Crossman 1400 rebuild!

This is going to be a pretty slow build, but ive got plenty of time right now.

My dad got this rifle in 1968, When I was a kid I used to go shooting in the backyard with it. About 20 years ago it stopped firing and was put into storage.
Today I dug it out of the basement and have decided that I am going to rebuild it back to its original glory.

Things that I know need attention are the leaking seals in the pump, and Im pretty sure there are a few pellets stuck in the barrel (for the past 20 years). So first order is to clear out the barrel and clean up the slight rust thats on it.

Im going to call up Baker Airguns tomorrow to see if they are still shipping, and if they are then I will be ordering the seal kit for it.

 

If not, you could try Mac1.
He’s been around along time.
http://www.mac1airgunshop.com/product-p/cr1400rk.htm

 

Little bit more done. Im trying to get the back of the barrel off, there is a plastic washer thats in there that crushes, you got to get that out before you can slide the rest of the stuff out of the barrel.

 

If it’s like the 13xx/22xx series, there is a plastic washer and a brass or metal transfer port.
Some people (even me) have have used ice maker tubing from HomeDepot/Lowe’s.
I forget the size, but it works great as the “washer” and can be cut a bit longer to make a better seal.

 

Thats what I was reading on some of the rebuilding forums. I will say though, the info on these rifles is pretty spotty. Info is all over the place, though I have figured out by talking with my dad and comparing pictures that this is a first gen version of it made in 1968-1972.

I did get that plastic part out, I used part of a old dremel attachment and was able to push it out from the backside, and was very pleased to see that there was nothing plugging the barrel like I thought there would be. So now I am just cleaning the surface rust off the barrel. Since I dont want to leave the house, I am using the wd40 method that people have been using for many many years. Spray the parts and let sit for 24 hours, then spray again and wipe.

 

#0000 Steel wool works good.
It isn’t too abrasive and doesn’t hurt seem to take much bluing off.

I’ve managed to get some pretty good result using cold bluing at home.
Birchwood/Casey works ok, but I’ve found it goes on MUCH better if you use a heat gun and warm the barrel before applying the bluing liquid. You really do get out of what you put into a bluing job. Especially cold bluing at home. If you see it before bluing you’ll see it after bluing.

I use 91% isopropyl alcohol to degrease.
Wear gloves not to get oils from your skin on the barrel.
Warm the barrel and apply the bluing.
Then lightly scrub the barrel with #4000 steel wool and alcohol.
And repeat the process until I am satisfied.
Then rinse with really hot water. And apply a good gun oil. (Soak it down good)
Some use other methods to denutralize the Bluig. I find water works well for me. (hot water to dry faster, boil it if you have to)

It will still be a bit dull, but gun oil brings the bluing out a lot.


Of course none of this matters if you don’t have the supplies on hand.
You can’t find alcohol here in East TN. Even hand soap is hard to come by.
On a plus side, we are getting toilet paper back in local stores regularly.


Definitely show us the end results. I have airguns.
I’ve had quite a few over the years. Probably some of my best times of shoot were with airguns.

 

Here is a link to the manual and parts diagram
You may already have it?
https://support.crosman.com/hc/en-us/articles/203543380-1400-Owner-s-Manual-EVP-1972-1978-

 

Sweet! thanks for the tips, this will help me a ton as I have never restored a air rifle. Ive restored plenty of cars, but nothing like this.

 

There is a guy on Amazon thats selling that manual for $15