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Myxr · Member

Just a heads up, new to air rifles, and new to the forum. So please bear with me.

Found my dads daisy 880 the other day. I'm planning on rebuilding it, maybe making it a bit better if at all possible. I took it apart, to clean it up a bit and seeing if I could figure out why it wasn't holding pressure.

Metal reciever, metal pump arm, smooth barrel. Its 'blued' now, but he said when he got it in ~'75 that it was a gold color. After seeing that the insides were basically clean, I put back together, pumped up, and it fired. Tried it again and it didn't fire. After doing so basic troubleshooting, and a bit of soapy water, I figured out: #1 one of the piston seals had dry rotted, crumbled, and worked itself behind the 'one way valve' or check valve if I have my terms right; and #2 the seal between the exhaust valve and the exhaust port was leaking, but just slightly. I fixed the #1 problem by a good cleaning and making a rubber seal outta lowes faucet grommets. Problem #2 still persists, it will hold pressure, but only about a pump or so. Even if I pump it 10x, will only hold about 1 pumps worth of air.

I plan on ordering a seal kit, seeing if I can put a rifled barrel on it, and (if possible) a wooden stock and any power upgrades. While I have found information on mods to do (ie Machined flat top pump piston, Different length piston or adjustable piston, Trigger roller, Reshapeing valve, Longer thinner steel bolt) but have found nothing on how to do them. Although, I haveread that the 22SG stock and forearm will fit, but id like to know if it was made to fit (after receiving) or if it will fit out the box before I buy it.

I've been doing research on the subject for a month or so, and there isn't really much about the older 880s. Any help would be greatly apprecieated. Id also like to add, that I am a machinist, and I have access to a lathe, but not a mill.

Thanks for the help you guys!

::edit:: spelling errors

lampy · Veteran Member

For what ever reason there doesn't seem to be much out there about modding the Daisy air rifles. Not that it can't or shouldn't be done, there just isn't much out there. Good luck on your adventure!

Myxr · Member

Its not that there isn't any info on it. Because there is a little, but most of what I find is "I did this mod".... not really any info on what that entails.

Now, not being an airgun smith, or a gunsmith, I don't know what putting shoes on my trigger means, or making a trigger roller. To an expierenced airgun enthusiast, that might be able to be done in their sleep. But to me, when I hear putting shoes on a trigger, I ask '11 and a half wides, right?'

But you get the picture.

radar · Silver Status Member

Myxr, here is an old thread that might be useful. Page 2 I have a Daisy 901 worked over a bit. The 901 has pretty much the same insides as an 880...at least a modern plastic 880, and also the 22SG (recently discontinued) which has a wooden stock and metal receiver as well, but is .22 cal. only.

I think the Daisy pumps-ups are a joy to work on...even the plastic ones, and are a good value. I've sure got a lot of small game and pests with them and find them pretty accurate.

http://www.airgunhome.com/agforum/viewtopic.php?t=2472&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

Myxr · Member

Thanks for the reply radar...

But that post was the one that brought me here.

I have that mod in the works, I've done a trigger lightening (didn't really do a whole lot for the trigger pull, in retrospect), recrown and polish, and put #5 (I think) o rings around the muzzle end of the barrel (to hold barrel steady in shroud).

I plan on getting a seal kit from BnA here soon, a rifled barrel (if I can find one), a wooden stock (22sg if the info was correct), would like to find out how to do an adjustable piston.

radar · Silver Status Member

You might still be able to scrounge up a NOS 22SG on Amazon. The last ones had qualiy control problems, and probably why they dropped it. Still, if you can find one that works, it's a pretty accurate little rifle with a heavy rimfire feel. Typically gets about 540 fps muzzle velocity (actual chronographed) with 14.3 grain .22 pellets and is quite good for light hunting. Don't pay more than about $100 for a new one.

lampy · Veteran Member

I contacted Daisy for parts on an older 880 a while back and they referred me to a guy in Minnesota who repairs/ sells parts for the older Daisys. I don't have the info any more but a call to Daisy should get you contact info for someone with NOS for the older Daisys.

lampy · Veteran Member

In case you are interested there are 5 Daisy pumper air gun barrels up for auction on Gunbroker http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=313888089 at least 2 of them appear to be from either 753/853 or 953. The auction ends shortly but this is the second time I've seen them come up and no one has bid on them yet....

Myxr · Member

I've been waiting on a reply from daisy for about 2 or 3 weeks. I've heard they were great with helping people out, not so much in my case.

Its a great 'cheapo' rifle, light and really easy to work on and understand.

Just wish there was a little more on what can be done to it... guess this will be where I come in.

radar · Silver Status Member

I will be interested to see what you come up with.
Are you doing trigger mods? Power mods?

robert w · Senior Member

Myxr · Member

Myxr · Member

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/thread/1218458325/Daisy+880+help

Second post down, a Dave Rose talks about a Crosman 2260 barrel being machined to fit the Daisy 880.

Anyone have a 2260, and if so any idea how much/what kind of machining would be needed to fit that barrel to the 880? Pictures?

Also, stripped the reciever, pump arm, shroud and all other metal of the paint. Cleaned up casting seams, and started the washer-on-the-hammer mod. Will post a few pictures of the progress tonight.

(Will soon reveal the direction that this daisy is going)

radar · Silver Status Member

Why are you changing the barrel? Changing caliber, or do you just need a barrel in better condition? I may have one, but I'd have to look and see.

Myxr · Member

We'll I hve a smooth barrel, would prefer rifled. Just for the better accuracy.

But then I lose the ability to shoot bbs without ruining my barrel... pluses and minues I guess