To reiterate, the total projected number of Commemorative edition Benjamin Centennial Model 87’s was 6086, for an average of two guns for each of the 3,043 counties in the 50 states. However, a costly plating process never before attempted by Benjamin whereby nickel was applied over brass, brass over nickel, followed by a protective layer to prevent the brass from tarnishing caused major quality control issues. There were also complications with the stock and forearm whereby both were fabricated from the same block of walnut and often times matching up both proved difficult.
In addition, many have mentioned “back door sales” in previous discussions where some guns or parts of guns left the factory for whatever reason, perhaps because these guns did not meet quality control standards. As a result the actual number of limited edition models manufactured was but a fraction of the projected number, most of which were .22 calibers and of those only a small percentage were .177 calibers.
Due to the issues stated above collecting data for this model for the purpose of determining the actual number of special editions sold is futile although perhaps we can at least attempt to determine the highest number of each caliber sold. To date none exceed the projected 00XXXX numbers. The highest number at this point is 000XXX.
Below are the latest entries into a BCM87 registry. The last report was dated back in April of this year. Since then three more Model 87’s have been added, two of which are .22 Cal (serial numbers 72 & 109) both yesterday. The other one is also a .22 Cal and is listed under “Seconds”. To clarify, the Commemorative Centennial Model 87 has the special 00XXXX sequence whereas the Model 87’s listed under “Seconds” have the standard issue serial numbers.
Finally, if anyone has seen or owns one of these guns not in the registry please forward me photos of your gun; one full length photo and a close up photo of your guns serial number and caliber combined in the same photo. My email address is; vsotero78@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance.
