Input on Benjamin 342

[Aiesea]

Hi everyone,
Any thoughts on whether it;s a good idea, or not, to pick up a 342 from 1968?  I believe from the serial number that its from he first year of production.  The owner says it hs new seals and pump cap. He says it shoots well but I haven’t taken a look at it yet.

I’m looking for a pumper to do some backyard target practice with my kids. Would this be better than picking up something like a Daisy 880 or 901? Lemme know what you think. Thanks!

[Duckfish]

How old are your kids?

[bantam5s]

Hi everyone,
Any thoughts on whether it;s a good idea, or not, to pick up a 342 from 1968?  I believe from the serial number that its from he first year of production.  The owner says it hs new seals and pump cap. He says it shoots well but I haven’t taken a look at it yet.

I’m looking for a pumper to do some backyard target practice with my kids. Would this be better than picking up something like a Daisy 880 or 901? Lemme know what you think. Thanks!

It's a far higher quality gun than those other 2 mostly plastic guns, it'll have a much better trigger. and it should be quite accurate too as long as it wasn't abused.
They're also a fairly compact little rifle with a slightly shorter LOP than the 880.
Depending on the age of your kids you may have to pump it for them, but keep in mind that while it can take a max of 8 pumps 3 or for are all you need for backyard plinking and eliminating most backyard pests if that ever comes up.
Those 3-4 pumps won't take that much effort, and they should be able to pump it if they're at least 12.

Personally I say go for it, they're a fine gun that can last a lifetime.

[Duckfish]

Hi everyone,
Any thoughts on whether it;s a good idea, or not, to pick up a 342 from 1968?  I believe from the serial number that its from he first year of production.  The owner says it hs new seals and pump cap. He says it shoots well but I haven’t taken a look at it yet.

I’m looking for a pumper to do some backyard target practice with my kids. Would this be better than picking up something like a Daisy 880 or 901? Lemme know what you think. Thanks!

Nothing will put a sparkle in their eyes like this one will!

https://barraairguns.com/products/barra-1866-junior-bb-pellet-rifle

Load it up with bb’s and let them have at it!

[eeler1]

you didn’t mention price?  good idea, bad, kinda depends.  If it’s a gift, take it now.  If it’s $500, I got one that is a bit less.

[bantam5s]

Hi everyone,
Any thoughts on whether it;s a good idea, or not, to pick up a 342 from 1968?  I believe from the serial number that its from he first year of production.  The owner says it hs new seals and pump cap. He says it shoots well but I haven’t taken a look at it yet.

I’m looking for a pumper to do some backyard target practice with my kids. Would this be better than picking up something like a Daisy 880 or 901? Lemme know what you think. Thanks!

Nothing will put a sparkle in their eyes like this one will!

https://barraairguns.com/products/barra-1866-junior-bb-pellet-rifle

Load it up with bb’s and let them have at it!

That slippery very steeply angled stock of the Barra 1866 could prove to be problematic and put them off of shooting.

There's gotta be plenty of people who are just fine with it or they wouldn't still be in production or have spawned other variants,  but I couldn't shoulder or shoot the 1866 to save my life and can't reccomend it knowing someone could have the same issue.

[Aiesea]

Thanks for the opinions!  Seems I was a bit too slow on it and missed out. It was listed for $135. I wonder if someone on this forum got ihahaha!

I”ll keep looking around. I do like those old Benjamins and Sheridans.

[Back_Roads]

Crosman 362 is a modern option, or the Seneca Dragonfly MK2 https://www.pyramydair.com/product/seneca-dragonfly-mk2-multi-pump-air-rifle?m=5170

[tennx]

 I know of a couple of Blue streaks are for sale….I dont know the asking prices but the gentleman is fair and Ive done business once  already with a 2nd deal in the works….if interested PM me…good luck

[eeler1]

The price was very reasonable, given that it had recently been rebuilt.  You'll have a bit of a problem with shipping cost if coming from the mainland.  There's an ebay seller in Papaikau, goes by seller name '82868'.  Maybe shoot him a note and see if he has anything.

[Aiesea]

The price was very reasonable, given that it had recently been rebuilt.  You'll have a bit of a problem with shipping cost if coming from the mainland.  There's an ebay seller in Papaikau, goes by seller name '82868'.  Maybe shoot him a note and see if he has anything.

Thanks!  Yes the shipping costs significantly affect buying decisions out here. Thanks for letting me know about that seller. I’ll look him up!

[avator]

Hi everyone,
Any thoughts on whether it;s a good idea, or not, to pick up a 342 from 1968?  I believe from the serial number that its from he first year of production.  The owner says it hs new seals and pump cap. He says it shoots well but I haven’t taken a look at it yet.

I’m looking for a pumper to do some backyard target practice with my kids. Would this be better than picking up something like a Daisy 880 or 901? Lemme know what you think. Thanks!

Nothing will put a sparkle in their eyes like this one will!

https://barraairguns.com/products/barra-1866-junior-bb-pellet-rifle

Load it up with bb’s and let them have at it!

That slippery very steeply angled stock of the Barra 1866 could prove to be problematic and put them off of shooting.

There's gotta be plenty of people who are just fine with it or they wouldn't still be in production or have spawned other variants,  but I couldn't shoulder or shoot the 1866 to save my life and can't reccomend it knowing someone could have the same issue.

The hook side of a piece of velcro takes care of that.

[Aiesea]

What are the options for mounting a scope  on the older Benjamin’s?  I researched a bit and it seems that Mac1 may not be making these anymore?  Any others?

[bantam5s]

What are the options for mounting a scope  on the older Benjamin’s?  I researched a bit and it seems that Mac1 may not be making these anymore?  Any others?

If scopes are important than maybe don't get a 342.
I don't think there are going to be any good scope mounting options really,  and besides you'd want to use a long eye relief pistol scope if you did otherwise you'll have to put that scope right in the best place to hold the gun for easy efficient pumping.


I personally would get a reproduction of the Benjamin 273 peep sight to put on it, but I am somebody who doesn't really care for scopes and especially not on my pumpers.

[Back_Roads]

 Buck Rail does make a 3D barrel mount, as long as you handle the gun gently they keep zero well. I like to do a temporary scope mount to test accuracy and decide if a scope helps or does not matter much for the guns intended uses.

[tennx]

keep it simple, get something thats fun for the whole family…u can complicate it later if u get into the sport..lol..good luck

[Aiesea]

Thanks. I’m glad you guys posted those messages and I’m glad I asked about a scope. I love the old Benjamins but maybe something simpler that I can put a scope on might be better. My daughter has her own Daisy 853, so this would be more for me to use.

[TerryM]

 I have scopes on all my old pumpers and have no trouble pumping any of them.

[tennx]

Thanks. I’m glad you guys posted those messages and I’m glad I asked about a scope. I love the old Benjamins but maybe something simpler that I can put a scope on might be better. My daughter has her own Daisy 853, so this would be more for me to use.

Nothing wrong with old pumpers…but mine are peeped…only my 392S has a baker mount .take a minute to check out the 362 and a steel breech…scroll down to the breeches…..good luck on your choice…

https://www.crosman.com/crosman-362