OperationMulti-PumpBeginner
You operate a forearm-mounted lever (or a butt-mounted pump arm on some designs) several times to compress air into a small onboard reservoir. Each pump adds a controlled amount of air. When you fire, all that stored air is released in a single shot, then the reservoir is empty until you pump again. The gun has no spring slamming forward and no cartridge to buy, which is why multi-pumps like the Benjamin 392/397 and Sheridan Blue Streak have stayed popular for over half a century.
Read full answer →PumpingMulti-PumpBeginner
Most multi-pumps specify a minimum (usually 3 pumps) and a maximum (often 8 to 10). Below the minimum, the seals do not seat and pressure can leak past or cycle improperly. Above the maximum, you stress the seals and reservoir and can lock the valve so it cannot open. Going past the manufacturer's max gains you almost no extra velocity (often only 5 to 15 fps for the last pump on most guns) at significant cost in wear. Stick to the published range.
Read full answer →PowerMulti-PumpBeginner
Yes, that is one of the multi-pump's signature features. Three pumps might give you 450 to 500 fps for quiet plinking; eight pumps gets the same gun up to its rated 685+ fps for hunting. Use fewer pumps for indoor or close-range targets to reduce noise and over-penetration; use the full count when you need terminal energy. Always pump consistently for any given target distance so your zero stays repeatable.
Read full answer →StorageMulti-PumpBeginner
Store it with one pump of air in the reservoir, no more. That single pump keeps the seals seated and from drying out, but does not stress them. Never store a multi-pump fully pumped; that is a recipe for stretched seals and slow leaks. Never store it completely empty for long periods either; the seals can shrink. One pump is the universal recommendation in the Benjamin and Sheridan manuals.
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