I'd be glad to help with the date. Just post the REG. NO. or LOT NO. that's stamped into it and that will tell the date.
I'm currently re-doing a 96.I have used Krylon Colormaxx semi-gloss black on Daisy 880 barrels...pretty close match.That's what I'm gonna use on the 96...Still not sure how I'm gonna strip/prep the metal.I hafta see if I can plug everything up well enough to bead blast...
Took it completely apart........Plugged the muzzle w/3/4" dia dowel and several wraps of electrical tape;Stuffed as much newspaper in the breech;placed small pieces of electrical tape over screw holes, oil here hole and spring retainer slot.Bead blasted the exposed paint, then ran over the wire wheel.Looks pretty!Paint is curing at this time.Fingers crossed...........