Benjamin 342 ok for varmints?

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  • tallguy606

    Well-Known Member
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    6   0   0
    Dec 30, 2010
    182
    18
    Houma LA
    That would be a fair price for a 342 in nice shape that pumps up, hold air at least for a while, and shoots hard (buries pellet in pine board). Vintage Benjamins have lead seals, and are hard to work on, need special tools, or pay about $75 for a reseal job. A .22 pellet at 650 fps should be good for squirrels and rabbits, and maybe bigger stuff with a good headshot.
     
    Rating - 100%
    41   0   0
    Jun 24, 2009
    2,839
    63
    Pineville/Alexandria
    That would be a fair price for a 342 in nice shape that pumps up, hold air at least for a while, and shoots hard (buries pellet in pine board). Vintage Benjamins have lead seals, and are hard to work on, need special tools, or pay about $75 for a reseal job. A .22 pellet at 650 fps should be good for squirrels and rabbits, and maybe bigger stuff with a good headshot.

    Thanks for input - I don't think he ever shot it so I'm guessing lead seals should be ok. I'll ask to shoot it first.
     

    dsonyay

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    9   0   0
    Dec 15, 2007
    455
    16
    Broussard, LA
    Those are pretty accurate shooters.. there's a guy online who rebuilds them and beefs them up to last. Does trigger work and puts on better sights as well.
     

    dsonyay

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    9   0   0
    Dec 15, 2007
    455
    16
    Broussard, LA
    And yeah.. its good for rats, squirrel, house sparrows, starlings, etc.. and headshots on rabbits. Ive taken many with a similar air rifle
     

    dsonyay

    Well-Known Member
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    9   0   0
    Dec 15, 2007
    455
    16
    Broussard, LA
    I wanted to add.. if you do buy it.. keep it stored with 1 pump. The guy that works on them recommends they be stored kept this way when not in use. Keeps the seals from going bad.
     

    cyclone1970

    Oldie
    Premium Member
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    0   0   0
    May 10, 2014
    408
    43
    Covington LA
    Those are pretty accurate shooters.. there's a guy online who rebuilds them and beefs them up to last. Does trigger work and puts on better sights as well.

    Are you referring to Air Gun Repair Service in Gonzales? If not, whose work are you familiar with?
     

    cyclone1970

    Oldie
    Premium Member
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    0   0   0
    May 10, 2014
    408
    43
    Covington LA
    Thanks a bunch for all the info. I have an old Sheridan that I bought used as a kid and have a grandson who will need it soon enough.
     

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