Benjamin 342 ok for varmints?

**hdfinder47** · August 10th, 2019, 02:25 PM

I'm in the market for a varmint control air rifle and an old fella near me has a mint - maybe unfired - Benjamin 342 in 22 caliber for $125. Is that ballpark reasonable?
Thanks,
Ed

**tallguy606** · August 10th, 2019, 03:47 PM

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.

**hdfinder47** · August 11th, 2019, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by tallguy606

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** · August 11th, 2019, 02:08 PM

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** · August 11th, 2019, 02:11 PM

And yeah.. its good for rats, squirrel, house sparrows, starlings, etc.. and headshots on rabbits. Ive taken many with a similar air rifle

**hdfinder47** · August 14th, 2019, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by dsonyay

And yeah.. its good for rats, squirrel, house sparrows, starlings, etc.. and headshots on rabbits. Ive taken many with a similar air rifle

Thanks, David.

**dsonyay** · August 16th, 2019, 06:01 AM

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.

**hdfinder47** · August 16th, 2019, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by dsonyay

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.

Sounds like good advise - thanks.

**cyclone1970** · August 16th, 2019, 05:35 PM

Sorry for double post

**cyclone1970** · August 16th, 2019, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by dsonyay

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?