'84 Benji 342

[WECSOG]

I've talked before about the less-than-stellar trigger on this gun, as recently as yesterday in fact.
I've just been shooting it and it might be improving a bit with use. I've noticed that the creep is worst at a low pump count. I usually target shoot at 3 strokes, and it wears on my nerves after awhile. There seems to be somewhat less creep at 5 strokes, and it's not really noticeable at 8. I suspect air tube flex is pulling the sear into less engagement at a higher pump count.
What do you guys think? If that's what is happening, I have a couple thoughts about it. One, it has been shot at maximum power for most of its life so that the sear engagement that is in play at 3 strokes might not be broken in fully. Two, I'm almost afraid to work on it lest it have insufficient engagement at maximum power.
As it is it works ok for woodswalking, where I usually pump it 5 or 6 strokes anyway.

As for accuracy, it seems to like my favorite pellet: the 18.1 grain JSB.

Worthless without pics and all that:

[A.K.A. Tommy Boy]

                                                                                   Looks Real Good to ME !   

[WECSOG]

I'm happy to have it, Tom. It amazes me how in-demand these Racine 342s have become.

[Flint]

good looking gun!! 

super weird about the trigger though.  that's a bummer.  Seems like that should be fixable though.   

I kind of just don't understand what would make the trigger bad like that, could something be bent?  or worn out?  maybe a replacement part somewhere might fix it, though I'm not sure which part that might be - maybe someone else has a good idea.

I do know that my 342 has an great trigger with no creep at any number of pumps.  I also don't really understand how different numbers of pumps should effect the trigger pull, as I have now 8 benjamins and sheridans, and the trigger pull on all of them is not effected by the number of pumps at least not that I can tell. 

good luck, I hope you get it figured out !! 

my .22 cal benjamins also all seem to really like the JSB 18 grain pellets. 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Sure looks like a nice one Tracy, I too am surprised the pump count could effect the creep.
Sure would like to keep updated on what you find out.

[TwiceHorn]

Sure looks like a nice one Tracy, I too am surprised the pump count could effect the creep.
Sure would like to keep updated on what you find out.

I certainly see the possibility.  With big pressure, the tube flexes or bends and takes the hammer with it, which conceivably could take it out of engagement with the sear.  Whether this theory holds true in "real life" I suppose is a different matter. 

Is there any visible wear on the sear that might help explain it?

[WECSOG]

It's riding too far up on the hammer, hence the creep. I don't think wear is causing it; it doesn't seem to have much wear. I was surprised to find the creep diminishing or at least becoming less noticeable at higher pump counts.
My '68 342 is as Billy describes though; light and without noticeable creep.

[Rob112o]

Creep on the 34x and 31x rifles are generally caused by how hard or lightly you cock the rifle. If you lightly cock the rifle keeping finger on trigger and controlling the engagement. You can have a hair trigger.