The amazing Benjamin 342 with vintage sight

[Tweaker]

Picked up the 342 in great condition from a non-enthusiast. At first it wasn't engaging the valve during pumping but after a some breaking in and oiling it started up.    Now seems to have a consistent shot cycle.

In case anyone's wondering about a similar setup: the crosman mounts seem to be less harsh on the barrel-to-tube joints compared to the similar benjamin ones.

Also as a side note it seems to puff out air into the shooters face during the shot, not sure whats the reason for this or if others have experienced the same.

[Arkmaker]

Boy oh boy, That's a nice one! What a find..... I never run across them that nice looking. So glad a little lube did the trick for you. Enjoy the heck out of it.


Is there an going groove on the bolt probe? It may be dry rotted or missing.


Or does it seat on a round flange (brass)? My 114 is the later. If the latter, Hopefully, someone did not squash the sealing surface. I'm thinking you can adjust at the end of the bolt handle to get a better seal on the face. I've never had to fuss with mine at all. I still remember my Dad telling me not to place more pressure on it than needed. Heck that was over 50 years ago! Good memories. Let me know if you need me to pull it out and look. Or someone will be along soon that knows your shooter better.

[Habanero69er]

Jacob, to fix that puff of air, adjust the bolt cam on the left side of the receiver. Loosen the screws on the cam plate with the bolt back & in the up position, then tighten. You should notice the bolt is tighter when you push it forward & into the down position.
Also, I recommend the Mac-1 IA mount. It doesn't promote barrel/air tube separation & can be breech & scout mounted on your 342.

[Tweaker]

Yea it seems to seal with just the brass piece(no oring) Arkmaker. Also that seems like some great memories , although i wasnt around at the time period these vintage pellguns are such nice pieces of art.


Regarding the puff of air Habenero69er my guess is its coming from the opening on the left side of the receiver but will definitely try adjusting the bolt like you mentioned, nice scout setup btw!

[RBQChicken]

Drape a piece of kleenex over the receiver and hold it in place, then shoot.  See where the air puff blows a hole in the kleenex.

[TerryM]

Picked up the 342 in great condition from a non-enthusiast. At first it wasn't engaging the valve during pumping but after a some breaking in and oiling it started up.    Now seems to have a consistent shot cycle.

In case anyone's wondering about a similar setup: the crosman mounts seem to be less harsh on the barrel-to-tube joints compared to the similar benjamin ones.

Also as a side note it seems to puff out air into the shooters face during the shot, not sure whats the reason for this or if others have experienced the same.

Nice gun and that vintage Weaver looks great on it.  My 342 was rough when I got  it.  I refinished and resealed, have it scoped using original Benjamin brass mounts.

[Habanero69er]

Good looking rifle Terry.

[Tweaker]

Nice gun and that vintage Weaver looks great on it.  My 342 was rough when I got  it.  I refinished and resealed, have it scoped using original Benjamin brass mounts.

Nice one ! looks to be a weaver c4 , I was split between getting that one and my current setup