Personally I'd never run a BB through a rifled barrel. There are other things to try, anyhow. Start with a good cleaning as you would a new powder burner. Many here recommend Ballistol but I've found good old Hoppe's Number Nine does a fine job. Pull a damp patch through the barrel, followed by a couple dry patches. This can make a world of difference!! You can also pull some patches with bore paste and bore polish. How's your barrel crown? A buggered crown will never permit a gun to group. Another member (Nervous Trigger) did a fine write up on how to crown a barrel. As far as the trigger goes, I won't comment as I've never seen a Winchester 1977. Pulling evenly and straight back is critical to grouping well, though. Your gun may require just the right pellet, too. You'd be surprised how much difference one pellet can make over another. Finally, be advised, some guns may just refuse to shoot well.
You may have wanted to read this thread before even starting to mod. https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=189250.0 Also mine does very well with Air Arms 10.3 gr domed pellets, and I prefer to use a drilled open to .30 sink faucet washer that is sanded to fit snug in the shroud to stabilize the barrel vs tape, not sure if I posted this on the above thread or in another what mods to a Daisy should I do type one
Moving to the Daisy Gate...
Give the daisy flatnose pellets a try... they usually do very well in the 880’s and the Winchester 1977.My Winchester is very pellet picky. Other than the daisy flatnose, the H&N barracuda 10.65 gr. Is the only other pellet that has done as well so far.
My 1977 prefers JSB Exact 8.44 at 10 pumps (1/2" groups at 18 yds). But mine also has the CC trigger mod, flat spring removed, and one of Geo's LDC to stabilize the barrel. Also have an Optima 3-9x40 AO scope.I clean the barrel with Balistol about every 150-200 shots because the dirty barrel does affect accuracy.Required testing with all sorts of pellets at all the different # of pumps and looking for consistent performance. I have both the 880 and the 1977, and neither does very well with Daisy flatnose or hollow points. I wanted the 1977 to be the "high powered"shooter since already had the 880, so I focused on minimum 7 pumps and really wanted accuracy at 9 or 10 pumps.
I've done the CC trigger mod(now the safety won't engage) and removed the flat spring but what is the LDC? I'm the same as you. Really wanting this to shoot well with the higher pumps. I've been testing at 8 and 10 pumps. Is there a certain way you recommend to clean? Rod and brush or pull through cord or cleaning pellets?Thanks, Josh
just curious to know if you ever got your 1977 to shoot well i just bought one after reading and watghing every review on it i could find i know its basically a 880 mass produced in china and i own a bunch of cheap pumpers and co2 s i do believe i have got lucky on all of them never got a bad one any brand i am sure you dont want to think about this but may be you just got a crappy one anyways mine is not even broke in yet 50 rds thru it and is grouping 1/2 inch at 20 yrds with almost any pellet am very happy anyways just wanted to know if you got yours sorted out