1984 Benjamin Model 342 shooting test & review

Рет қаралды 8,600

Airguns of Alaska

Жыл бұрын

This gun is accurate as hell! I came away super impressed. What a nice airgun!

Пікірлер: 58

@trevorjameson3213 Жыл бұрын

So cool to see one of those again. Back in '78 a friend of mine had one just like that, I really liked it at the time. So in '79 I got a brand new Sheridan silver streak .20 cal and I still have it. But yeah, it was always hard to cock the bolt because the hammer spring is really strong. And it's hard to pump too. I got the kit a few years ago and replaced the intake valve, o-rings, and exhaust valve (it had chipped). These are tough to re-seal because the air module is soldered inside the cylinder, deep inside, and requires a special tool, plus it's under spring tension to unscrew the air valve in there. A real pain! But I got it done, and checked it on the chronograph, it shoots at 680fps at 8 pumps, using the original type cylindrical pellets. I still have two full boxes of those in the yellow plastic box. Lol

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

I didn’t realize they took so much effort to work on. It’s like everything about them has to be difficult and a pain in the ass. Haha! 😆 I’ve also got a Benjamin 392 that I don’t think I’ve yet featured on the channel. I was shooting it a few weeks ago and liked the older 342 better.

@Antiqueexcavator 7 ай бұрын

I just found a 342 new in the box with all inserts and manual at an estate sale for $25. I’m in love!

@airgunsofalaska 7 ай бұрын

Whoa! That is a smoking deal! I really like mine. I’m glad you are so stoked about yours. 😀👍

@markfletcher4964 9 ай бұрын

I have a 1976 Model 342....I love it. Wish I could attach a picture of it. It is nearly pristine.

@airgunsofalaska 9 ай бұрын

Right on, that’s awesome! They are really nice airguns. 👍

@manofkentcatapultsgunsando5069 Жыл бұрын

Great air rifles and pistols by Benjamin 💥🍺

@joedokes8641 Жыл бұрын

I have two of those . This model was produced between 1969 and 1992 . Mine are a 1975 and 1977 models . Usually don't pump more than 5 pumps . Also stored with 2 pumps . The 77 model I traded a 392 for . Replaced the pump arm and refinished the stock . He used it to kill feral cats in his yard . Always kept loaded .

@lifeafterdies Жыл бұрын

I have had a .177 model 342 since I was 8 years old and I have shot it hundreds of times. I just rebuilt it this week I will be 50 in May. I have had many guns but the Benjamin is my favorite

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

Very nice, so cool that you kept it all these years!

@markfletcher4964 9 ай бұрын

The .177 cal model is the 347. There was never a .177 model 342

@Jbisagrifterandasociopath 7 ай бұрын

Its hard to pump because its shooting a 20cal pellet that weighs 14 grains. Its twice the size of a 177. This gun has significantly more takedown power than a regular crossman pump.

@ujmrider 5 ай бұрын

The 342 is a great classic pumper, especially if it was made around the early 80's. The best ones were made after production moved from the St. Louis MO. Benjamin plant to the Racine, WI. Sheridan Products factory. If you have a 342 marked Racine it is the best version with the soldered in high pressure valve just like the Sheridan Blue Streaks. They can be modified for more power by the knowledgeable - up to around 825 fps. Mine shoots minute of beer can at 25 yds consistently with open sights, and likely much better if my eyes were young again.The 1984 model was the only year the 342 came from the factory set up to accept either of 2 types of peep sight. A tang style peep on left side or a Williams style on right. The guns did not come with a very nice trigger, and normally were gritty, creepy, and a bit heavy. It is possible to do some trigger work, or just deal with it until it smooths out on its own after many 1000's of shots. At some point around 1990 the Crosman Corp. bought out Benjamin/Sheridan and moved production to New York state. The quality and accuracy went down hill gradually and production ended around 2012 ish. A guy might get lucky these days and find one still NIB at an estate sale but they are definitely no longer made.

@airgunsofalaska 5 ай бұрын

Wow! Thanks for all the additional info about the gun. My father-in-law took some gun smithing classes and I’m wondering if he smoothed out the trigger because it’s really good. Way better than my 392 or 397S.

@roygregory6813 Жыл бұрын

I have almost the same Gun. I bought it brand new in the early 80's because i also had one before that and sold it, so i just had to get me another one. I've kept it all these years resealed it once a few years ago. Its still just as accurate as ever. found out recently that its best to store it with a pump or two of air in the air chamber.

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

They’re excellent guns, reliable and accurate. It wasn’t until I created this channel that I learned about storing it with a pump of air. I like that they’ve kept producing this gun for so many years.

@paulbeck6410 Жыл бұрын

You mention the length. I ran across a true carbine version in an antique shop. It's the Benjamin 397c. It felt different and bought it. I've never seen another one. I do have several 31x's, 34x's, and 39x's. All great guns. The pumping effort never really bothered me. My first air gun was a Slavia (Czechoslovakia made). The second was a 342. Still have both.

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

I wasn’t aware they made a carbine version, very cool! 😀👍

@trevorjameson3213 7 ай бұрын

Hey there. I don't know if you already have this, but I found an original PDF version of the 342 owner's manual online this morning. Very interesting read with some good information. It says for "ordinary shooting, pump 4 or 5 times" and "for a stronger shot, pump 10 or 12 times". So it appears it's safe to pump it to a maximum of 12 pumps. I haven't tried it over the chronograph yet, but am planning to soon. Before I found this manual, I was only pumping it 8 times max, like my old Sheridan says to do. But now I'm going to 10 pumps, doesn't seem much different but we'll see later on when I test it.

@airgunsofalaska 7 ай бұрын

I’d be interested in seeing that 👍. I’ll see if my Googlefu skills can pull it up. It’s always been my understanding that 8 pumps was max so it’d be interesting to see what the chrony results would be for 10-12 pumps.

@airgunsofalaska 7 ай бұрын

I was able to find the owners manual on the Crosman site. 10-12 pumps for max power, thanks for letting me know!

@johnnybbgunner2136 Жыл бұрын

I had one in the early 90’s and I took down 38 squirrels and some were on the run.😎🇺🇸

@bobdefiglio2.045 Жыл бұрын

I have a Sheridan Blue Streak I have been shooting since I have been 10. I san still shoot thumb tacks as long as I can see them. From 1980. Still my favorite rifle and I have quite a few.

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

Nice! Shooting this ‘84 model has caused me to question my reasoning for buying more and more expensive air guns that were not pneumatic.

@bobdefiglio2.045 Жыл бұрын

@@airgunsofalaska some people are addicted to alcohol others to tabco. We're addicted to shooting and air rifles. Only there is no shame in the later.

@bobdefiglio2.045 Жыл бұрын

@@airgunsofalaska had to watch this video again. Went hunting with muh Bluestreak this weekend and limited out rabbits in the wild life management area. I am telling my Blue Streak is sort of like a companion as weird as it sounds.

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

@@bobdefiglio2.045 one of the best things for me from creating this channel was rediscovering how great pneumatic airguns are. I’ve been enjoying the new Crosman 362 I bought but both of my Benjamin rifles are more solid feeling. They have a higher level of build quality IMO.

@bobdefiglio2.045 Жыл бұрын

@@airgunsofalaska I actually own a Benjamin 392 and hands down the Benjamin Blue Streak is a much better build. The 392 is still keep air in the chamber. Its weird I pump it more than 6 times and there is still air in the rifle. I heard that this problem is common with them and you need to replace the trigger spring. I ordered a rebuild kit from Baker air and when I have the guts to, I will open it up. Just goes to show you though, they don't make em like they used too.

@mysterysniper910 Жыл бұрын

I have one like it alot and is accurate even accurate and powerfull at 130 yards

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

I’m looking forward to the snow melting and getting my full range back to do long distance shooting. These Benjamin airguns are very nice and accurate.

@paulc254 6 ай бұрын

""630 fps / 14.3gr pellets" These rifles(Benjamin 312 / 342 / 392) are amazingly consistent. They all deliver "around" 635fps with 14.3gr pellets, if everything is as it should be, with the rifle.

@airgunsofalaska 6 ай бұрын

That’s really good to hear. I don’t find this gun to be all that difficult to pump and was wondering if it might be worn. These Benjamins are quality air rifles.

@jasonbindley4804 9 ай бұрын

I've noticed on mine that has a bit missing.. can it be identified and sourced...if not sourced, could one be made.. thanks jason

@airgunsofalaska 8 ай бұрын

What piece is missing on yours? These guns have lots of parts availability and support. I bet you can find the part somewhere if not directly from Crosman.

@phillipjones3502 Жыл бұрын

Nice shooting.

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

The 342 made it easy! It’s a delight to shoot, not so much to pump up, but shooting is a great experience. 😀

@arifhussain918 Жыл бұрын

Sir I have this air gon but I need the scope place

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

I believe there are a couple different scope mounts available for these types of guns.

@johnnybbgunner2136 Жыл бұрын

Should shoot close to 700 fps with a .22.

@trevorjameson3213 Жыл бұрын

Well I had to come back to this video because I just acquired an old Benjamin 342 from my wife's father's collection. She didn't know she even had this thing but it was buried in a closet at her parent's house and she found it. Apparently her father had sprayed it down with cosmoline before storing it, so it was a chore to clean it up (nasty sticky grease!). It didn't work, so I ordered the seal kit from baker airguns, along with a rear sight which was missing. I got the parts and re-sealed it and it now it shoots great! I want to look up the serial number somehow and find out what year it was made. The brand name says "Benjamin Franklin St. Louis" on it. So I'm thinking it's pretty old. Maybe from the '60's? I don't know.

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

Nice! That’s really cool you were able to get it up and working again. I found there was a lot of online info available on these guns. I believe you’ll be able to determine the age using the serial number. The older guns used a much smaller pump handle so that’s a quick way to determine if it’s more than 30 some years old. It’s pretty amazing to me that parts to reseal what could be a 60+ year old airgun are still available. Definitely worth fixing!

@trevorjameson3213 Жыл бұрын

@@airgunsofalaska I finally found the serial number series listed for each year of production on the 342. Mine was built in '72. I thought it was older, but it's not. Still 51 years old though. Lol. But yes the parts are still available, just be aware some of the new parts are slightly different from the old parts. And just like the Sheridan, it's a major pain to do. It took me a total of four hours to complete the work. The whole time I was wondering what were those engineers thinking when they designed this stuff! For comparison, a Daisy 880 can be rebuilt completely in less than an hour, and nothing about it is difficult. Very smart design.

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

@@trevorjameson3213 I’m glad both my Benjamin’s are shooting fine as they look difficult to work on. I need to replace parts in my Crosman 2200 magnum but I’m a bit intimidated to take it apart. I ruined two cheap, plastic BB pistols when I tried to repair them as springs and parts went flying everywhere. I just need to get into the right mindset, watch some repair videos and order the correct parts. I’m pretty confident I can repair it successfully but I need to have the proper amount of patience. Right now I have automotive repair projects I need to do first.

@SlydogFPS 5 ай бұрын

Try a one inch blaze orange sticker for a target.

@jasonnealey8325 Жыл бұрын

Curious about how it compares to the 362 .

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

The 362 is lighter, MUCH easier to pump and cock and is not as loud. But it also feels a bit toy like and cheap compared to the Benjamin 342 due to the plastic stock. The 362’s trigger isn’t as good but also isn’t terrible. The Benjamin has much better sights and I think it’s more accurate in stock configuration. The 362 is way easier to modify, install a scope on and in general just more pleasant to shoot. If you could have only one…. I guess it depends on what you want to do? If it’s just shooting pests occasionally within open sight range get the Benjamin. If you mainly like to plink get the 362. The new 392S now comes with a plastic stock so I don’t know how they feel or what the quality of it is like? That aspect may be a toss up now? My view is the 362 can be used for the exact same purpose as mentioned above but it also has the ability to be modified to be so much better. My parts arrived and the custom Crosman steel breech, 24” barrel and high flow transfer port ran $124 including shipping. That makes my $109 362 a $233 gun now, but that’s still less than the new 392S and a scope and Gravmag can clamp right onto it. A magazine isn’t available for the 392S and a guy has to buy a mount if he wants to install a scope.

@enriqueoliva6988 Жыл бұрын

@@airgunsofalaska mounting a scope on a 397,392 and a Sheridan blue streak makes the rifle even harder to pump in my experience.

@airgunsofalaska Жыл бұрын

@@enriqueoliva6988 excellent point. The stock iron sights are pretty good so I’ve not had a desire to scope one of these but they’d definitely be accurate. I need to reread the comment I received where a Benjamin/Sheridan owner gave me some pointers on how to hold the gun to make the pumping a bit easier.

@enriqueoliva6988 Жыл бұрын

@@airgunsofalaska I put a rear Williams peep sight on the 392 22 cal but you have to remove the factory rear sight to be able to see the front sight

@jefferyboring4410 Ай бұрын

Just found a 342 22 1974 ! Was grandfather in laws looks like new! Alcohol treatment made it work very well! It’s going up on eBay for grandmother in laws $$$ .

@airgunsofalaska Ай бұрын

It sounds like quite a nice find! 😀 I bet it’ll fetch a decent amount on their as guys are always looking for them.

@QueensNativeNYC 5 ай бұрын

I would love to own one.. They are illegal where I live.. They won't send them..

@airgunsofalaska 5 ай бұрын

Even a used one off eBay would be illegal? That’d be unfortunate.

@QueensNativeNYC 5 ай бұрын

@@airgunsofalaska I'll look into it.. I tried to order airguns in the past and I hit a roadblock right away.. They had a list of several cities they couldn't send them to and NYC was one of them.. If I could find a loophole that would be great..

@airgunsofalaska 5 ай бұрын

@QueensNativeNYC I’m just wondering how closely some sellers follow things like that because it’s just the honor system of what someone sticks in a box. Guys ship lithium drone batteries through the USPS all the time and they have all kinds of restrictions on that.