll look into acquiring those ingredients. I also realized the 31-32 prewar has a postwar front sight so need to keep an eye out for one of those too.

[CaptJ]

Added some photos to the albums for the postwar and non shooting prewar P3893 of the removed valve assemblies.  Now to clean and reseal! 

I am hopeful the postwar won't be too difficult with the Baker seal kit I got. I am going to contact Rick at Precision Pellet to see what seals and parts he has for the prewar.

[Blowpipe Sam]

+1 for the beeswax, linseed oil, and turpentine mixture.  For a surface cleaning I would use Murphy’s oil soap and water.  Try plain vinegar and water for cleaning the the metal parts.  Avoid abrasives.

[Blowpipe Sam]

I noticed that you have a Crosman model 99 in your wish list.  Mike Baker just posted a rebuilt mod 99 for sale on the members classifieds gate.  You might check it out.  Mike is a good guy to do business with.

[CaptJ]

Well, the Postwar is resealed and shooting! Not a fan of this weird V notch sight and the bridge is a bit bent so need to straighten that and probably replace it with a normal hex peep. Hard to say how accurate the barrel is at the moment because of that too. Anyways, sitting with a few pumps in it to see how it is doing in the morning.

Blowpipe Sam thanks for the tips on cleaning and the Crosman 99! I might reach out to Mr. Baker, although I wonder if shipping from AZ to MI will be a bit of a shock? Might be worth an ask though.

[CaptJ]

Too slow on the Crosman 99. Next time!

In other news, the Postwar held air over night!

[joek]

In other news, the Postwar held air over night!
[/quote

Too slow on the Crosman 99. Next time!

In other news, the Postwar held air over night!

I have no idea what a Crosman 99 is LOL guess I'll have to look it up

[Glasstomb]

If you haven't seen the Another Airgun Blog on working on the 101. Here's the link. There a section on the gasket between the stock and receiver.

https://anotherairgunblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/early-crosman-model-101-resealing-part_5828.html