PMI-1 vs P68SC

[Mechstar]

So I am new to Sheridans/brass in general (Just bought a PMI-1), so what is the difference (if any) between a horizontal feed version of the PMI-1 and the P68?
Is either “better”?
I am sure there were plenty of threads answering this question in the old MCB...
But since I can’t look for it there, we might as well get it well documented in the new one!
Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[XEMON]

From memory, one has the feed tube that goes all the way to the front of the barrel (P-68?) And one has only a 10rd tube (PMI-I?)

Do you have a picture?

Someone correct me if I missed that one

Edit: pump handle is the biggest distinction.

[netsurferdude2]

IIRC, P68SC has longer barrel, bottom tube and top tube. I think they are mostly cart valve where the PMI1s were component valve. P68 has a speed demon bolt and the PMI is the standard sheridan centerfire bolt. P68 had a longer plastic pump handle while the PMI was a short PGP length aluminum pump. Also the 12gram changer knobs are different. The p68sc knob doesn't have a collar like the PMI or PGP changer knobs but it is longer. Same threading so its not a speed changer.

[RuleOfSines]

I think a side of effect of the longer barrel, was also a reduction in efficiency, in completely stock form. The barrel may be longer than is actually efficient with the stock valve system.

[XEMON]

Went back through my notes and netsurferdude2 is right
The pump handle is the best/easiest way to distinguish between the two.

PMI-I:


PMI-68 SC:

[gabe]

Yep, all the above is correct

PMI-1 has a 10" barrel with a 10 round feed tube on top. Stock pump on the PMI-1 is a 3" pistol style pump and the bolt is a centerfire ball detent bolt, not the speed demon type. PMI-1's all had the non-cartridge style valve which while slightly more efficient is far harder to work on. Bottom tubes on both guns are the same length and configuration with the 12 gram changer using a rod just over 3" long between the knob and 12gram plunger. PMI-1 has a fine 12gram thread and a low profile knob which can be harder to grasp. The PMI-1 is slightly more efficient but only slightly, getting around 25 useable shots from a 12gram

P-68sc has a 13" barrel and a 15round feed tube. Pump handle on the P68 is a 5" long handle linked to a speed demon style bolt with a spring loaded hammer lug for quick/easy removal. P68's came with both cartridge and non-cartridge valves but from what I've seen the cartridge valves are far more common in these guns. It comes with the same fine thread 12gram knob but this time it's extended for easy grasping. One interesting thing on the 12gram rod is that I've had 3 P68sc's and two of them had a cupped 12gram plunger on a rod and the 3rd (and later model of the 3) had a straight rod coming out of the knob with a ring halfway down to center it and the end of the rod is cupped but only 1/4" in diameter. I think possibly they simplified the 12gram knob/rod system and the smaller surface area of a simple rod against the 12gram had less friction? Just an interesting tidbit.

As far as actual use I think the P68sc is a much nicer gun to play with. While the PMI-1 does get good efficiency relatively speaking the P68 still gets an easy 20 shots and I think the difference in efficiency is overblown. Largely I think people are counting number of times they have to reload the guns per 12gram and simply due to the P68 only getting through one and a half full loads (22-25 rounds) the PMI-1 with it's 10round feed tube gets reloaded more often so it seems like more shots. Also the P68 more commonly has the slightly less efficient cartridge valve whereas the PMI-1 has a more efficient non-cartridge type. One huge advantage is the ability to top off the 15 round tube on the P68sc without running it completely dry. The PMI-1 you really have to count shots with so you don't run out unexpectedly. Also, I think the P68's longer platform points better and the bigger pump is more comfortable. The speed demon bolt and extended knob stock are really nice touches too.

Either way both are great guns which is why I have and will be keeping both. Plus a PGP too...well it's kind of an addiction.

[snaparen]

Gentlemen, He said P68, not P68sc. One could be referring to the open class brass of the P68 Piranha, aka P68, P68lb or P68sb.
This is why we need Vintage Rex back so I don't have to take and post pictures.......i am really bad at that

[Carp]

Gentlemen, He said P68, not P68sc. One could be referring to the open class brass of the P68 Piranha, aka P68, P68lb or P68sb.

It says "PMI-1 vs P68SC" in the thread title....😋

[snaparen]

hmmm should get my prescription checked.

[gabe]

Gentlemen, He said P68, not P68sc. One could be referring to the open class brass of the P68 Piranha, aka P68, P68lb or P68sb.
This is why we need Vintage Rex back so I don't have to take and post pictures.......i am really bad at that

Akchually....

The P68 only existed in the SC format (stock class) and the AT format (direct feed, autotrigger mech). The other models were PMI models and were named PMI-1df, Piranha LB, and Piranha SB.

All IIRC. I might have missed a P68 model but previous versions were all PMI distributed models I'm pretty sure.