Crossman 760, so disappointing.

[6gun]

As for that 760 and the loose barrel, if it's like the 75 I worked on it's a standard barrel that is set back more and a notch and new transfer milled into it. If it rotates then the transfer probably isn't locking it in and may be worth checking out. The pump lever is a complaint I've seen a ton, but i bet you could retrofit it to be better if you were inclined.

I don't know if the probe is still a no oring deal but that upset me nearly as much as my refinish debacle that I wrote a safety psa for people on. Even in 75 it looks like it was essentially a "spare parts" mutt build from crosman. The valve is a peculiar design too, at least it was. I'd expect yours is a 13xx or 22xx style aluminum valve and the same pump piston as they've always been. I'm happy to chime in if you tear I to it and help where I can with my experience on a bunch of old guns i get for free and fix up.

Those Benjamin's, sheridans and later benjamin-Sheridan models, are pretty good options if they can pump them. It's the worst gun to suppress but it can be done. I hope your kids really enjoy the hobby.

 

[trapdoor2]

I think I got my 760 in '67. IIRC, it had a BB reservoir and a 10-shot reserve. You pulled back on a little switch, pointed the rifle down and gave it a shake...10 more shots!

I was so proud when I could do 12 pumps (took me all summer to build the strength). I made a bike holster so I could ride further afield.

I was allowed to shoot anything but songbirds. Took Skunks, Bunnies and about a bazillion Sparrows and Starlings. I was the neighborhood sure-shot.

 

[DeanB]

Find a Sheridan or Benjamin 347, no comparison to a Crosman 760

 

[.20calguy]

Wow that 65 Sheridan looks brand new… well done!

Thanks I bought that 65, recently from a pawn shop in North Carolina. I bought mine new in 1972 and it is a well used one, but not as freindly with the little ones.

 

[Arzrover]

My first air rifle was a 760 in 1974... it was such a POS that it started my airgun love, looking for something that would actually shoot where pointed. It would shoot bb's almost well enough as we didn't have very high expectations but with the Cros pellets of that era, couldn't hit a pop can bottom at 5 yards reliably ... Cost $21 at Fed Mart, if I recall correctly ...
I bought my son a 788 when he was about 8, so 1981, and it was a little better than my 760 had been for me, but still a POS.
Really loved the Benji's that those led me to...
Bob

 

[Treefrog]

Jalan,

If you live close enough, I have one that you're welcome to come and get. I had set it aside for a neighbor's kid, but he's turned out to be quite the turd. (I caught him chucking rocks at one of my pooches, among other things.) It could probably use refreshing, but will serve the purpose. It's a '71 with the heavy plastic stock and forearm and a patina that reflects its age. This pic is from before I cleaned it up. It set me back a whopping ten bucks at the flea market.

Cheers,

J~

 

[Golden Slumbers]

My first air rifle was a '760 (25 or so years ago). All plastic without the pellet mag slot. After years of abuse (by dumb pre-teen kids) and thousands of rounds, she still holds her own against newer entry-level pumpers, even though the barrel is covered in rust and the sights are gone lol. I handled a new one recently, and I agree, even though it's still plastic, it just not as solid as my older plastic '760.
Personally, if I were to suggest a new beginner gun, I'd say the Daisy 880 is pretty solid.