Factory internal changes to the Benjamin 39X rifles?

[Killthewabbit]

I came across the ads for the "new" Crosman/Benjamin 397S and 392S "Synthetic Stock" model rifles, but what got my attention was they were rated at higher FPS numbers than the wood stocked versions.   But, if you look at the number of pumps range the 39X synthetic rifles say 3-"10" pumps instead of the normal 3-8 pumps numbers of the wood stocked versions.  Did they change something in the internals of the rifle, or is Crosman/Benjamin saying that it is safe to pump the 39X series rifles up to 10 pumps on a regular basis.  I've had my 397 at 10 pumps multiple times without issue, but always felt guilty like I was somehow doing something wrong because of the instructions not to pump it over 8 times.      Not too "guilty" though.   

[DanD]

Interesting observation. I bet if you emailed Crosman support about it, they'd answer. Its my understanding that extra pumping and higher pressure is hard on the pump arm, pivots, and exhaust valve seat.

[BrushPopper]

When I was young, impetuous and severely infected with “Magnumitis”, I used to overcharge my pumpers to a fearful extent.

Nowadays, out of deference to the age of these fine old pneumatics, 6 pumps is more the norm.

Makes for less physically demanding plinking sessions, and maybe more time between rebuilds.

If more power is needed, there’s always another gun on the rack that fits the bill (prolly a springer😊)

Doesn’t exactly answer ur question, but maybe something to consider. Your gun will drop a squirrel stone-dead across the yard with 6 pumps.

[Robert 5mm]

I would think the Crosman Engineers read the GTA, but do not comment very often on subjects.
The increase in FPS is probably just the results with non-lead pellets and increasing the pumps to 10.
In my opinion Crosman did not change the internal components or anything else mechanical.
They only increased the maximum recommended pumps.
Wear and tear on 10 versus 8 pumps will shorten the life of the rifle, Crosman does know these numbers.

[Habanero69er]

According to Crosman's site: Up to 800fps with non-lead, 685 with lead.

https://www.crosman.com/new-for-2019/new-for-2019-airguns/benjamin-variable-pump-rifle

[Killthewabbit]

When I was young, impetuous and severely infected with “Magnumitis”, I used to overcharge my pumpers to a fearful extent.

Nowadays, out of deference to the age of these fine old pneumatics, 6 pumps is more the norm.

Makes for less physically demanding plinking sessions, and maybe more time between rebuilds.

If more power is needed, there’s always another gun on the rack that fits the bill (prolly a springer😊)

Doesn’t exactly answer ur question, but maybe something to consider. Your gun will drop a squirrel stone-dead across the yard with 6 pumps.

     

Yeah at the age of 59 I've been enjoying air rifles long enough to know that there is a lot more to it than just FPS.  I've got a couple "Magnum Springers" that get the job done when a more powerful air rifle is needed, and firearms that could take down a bull elephant if one happened to wonder into my backyard and start tearing up the garden (hasn't happened yet, but I'm ready for them just in case).   But, it just seemed strange to me that Crosman/Benjamin suddenly put a plastic stock on the wonderful ole 39x series and decided with that plastic stock it could suddenly after all these years be pumped up to 10  pumps.   

[Killthewabbit]

I would think the Crosman Engineers read the GTA, but do not comment very often on subjects.
The increase in FPS is probably just the results with non-lead pellets and increasing the pumps to 10.
In my opinion Crosman did not change the internal components or anything else mechanical.
They only increased the maximum recommended pumps.
Wear and tear on 10 versus 8 pumps will shorten the life of the rifle, Crosman does know these numbers.

I was just wondering if any of the people on here that follow that kind of stuff closer than I do might have read that Crosman/Benjamin had changed the material of the valve, or the capacity of the valve, or the transfer port size, shortened the pump stroke, or any of a hundred other things that suddenly after all these years made them decide that a plastic stock could allow the grand ole 39x guns to be pumped up to 10 pumps, instead of the (for so many years) standard 8 pumps.  But,  it's probably just an advertising thing to make them seem more modern and powerful.  Figures don't lie...  But, the people that do the figuring can get quite creative sometimes for sure to make their product seem more competitive. 

[BrushPopper]

In alot of old Crosman literature they were recommending 6+ pumps for “hunting power”.

Nobody even knew what a chronograph was. Folks were happily filling stewpots with their airguns, little suspecting that one day those kind of ballistics would be considered anemic.

But those squirrels and bunnies were all stewed and fried just the same😄

[johnnyfoos]

What I see when I read stuff like this-

Easy, 10 pumps will wear it out faster and then they have a chance to sell you another gun.
But just a chance.


just me thinking with my fingers

[Creaker]

       Just got a new valve for my 392. It has a redesigned exhaust valve. Delrin or nylon something like that.
Know had to replace several of the old style “rubber” seals because eventually get eaten up and start leaking.
That could be the change? Didn’t notice any other changes to valve.Had a modified valve with a Mac1 stem of
similar material that I changed out to get a higher psi with fewer pumps. That’s the reason for the new valve assembly. Very pleased to see material upgrade. Really reliable so far and think will have good longevity.
Was prepared to change to Delrin but didn’t have to.

[moorepower]

Possibly they just realize that not many will ever pump it to 10 pumps much because it is so hard to pump . I am guessing the new valve is able to dump 10 pumps.  As a side note I actually prefer the synthetic look of the new rifles to the wood on my 397.