1950 Silver Streak?

[threesuns]

My Sheridan acquisition from this summer. I believe it to be a 2nd year rifle manufactured in 1950. Planning to returned it to service for its 75th birthday.

1rst pic shows SxS with what I know to be a mid 50s Silver Streak on top.

2nd Early under cut front site vs straight cut.
      Xtra slim pump handle held with screws vs roll pins

3rd Rear site differences, soldered w/knurled thumb screws, vs slotted screws (mid 50s) and set screw mount (late 50s)

4th Straight cut butt stock. It cannot be a 1rst year because it does not have the slab side stock

5th Not marked “Made in USA”  but here is the mystery, that is my question. When was the bolt pin hole added, as seen on the mid 50s Streaks and absent by the late 50s?
.

[oldair]

From photos and notes in UJ's Sheridan book, it appears the hole was added in 1951.  That's a dandy piece of walnut on the stock!

Don R.

[Air Head]

From photos and notes in UJ's Sheridan book, it appears the hole was added in 1951.  That's a dandy piece of walnut on the stock!

Don R.

+1! Beautiful!

[threesuns]

Don, thank you. I knew someone here could help me sort through the interwebs misinformation.

She has some battle scars but will live the good life from now on.

Pump cup adapter (part #CX201PH) from Rick/ Precision Pellet is in hand for the upcoming reseal.

[Pneumatic-Addict]

You did well.  Congrats on that collection!

[19Sheridan57]

  Very nice & thanks for bringing another old Sheridan back to life !

[threesuns]

The one set me back a wee bit more than I have typically would spend. But these 50’s era Sheridans are a favorite of mine.

I just knew, if I didn’t bite rite away it would be quite some time before I saw another, without any missing hardware or stock issues.

[Habanero69er]

Nice score Timothy!

[threesuns]

Installed the new cup and adapter from Precision Pellet yesterday. And surprise, it held air overnite! Sent a few pellets over the chrony and 4 pumps averaged 500fps. 6 pumps was just shy of 550. Can’t see any reason to get into the valve.

Next point to ponder is cosmetics. I love the wood grain and would like it to really pop but not sure if it can be done while maintaining the beauty the last 75 years have added.

Perhaps I should just enjoy it as it.

[cvasquez]

Those velocities are a little low. with a 14.3gr JSB, 525 for 4 pumps and 6 pumps should be alittle over 600fps. The walnut is gorgeous and if it was mine I would definately do an oil finish . It was already enjoyed for 75 years-LOL.  I would also have a new front pump grip made off a duplicator of your slightly later silver streak shape  which has a bit more meat from the vulnerable slim shaped earlier sheridan. I love the rounder look but thats why they went to beaver tail shape so it would avoid cracking . Dont ever change out the exhaust valve spring and take careful measurements of your exhaust valve  itself, particularly the length . Same for the hammerspring, document its measurement s in case you ever need to replace them, a generic one just falls short of performance .  Enjoy that classic. Its hard to beat and Americas best airgun in my opinion.

[19Sheridan57]

   It can be hard to get top fps, [+- 650 fps] without a full overhaul. Sometimes, an older Sheridan may only achieve 625, after overhauling. Some people get all disappointed with only 625 , but if you do the math, that is only around a 5 % loss in power from original. It is up to you if you want to tear it back down or not . Dud you put a little oil on the cup ? I would add a few more drops, & shoot it several times with 8 pumps, & check the results.

[threesuns]

That’s just it.

It was already enjoyed for 75 years-LOL….Enjoy that classic. Its hard to beat and Americas best airgun in my opinion.

I don’t mind fixing and using the classics but I’d hate to be responsible for ruining one. And I’m not an expert with wood by
any stretch. But I am trying to get up the courage with a few other projects.

Dud you put a little oil on the cup ? I would add a few more drops, & shoot it several times with 8 pumps, & check the results.

This sat for several weeks with a heavy dose of oil to see if it would start to build pressure. After the replacing the cup that excess oil was shooting out for several shots. I never tried 8 because I don’t see my self ever going there. If I need more the mid fifies silver, got a little stuffing in the valve when rebuild and will push a 11.42 HN close to 800fps with 8 pumps.

Sometime wonder how much more could be had with a more modern stem seal like Delrin or something similar.

[19Sheridan57]

Sounds like it should have enough oil. I have a stable full of Sheridans & I have never seen one shoot 800 fps , even with the lighter pellets, unless it has been beefed up . I don’t have that done to mine. I have some that get 670-700, with replacement parts.
  You may like to use some good wood polish on the stock,,etc.

[threesuns]

I have never seen one shoot 800 fps , even with the lighter pellets, unless it has been beefed up.

Here’s a link https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=211385.msg156509027#msg156509027. All I did is replace the valve washer with a fab’d piece that is kinda like a check valve spring guide..

[19Sheridan57]

I have never seen one shoot 800 fps , even with the lighter pellets, unless it has been beefed up.

Here’s a link https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=211385.msg156509027#msg156509027. All I did is replace the valve washer with a fab’d piece that is kinda like a check valve spring guide..

    My opinion, ;

    Even though you are getting 786 fps , rather than a typical 650+- , you are still putting the rest of your rifle under a lot of extra stress . I think that sooner or later, you will see damage done to the rifle , for that gain. Just buy a rifle that shoots at a higher speed,  rather than risk the possibility of damaging a CLASSIC. 

[Garvin]

Timothy that dark stock in the 4th pic is absolutely stunning!