Sheridan Project #2

[msurf]

These are my Christmas presents to myself.  The 1971 is going on the other thread, now I have another one going...a 1956-1958 BS, as far as I can discern.  Dimpled sight with slotted screw, thumb safety of course, straight bolt, slim forearm, no "Blue Streak" printed on left side, natural endcap, larger comb on stock.  If there is a way to determine any further, please educate me.  This one had a cracked forearm, no barrel separation. I made my own secret sauce with some non detergent compressor oil and a bit of Pellgun oil and let it sit overnight.  Low and behold she holds a charge, but wont pump unless the hammer is cocked indicating a weak check valve spring.  Amazingly, I chronied using some 14 grain polymags, and got these numbers:

• 4 pumps 538
• 5 pumps 552
• 6 pumps 604
• 7 pumps 618
• 8 pumps 630

Amazing to me for a 60 some odd year old gun!  Seems to have a good barrel too.
Looks like I will have to replace the pump cup...other than that, needs the stock refinished and fixed.  Also on the right side of the gun someone created a divit....not sure exactly what I will do with that, may just leave it for "character"
Here are a few pics:

[19Sheridan57]

  Looks good !
    Personally, I would not replace the pump cup . If you are concerned with " only " shooting at 630fps,,, be advised that is 97% of what an average new/rebuilt ones will usually do, in my experience . As long as it shoots 600+, I wouldn't bother it.  Since you just got it,, the fps may go up a little after more pumping, oiling,  & shooting, too. Also, due to its age, having to cock it first is no big deal. I have owned Sheridans for 60 years & always cock them first. It has " character. "
   This is all I would do with it ;
   
   SHOOT DAT THANG !

   

[Pellet Fun]

Very cool Christmas presents Mike. Other than the crack things are looking good and that is probably an easy repair or replacement. You consider making one?

[msurf]

  Looks good !    Personally, I would not replace the pump cup . If you are concerned with " only " shooting at 630fps,,, be advised that is 97% of what an average new/rebuilt ones will usually do, in my experience . As long as it shoots 600+, I wouldn't bother it.  Since you just got it,, the fps may go up a little after more pumping, oiling,  & shooting, too. Also, due to its age, having to cock it first is no big deal. I have owned Sheridans for 60 years & always cock them first. It has " character. "   This is all I would do with it ;   SHOOT DAT THANG !

Thanks Steve!  Yes, I would like to keep the pump cup on, but it is super hard, and I *think* it is worn so much it is contacting the tube.  There are striations in the cup holder where some foreign material has scratched it.  Seemed to pump OK, perhaps just a thorough cleaning inside the tube?   What do you guys think?  I did not plan to go into the valve, as I wanted to do as little as possible to the old girl.  Will definitely have to clean the internals, so may just remove the safety plug and clean, then reassemble. It is definitely filthy inside...perhaps just an alcohol flush.
Speaking of, is there a close to factory grease that is recommended for reassembling?

Very cool Christmas presents Mike. Other than the crack things are looking good and that is probably an easy repair or replacement. You consider making one?

No. I want to keep this as factory as possible as well. That is a tough break, a lot of pressure is on that crack.  I am thinking Ill drill a couple of small holes perpendicular to the break, and install some small wood screws, glue the crack and fill over the holes trying to match as best as possible. Then on the inside of the stock underneath the arm, I will reinforce that area with some either carbon fiber or fiberglass cloth wetted with epoxy..  If that does not hold then I will take it back off and fiberglass over the entire arm like a surfboard.  I used to shape boards and know what I am doing.  Guaranteed that will hold, but Ill try the simple first.  Just looked and I am out of epoxy...back to Ace hardware!
Thanks for your input guys!
Oops forgot to add picture of the cup...

[19Sheridan57]

   I don’t know what has scratched that but I would  polish it out, clean everything up, lather the cup with ND30wt oil , & put it back together.
  Unfortunately , that is a bad split in the forearm. Glue & clamp it back together. I would only opt for screws, if it split again.

[Pellet Fun]

Yes on simple epoxy repair and hope it holds. It just may. I surfed for years Mike and have shaped and glassed a few. I aged out and had to give it up. My timing was just gone.

Don't get upset but I can't help but think if it splits again to cut it full length and square it up then glass in a hardwood stringer. That would probably do it and look good too. Redwood stringer maybe?

[19Sheridan57]

  If the glue did not hold, rather than using screws, I would use these. Drill a small undersize hole, try to get some glue in the hole, cut the head off this paneling nail, tap it in& counter-sink . I would put a couple on each side.Just a small dab of caulk, filler hides it.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-1-in-16-Gauge-Coated-Steel-Panel-Board-Nails-1-5-oz/3036062?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-hdw-_-google-_-lia-_-126-_-fasteners-_-3036062-_-0&placeholder=null&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=CjwKCAiAirb_BRBNEiwALHlnDwBOuZ5qsVg3pkAFlzJOz7hSeKwB4KyMtzc0RrUGgt1E8hBrx8UfJBoCtDwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[RBQChicken]

I don't know why you wouldn't want to replace the pump cup once you have it out.  You already have the adjustable pump arm so you can take up the slack from the slightly-shorter replacement pump cups.

[msurf]

   I don’t know what has scratched that but I would  polish it out, clean everything up, lather the cup with ND30wt oil , & put it back together.   Unfortunately , that is a bad split in the forearm. Glue & clamp it back together. I would only opt for screws, if it split again.


  If the glue did not hold, rather than using screws, I would use these. Drill a small undersize hole, try to get some glue in the hole, cut the head off this paneling nail, tap it in& counter-sink . I would put a couple on each side.Just a small dab of caulk, filler hides it.

Thanks Steve. Are there issues with using a new cup?  As stated, I would like to keep everything original as possible.  If it were just contamination causing the scratches, I will leave it,  One thing I am going to check is if the tube has a dent causing that are to rub on the pump.  There was a strange area of resistance at about 8 O'clock on the upswing while pumping.  Easy fix as I will insert a same ID rod or a socket down the tube to  straighten if so.
I think I will just try the inside glass job first on the forearm.  Then if screws or nails are necessary, will do that.

Yes on simple epoxy repair and hope it holds. It just may. I surfed for years Mike and have shaped and glassed a few. I aged out and had to give it up. My timing was just gone. Don't get upset but I can't help but think if it splits again to cut it full length and square it up then glass in a hardwood stringer. That would probably do it and look good too. Redwood stringer maybe?

Thanks Gary.  Are you kidding? Upset?  Na, a redwood stringer would look awesome!  We will see how the inside job works first.  Good to see another surfer airgunner!!!

I don't know why you wouldn't want to replace the pump cup once you have it out.  You already have the adjustable pump arm so you can take up the slack from the slightly-shorter replacement pump cups.

Thanks Randy.  I was thinking the same thing, but perhaps Steve know more.  I'll refer to the expert on this one. 

[Pellet Fun]

Thanks for the feedback Mike. I guess I am a little cautious since I know you want to keep it as original as possible. I would too. I've had my head handed to me before (another forum and subject) so I'm kinda careful. I like knowing those of us who shared waves. It was such an important part of my life. Glad I can at least still enjoy air gunning!

[19Sheridan57]

It won’t really hurt to replace it, but I don’t see a need to.
“ If it ain’t broke,,, “

If you put a new cup in,you can’t go around bragging how old it is, & it’s in original condition.

[msurf]

Thought I would update....I ended up having to replace the pump cup unfortunately. 
Turns out the pump arm was bent, causing the rubber to wear to the cup base and was rubbing the tube metal to metal.  I found out the hard way the rubber cannot be replaced in the older style cups and had to purchase a new cup.  It just arrived, so I will possibly get it back together soon...decided to put a couple more coats on the stock as well.  Drying right now.

[msurf]

Ok, stock completed pics...  I filled the crack with epoxy colored with sanding dust, although it came out dark.  Slathered the pump arm with Vaseline, lined the inside with 4oz e glass, and wetted it down with epoxy.  Then inserted the pump arm and let it dry.  You can still see the crack obviously, but should hold. 

[Pellet Fun]

That looks like a nice tight joint Mike. Good save!

[msurf]

That looks like a nice tight joint Mike. Good save!

Thanks Gary.  Ok, here she is, some before and after.  Now that I have the scope on....looks like she is a shooter! (excuse the pink target...ran out of ink)  It is only 10 yards, 4 shots, (JSB exact Diablos)but the dot is about the size of an aspirin.  Will stretch it out to 30 yards or so in the future.

I have a B6 Weaver scope coming....the Bushnell will go on another Dan.

[Pellet Fun]

It looks like your labor has sure paid off. I've waited to reply thinking you may post up after you stretch out the target some more. Hopefully I'll be able to give my Sheridan a good workout soon to check its shot placement on paper.

[msurf]

It looks like your labor has sure paid off. I've waited to reply thinking you may post up after you stretch out the target some more. Hopefully I'll be able to give my Sheridan a good workout soon to check its shot placement on paper.

Hey thanks for checking in Gary.  No, I shot at any longer ranges yet.  Been working on another project or three  .  More on that later.I did mount the B6 scope yesterday, and did send off the '71 to get the threads re-chased.
Looking forward to your shot placements!