Benjamin Franklin Air Rifle Rebuild Kit: A Comprehensive Guide for Central Ohio Gun Enthusiasts

Introduction

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For gun enthusiasts in central Ohio looking to breathe life into a vintage Benjamin Franklin Model 312 .22 caliber pump air gun, this article is your go-to resource. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of disassembly and rebuild using an affordable Benjamin Franklin Air Rifle Rebuild Kit.

Why Choose a Rebuild Kit?

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Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let's explore why choosing a rebuild kit might be the best option for your beloved air gun. Here are some compelling reasons:

1. Cost-effective: A new Benjamin Marauder or similar model can cost anywhere from $100 to over $300 depending on features and brand. By opting for a rebuild kit instead, you're essentially halving (or even quartering) the initial investment while still getting an air rifle that shoots like new.

2. Environmental benefits: Reusing existing components not only reduces electronic waste but also keeps vintage firearms out of landfills or in the hands of potential collectors who might otherwise disregard them as mere junk.

3. Satisfaction from a DIY project:

A rebuild kit offers gun enthusiasts an opportunity to exercise their technical skills while enjoying the satisfaction that comes with bringing something back to life. Plus, you'll have bragging rights among your shooting circle!

Components Included in a Typical Rebuild Kit

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When shopping for a Benjamin Franklin Air Rifle Rebuild Kit, make sure it includes all these essential components:

1. Receiver: This is usually made from high-quality steel or aluminum and houses most of the rifle's internal mechanisms.

2. Barrel assembly:

* Stock barrel (usually 12' to 18')

* Barrel threads

3. Stock parts:

- Receiver stock plate

- Magazine catch housing

4. Trigger components:

* Trigger blade

* Safety plunger spring & guide rod Assembly instructions should be included with your kit.

5. Other miscellaneous items like screws, Allen wrenches etc., depending on the specific model you're working with.

Tools Required for Disassembly and Rebuild

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Before beginning this project, ensure that you have all necessary tools at hand:

1. Allen keys: #8 (or metric equivalent) hex key set is essential.

2. Phillips screwdrivers (#3 & #4)

3. Torx driver bits (T20 or T25 depending on the specific model)

4. Socket wrenches: 12pt and/or metric

5. Wrenches - adjustable, fixed spanner etc...

6. Allen wrench extension bars for hard-to-reach areas.

7. Pliers - needle-nose pliers are very handy during disassembly & reassembly.

Step-by-Step Disassembly of the Benjamin Franklin Model 312

1. Remove magazine: Pull down on the magazine catch located at the base of the receiver to release it from its housing.

2. Clear chamber: Chamber safety must be engaged before proceeding with further steps!

3. Take off bolt handle assembly:

a) Use your Allen wrench to remove two bolts holding the bolt handle in place (usually marked 'A' & 'B').

b) Pull forward on the entire Bolt Assembly while gently prying it away from its receiver mounting points.

4. Disassemble action components:

a) Remove firing pin retainer nut using a Torx driver bit (T20 or T25 depending on model).

b) Carefully pull out Firing Pin assembly & Spring retaining spring guide rod.

c) Use pliers to remove spring retaining pins from each side of the Receiver Action Housing.

d) Gently lift up and slide back the entire action housing off its receiver mounting points.

5. Strip down barrel components:

a) Remove barrel nut using a spanner wrench (12pt or metric).

b) Pull forward on the Barrel Assembly until it comes free from the bolt head threads.

c) Use pliers to remove barrel retaining pins located at both ends of the Receiver Barrel Channel.

d) Slide off Barrel Nut and barrel assembly as one unit.

Reassembly is essentially a reverse process, ensuring all components are properly aligned before reattaching them with supplied fasteners. Make sure everything clicks into place securely during reassembly!

Tips for Successful Rebuild

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1. Cleanliness: Keep your work area spotless throughout this project to avoid any dirt or debris entering sensitive areas.

2. Patience is key:

Rebuilding an air rifle can be a time-consuming process, especially if you're new to such projects. Take your time and double-check each step before moving forward.

3. Consult manuals & online resources: If unsure about any specific component or procedure, refer to the manufacturer's manual provided with your kit or search for tutorials on YouTube or other gun forums dedicated to air rifles like yours.

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With these comprehensive instructions at hand and a Benjamin Franklin Air Rifle Rebuild Kit in front of you, there's no reason why you can't bring your vintage Model 312 back to its former glory. Remember to always follow safety guidelines when working with firearms (even if they're just air guns!) and happy shooting!

Benjamin franklin air rifle rebuild kit