Any aperture sights for my 1976 Benjamin Franklin 347 available without drilling

[Tallbald]

The rear sight is quite wide on my new to me beautiful 1976 vintage Benji 347. I love the Williams aperture sights advised to me long ago that I bought and added to my new 392.I can shoot 3/4 inch groups at 20 yards with them. I'd really like the same to be on my 347, but do not want to drill and tap this rifle. A search here didn't find me an answer. Help appreciated! Don

[DanD]

I don't have personal experience with this part, but you might find it interesting:
http://www.bryanandac.com/goodsandservices/sights/no-273-detachable/
Have fun!

[bbv13]

Check out American Airguns Classifieds. I saw a post for a sight that will fit in the slot behind the cam face plate. The post says it's new but manufactured to the same specs Benjamin made them. I think your rifle will have the slot? I can't tell if my 1976 Benjamin has the slot because I have the Integramount scope mount on it and it covers up that area?

Here's a link.

http://www.airguns.net/classifieds/show_ad.php?adNum=102518&adSort=&StartingAd=0&NumberOfPages=6

Bryan

[Tallbald]

Wow and thank you folks! I had no idea this is available. I can carefully remove the plate on my rifle to see if there's a slot. I do wonder if the aperture sight bridge is held in place by a screw under the plate or if it's simply held by friction though. More investigation for me. Thank you again. DOn.

[Boley]

Thanks fellows for the information about the sight! My 317 has the "Bar V" sight.Not my favorite Benjamin rear sight at age 66.A friend once said this of open sights,"after about age 45 we mostly just shoot from memory". I didn't know the No.273 was still available.Am using the Williams Peep on a Racine made 347 that came prepped for it.Improving my performance with that rifle over the stock opens quite a bit.Expecting similar improvement with the 317 middle of next week when this one comes in.http://www.bryanandac.com/goodsandservices/sights/no-273-detachable/

[Boley]

The No. 273 arrived today.The leg of the base measured .250, the slot in the receiver is .247,so a little work with a file was needed. This particular 317 requires the Bar V be adjusted all the way left to hit point of aim.The #273 base had to be reversed and the aperture screwed into the opposite end of the base to attain a proper zero.It took a little while to figure this all out,Dremel tool the sharp corners off,and touch up blue the #273.An hours worth all total resulted in a Benjamin 317 that is easy to shoot accurately. One hole five shot groups at 20 yards using RWS Superdomes & Hobby's. I plan to order another #273 for my 347 Tootsie Roll.

[kondorthe2nd]

Recently posted a WTB ad on another forum and was contacted by a fellow who manufactures peep sights that fit into the slot on the left side of the receiver on the older model 342's and 347's and yes, it is friction that holds them in. I left the original rear sight on while I lined up the peep and fortunately windage and elevation adjustments were made without having to make any drastic moves. He makes the aperture .055 which works pretty good with decent light. His finished product looks amazingly like the original peep.

[Boley]

I shot some at 30 yards today.The #273 sight worked very well. Groups were small (for me),and well centered.Am satisfied with the 317's sight set up.At four pumps the 7 grain Hobby's hit almost exactly where the 8.3 grain Superdome's do at five pumps.The 347 Tootsie Roll mentioned earlier is actually a 342.

[longhunter]

this post got me curios. I wonder if that sight would fit a Sheridan?

[bbv13]

I don't think any of the Sheridans have the slot cut into the reciever.

Bryan

[longhunter]

I don't think any of the Sheridans have the slot cut into the reciever.

Bryan

there went that idea. thought I might be able to mount a peep, without having to drill my dan.

[Tallbald]

Longhunter please consider this though. The Dan is your rifle (I reckon) and is meant to please YOU and meet your needs. I'm supposing you plan to keep it. yes the "collector's value" may diminish with drilling and tapping, but right now, you have a rifle that YOU want to use and need. I went through an internal debate on some cartridge guns about modifications I wanted to make. I chose to make the tool fit MY needs. Just my thoughts. Don.

[longhunter]

Longhunter please consider this though. The Dan is your rifle (I reckon) and is meant to please YOU and meet your needs. I'm supposing you plan to keep it. yes the "collector's value" may diminish with drilling and tapping, but right now, you have a rifle that YOU want to use and need. I went through an internal debate on some cartridge guns about modifications I wanted to make. I chose to make the tool fit MY needs. Just my thoughts. Don.

I smell what yer steppin' in. i'll have Timmy do it, when I send it to him, to steroid. for now, it's plenty accurate, with the old irons.