Old B3-1 bought for $10.00 as a parts gun - bought back to life instead

[c801tfd]

Assembly completed on my B3-1 restoration project, a $10.00 Ebay purchase made on 02/04/2021, that was originally intended to be a parts gun. It was specifically bought for the all metal spring guide which was to have been used to replace the plastic guide in the old B3-2 my father-in-law gave me on Thanksgiving Day 2020. I eventually discovered it was an old early B3-1, exactly like the one Tom Gaylord reviewed in his PA blog and just as rusty as the one he wrote about.

This project still awaits a still in process scope mount or a modified open sight and strap. In addition, this project could not ant would not have happened without the encouragement, suggestions and parts supplied by a member of the GTA forum.

I did run 5 test rounds through it off hand, I don’t know speed yet but it seems to be up to speed and fairly accurate as I hit where I aimed each time. It is also very smooth when cocking. I am so happy I took the time to bring this one back from the scrap pile. This weekend it will get run through the paces with or without scope or rear sight just to see what the actual performance is and how accurate I can be with just the front sight centered with what is left of the spot welded rear sight. 

 

[Lewis]

Epic turnaround.

Well done sir!

 

[c801tfd]

Lewis, 

Thank you, while not a top notch or highly collectible air rifle, it was just plain fun to test my restoration skills and abilities.

 

[Odoyle]

If it has an oversized bore and motjimg you try shoots sttaight try the crappy oversized Crosman Premier Super points soecifically 7.9gr.

 

[Moog]

Lewis, 

Thank you, while not a top notch or highly collectible air rifle, it was just plain fun to test my restoration skills and abilities.

Yes, working on an old gun like that is a great way to learn and get experiance. It looks really good BTW.

 

[Odoyle]

Also you wanna bump the power up shove a cotter ROLL PIN in the TP to restrict it some and use a faucet washer to seal better.

 

[c801tfd]

Moog, 

Thank you, you are correct about building confidence, not sure which one in my collection will be next up for a DIY tune, but once I decide to do it, I won’t feel so intimidated, but will always do the research to learn the little quirks related to the rifle I work on.

Odoyle,

I will keep the TP mod in mind if I ever decide to up the power. So far it does not seem to have an over sized bore. The pellets I used tonight were .177 Sig Match 7.8 gr. On the other had the B3-2 I have does use the Crosman 7.9 gr pellets with ease.

 

[holo07]

Great job looks great

 

[MM78]

Always very nice to see people working on the ol b3's. They have a lot more potential than most people think. 

 

[Septicdeath]

My joy in life is bringing back old airguns. 

Good job

 

[deadhorse]

Well Done! Nice job givin her life again. 

I actually really like the Chinese B type rifles. I got one 25 yrs ago when I was about 18 or so and it wasn't the most accurate or best shooter, but it did teach me a lot on how air guns actually work and how to hold a springer, and to replace seals and work on them. Eventually that barrel lapped itself with the pellets and years later or maybe just my skill improved that gun really started shooting well. At 500 fps with a 10gr pellet it took so many rodents and birds, even a few snakes, that gun was carried daily in a work truck with no case for about 10yrs from house to house, business to business and was used at least weekly for dispatching. The cocking handle broke all apart at the pivot point one day and it has sat in the attic since. Your thread has inspired me to pull it out after all these years and see if there is anything that can be done to fix her. I think I just need to hunt down a cocking arm assembly. and new seals and she would probably shoot.

Thanks for the inspiration.