Author Topic: Okay, It's Finally Time :) (Read 10513 times))

ezman604 · « **on:** July 23, 2010, 06:57:46 PM »

Okay folks, I've had a lot of irons in the fire lately and been waiting on various pieces parts to get these all together. I'll be posting pictures and stories about several different projects I have been working on for a few months now. I have to say a BIG thank you to Aaron (joeblow) and Wai (LongIslandArcher) for the massive help in getting my Benjis where I wanted them to be. This weekend I hope to have time to do some disassembly and reassembly to take some pictures for you folks. Some of you may find these interesting and informative. Those of you not in love with Benji products, sorry 'bout dat. You're missing out on a fine line of AGs.

First, I wanted a side focus scope for....well, just because I wanted one. LOL
They look neat and I wanted to experience the benefit of having a big wheel instead of having to reach WAY up front to adjust the AO. I found a new-used BSA 6-24X44SWF on fleabay and bought it. Unfortunately, the side focus went south after about a dozen rounds on top of the XL1100. BSA has a limited lifetime warranty so for $10 shipping, I sent it back to them for repair/replacement. Since they no longer made that particular scope, they sent me a new Stealth 6-24X44SWF Tactical scope. It's absolutely awesome with features like built in scope covers. Just twist to open and close.

Next, I contacted Aaron (joeblow) and asked him about his Benji SS modification and if he could fix me up with a shroud for mine. And I would say YES HE CAN and did.

I had him build two of these for me. One is going on my rebuilt XL1100 and one is for my SS project.
Aaron, YOU SIR ARE A MASTER at what you do!!!! He also machined and engraved a plate to cover the spot my old rear sight USE to reside. EXCELLENT job my friend!!!!

I just installed the one for my XL1100. I'll install the SS later this weekend and show you another part of the project, converting it to Nitrogen Piston, with the excellent help of Wai (LongIslandArcher).
Here's the XL dressed up and ready to party.

I'll be doing some shooting, zeroing and paper punching this weekend also. Next photos will also show the new Baby Moons in place too. LOL
I've also got some scope maximizers (eye piece rubber covers) to help me get a better sight picture and hopefully make me more accurate. MANY thanks to the great folks here for all the advice, tips and masterful work. You make this place GREAT!!!!
I'll post my other Benji projects as I get time to do them right.
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave

dk1677 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2010, 07:07:23 PM »

Looking great there Dave!

airiscool · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2010, 07:16:13 PM »

Wow, Dave !!! I hope it shoots as good as all that work looks !!!

And, all that brass/gold bling makes the stock now look bluh ! Maybe a refinish, plus some custom checkering, or relief carving, next ?

Forget the chrome baby moons - with the muzzle/breach brass and a gold trigger, your gonna need something fancier !!! Maybe brass moons ?

Paul.

Rocker1 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2010, 09:25:33 PM »

Surely you aren;t going to shoot that are you..lol!!! Dave you might need to wear sunshades ,they look good the mans a true craftsman thats for sure. thanks david

joeblow · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2010, 12:24:32 AM »

glad you like em bud. now go shoot those things!!

Jay · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2010, 12:30:47 AM »

Dave I'm really at a loss for word's(some come to mind but I think the sensor on here would beep them).What is the finish on your shroud?It seem's to go from grey to almost black looking in the pic.'s, I FRIGGEN LIKE IT!!! Look's almost like the finish on my custom shop KIMBER's? I see now why you said to get ahold of Joe for a shroud,did he do the cut down on the barrel also? An I agree with Paul you got to find brass cover's to go with it.OH also I got to say it, DO YA GOT ENOUGH GLASS ON THERE BRO.!!! You ought too be able to see a gnat's ^&* with that power(I knew I could slid one past).

ezman604 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2010, 12:56:34 AM »

Aaron, you bet your boots I'm putting some lead down range this weekend. I brought a folder full of targets with me to the lake.

Jay, I'm shopping for more glass now. LOL....just kidding. Hey, I've shot the XLs out to 100 yards and I WANT some magnification. They deserve it and maybe I can see something with it.

Old eyes....
And you guys are right. Chrome hubcaps don't work with the gold/brass bling. I tried gold enamel coating but it didn't stay well. Maybe if I scuff the heck out of them first.
Hey Aaron, any ideas from the master craftsman?

HeeHee

ezman604 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 24, 2010, 12:57:45 AM »

Oh, and Aaron can describe the shroud better than I can. He told me but I'll save that for him. He da man!!!!!

Toolmaker · « **Reply #8 on:** July 24, 2010, 08:52:55 AM »

Wow! Nice lookin rig!

ezman604 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 24, 2010, 09:09:18 AM »

I'm kinda partial to the satin finish of the Benjis but MAY experiment when I get up the nerve to slice into it.

I got the XL1100 as a basket case. Was a partial rifle donated to me by a GREAT member here. I had to replace the barrel and used a .22 SS barrel and modded the breach block slot to accept the front sling mount. Had to replace the trigger group and of course add the Tuna trigger.
The shroud is made of Delrin with brass ends. As far as I know, the barrel was not chopped. If he did chop it, it was only 1/2" or less. I wanted to retain the stock length for leverage.
I'll hold off on the chrome Baby Moone. I want to coordinate everything.

shadow · « **Reply #10 on:** July 24, 2010, 09:20:13 AM »

Fine looking shooter there Dave.

Ed

uncle paulie · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2010, 09:56:45 AM »

Wow! At first, I couldn't really get a handle on why someone would go through all the trouble of wacking up a few different AG's to come up with something home grown unless he really had nothing else to do with his time. Now I can really understand the satisfaction you must be feeling! Absolutely GEORGEOUS!!!!! Almost makes me want to attack my new XL! Maybe after I get a few more for my arsenal.

Dave, I really think its great that you're going to put that baby up in the first auction! Perhaps you could get Aaron to engrave some custom"moons" to sweeten the deal!

pv

airiscool · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2010, 10:22:26 AM »

Quote from: ezman604 on July 24, 2010, 09:09:18 AM

................... The shroud is made of Delrin with brass ends. As far as I know, the barrel was not chopped. If he did chop it, it was only 1/2" or less. I wanted to retain the stock length for leverage.
I'll hold off on the chrome Baby Moone. I want to coordinate everything.

Do you notice any differance in the sound level with the delrin shroud verse the Crosman steel shroud ?

Paul

airiscool · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2010, 10:26:56 AM »

Quote from: JAY on July 24, 2010, 12:30:47 AM

Dave I'm really at a loss for word's(some come to mind but I think the sensor on here would beep them).What is the finish on your shroud?It seem's to go from grey to almost black looking in the pic.'s, I FRIGGEN LIKE IT!!! Look's almost like the finish on my custom shop KIMBER's? I see now why you said to get ahold of Joe for a shroud,did he do the cut down on the barrel also? An I agree with Paul you got to find brass cover's to go with it.OH also I got to say it, DO YA GOT ENOUGH GLASS ON THERE BRO.!!! You ought too be able to see a gnat's ^&* with that power(I knew I could slid one past).

Jay,
I think that scope may be in "the family way". Dave might open the gun case one day to find a bunch of little 4X scopes in there too !

Paul.

gene_sc · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2010, 10:39:20 AM »

Beyond words Dave. Been waiting for you to expose your new projects. Absolutely beautiful. You sure you want to shoot them...

Or take them outa da house..

Showcase work for sure Dave. Real class and the guys who made the parts are really talented as well. Gotta give JoeBlo and LongIslandArcher some real credit for there help an work.

I want one of them shrouds for my NPSS...

Dang That is some very sweet Eye Candy buddy and thanks so much for sharing with us.

deanda · « **Reply #15 on:** July 24, 2010, 10:47:31 AM »

Bad to the Bone Dave!!!!!!!!

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!

joeblow · « **Reply #16 on:** July 24, 2010, 12:22:14 PM »

http://www.mcmaster.com/#9563K43 hey dave check these out nickel plated snap in plugs 11.50for 50 pcs. the nickel plating might look a little better with the brass.

Mug08 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 24, 2010, 12:49:03 PM »

Twist open scope covers? I like the sound of that. Are they an integral part of the scope, or an add-on that could be bought separately?

Mark

ezman604 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 24, 2010, 01:38:44 PM »

Thanks guys for the good comments and questions. Let me try to tackle all of these. Smack me if I miss one.

I've just shot it for the first time as assembled. Using 18.21gr H&N Crow Magnum rounds, it is slightly louder than my XL1500 factory job. Not sure if it's a fair comparison between the two but I'll try a side-by-side test later in the week.
I just shot at a 25 yard Shoot-N-C target and took me only 3 shoots to get it in the 10 ring. Looks like it will be a real nail driver. It clocked around 27fpe when I chronied it last. If it shoots this well freehanded, it should really perform when I'm bench resting it. Hope to compete in the monthly 30 yard target competition here. Watch out.....LOL
This scope is definately the alpha of the herd and COULD produce said results.

Thanks Aaron, maybe the plain steel plugs either baked enamel or powder coated gold would work? May get me the supplies to do that. I'm sure folks here could scarf up some gold screw covers.

Scope covers are integrated, not an add-on. Kinda like a camera shutter. Just twist to open, twist to close. Neat idea from BSA. Turrets are sweet too. Raise to unlock and adjust, positive lock by pushing down. Great transfer of light, may need to look at the specs on it but I'm guessing over 90% for sure. Comes with the big wheel to match. Sure wish the one Aaron made me for the old BSA would fit this one.

As for the whacking up of a new gun, I got it as a basket case and DID consider turning the Dremel and sander loose on the stock. Figured it was a spare. But it got out of hand in a hurry and I just rebuilt it to add it to the herd. After the new wears off and I'm able to build confidence, I'll probably go ahead and play with the furniture. Aaron did a HECKOVA job on a basket case SS that he got. That was my inspiriation for taking on this project in the first place. So it's all YOUR fault. HeeHee
I'm not totally new to wood working but just hesitant to dig in.
Thanks again guys and especially Aaron. She now looks as good as she shoots or shoots as great as she looks....LOL.
Oh, and raffle this beauty off? For GTA and if it brought in a couple of grand, you bet.

That's one grand for GTA and one grand for me to start over again. LOL

Mug08 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 24, 2010, 01:57:46 PM »

Those covers are cool as (heck) . I'm officially jealous now

Mark

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Okay, It's Finally Time :)

Author Topic: Okay, It's Finally Time :) (Read 10513 times))

airiscool

joeblow

airiscool

airiscool

deanda

joeblow

Mug08

Mug08