Thoughts and musings about my Daisy 880

[Terry]

So, Ive had the gun for a couple three months now. I have read several threads on accuracy, on cleaning, and lots of other very good information for a newcomer to adult airguns.

So I have noticed a few things, that may be normal for all 880's or might be just mine. First, accuracy / POI changes. probably due to the scope mounting job I did. Best i could do but not the best and I intend to fabricate a proper scope rail so I can get the mounting off the plastic and onto something more solid.

Something else, and the reason for this musing. My 880 seems to lose accuracy after about 400-500 rounds. I have just under 1000 rounds fired out of it (3x 250 ct Crosman 7.4gr domed and about half or less of a tin of 500 10.4gr domed) I clean it, and that fixes the problem.

Today, shooting at my backyard pigeons and doves and suddenly my perfectly aimed shots are at best missing, worst clipping the poor critter and sending it flying away wounded.

So, off to the paper target and my groups, at less than 15 meters, are like 4 inches!! (I had previously gotten half inch or less groups). Knowing the last time this happened was while breaking the rifle in with the first 500 rounds, I cleaned it. Lo and behold, my groups are not only back where they belong or better, but I didn't even have to adjust the scope this time!

So, long and short of it. The Daisy 880 seems to be a good entry level multipump gun, but it seems to take more fussing and cleaning than is generally (from my readings on here) required of a higher class air gun.

All in all, a great little rifle for less than $50. BUT, as one can expect it isn't going to go toe to toe with the likes of a high dollar airgun.

[DavidS]

So, Ive had the gun for a couple three months now. I have read several threads on accuracy, on cleaning, and lots of other very good information for a newcomer to adult airguns.

So I have noticed a few things, that may be normal for all 880's or might be just mine. First, accuracy / POI changes. probably due to the scope mounting job I did. Best i could do but not the best and I intend to fabricate a proper scope rail so I can get the mounting off the plastic and onto something more solid.

May I recommend seeing how it does with open sights first?
I assume that you have not taped the end of the barrel to fit tight in the shroud and this could also be the cause of your trouble.

Though the 880 is a very accurate gun as long as the barrel fits snug inside the shroud.

Something else, and the reason for this musing. My 880 seems to lose accuracy after about 400-500 rounds. I have just under 1000 rounds fired out of it (3x 250 ct Crosman 7.4gr domed and about half or less of a tin of 500 10.4gr domed) I clean it, and that fixes the problem.

I have not seen this problem, though it may be related to the above.  Or it could be over or under oiling.

Today, shooting at my backyard pigeons and doves and suddenly my perfectly aimed shots are at best missing, worst clipping the poor critter and sending it flying away wounded.

So, off to the paper target and my groups, at less than 15 meters, are like 4 inches!! (I had previously gotten half inch or less groups). Knowing the last time this happened was while breaking the rifle in with the first 500 rounds, I cleaned it. Lo and behold, my groups are not only back where they belong or better, but I didn't even have to adjust the scope this time!

Wow with this gun you should be getting less than 3/16th inch at 15 meters.   Again check that the barrel is secure in the shroud.  half inch is unacceptable for this gun assuming that you soot better than that.

So, long and short of it. The Daisy 880 seems to be a good entry level multipump gun, but it seems to take more fussing and cleaning than is generally (from my readings on here) required of a higher class air gun.

What pellet are you using that is causing half of your troubles?

All in all, a great little rifle for less than $50. BUT, as one can expect it isn't going to go toe to toe with the likes of a high dollar airgun.

My 880 will go toe to toe with most high end PCP rifles at up to 50 yards, at least in the area of accuracy.

So you can expect a lot more than you are getting from this gun.

[pyroboy33]

So, Ive had the gun for a couple three months now. I have read several threads on accuracy, on cleaning, and lots of other very good information for a newcomer to adult airguns.

So I have noticed a few things, that may be normal for all 880's or might be just mine. First, accuracy / POI changes. probably due to the scope mounting job I did. Best i could do but not the best and I intend to fabricate a proper scope rail so I can get the mounting off the plastic and onto something more solid.

May I recommend seeing how it does with open sights first?
I assume that you have not taped the end of the barrel to fit tight in the shroud and this could also be the cause of your trouble.

Though the 880 is a very accurate gun as long as the barrel fits snug inside the shroud.

Something else, and the reason for this musing. My 880 seems to lose accuracy after about 400-500 rounds. I have just under 1000 rounds fired out of it (3x 250 ct Crosman 7.4gr domed and about half or less of a tin of 500 10.4gr domed) I clean it, and that fixes the problem.

I have not seen this problem, though it may be related to the above.  Or it could be over or under oiling.

Today, shooting at my backyard pigeons and doves and suddenly my perfectly aimed shots are at best missing, worst clipping the poor critter and sending it flying away wounded.

So, off to the paper target and my groups, at less than 15 meters, are like 4 inches!! (I had previously gotten half inch or less groups). Knowing the last time this happened was while breaking the rifle in with the first 500 rounds, I cleaned it. Lo and behold, my groups are not only back where they belong or better, but I didn't even have to adjust the scope this time!

Wow with this gun you should be getting less than 3/16th inch at 15 meters.   Again check that the barrel is secure in the shroud.  half inch is unacceptable for this gun assuming that you soot better than that.

So, long and short of it. The Daisy 880 seems to be a good entry level multipump gun, but it seems to take more fussing and cleaning than is generally (from my readings on here) required of a higher class air gun.

What pellet are you using that is causing half of your troubles?

All in all, a great little rifle for less than $50. BUT, as one can expect it isn't going to go toe to toe with the likes of a high dollar airgun.

My 880 will go toe to toe with most high end PCP rifles at up to 50 yards, at least in the area of accuracy.

So you can expect a lot more than you are getting from this gun.

Really  toe to toe? I would like to see that, post up some groups at 50 yards......

[DavidS]

Ok will do next time I get out of town to do some long shots.   It will be a while.

[Terry]

I've not taped the barrel because upon disassembly and inspection it appeared to have a snug fit into the shroud and I don't want to compress it. I may try this in the future.

Indeed my gun is capable of better groups, but alas I am not. I did say half inch or less. I have never actually measured them, just eyeballed it based on years experience with PB's and a good measure of humble pie to keep me honest. My guess is my best group is 3/16" or so but I average all groups and sometimes I just don't do my part. I don't have access to a proper bench rest set up so I simply rest across my bench and hold the rifle as still as I can. As for the rest, I can only guess mine is still breaking in or it shouldn't need cleaned as often?

I can verify that the groups open up after 400 to 500 rounds thus far. Once I clean and oil the gun it closes back up for me. However, the instructions tell me to oil it once every 1000 rounds or so, so Im sure Im oiling it plenty.

Keep the suggestions coming, Im by no means refuting whats been said, just giving detail so you cna see where I am sitting with it.

[Rboss75]

I have an older  (all metal) version of the Daisy 880 and the newer 22 cal all metal version. They are extremely accurate especially within 20 yards.  But I would have to think that the newer all plastic version of the gun would not have the same tolerances especially after putting a few thousand rounds through it.  I would also try shooting with open sights. All that pumping can throw you scope out of alinement especially being mounted to plastic rails.  Also what is the quality of your scope?

At  the end of the day don't drive yourself crazy with a $50.00 all plastic air rifle.  I have several low end air guns that I really enjoy trying to get the most from them just for kicks and the enjoyment of the sport.  But when I really want precision and accuracy especially when taking game I don't fool around and go to the high end rifles in my collection. 

Good Luck

[stonykill]

  interesting on the dirty barrel. I have not had that problem and I shoot mine constantly. Are your pellets REALLY dirty?

   Your oiling times are fine. I find it needs oil more than every 1000 rounds. Think about it, that could be 10,000 pumps. I oil mine about every 500.

   I'll have to run a few patches through my 880 later tonight nd see if it is dirty. Accuracy has not suffered so I'll just run dry patches through it and see what I get.

  Less than 1/2 inch groups are perfectly acceptable. Especially if you are not a rest shooter. On days where I have had too much coffee I'm pretty happy with those.


   I think your point was right to the point. The 880 is a sub $50 AG. It can compete head to head with AG in the next price range up, the $51 to $100 AG's. But seriously, they are $43 at Wally World every day of the year. For an under $50 they are great. Mine has put a lot of food on the table and has done a lot of pesting. But to expect it to perform like a $500 AG would just be silly. As you pointed out. But it is a great AG and would still be at twice it's selling price.

   

[stonykill]

just cleaned the barrel of the 880. It was gross. I really need to start washing pellets

[HYspd]

on the quick check list when accuracy goes off

stock/scope screws, pivot (break barrels) and pull a few patches though the barrel

[stonykill]

So I have noticed a few things, that may be normal for all 880's or might be just mine. First, accuracy / POI changes. probably due to the scope mounting job I did. Best i could do but not the best and I intend to fabricate a proper scope rail so I can get the mounting off the plastic and onto something more solid.

  less than $50 AG or not, if you are going to scope the rifle there is NO excuse for not properly mounting the scope.Imho if you aren't going to properly mount a scope stick to open sights.  I used regular AG springer scope mounts. Has not moved AT ALL and I carry this around daily.

   Best pic I have without taking a new one. They came with the scope. $29.95 at Wally World

   

[Terry]

  less than $50 AG or not, if you are going to scope the rifle there is NO excuse for not properly mounting the scope.Imho if you aren't going to properly mount a scope stick to open sights.  I used regular AG springer scope mounts. Has not moved AT ALL and I carry this around daily.

   Best pic I have without taking a new one. They came with the scope. $29.95 at Wally World

   

(RANT)
Edit: Removed rant as after rereading my initial post, Stony was spot on in his assessment as it reads. Once again Stony, I'm sorry I ranted.
(/RANT)

Edit: Paragraph removed, more or less a continuation of rant and irrelevant.

Just remember, the reason I bought the 880 was its CHEAP and has a rifled barrel and came with a scope, that I later found unusable.. I would go spend $20 or more on a proper rail, and then still have to figure out how to make it fit onto the daisy, but alas I cannot. So I do with what I have, and when the experiment gives less than perfect results I come to people like this forum for advice so I can make it better.

Eidt: final note, this thread really was started as musings, I appreciate advice that has been given, even advice I took wrong at first. But as has been pointed out I didnt ask for help, I posted my opinion. It wasnt stated well as I do love this little rifle!

[Terry]

Here is a pic of my current mounting setup. Note the mounting blocks have rounded bottoms, to go on a barrel. They are perfectly centered over the rifle at the point I needed them to be to hold the scope secure, but the plastic will only take so much tension on the threads before letting go so the screws are only so tight. I have gotten it stable, but consider it touchy anyhow.

Additionally, if you look very close at the factory rail that my scope wouldn't clamp to and thus I drilled for the mounts I used, (also already had with my existing scope) you will see the overlap I refer to in my above post.

[Terry]

Hmmm. Actually I have to thank you Stony, you made me reexamine my mount and I think I have a perfect solution! I can get a piece of cheap half round stock from my local hardware store, drill it and mount it in the correct points on the gun with screws long enough and correct thread coarseness to work well in plastic. Then drill and tap the round stock for the scope screws. this will give me a much more solid base I think!

Any thoughts?

[Big Bore Bart]

    If you go the half round route, open the gun and thread the screws from the bottom into the half round.    You will have a stronger mounting yet, and be able to loctite them.

[wolfman22cal]

Id try heavy pellets. For some reason these little pumpers, which I like to call tin-canners, shoot heavy pellets better that the light ones, at least that's what Ive found with my Crosmans and some Daisys. I use the Eezox cleaner with a felt pellet to clean the barrel and start my sighting in with Kodiaks and 10 pumps. Oil the pump seal also.

http://www.eezox.com/

[Terry]

    If you go the half round route, open the gun and thread the screws from the bottom into the half round.    You will have a stronger mounting yet, and be able to loctite them.

Thought about that, but if i understand the way that clamshell breech goes together I will have to mill some of the plastic out so the pieces will fit back together properly. Definitely doable, and probably the way i will go now that you mention it! thanks for the suggestion!

[Terry]

Id try heavy pellets. For some reason these little pumpers, which I like to call tin-canners, shoot heavy pellets better that the light ones,
http://www.eezox.com/

I read that somewhere on here, though at the ranges I shoot, and with my ability I didn't see a significant difference from the 10.4 gr domed VS the 7.4gr domed Crosman pellets. I do like the apparent increase in felt power though, I've had more success using the heavier pellets on the birds. That n I like the solid THWACK! I hear when I hit a bird with the 10.4gr pellet 

 I also find the heavier pellets easier to load in this thing.

[stonykill]

  less than $50 AG or not, if you are going to scope the rifle there is NO excuse for not properly mounting the scope.Imho if you aren't going to properly mount a scope stick to open sights.  I used regular AG springer scope mounts. Has not moved AT ALL and I carry this around daily.

   Best pic I have without taking a new one. They came with the scope. $29.95 at Wally World

   

(RANT)
Yep, and that scope is mounted on a piece of molded plastic rail that has about a 1/2 inch overlap to one side of the gun that is NOT secured to anything. I would wager that YOUR fine scope there, mounted on the factory rail, could be bumped off zero with sufficient force (not enough to damage the scope, only the soft plastic rail its on) as well, but I guess I'm not a perfect as you.

When I mounted MY scope, (the scope my gun came with was a POS and wouldn't focus much less hold a decent zero so I mounted a rifle scope I already own on it.) I had to carefully drill that pace of plastic for the mounting points to be bolted on. The screws that come with this mount are very short, designed to go into a rifle barrel and be snug without compromising the high power PB's barrel. Hence, they do NOT go fully through the cheap plastic flap that serves as a rail on the daisy 880. This allows some give when the gun is bumped allowing the flap to pull. Yes it springs back into place, but does that make it good? I do not think so.

In my case, improper tightening of said screws to prevent stripping them in the plastic made them capable of loosening, an issue I have since corrected. However, I guess I have no excuse, nor can I see well enough to hunt small game with open sights, IMHO anyhow.

So sorry I have disappointed you sir!
(/RANT)

Sorry, but to make the statement I have done something less than correctly out of anything other than lack of knowledge, and that there "is no excuse for" it doesn't help me at all. If you think my scope isn't mounted correctly please, by all means give me pointers because I am not perfect. But for crying out loud don't be insulting, it demeans you, and when I get perturbed (hence the above) my usual knee jerk response demeans me as well.

Just remember, the reason I bought the 880 was its CHEAP and has a rifled barrel and came with a scope, that I later found unusable.. I would go spend $20 or more on a proper rail, and then still have to figure out how to make it fit onto the daisy, but alas I cannot. So I do with what I have, and when the experiment gives less than perfect results I come to people like this forum for advice so I can make it better.

 NOPE bumped it MANY times. It travels with most of the day most day. Never moved. Ummm...you are the one that said the scope mounting may have been your own fault. Sorry I annoyed you. When something is posted, especially musings, not a question, don't be surprised if you hear things that you don't want to.

   So anyway, my scope has never moved. Good mounts, probably overtightened into the plastic. Doesn't budge.

   Good luck

[stonykill]

Here is a pic of my current mounting setup. Note the mounting blocks have rounded bottoms, to go on a barrel. They are perfectly centered over the rifle at the point I needed them to be to hold the scope secure, but the plastic will only take so much tension on the threads before letting go so the screws are only so tight. I have gotten it stable, but consider it touchy anyhow.

Additionally, if you look very close at the factory rail that my scope wouldn't clamp to and thus I drilled for the mounts I used, (also already had with my existing scope) you will see the overlap I refer to in my above post.

  and there is your problem. Scope mounts don't fit the reieiver. Not the recievers fault, but the rings fault. Other rings WILL fit correctly. There are many styles of scope rings but they fall into 2 basic styles. Those that are rounded to fit over a round barrel and those that are more square cut to fit over a receiver. You are using the round type over a square receiver which is WHY they will not mount tight. It is NOT the 880's fault, it is the fault of the WRONG part being used on it.

   I came in to relax and saw a multi paragraph personal attack. Completely uncalled for. You did not ask for help, you shared thoughts and musings. But you got help from many anyway. I will unsubscribe, good luck



 Bothers the bejeebers out of me when someone blames a gun for the fault, when the wrong hardware is mounted on said gun.

[MikeSSS]

Lead pellets leave leading in the barrels of air rifles, this lead residue harms accuracy.  Accuracy can be restored by removing the lead residue.  Q-Tips are good for cleaning .177 air rifle barrels, if they fit tightly.

Some rifles can go several hundred shots before accuracy decreases, but many need cleaning after fewer shots.

This is normal.

The Daisy pumpers are somewhat flexible, they must be held so as not to put a bending moment on the rifle.  If the rifle is bent, it just takes a bit, the point of impact will change.  I do not grip the front hand tightly on a Daisy pumper.