Benjamin 342 project

[Adioshoes]

As I stated before in my intro: new guy needing info on my Benjamin 342 pellet rifle. The serial number indicates it is a 1979 model.
I would like to Know:
1. What is the most accurate pellet to use for this rifle
2. What exactly is "steroid" upgrade for these guns and what would it include and how would it improve the gun
3. I am sure it needs a new pump cup, where is the best place to buy a replacement part/tool to do this
4. What is the best oil to use for my gun (secret sauce?)
5. Is it true it is best to store the gun with one pump in it when not in use?
6. I plan to shoot dove in the head with this rifle so I want it to be super accurate, scope recommendations?
7. Since this is a family heirloom should I just send it off to Mac1 guy? I have read a lot of good things about him...
8. I am a novice gun guy, any info on my gun is appreciated (how many pumps max is allowed) (how many fps will it shoot) etc.
9. Also, the handle will flop down very easily so I am sure a spring is broke in there....
Thanks everyone! Any input is appreciated.

[geewhiz380]

Welcome Adioshoes,glad to have you aboard this great forum called the G.t.a u are in the right place to find info on most ags ...i dont know much about this ag but i own 1 a 1969 ben franklin 342 and like it very much until i lost compression ,its accurate lightweight ,small like a carbine ,i have the one with the tootsie pump handle and will send it to mac1 who knows plenty bout this ag ...my choice is to send it to him and ask him all the questions that u need to ask ...a few members here have 342,s and have dealt with mac1 tim ...if your benji was made after 1977 could be steriod and before 1979 like mine cant do... Tim works on making your ag perform better than new and works mainly on making it accurate ,and also will make sure that the trigger is nice and smooth no matter what it will have the power it deserves and nothing more  ...im about to send mine out to him and rebuilt it completely even if i spend more than what they go for cause its worth it and if u think its worth it as well go for it ...check out his site for info reguarding his work on 342,s...the pellet thats most accurate depends on the ag itself cause whats good for mine may not be good for yours ,purchase a sampler pack from striaght shooters and u will know from there whatever gives u the tightest group...if u gonna hunt with this ag make sure u keep it under or at 25 yds cause  its not for distant hunts so at 50yds i wouldnt ...we recommend humane kills and shots .most people will not pump no more than 10 pumps and ask tim after he repairs your ag otherwise for hunting i recommend another ag if u are intersted at a decent price as well ,if your hunts are 40yds rws 34 .22 will be recommemded enough power and a accurate ag as well for 200.00 ...many good scopes for bout 100.00 dollars like a centetpoint scope 4-16x40 and will serve u well at those distances u speak of .....God bless and keep us updated on your progress ...jorge

[Habanero69er]

I'd suggest you check the Mac1 & or the Vintage forums for more info. I have a 342 I had the extended billet steroid mod done to by Tim McMurray (Mac1).
1. I use 28.4 EunJins & 25.4 JSB Monsters
2. Do a search of Mac1 forum for all that info
3. Available from Mac1
4. Secret Sauce
5. Store with two pumps
6. I have a scout mount set up with a Swift 4x scope
7. I would
8. Steroided, up to 14 pumps. I usually go no more than 8 as a rule, producing close to 20FPE with 28.4 EJ's
9. Yep, mine did the same thing before Steroided

Just my opinion. Hope it helps

[Adioshoes]

thanks yall,
 a lot of good info. I plan on passing this rile down to grandkids one day or my son. So I may just leave the sights open and send it off to Mac1 still not sure if I want to steroid it out. Sounds like It makes it more powerful, I don't plan on shooting raccoons or rabbits with it, maybe an occasional squirrel, but that's what I have subsonic .22 rimfire cartridges for. Just gonna stick with dove at 10-15 feet away. I found Mac1 website and notice there is a scope mount for these guns ($50.00) does anyone know if this is a clamp style or does it drill in to the gun? I don't want to drill into the gun. just trying to get all my ducks in a row before I contact Tim. Thanks again!

[Habanero69er]

The IA scope mount is a clamp on. It can be used on the receiver for a traditional scope mount, or moved out beyond the rear sight for a scout mount set up. I have that same one & it's a quality mount for sure. As for the Steroid mod, it indeed boosts power, but also adds better than original parts, thus extending the life of the gun beyond what it would with original parts. Because the Steroid mod makes it more powerful, means you only need 3-4 pumps compare to pumping the stock rifle 5-6 times. Which in my mind, means less wear & tear on the pump arm, pivot points, etc., again extending the life of your family heirloom.