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Sometime around 1980. In 1977 Benjamin bought out Sheridan and for a time they merged the names Benjamin/Sheridan.
The Benjamin Sheridan C9A was made between 1993 and 1998. the company is owned by Crosman. From 1998 to 2000 the 20 cal was named Sheridan and the .177 & .22 cal were called Benjamin. Originally Benjamin, Sheridan and Crosman were 3 different companies. Crosman now owns all 3. At one point The Benjamin was called a "Benjamin Franklin" as a marketing ploy. Trying to follow these name can really get confusing at times.
The Benjamin Sheridan C9A was made between 1993 and 1998. (The company's are owned by Crosman.) From 1998 to 2000 the 20 cal was named Sheridan and the .177 & .22 cal were called Benjamin. ( Same rifle just different calibers.) Originally Benjamin, Sheridan and Crosman were 3 different companies. Crosman now owns all 3. Benjamin bought out Sheridan before Crosman bought out Benjamin and merged them all into one company. Trying to follow these name can really get confusing at times. Source "blue book of airguns 9th edition"
The Benjamin Sheridan C9A was made between 1993 and 1998. (The company's are owned by Crosman.) From 1998 to 2000 the 20 cal was named Sheridan and the .177 & .22 cal were called Benjamin. ( Same rifle just different calibers.) Originally Benjamin, Sheridan and Crosman were 3 different companies. Crosman now owns all 3. Benjamin bought out Sheridan before Crosman bought out Benjamin and merged them all into one company. Trying to follow these name can really get confusing at times. Source "blue book of airguns 9th edition"
I know I'll regret answering this question because there is so much confusion regarding this rifle. Let me explain. At one time Sheridan, Benjamin and Crosman were 3 different companies. In 1977 Benjamin air gun company bought-out Sheridan and continued the Sheridan line. In 1992 Crosman air gun company bought-out Benjamin and kept both Benjamin and Sheridan lines going. Up until this time the serial numbering system was very poor for Sheridan. There is even confusion around the C, C9, C9A & C9PB as to when they were produced. Most Sheridan models were just marked "Sheridan" From 1949 to 1990 In 1972 serial numbering began with. #000000. As you can see yours had too many numbers to date it. I Think yours was made sometime after 1990. See the link below for dates of manufacture and you will see what I mean. Scroll down the page when it opens to the Sheridan section.
Unfortunately I can't tell you the age by the serial number. State the model number, that will help identify it's age.
It was made in 1980
Yes
It was made in 1961
It is a Benjamin Air rifle. Benjamin Franklin is just a quote printed on the side.Mgf 1968-92the age of your model 342 Benjamin air rifle can be found on crosman's website, but I have saved you the trouble:RIFLE Models: 340, 342, and 347YearStarting Serial NumberEnding Serial Number1968T1000T55291969T5530T613521970T61353T902631971T90264T1139661972T113967T1495341973T149535T1809391974T180940T2104991975T210450T2476511976T247652T2783991977T278400T2982411978T298242T3266991979T326700T3595681980T359569T3795001981T379501T4263051982T426305T430000 &UP
If the number is T131774 then it was made in 1972.
It was made between 1968 to 1986. It is a .22 caliber rifle. If you want the owners manual for this rifle see the link below. Crosman owns and makes Benjamin and Sheridan rifles.