Sheridan Pellet Traps
by Ken Walker
March 2008
Sheridan has made traps for their rifles since the introduction of the original (Model A) Supergrade rifle. Here is what I believe to be the original ‘Sheridan Targetrap’.
This is finished in black wrinkle (sorry for the dark pic), has the full loop handle and a hanging flange. Inside is an angled (very thick) deflector plate, and a snail collector at the bottom. This is rated for both pellet and .22 rimfire. This earliest version did not have a mounting hole for a clip (to hold the paper target), but rather used a flat wire coil to hold the target. This trap was later designated the Model 22.
The front decal states:
Sheridan Targetrap
Sheridan Products Inc.
Racine, Wisconsin
A slightly later version has the same form, but is finished in a baked enamel paint instead of black wrinkle, and included a hanging clip for the target. The decal is updated to reflect the .22LR capability. Here’s one that recently sold on eBay (although it is missing the clip, you can see the screw that would normally hold it on).
The next Targetrap uses a flat strap handle instead of the full loop handle, and no longer has the hanging flange. A mounting hole is included in the rear cover instead. The finish is baked enamel. This is still rated for both pellet and .22 rimfire. This has the updated decal that first appeared on the previous version trap shown above.
The front decal states:
Sheridan Targetrap
Suitable for calibers up to and
including .22 Long Rifle
Sheridan Products Inc.
Racine, Wisconsin
The next trap eliminates the carrying handle and is now only recommended for pellets, so the name is changed to Pelletrap instead of Targetrap.
The front decal states:
Pelletrap
Recommended for Air Rifle Pellets Only
Sheridan Products Inc.
Racine, Wisconsin
There is also a decal on the deflector plate which states “FOR PELLETS ONLY”.
The next trap is a departure from the traditional box design. With no carrying handle, no provision for hanging, no internal deflector plate (the angled back wall of the trap acts as the deflector), and a simple sprayed finish, this is about as economical a trap as Sheridan could make.
The decal states:
Genuine
Sheridan
Pelletrap
Recommended only for
Air Gun Pellets
(Do not use with BB’s)
Sheridan Air Guns
Racine WI 53403
Made in USA Model 22
From a collector’s standpoint, this is my least favorite trap--because I can’t hang it on the wall and it takes up a lot of space to display, it is one of the few traps in my collection not on display. This Model 22 trap is not to be confused with the original Model 22 trap shown at the beginning.
Sheridan made other traps as well, including a Model 38 Targetrap for up to .38 Spl loads, a Model 333 Targetrap for NRA AR-1 and AR-2 air rifle targets, or NRA B-32 air pistol targets, and a Model 222 Targetrap for .22 Long Rifle.
The only target Sheridan has ever used is their ‘Indoor Rifle Target’, a 3 5/8” outer ring with a 1” bull.
If anyone has pictures of the Model 38, Model 333, or Model 222 traps (or any other Sheridan traps I’m not aware of), I would very much like to see them!
