Identify this Benjamin Air Gun?

[jstein650]

This Benjamin Franklin air rifle has NO serial number. It is .177 caliber. It functions very well, (hard to pump past 6 strokes) but is pretty darn powerful. Does anyone know the model and approx. age? Were these designed to shoot lead BB's?
I found it interesting that after, say 10 pumps, it will shoot twice with good power without pumping, just cocking the little bolt handle.
Any help appreciated. I've been on THR for some time, but this is my 1st excursion on the air gun threads.
Thanks.

 

[DMZ]

Is there a model number on the rear of the receiver? Looks like a model 317.

 

[rodinal220]

Benjamin started putting serial numbers on their guns in 1957,I would say this one pre-dates that and will be difficult to know the exact year of manufacture. Nice vintage air rifle.

http://www.crosman.com/cs/dates-benjamin

 

[jstein650]

OK, yeah, I couldn't figure out why there was no number. Thanks.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

It looks like a 317 . My Dad got one back in the late 50's and we got it rebuilt back in the late 1980s by the Factory and it still slaps a pellet through a oak 1x4 that's 1/2 inch thick.

 

[303tom]

I am kind of like the rest of the guys, looks like a 317 but I have never seen one with a smooth fore-grip like that..................What does it say right here............

 

[jstein650]

Ok, now I feel like a dope. (This belongs to someone else) Once I cleaned up that back plate... yup 317. Why I didn't examine that area further, I don't know. Anyway, the owner was interested in any value. I've seen what look pristine, with the original box with a $300 asking price. I'm thinking more in the range of $100 tops to an interested party. Any thoughts?

 

[KZinOKC]

Sign up and check out this forum on airguns, they have a whole section for Crosman-Benjamin rifles and can get a good value for you

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/