In the case of the integral pump, some resistance on the operating stroke at least proves the seals are all in order too, which is another possible area to consider when buying this type of gun second hand.Īs for the firing cycle, a characteristically quick snap of the recoilless action, and a pleasantly light trigger, all add to the civilized feel of this neat little Benjamin. Consistent velocities and therefore better accuracy should, in theory, result from such careful operation.
One thing to bear in mind is the pump handle needs to be drawn forward to its full extent each time, to ensure that a consistent amount of air is compressed on each stroke. Where it falls down is the ‘energy in for energy out’ routine, often meaning a healthy physical input is required to generate a decent level of power! In this case, five pumps produces around 490 fps with Accupell pellets, but the system can take up to ten cycles apparently, with correspondingly greater effort and higher velocities the reward.
With no heavy mainspring and piston to worry about, unsurprisingly, the model 317 is a super lightweight, and that to many, can be a selling point. Thankfully, no one has tried to refinish the metal surfaces, which would not only ruin the aesthetics, but mark down any residual value into the bargain - the kiss of death to many a vintage gem! Given its age of course some natural wear shows on the bolt handle and cylinder endĪs mentioned, this model is a multi pump pneumatic, which means that an integral pumping system sits at its heart. This particular specimen seems in great condition, with no real marks to speak of. That said, I reckon the visible brass surface looks really attractive, begging the question why Benjamin chose to cover it up in the first place?
Construction of both the barrel and main compression cylinder are of brass, and this really gives the 317 a distinctive look.Īpparently, all the metalwork would have originally been treated with a black nickel process, but this coating seems to have rarely stood the test of time, considering the few examples of this rifle I have come across over the years. In 1977 Benjamin acquired the Sheridan airgun company then in 1991, both Benjamin and Sheridan operations were acquired by the Crosman Corporation, who to this day remain big players where airguns are concerned Stateside.īenjamin’s long history of manufacture gives this model added desirability, and it’s certainly a rifle that would look good on display. Manufactured in St.Louis, in the USA around 1965, this model hails from the original Benjamin factory, founded by Walter Benjamin in 1899. Visually neat with the outward profile more akin to a pump-action shotgun than an airgun, but the streamlined, rather simple profile holds great appeal. The second hand gem in the spotlight here is the classic Benjamin Franklin model 317, and this one comes into the latter category. "ARWEN" is an acronym for "Anti Riot Weapon ENfield".I’ve always had a penchant for self contained airguns be they single, or multi stroke pumps. Sage also produces a variety of projectile launchers chambered for 37 mm Sage Rifled (ARWEN 37 compatible) munitions.
KO1 - Standard Impact Baton KO2 - CS Smoke KO3 - Irritant Impact Baton KO4 - White & Colored Screening Smoke BP5 - Irritant, Barricade Penetrating KO6 - Irritant, Muzzle Blast KO7 - Multi-Ball Area Impact KO8 - Soft Tip Impact Baton KO9 - Sub-caliber Training/Marking Current production includes the following nine munition variants: Sage Control Ordnance, Inc., located in Oscoda, Michigan has been producing less-lethal 37 mm Sage Rifled (ARWEN 37 compatible) munitions since 1991 for law enforcement use only.
The weapon is manufactured under license in Canada. Īs of 2001, all ARWEN trademarks and patents are owned by Police Ordnance Company Inc. The case has a rebated rim, so although the projectiles are comparable with other 37 mm riot control weapons, the loaded rounds are quite different. At the end of testing the rotary-drum model was put into production.
Three prototypes were designed and tested: one semi-automatic, one rotary-drum, and one pump-action. It came out of a British Military request for a multi-shot riot control weapon to replace the single-shot Federal Riot Gun. It was designed in 1977 by the British Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield, then part of the Royal Ordnance Factories. "ARWEN" is an acronym for "Anti Riot Weapon ENfield". The ARWEN 37 is a less-lethal launcher which fires 37 mm less-lethal rounds (foam or wooden or tear gas payload) designed for riot control.