It's not a centerfire, or even a rimfire. But hey, it's American and it looks Milsurp!
I couldn't resist this Benjamin Sheridan Blue Streak Model C 5mm (.20 cal) pellet gun at a yardsale. With the design dating back to 1944, it followed the traditional military look of the times. And the American dark walnut was seriously calling out to me - even at fifty bucks.
This one is a late 1980's build, just before the Crossman takeover, so it's not vintage (pre-1971). But it is still the desirable rocker safety type, holds a full charge overnight, and cleaned up to 99% condition. With eight pumps, these develop muzzle velocities of 650-700 fps.
I didn't realize the scope of collector's following until I poked around some of the air gun forums. Lots of material to read out there. And then I was floored to see that some in this condition will bring two hundred dollars or more at auction! Vintage models can double or triple that price - we're getting into Eddystone territory...
Like the idiot that I am, I wanted to see how well it performed. I set up a soda can on a lawn chair on my back deck. I didn't have any .20 cal pellets, but I loaded a .177 cal BB, took two pumps (only two. Safe, right?) and fired out the door from my living room couch.... bad idea. The BB went clean through the can, left a 1/8" deep dent in a baluster, and ricocheted back to my feet inside the house. My Darwin Award nomination is pending.
Disclaimer: No boats or outbuildings were harmed during this imbecilic action. Scared, yes. But not hurt.
Pics, enjoy, and thanks for looking.
I couldn't resist this Benjamin Sheridan Blue Streak Model C 5mm (.20 cal) pellet gun at a yardsale. With the design dating back to 1944, it followed the traditional military look of the times. And the American dark walnut was seriously calling out to me - even at fifty bucks.
This one is a late 1980's build, just before the Crossman takeover, so it's not vintage (pre-1971). But it is still the desirable rocker safety type, holds a full charge overnight, and cleaned up to 99% condition. With eight pumps, these develop muzzle velocities of 650-700 fps.
I didn't realize the scope of collector's following until I poked around some of the air gun forums. Lots of material to read out there. And then I was floored to see that some in this condition will bring two hundred dollars or more at auction! Vintage models can double or triple that price - we're getting into Eddystone territory...
Like the idiot that I am, I wanted to see how well it performed. I set up a soda can on a lawn chair on my back deck. I didn't have any .20 cal pellets, but I loaded a .177 cal BB, took two pumps (only two. Safe, right?) and fired out the door from my living room couch.... bad idea. The BB went clean through the can, left a 1/8" deep dent in a baluster, and ricocheted back to my feet inside the house. My Darwin Award nomination is pending.
Disclaimer: No boats or outbuildings were harmed during this imbecilic action. Scared, yes. But not hurt.
Pics, enjoy, and thanks for looking.