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Teryx · Veteran Member

I mistakenly posted this in the Q&A section originally, sorry. I can see it belongs here instead.

I've had a number of air rifles over the years including several pneumatics and a barrel cocking rifle with extensive work done to it. One frustration with virtually all of them is the lack of accuracy. In the case of the springer, it is just too damn finnicky to shoot and I've grown weary of it.
In an attempt to start anew I have ordered a Daisy 953, From all accounts this gun should cure my accuracy issues. The only possible concern is whether the low power will suit my needs. I want to use the gun for target and for pigeon size game and smaller. My hope is that the ability to actually place a shot will overcome the detriment of low power. In the case of my springer, it is shooting 880 fps which flat anchors that size game IF I can hit them. I've wounded so many animals with that gun because of the "springer" affect that I just won't shoot at anything anymore.

So here is the meat of my question. I've heard far reaching numbers concerning the velocity of these rifles ranging from 380fps to over 550fps with average weight pellets. The factory spec is 560fps, but those factory numbers are probably a joke. I've gotten the idea that the faster ones have been worked on, but I can't find information about what specifically can be done to optimize the performance of this type of gun. I did find a link to a trigger upgrade.

I think if I can get the gun over 500 with a hunting pellet, I should be fine on all counts. Any chance you guys can help me out with tuning info or resources for parts? Does anyone have any useful info on this rifle?

thanks
Teryx

Slavia · Moderator

I have the 853, and it shoots around 500 FPS. The 953 is the same gun, but without the Lothar Walther barrel. Even without the fancy barrel I have read that it is accurate. Just a little slow.

It is a single stroke pneumatic, with no intake valve - the piston holds the air in. Without the vibration and recoil of a springer it should be easier to be consistent. That, plus it won't be a scope killer (like some springers) so you have a wide range of choices for sight systems.

As far as modifications go - you are right; there isn't a lot out there. Regarding increasing the power: maybe some of our pumper guys have some suggestions about port polishing and piston head shape. Regarding accuracy: Polishing the muzzle crown can't hurt, and it might help. Like any other air gun, it will probably have a preference for a certain kind of pellet - experiment.

If the trigger mod you mentioned is the one I think it is, be careful! The mod works by shortening sear engagement, and you can adjust it almost to the point of release. If you go that route, give yourself a little breathing room so it won't go off unexpectedly.
http://www.pilkguns.com/daisy853tm.shtml

Teryx · Veteran Member

Thanks Slavia. Yes that is the trigger mod that I found. I've done a good bit of action and sear work on firearms, so I know your warning is well advised Cool

I debated long and hard over the 853 vs the 953. The 853 is sweet! I settled on the 953 because most of my shooting will be in the field where I doubt I will get the benefit of the better barrel. There was a $200 difference in price. One other differences baffles me and maybe you know the answer. The 953 is listed as having 50fps higher velocity (510 vs 560). Any idea why?

I'm thinking that there are three possible ways to increase the performance if needed. Increase the compression ratio slightly, porting and polishing to deliver the gases faster, and optimizing the barrel length. I'm hoping to get some advice rather than be the first down this trail. I've got a chronograph so I'll take some baseline data when it arrives and let you know where it starts out.

Teryx

Slavia · Moderator

broommaster2000 · Moderator

Slavia · Moderator

broommaster2000 · Moderator

Barrel! I ment that the barrel/rifle became less pellet fuzzy. Actually that should be fussy. Shocked

Dang, I'm out of things. But I did get a good shootin' yesterday, so I'll post up my standing 25 meter groupings after I had dinner. Mr. Green

Teryx · Veteran Member

LOL, Thanks for clearing up that fuzzy thing Laughing

Broommaster, so eliminating the choke INCREASED accuracy?? I thought the whole reason for the choke was to increase accuracy. WTF? Of course the Walther barrel is the reason for the lower velocity. I should have thought of that!

I'm most likely going to shorten the barrel because this design makes for an awfully long tube. From what I understand, you reach maximum velocity in 12 to 13 inches anyway. Does anyone have info that disputes that?

Teryx

broommaster2000 · Moderator

Teryx · Veteran Member

Fair enough, thanks! It's probably one of those things that are individual to the rifle in question. I can choke the barrel if I need to after cutting it. I'll just take it one step at a time.

Teryx

DavidSaunders · Veteran Member

This may be a bit late though:

As to power, the Daisy Powerline 953 I have came from a guy that had filled the cavity in the piston head, and it does around 560 FPS with 7.9 grain pellets according to his crony. I think that is about all that can be done with this rifle to help power.

Using heavier pellets I do use mine to hunt some very very small stuff at very close ranges (under 15 yards). I do not think I would do that if it were out-of-box power though.