Benjamin 392

[markjs]

I keep lusting after nice self contained pumpers of late.  At $200, it seems a bit steep to me, but I think as far as basic, easy to get parts for, domestic, well backed, I mean, it's a Benjamin.  I've decided, it'ss on my list of must haves someday, in .22.  I'm talking the modern, they sell nowadays benjamin pumper, tho I'd certainly buy an older one at a good price.

Is this something can be picked up cheaper anywhere used or refurbed?  Seems like IIRC the same thing can be done with a cheaper Umarex, but it wouldn't be a Benjamin.

[Gertrude]

Baker Airguns often has the vintage model for sale. Far superior to the "modern" offerings.

[Tweaker]

I would also recommend looking for older versions with the square handles seem to be made with better materials and better accuracy. Some places do overprice older variants though.

[markjs]

Whao, I did not know they were brass, with solder joints?  This isn't so appealing after all.

I'm excited about a new 1322 barrel soon anyway.

I guess if I was going vintage, how about a Blue Streak? Is it similar with the brass and solder though?

[35 shooter]

That’s part of the beauty( the brass construction)of the 39x guns.... no rust, easy up keep.
Baker and Mac1 both make scope bases that won’t cut into the solder joints.
I favor the Mac1 as it mounts on the bbl. and sits low. It can be mounted back to the reciever for normal scope use, or further down the bbl. for pistol or scout style scope mounting.

[Habanero69er]

+1 on the Mac-1 IA mount. Specifically made not to promote barrel/air tube separation.
Yes, Streaks are brass with soldered joints.

[Blowpipe Sam]

I'm on the lookout for an older Benjamin or Sheridan.  I love my Crosman 1400 but wouldn't recommend it to just any one.  They have idiosyncrasies and are kind of an acquired taste.    

[bantam5s]

I'm on the lookout for an older Benjamin or Sheridan.  I love my Crosman 1400 but wouldn't recommend it to just any one.  They have idiosyncrasies and are kind of an acquired taste.    

All I can really say is that they're all different,  I love shooting my '65 140 but it's still not my '79 blue streak.
The 140 has an excellent feel, but the self cocking mechanism is definitely funky. I can't say it's really inherently bad but a standard manual cocking hammer fired mechanism is better.
You'll love a vintage Racine blue streak or about any of the Benjamin's for sure.

I don't know if someone first looking for a recent 392 would like a smaller tootsie roll 312, but an 80's 342 would be an excellent fit.
I know given the choice I'd take an 80's 342 or early 90's 392 with tang safety over a later one with cross bolt safety.

[3crows]

I am of the mind a 392 is a 392. I have delved into the innards of several 392s of various vintage and frankly, I do find some very minor differences but nothing affecting the basic construction or function of the rifle. And I have measured things like wall thickness, barrel thickness and all of that. The new 392S, the one with the plastic high comb stock, is on my list to acquire. This one here is one of three I bought at Academy for under $50 on closeout:



It did retain air until I did the two spring mod. I wish I could see well enough to use the Williams peep sight. The other thing, there is paint in the barrel end that must be removed, CAREFULLY. I am about to install a Super Sear in this one, it is in the work flow but I am underwater now with PBs so AG projects are stacking up. I am also going to raise the comb with a Kydex adjustable comb. I have made the Kydex comb and then bought another on eBay, not sure which I will use.

Here is a fairly new Benji 392:



Lots of little parts plus what all is in the trigger housing, I am amazed they can build this thing under $300 except that the tooling was paid for decades ago I assume, otherwise impossible.