GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => American/U.S. Air Gun Gates => Daisy Gate => Topic started by: Hunterdude on August 17, 2021, 01:18:05 PM
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I recently learned of the 1977xs, I am Very interested in the thumbhole stock... But the price is double that of an 880 from Wal-Mart, I am curious if the scope that comes with the 1977xs is halfway decent? I am not expecting. Leapould clarity...
I also saw the trigger is firmer pull on the 1977xs and not as easy to mod.
The best price I can find on the 1977xs is currently $79.99 and my local walmart has 880 with scope for $37.00
Any thoughts on these rifles or where to get a deal on the 1977xs would be greatly appreciated!
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Found this thread -
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=170345.0 (https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=170345.0)
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and
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=187499.0 (https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=187499.0)
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I have never tried the 1977xs; but I do have the 880. It is easy to shoot and (with some breakin) is super accurate out to 20 yards. The scope that comes with the Walmart 880 package is okay. I have owned worse rifles that I paid 4-times more $$ for.
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To me the 1977xs is well worth the extra money for the extra speed and ft. lbs. it offers out of the box over the 880.
Yes, the pumping and trigger is harder than the 880, but does smooth up a bit over time.
It,s not nearly as hard to pump as a 397.
Ronno has a kit to fix the trigger issue. The 1977xs also has a bbl. support built in and pretty much illuminates the bbl. tape mod. the 880 needs.
I really like the thumbhole stock for offhand shooting also, plus it seems to be a more robust stock than on the 880.
The scope supplied is cheap, but usable in good light... not necessary to buy a new scope right off the bat for it, but you’ll probably want to upgrade to a better one at some point.
Having said all that, nothing will replace the smooth, easy pumping action of an 880.
Lol, I have to have both the 880 and the 1977xs.
The main downside to the 1977xs is no availability of the “ power parts” for it at this time, unless they have become available lately.
I have’nt checked on that in a while.
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Wow, I watched the 880 vs 1977 full review YouTube video in one of the links in this thread, it was an eye opener.
These are both low cost guns, so ordinarily I would just buy both!.... However.....i am layed off at the moment so just want to buy one till employment returns.
I was leaning heavily toward the 1977xs for thumbhole stock " mostly" but thought the larger diameter scope on the 1977xs would be a step up on the cheapo scope scale, in the video he thought the larger scope was the more blurry of the 2 scopes, am I correct in thinking there is a lock ring on the bell closest to your eye and you can thread the bell in and out to get a little better focus for your own eyes?
I still want both,.....may put a call in to Daisy to see if the thumbhole butt stock only is available? Putting that on an 880 with a dark olive green paint job and use the money saved towards a better scope might be a plan as well....
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Unless power rules the decision, it’s a tough choice between the two.
Having had both for quite some time(had 880’s for years), if I could only have one for now, i’d probably go with the 880 if general target,plinking, and small game hunting to 30 yds. would suffice. Of course you can target shoot further than that with it.
Parts are generaly available for the 880 and a simple credit card mod. to the trigger and a couple wraps of electrical tape about 3/8” from the end of the bbl. under the shroud can turn the 880 into a tack driver with pellets it likes.
I use the Winchester 4x32AO scope sold by Academy sports for $30.00 on all 4 of mine.
If you need more ft. lb. for hunting past 30 yds., then i’d go with the 1977xs. Jmho :D
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1977xs is a much more solid feeling gun, worth the extra IMO, though a 880 will get you eliminated pest also :)
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Sorry to be so needy....could someone post a link the the winchester 4x32 AO scope for $30?
I really like AO scopes but I can Not seem to navigate Academy sports web site on my phone very well at all, I can not get the search functions to work.
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I can't find it for $30, $45 at Pyramyd Air is best I can find, but out of stock. Amazon for $58, usually ships in 6-8 days, so who knows if they really have any.
When you get your search to work, seek out AO scopes, no need for airgun rated (refers to the double recoil of springers) your Daisy wont have any appreciable recoil.
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Here you go: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Daisy-Powerline-880-Air-Rifle-with-Scope-177-Cal/40556631 (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Daisy-Powerline-880-Air-Rifle-with-Scope-177-Cal/40556631)
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Here you go: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Daisy-Powerline-880-Air-Rifle-with-Scope-177-Cal/40556631 (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Daisy-Powerline-880-Air-Rifle-with-Scope-177-Cal/40556631)
he's looking for an AO scope
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Wepster is correct, if I could find the Winchester 4x32AO scope for $30 from Academy deal mentioned in this thread....I would likely order 3 units!
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Update:
I have new employment opportunities, so went airgun shopping today! Tractor supply matched Academy price on 1977xs so I grabbed one....then on to Wal-Mart and also bagged an 880 with scope for $36.95 so I have both!
I have not shot them yet but got the scopes out of both boxes, I was SO curious, as the guy that did the YouTube video....."airgun detective" about 1977xs vs 880 stated that the smaller scope on the 880 was the more clear of the 2 scopes....Straight out of the box, I also found this to be true, HOWEVER, the smaller 880 scope gives good directions on how to loosen the lock-ring and focus the scope to your own eyes, I see well at distance, but need fairly strong reading glasses....I found the further I loosened the "bell" closest lens to your eye, the better the scope focus was for me....in the end I threaded both scope bells all the way off, then re- installed about 7 to 8 turns to give the Very fine threads something to grab and set the lock ring there, now both cheap scopes are quite clear for my eyes now and serviceable until I can find a deal on OA scopes.
The tester on "airgun detective" said the scope on his 1977xs was " very blurry" cross hairs and his group size was also a little larger at 20 yards with his 1977xs than his 880....I now wonder if he had focused the stock scope to his own eyes if the 2 guns would have performed the same?
Just thought I would share my findings, I will report back after shooting both guns 8)
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Congrats on getting both rifles! :D
I think you’ll find by using equal scopes on both rifles that the Winchester will shoot every bit as well as the 880... just have to learn to deal with the heavier trigger on the Winchester.
Out of the box the Winchester “ should have “ tha advantage because of the bbl. stabilizer it comes with.
The bbl. tape mod on the 880 will take care of that though.
All 4 of my 880’s and my Winchester dote on daisy wadcutters made in Spain and also barracuda 10.65 gr. domes.
Good luck with your new daisy’s! 8)
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It's definitely nice to have both 880 and 1977 since there are significant differences in "feel", but the choice for only one has to go to the 1977 just because it can do everything the 880 can and more. I have both and have done the credit card mod to both. Worked much better in the 880 in terms of lightening up the trigger pull, but still a noticeable improvement over stock in the 1977. I also have Geo's ldc on both and they are awesome. The loudest sound from each is the hammer spring snapping the valves open. The ldcs also help stabilize the barrel so I didn't need to do the tape mod for either. Both rifles can shoot 1/2" groups from 18 yds, but the 1977 groups are slightly tighter.
Yes, the scopes can be adjusted so that cross hairs are in focus, and the objective lens can be adjusted to focus at different distance, but I ended up replacing with AO scopes I already had lying around. Definitely nice being able to focus for different distances.
FYI I purchased my Win 4x32ao scope from the Daisy website on sale for around $30 but had to pay for shipping (around $6-$7 I think? ). Every now and then these are on sale.
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Congrats on getting both rifles! :D
I think you’ll find by using equal scopes on both rifles that the Winchester will shoot every bit as well as the 880... just have to learn to deal with the heavier trigger on the Winchester.
Out of the box the Winchester “ should have “ tha advantage because of the bbl. stabilizer it comes with.
The bbl. tape mod on the 880 will take care of that though.
All 4 of my 880’s and my Winchester dote on daisy wadcutters made in Spain and also barracuda 10.65 gr. domes.
Good luck with your new daisy’s! 8)
Many thanks! I will do the tape mod soon on the 880, I appreciate the pellet tips! I only have RWS " basic" wadcutters on hand to try but will try to source the Spain Daisy wadcutters as well. I find well placed wadcutters( head shots) really do the trick all the way up to fox squirrel size critters...but I will get a tin of the baracuda if I get a tougher critter to dispatch.
I have now shouldered both guns, the thumbhole stock feels better,(to me) but I like both....the 880 has a bit wider forearm....we call it a beavertail forearm around here, and I prefure the 880 style forearm but there both good. The thumbhole butt stock "looks" like it will fit the 880 but I have not tested. The 880 forearm does not look like it will work on the 1977xs as the pivot point on the pump lever is further forward on the 1977xs.
Also the butt plate is wider on the 1977xs....I plan to eventually fit a rubber butt plate mostly so the gun will not slide when leaning against a wall, but also for a little softer more grippy feel on the shoulder.
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It's definitely nice to have both 880 and 1977 since there are significant differences in "feel", but the choice for only one has to go to the 1977 just because it can do everything the 880 can and more. I have both and have done the credit card mod to both. Worked much better in the 880 in terms of lightening up the trigger pull, but still a noticeable improvement over stock in the 1977. I also have Geo's ldc on both and they are awesome. The loudest sound from each is the hammer spring snapping the valves open. The ldcs also help stabilize the barrel so I didn't need to do the tape mod for either. Both rifles can shoot 1/2" groups from 18 yds, but the 1977 groups are slightly tighter.
Yes, the scopes can be adjusted so that cross hairs are in focus, and the objective lens can be adjusted to focus at different distance, but I ended up replacing with AO scopes I already had lying around. Definitely nice being able to focus for different distances.
FYI I purchased my Win 4x32ao scope from the Daisy website on sale for around $30 but had to pay for shipping (around $6-$7 I think? ). Every now and then these are on sale.
Many thanks for the heads up on Daisy offering the AO scopes on sale from time to time! I can shoot now and pounce when they go on sale....I need 3 units because my Daisy 35 needs one to.
I want to focus on the triggers first, then AO scopes, after that, I may look into a muffler as well 8)
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update:
It was big fun sighting in both guns today, first I swabbed both barrels and the 1977xs was by far the most dirty right from the factory of the 2 guns.
Next, I lightly oiled both, there suppose to be oiled from the factory, and I think they where, but just to be sure....I don't like pumping dry seals.
Then I rough zero both gun scopes, no issues there, but I noticed I was getting pretty poor groups from both guns shooting RWS " basic" wadcutters.
Right away I found the "upper" bar of the 2 bars on the butt stock of the 1977xs that form the thumbhole was a very comfortable place to grab the stock (well clear of scope)when pumping the 1977xs.
Also, as I am a pretty big guy I did not think the pumping effort would make much difference to me between the 2 guns....but after an extended shooting session that 880 really shines with low pump effort!!
Well I got about 60 rounds thru both guns and they both are starting to smooth up some, I am sure this will get better with more rounds.
The 880 bolt opperation is noticeably smoother....not sure if this is from the double o-Ring on the 1977xs bolt or if the 1977 just needs to be shot more.
I then swabbed the bores again in case I had over oiled and the groups started getting better as I started to get more familiar with both triggers...the 880 seemed to be doing a hair better but both guns where giving me clover leaf shaped groups at 30 feet. I was shooting both guns with 5 pumps and the 1977 was driving them noticeably faster. I up the 880 to 6 pumps and got a group with 3 shots touching but still a clover shape....then went back to the 1977xs and dropped back to 3 pumps and got my best group of the day with one ragged hole but just slightly egg shaped. I am pretty happy with this result for new guns with el-cheapo scopes and only 1 brand of pellet to try.
I am still happy I purchased both guns, the thumbhole stock gets the nod for best ergonomics, the 880 gets the nod for most pleasant to shoot.
I noted with the freshly oiled pump head the 1977xs REALLY makes some compression!...I could see a LOT of flex on the pump arm if I pumped it more than 6 pumps.
It was getting pretty hot outside and I was ready to end on a good note.. so I set out 6 Hickory nuts...they where dropping all around me as I shot....I ended by shooting 3 with each rifle and I hit all 6 with 6 shots so both guns are minute of squirrel nut at 30 feet. I will shoot them further out if it cools of some!
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Good to hear both rifles are shooting well for you.
Now just find they’re favorite pellet and stock up on them when available!🙂
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Good to hear both rifles are shooting well for you.
Now just find they’re favorite pellet and stock up on them when available!🙂
Thank you, I want to try the Spain made Daisy flat nose wadcutters several folks have raved about....there seems to only be pointed pellets at the close stores to me, I hope to do a big shopping run today and If I find them, will grab a couple tins.
Also my new Daisy 35 is performing well on the chrony but accuracy is not what my last Daisy BSA 1910 was....thinking of tear it down tonight and check the barrel to barrel bushing fit, if it is loose I will do the tape mod and may try the credit card mod as well when I am in there.
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I upped the tape mod game, I use a sink faucet washer drilled to fit the barrel .30" barrel OD, then while it is still on the drill bit, I run it on sand paper to get it to a snug fit to the barrel shroud. I start the washer over the barrel, I use the smaller bevel ones btw, and point the bevel to the front sight then push the front sight on.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61O-e-t0eaL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)
Not sure where Ronno6 is with his improved trigger, but do believe he has a more user friendly pre assembled kit in the works, way less trial and error than getting the right thickness credit card IMO.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61O-e-t0eaL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
I just noticed the washer kit has some brass screws that work great for finishing barrel crowns. ;)
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I kind of like the rubber sink washer idea, the rubber compliance would help to get a nice fit and the rubber may dampen vibration which may help with accuracy.
I don't know if my Daisy 35 has a mid barrel support, but could possibly grind the OD less to get a mid support as well.
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Its not even close. The 1977xs I got was 69.99 at Academy Sports. It beats my 2004 model 880 in every way. It is stiffer to pump, but still much less stiff than most pump guns and easier to pump than a model 35.
I can get 16FPE+ with heavy pellet in a package much lighter and more compact than my NP break barrel rifles. The scope is junk, I couldn't find the 4x AO scope in stock, but the 2x7 Winchester scope is worth it to have the adjust-ability and you can still find it on Amazon for 40-50 bux. Originally I tried to find the 4x Winchester AO but never could; maybe I'll grab one when they become available again but adjust-ability is sort of nice too since this gun could probably still kill something @100yrds if you over-pump. (most I've pumped is 15 and that becomes too hard so that is my limit for max power).
Full disclosure, right now my 1977xs has the buckrail generic AO scope on it (it is a bug buster clone & he recently raised the price to 40 bux) because I wanted something the same size as the junk scope that came with it with and mil-dot since this gun can reach out farther. I use the Winchester scope on two Crosman rigs, but I like the compact scope on the 1977xs since the gun is light & compact. HOWEVER, I still think the Winchester scope is a good pairing for this gun if you don't mind the extra length and lack of mil-dot.
The old 880 I have over-pumped can still get into the mid 700FPS range and is expendable to toss in the boat with open sights. But the loose stock (old style) and out-dated look and feel with less power just makes the 1977xs worth the extra money it you are only going to buy ONE. It also has double o-rings on the bolt probe (not sure if the newer 880's have that but mine doesn't).
I consider the 1977xs the ultimate 177 air gun if I could only have one. But although it feels more solid than the 880, it is still chinese plastic and that's why I still keep a 2289g and some other 13xx guns for bugout bag guns. But anytime you have a sub-100 dollar pumper than cold probably kill raccoons with heavy pellets (and over-pumping), that is impressive. Finally, the 1977xs compared to my older 880, is MUCH easier to load a pellet!
Spanish 7.5gr Daisy flat-nose does ~800FPS @ 10 pumps in my 1977xs
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Just curious, what are the differences that make the 1977xs more powerful over the 880?
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Just curious, what are the differences that make the 1977xs more powerful over the 880?
The pump stroke is 1" longer,
The pump handle is longer,
The piston has 2 O-rings, as does the bolt,
The chamber may have more volume...at least the seal abutment is hollow...
And...GONE is the elastomer spring....replaced by a square-wire coil spring.
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Ronno6, thanks a bunch for the information.
I always thought they were the same, but kept reading they (1977xs) had more gusto over the 880. After a few simple mods (but left dimple in piston head) my 880 makes 9.5fpe w/7.9's and
about 10.5fpe w/11.5 silver points (@ 12 pumps) and thought that was pretty good. That was about a 2fpe increase from stock. The 1977xs seems to blow it out of the water right from the box.
Some day I'll have to get a photo of the abutment seal I ground down. Maybe I got lucky and made it just thick enough to last for past 7-8 years of use. I guestamated how much material to leave so it didn't blow away from the retaining pin... So far so good.
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believe the seal abutment has a steel tube for the snout.
It is a smaller diameter where it enters the valve body as I thein the VB may be a bit stouter.
The abutment for an 880 will not fit.
The only real knock against the 1977 is the stiff trigger.
I have read posts in which the trigger pull has been measured at 7 1/2#.....
If only someone could do something about that.....