760 pumpmaster, how old?

[Tweeter]

Hey guys, I just received an old crosman pumpmaster 760 from my grandfather that he has had for as long as he can remember.  I guess it wasn't working so my uncle tore it down and tried to fix it but he couldn't get it back together.   

A shame really because maybe the seal just needed a good oiling?  So, I'm wondering if anybody can tell me how old this thing is and if it would be a chore to get it back together?  As far as I know I have all the bits and pieces.  It has a leather seal.  Any info on this would be much appreciated.  Oh yeah, it's also a smooth bore if that helps.  Thanks!

[bbv13]

It looks like a first variant 760 made between 1966 and 1975. Check out the Support section of the Crosman web site. There should be a exploded drawing of the rifle that will help you put it back together. It should be easy except for the trigger if it was taken apart?

Bryan

[avator]

A 2 digit number should be stamped on the end cap/barrel band. For instance, mine was 66 which makes it June of 1966. I had to scrape a little paint to see it. Yours looks to be from the same variant. IIRC I got the kit from Tim at MAC1 to reseal it. It's been about a year and a lot of guns have come and gone since but I'm pretty sure it was a fairly simple job. They typically blow air back past the brass bolt when shot. I also have one from each of the next 2 variants with brass bolts and they all blow air past the bolt.

[Tweeter]

Thanks guys!  I looked for some numbers but could not find any, though I never did check the end cap!  Mine says 19???  Not sure what this means...

[Tweeter]

The trigger is still where it should be and moves normal so I think I'm good there.  I will get a kit from Mac1 before I put it back together.

One more question, how do I tell if this is a self cocking model or a hammer drop model?  Not even sure what that means 

[moorepower]

It is self cocking. The quad seal in the valve is probably what is doing most of the leaking.

[squirrel_hunter]

  I had one of those rifles.my first rifle.i shot pellets from it.the wood forestock broke and crosman sent a new one and it was plastic...

[bbv13]

The trigger is still where it should be and moves normal so I think I'm good there.  I will get a kit from Mac1 before I put it back together.

One more question, how do I tell if this is a self cocking model or a hammer drop model?  Not even sure what that means 

The first variant is self cocking and has a pop off valve. I guess the best way to explain this valve is that the trigger sear holds the valve closed. When the trigger is pulled the valve pops open. The down side of this design is that the trigger pull gets progressively harder with each pump.

The "Hammer Drop" guns have a valve design where the trigger sear holds back a hammer that when released hits the valve stem pushing the valve open. This design is still in use today. I would say this is a more modern design but Crosman used it on their earlier rifles like the 101 and 102.

Bryan

[avator]

19 should play out to be January of 1969. I'm pretty sure of it.

[Tweeter]

Thanks for all the info!  I got it back together in about an hour thanks to the crosman parts diagram but no dice.  It definitely needs a re-seal.  The pump arm is bent so its hitting the slot in the tube with every pump.  I may just email Tim at Mac1 and see if he will spiff it up for me.  This one I will have for a long time until it's time to pass it on. 

  I have a new found respect for these old bb guns, they are awesome!

[avator]

Funny story about my '66... I resealed it and put the valve in and installed the pump arm before putting the hammer/spring and cap in. I closed the pump arm and blew the self cocking cap right out the back of the gun. This is where the story turns painful. The cap happen to be a perfect shot right to the old family jewels.... yeah that'll bring the pitch of your voice up an octave or 2. Betty Lou asked  what that squealing was.. I blamed it on the dog. Now, who says tinkering is not a full contact sport/hobby? You may want to wear a cup when you reseal yours.

[bbv13]

LOL!!!

Your going to scare him into sending it off or sure with that story!

Bryan

[Tweeter]

Haha, thanks for that advice Bill!  I will learn from your mistake this time and hopefully save the jewels.   

[avator]

Oh, and before LongHunter replies..... yes, I had pants on.