Sheridan Products Inc. was an American air gun manufacturing company. It was purchased by the Benjamin Air Rifle Company in 1977, and later purchased by Crosman in 1994.
The links below will help you find your manufacture date by Serial Number BENJAMIN & SHERIDAN PRODUCT DATES OF MANUFACTURE CROSMAN PRODUCT DATES OF MANUFACTURE. Make: Sheridan Model: Blue Streak Serial Number: 8691E Year of Manufacture: 1968 Caliber: 5mm Pellet Action Type: Pump Action Air Rifle Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “8691E “ and '’BLUE STREAK’ 5m/m CAL.” The right side is marked 'SHERIDAN PRODUCTS INC. – MADE IN U.S.A.”.
Company history[edit]
Sheridan Products Inc. was formed to produce Pneumatic Air Pellet Rifles with production beginning in March 1947. In the early 1940s Co-founder Ed Wackerhagen, dissatisfied with a pellet gun used by his son, set out to build one of the finest airguns in history. The design was to incorporate the philosophy: 'performance is the sum total of many small functions who's combined result must spell 'Bulls-eye' It was to be called the Model A, also known as the Super Grade. This gun was to fill the gap between the 'BB' gun and the .22. A successful prototype was produced in mid-1944, and in 1945 in partnership with I.R. 'Bob' Kraus, Sheridan Products, Inc. was born in Racine, Wisconsin.[1] The name Sheridan was reputedly in honor of the Civil War's General Philip Sheridan.
The Sheridan Model A 'Super Grade' was introduced in 1947 and is considered one of the finest Air rifles ever produced. Unfortunately its high cost (MSRP $56.50), translated to very slow sales. Within a year, it was decided that a cheaper model was needed, and in 1948 the Model B 'Sporter' was born. Designed to be less expensive than the Model A, it had a MSRP of $35 when introduced. Apparently the price point of the Model B was still too high, and sales continue to be slow on both rifles, which was of great concern to the newly formed Sheridan Company. It was quickly realized that for the company to survive, a much cheaper to produce model must be designed. This philosophy gave rise to the last Sheridan model, the Model C 'Streak' introduced in 1949. Its MSRP at introduction was $19.95 and was selling for $23.95 by 1950. This is the model that ushered Sheridan Products Inc. into profitability. The Model C Silver and Blue Streaks are the pellet rifles that Sheridan is primarily known for, since the Model A's and B's are relatively scarce. Sheridan manufactured the Model C Streaks for 27 years before being bought out by the Benjamin Air Rifle company in 1976 and ending the original run of Sheridan produce Streaks. Many small changes were made to the Streaks during its 27-year run, providing collectors many different varieties.
Sheridan was purchased by the Benjamin Air Rifle Company in 1977. That company was purchased by Crosman in 1994.[1]
Products[edit]
All Sheridan air rifles Model A, B, and C are multi-pump, single shot, bolt action, breech-loading, and .20 (5mm) caliber. Muzzle velocity figures are for Sheridan's standard weight pellets of 14.3 grains.)
Model A (Super) (1947–1953) Total Production: 2130 Velocity: Variable to 700 fps. With a large cast and machined aluminum receiver, bronzed barrel and pump tube, walnut stock with Monte Carlo cheek-piece, ball-type valve mechanism, adjustable trigger, and peep sight. It weighed 5 pounds 14 ounces, stretched 37 inches overall, with a 20-inch barrel with one turn in 12 inches. MSRP $56.50.
Model B (Sporter) (1948–1951) Total Production: 1051 Velocity: Variable to 700 fps Designed to be less expensive than the Model A (Super) Using the same gun, but without the cheek-piece, a revision of soldered ventilated rib type barrel, less expensive paint finish and various slight changes it was to be a cheaper alternative to the slow selling Model A. MSRP $35 when introduced, $42.50 when production stopped.
Model C (Streak) (1949–1976) Total Production: Unknown. Velocity: Variable to 700 fps. Designed to be less costly to produce than the Model A (Super) and the Model B (Sporter). Although less costly to produce when compared to the Super and Sporter Grade, the Model C were still well constructed Airguns using quality materials. They utilized walnut stocks, aluminum receiver, bronze barrel and pump tube. A different valve mechanism was used in the Model C than in the previous Model A and B. It was dubbed the 'Streaks' with the Silver Streak being first with its Nickel finish, followed by Blue Streak in a black oxide finish in 1952. The only difference between the two Streaks is the finish. MSRP 19.95 at introduction and was soon selling for $23.95 (1949–50). Sheridan Products Inc was acquired by its competitor, the Benjamin Air Rifle Company in 1977, thus ending the original line of Sheridan Model C's in 1976.*
- (Benjamin Air Rifle Company continued producing Model C's until 1992 when the company was purchased by competitor Crosman Corporation. Changes to the design of the Model C were made by both Benjamin and Crosman.)
Model F (1975-1990) Total Production: Unknown. Velocity: Approx. 500fps. 5mm or .20 caliber, single shot, bolt action.
Dating a Vintage Sheridan Model C (Streak) 1949 - 1976(be aware that changes often cannot be pinpointed exactly, so most changes will only be list by year they first appeared) Date stamps on 1964 to 1971 and serial numbers on 1972- 1985 easily pinpoint manufacture dates for these years. This change chronology is most useful for identifying approximate manufacture dates for Model C 'Streaks' produced from 1949 to 1963, the 'Thumb Safety' version of the Model C Streaks.
1949 - First production Silver Streak Introduced. (Sept 1949)
• Slab sided stock (1949 only)
• Rear sights are aperture style (1949–1951)
• Tube stamped 'SHERIDAN PRODUCTS INC. ---RACINE WIS--- on right side (1949 - 1951)
• Forearm attached with screws (1949 - 1951/52)
• Knurled windage adjustment for rear sight (1949 - 1952)
• Straight end Butt stock (1950 - 1954)
• Rear sight soldered on to barrel ( 1949 - 1955)
• High Comb stock (1950 - 1958)
• Slim trigger guard attached with two screws (1949 - 1959).
• Forearm is slim style (1949 - 1960)
• Straight bolt arm (1949 - 1960)
• Hold-down thumb safety (1949 - 1962)
• Sculpted front blade sight (1949 - 1963)
• Grooved receiver (1949 - 1967)
• Pump Tube stamped 'SILVER STREAK' on left side.
1950 - One change
• Slab sided stock discontinued.
1951 - Three changes
• Patridge rear sight introduced. (introduced late 1951)
• Hole on right side receiver (allows pin removal on Bolt) (1951–1956)
• Made in USA stamped on Receiver
1952 - Three changes
• Blue Streak model introduced (May 1952)
• Forearm attached with roll pins. .
• 'Made in USA' now stamped on Pump tube on right side after RACINE, WIS. instead of Receiver.
1953 - One change
• Knurled Windage knobs discontinued
1954 - No changes
1955 - One change
• Crescent butt stock replaces straight butt stock.
1956 - Two changes
• Rear sight now attached with set screw and two dimples, and is no longer soldered to barrel. (May 1956 - May 1961)
• Hole on right side of receiver removed (Mid - Late 1956)
1957 - No changes
1958 - No changes
1959 - One change
• Introduce lower comb on Stock.
1960 - Three changes
• Trigger guard now wider and attached with Rivet and one screw. (Aug 1960)
• Introduce new stamped lettering on pump tube '5 M/M CAL' now stamped on left side of Tube.
• Blue Streak models now have 'BLUE STREAK' stamped on the pump tube.
1961 - Three changes
• Introduce larger 'Beaver tail' style Forearm.
• Change from straight bolt to curved bolt handle with hole on ball-end and pinned to Bolt. (May 1961)
• Rear Sight now attached with 2 set screws. (June 1961 - May 1971)
1962 - One change
• Hand Guard introduced
1963 - One change
• Rocker Safety introduced. (Feb 1963)
1964 - Two changes
• Inspection dates now stamped (backwards and alphabetically) on the left side of the receiver. (Jan 1964 - Apr 1972)
• Front sight changed to a large forward serrated ramp style 1964 - 1977)
1965 - No changes
1966 - No changes
1967 - One change
• Trigger guard now attached by two rivets
1968 - Two change
• Grooves removed from the Receiver (now smooth flattop receiver). (Mar 1968 - Feb 1978)
• Curved bolt handle now welded to bolt.
1969 - No changes
1970 - No changes
1971 - Two changes
• Left-handed version introduced (Jul 1971) ( Approx 400 made)
• Rear sight now clip-on attachment. (April 1971)
1972 - Two changes
• Stamped Serial numbers introduced ( 000001 - 025650). (Apr 1972)
• Hole in bolt handle made shallow (1972–1974)
1973 - No changes. Serial numbers ( 025651 - 060550)
1974 - No changes. Serial numbers ( 060551 - 100780)
1975 - One change. Serial numbers ( 100780 - 141460)
• Hole in bolt handle eliminated.
1976 - No changes. Serial numbers ( 141461 - 175840)
Last year of the Original Sheridan Products Inc. produced Streaks, before being purchased by its competitor the Benjamin company.
BENJAMIN / SHERIDAN
1977 - Two changes. Serial numbers ( 175841 - 211020) - First year of the Benjamin/Sheridan Streaks.
• 'C SERIES' now stamped on left side of tube. (Apr 1977)
• Barrel now extends over muzzle cap.
1978 - Two changes. Serial numbers ( 211021 - 257460)
• Introduce short ramp front sight. (Feb 1978)
• Round top receiver. (Feb 1978)
1979 - Two changes. Serial numbers ( 257461 - 308340) -
• Introduce 'AIR HOLE DO NOT OIL' stamped on bottom of tube. (Jun 1979)
• Double sear trigger introduced. (Sept 1979)
1980 - No changes. Serial numbers ( 308341 - 346820)
1981 - No changes. Serial numbers ( 346821 - 381450)
1982 - No changes. Serial numbers ( 381451 - 401050)
1983 - No changes. Serial numbers ( 401051 - 417410)
1984 - One change. Serial numbers ( 417411 - 437800)
• Receiver drilled for Williams Peep Sight. (Jan 1984)
1985 - No changes. Serial numbers ( 437801 - ---------)
References[edit]
- ^ ab'Sheridan Products, Inc'. Blue Book of Gun Values. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
- ^Know Your Sheridan Rifles & Pistols by Ronald E. Elbe
Sheridan: The end of an era
by Tim Smith
Sheridan Blue Streak Serial Number Lookup
While looking at Crosman’s 2013 airgun catalog, I discovered that something was missing. There was no
mention of the Sheridan Blue Streak. Hoping this was just an omission. I contacted Crosman and learned that the Sheridan line is being discontinued in 2013.
Once the disbelief passed, I ordered a Blue Streak so I could own one of the last in the fine line of Sheridan’s. But simply ordering a Blue Streak was not enough. I asked Laura Evans, Marketing Coordinator at Crosman for a very special favor. My request was to have the person who built my Blue
Streak, autograph the box.
A few days later I contacted Chip Hunnicutt, Web & Social Media Manager at Crosman to get his thoughts on Airgun Hobbyist Magazine doing a tribute to the Sheridan and also to immortalize the employees who build the airguns, right here is in the USA. Chip’s response was “That’s a great request.” During a tour of the Crosman facility last year, I had the privilege to meet the people who build these wonderful
airguns. However, I didn’t take photos in the assembly area. Upon my request, Chip was able to provide me with numerous photos used in this article.
A brief chronology of Sheridan airguns follows. The Sheridan airgun company was founded in 1945 in Racine Wisconsin by Ed Wackenhagen and Bob Kraus. Their goal was to make the finest American made pneumatic air rifles. In 1947 they introduced the Model A “Super Grade”. The material used in the Model A were of the highest quality, this included bronze alloy chosen for its superior properties. Followed by the Model B “Sporter” in 1948 to 1951. It is believed that Crosman designed the model 108, Town and
Country to compete with Sheridan’s model A and B.
In 1949, the Model C “Silver Streak was introduced with a design to better compete in the airgun market. The Silver Streaks were nickel plated and featured a hold down thumb safety. The Model CB “Blue Streak” made its first appearance in 1952. The Blue Streak was identical to the Silver Streak, except that it had a blue ebonol-c finish. 2012 marked the 60 anniversary of the Blue Streak name.
Sheridan Model E/EB/ED the CO2 powered pistol started production in 1977 . The Model H/HB pumper pistol started production in 1982. Both the EB and HB are still being produced, however they are not in the latest Crosman catalog either.
Sheridan Model F and FB CO2 powered rifles started production in 1975. The F was nickel finished, while the FB had a blue finish. A FW was also available with polished nickel and a Williams peep sight.
In 1977, the Benjamin Air Rifle Company bought Sheridan. Benjamin continued production of the C Series under the Sheridan name.
In addition to the pellet guns, Sheridan also produced tranquilizer guns the Model “G” and paintball markers the Model “K2” and “KP2” in the 1980’s. As with the pellet guns, these are highly sought after by collectors today.
Crosman purchased the Benjamin Air Rifle Company in 1992 and continued to produce the C9 Series under the name of Benjamin/Sheridan. A few years back, Crosman discontinued the “Silver Streak” and this year, the “Blue Streak”.
Crosman will be discontinuing .20 caliber domed pellets (model #020DB). But the .20 caliber cylindrical (model #P50) will remain.
Great reference books for the Sheridan include “Sheridan – Classic American Air Rifles” by UJ Backus and
“Know Your Sheridan Rifles & Pistols” by Ron Elbe. As many owners of the Sheridan Air Rifle know that
these airguns last. Their owners have had them since they were little and even though there are other options out there, this is their go to airgun. Many owners look at their air rifle with the fond memories of childhood in their eyes. It is worth more to them then the book value says they will ever be.
In the next few pages, you’ll get to see the people, parts, equipment used to build the last of the Sheridan line.
“I wanted a Sheridan as a kid, but couldn’t afford one.
So, when I returned from Germany in 1978, I bought a Blue
Streak that I still have. I taught my wife, Edith, to shoot it
and she killed many rats and mice around our house. That
rifle is the “go-to” airgun in the Gaylord household.
– Tom Gaylord”
“It is because of the quality and workmanship of the
Sheridan’s past that the name will live on.
– UJ Backus”
“I still have the Blue Streak I purchased in 1968.
I haven’t fired it in over 30 years! Yes, your article on
Sheridan is on target. I just might buy another before they
are all gone. Sheridan air rifles are true classics among
airguns and deserve lots of recognition for their solid
performance and quality.
– Jess Galan”
“When I was about a dozen years of age, the newly introduced Sheridan Blue Streak was being advertised in numerous outdoor magazines. An airgun that had the power and accuracy described in those ads was tantalizing but unaffordable. Growing up in a remote area, I could imagine myself roaming the woods with “the aristocrat of air rifles.” I had an airgun, but I wanted a Sheridan. I am pleased to say that I now have several and if I could have only one airgun, it would be a Sheridan.
– James E. House”
“For over half a century, the Sheridan airgun name
has evoked a prestigious sense of pride for the seasoned
airgunner. To own a Sheridan meant that you knew your
airguns, and would not be fully satisfied with anything less.
– Larry Hannusch”
“As a kid, I coveted one of those multi-pump
powerhouses. But alas, all of that brass and walnut and
steel construction made their cost out of my reach and kept
me from owning one until adulthood. There may have been
other models that came before the Sheridan, but it was
sleek and sophisticated. The fact that it was accurate and
hard-hitting was just icing on the cake. I know things must
change and corporate decisions are predicated on market
research and so forth, still, it is sad to see the brand fade
away and I’m sorry to hear the Sheridan line is no more.
– Gordon D. Smith”
“Some people collect autographs from musicians or sports stars. I collect autographs from peoplein the airgun industry. I can’t express exactly what it means to own one of the last Sheridan’s in a autographed box and to know the name and face of the person who built it.
– Tim Smith”
“In ‘building a better mouse-trap’ we have
endeavored to produce a more versatile and usable link—
one combining high performance with low-cost shooting—
between the boy’s type air rifle, and the comparatively high
powered cartridge-type fire arms. Each has their respective
field which they are efficiently filling to the benefit of the
shooting fraternity. We feel that the Sheridan Pneumatic
carries on in the same tradition, meeting a want of many
shooters, and of many classes of shooters, from experienced
riflemen, to the average sportsman who would like to have
a safe, practical small bore rifle in the family. We thus hope
that we, in a small way, are contributing something to the
rifle shooting game in general, and to your own particular
pleasure.
– Sheridan Hand Book”
List Of Sheridan Blue Streak Serial Numbers
Brass valves are assembled by hand.
Sheridan Air Rifle Serial Numbers
“The article on the Sheridan looks good, but it saddens me.
For much of my life (since 1948) I have admired Sheridan air
guns. I really like the ones I have.
– James E. House”
“Any closely fitted mechanism, from a new engine to
a pneumatic rifle, is likely to be somewhat stiff in its action
until used. Moving parts such as the bolt, piston assembly,
trigger release, opening and closing of valves, etc., all
tend to “wear in” to permanent smooth relationship. It is
sound engineering to have tight fits that wear in, rather
than- loose fits that wear out.
– Sheridan Hand Book”
Sheridan Blue Streak 5mm Parts
If you’ve purchased a Sheridan CB9, Benjamin 392, or Benjamin 397 in the past few years, chances are that these two people, Aaron Riojas and Cheryl Pragle were the people who built it. In this day and age, it’s nice to see that the airguns are not assembled by machines in some far off country, but instead built
by Americans in the state of New York.