Benjamin/Sheridan 397

[Lonegun1894]

I have a 397 (.177 if it makes a difference), that has started leaking air. I used to be able to pump it up and sit down and wait for a rat or squirrel to come around, but never left it pumped up for more than an hour or so. It used to hold a full charge for said hour without losing power. Well, I went pout for a rat killing spree the other night, and after about 10 minutes, I see one scurrying across my garden. I line up the sights, squeeze the trigger, and the pellet barely cleared the muzzle. Ok, it wasn't that slow, but it was comparable to an old Marksman BB pistol I have which supposedly shoots at about 200fps. I tried it today, and the rifle did the same thing after a 10 minute wait. It works fine for a practice session if I pump it up, load it, and fire immediately, but for hunting purposes, this rifle seems to be toast. Having said that, I hope that someone here knows how I can fix it. I expect to have to spend some money, but obviously, if the fix is more expensive than a new one, then I would obviously just get a new one. The rifle was bought new 5-6 years ago, so out of warranty, but not what I would call old either. Any guidance y'all can give me is appreciated, so any ideas?

[GT27]

It has a weak compression valve,get a rebuild kit for it here,after the install keep 1 pump in the compression chamber,safety on, when stored! http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Benjam...idge_Valve/911

[nagantguy]

Have a very old 342 Benjamin .22 that had the same problem. The kit from pyramydair is the ticket. Also plan to get one for my dads even older Sheridan blue streak in 5mm.

[grizzlyadams]

when was the last time it saw oil?sometimes a few drops will bring it back to life. pellgun oil or non detergent 30wt. also. with the benjamin and sheridan guns. it is best to store them with a pump or two of air in them.

[Lonegun1894]

It gets oiled every 2-300 shots, or once every month, whichever comes first. And gets stored with one pump worth of pressure, as per the manual, but this still happened. I will get the kit and see if that works, cause this is one accurate rifle and I hope I can continue using it. Thanks for the ideas everyone. Anything else to remember or try?

[GT27]

If you don't already have it get the Williams peep sight for it,with the peep sight it goes from accurate, to a tack driver!

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Air_Ve...4_Peep_Sight/5

[jmorris]

I rebuilt one of mine mot to long ago. This is the thread.


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...anklin-rebuild

[Lonegun1894]

I ordered the rebuild kit, so hoping that fixes the problem. Thanks everyone, and I will let y'all know what happens with this.