Daisy No. 25 pump BB gun
by B.B. Pelletier
Last week one of our readers described a Daisy he had as his first airgun, but he didn't remember the model. Here is the description: "The first gun I owned was a BB gun that cocked with a breaking slide underneath the barrel. The magazine was unscrewed from the barrel, and as I recall it held about 50 bb's."
The pump mechanism was a powerful force multiplier!
1930 variation of Daisy's No. 25 pump gun.
You have a good memory. Your BB gun was a Daisy No. 25 with a 50-shot forced-feed magazine that is removed from the gun to load.
No. 25 is the world's most popular BB gun!
I bet you thought the Red Ryder held the title as the world's most popular BB gun. According to Daisy, more than 20 million No. 25 pump guns sold from 1913 through 1986, making it the longest-running BB gun.
It all began in 1913
Blue Book says the gun started production in 1914, but some guns were actually sold in the latter days of 1913. The gun was developed by Fred LeFever, a gun designer and member of the famous LeFever shotgun family. He came to Daisy in 1912 to complete this model - and ended up staying 45 years!
Most powerful BB gun
The compound leverage of the long pump stroke meant Daisy could use a strong mainspring in the 25, making it the most powerful BB gun they had. Since then, it's been eclipsed by CO2 guns and pneumatics, but for many decades it out-shot every other BB gun. Blue Book claims a velocity of 450 f.p.s. I've never seen one go that fast, but I have seen 375 f.p.s. with modern steel BBs.
50-shot forced-feed magazine
The magazine has to be removed from the gun for loading. It holds 50 BBs under spring tension, so there is never a dry fire as there can sometimes be with gravity-feed. All the guns from 1913 to about 1930 had lead BB magazines for 0.175-diameter air rifle shot. When Daisy switched to steel BBs, the size was reduced to 0.171 to 0.173, and a new type of shot holder had to be installed in the magazine. I use Beeman Perfect Rounds in my old guns because, at 0.177, they fit the magazine great!
Many popular variations!
No. 25 guns exist in a wide variety of popular variations. Perhaps, the best-known and most well-liked of all is the 1936 engraved model. It was made until about 1952, when Daisy switched from wood stocks to plastic and from blued steel to electrostatic paint. Many little boys lamented this change, but used guns were - and still are - available.
Detail of the engraving on a 1936 variation.
My 1930 No. 25
I bought my 1930 variation from a flea market vendor about 12 years ago. It still shoots steel BBs at 375 f.p.s., though I shoot only lead in the original magazine (I have several spare magazines for my 25s). With the larger Perfect Rounds, it groups about an inch at 20 feet, which I have learned is about the best you can expect from any BB gun except the super-accurate Daisy Avanti Champion 499. (Read my June 6 blog about the 499!)
A very special No. 25
To commemorate their 100th anniversary, Daisy made a very special No. 25. It resembles the original 1915 blued gun very closely, and they stocked it in walnut. This was the last No. 25 they made, though the model 225 is a variant that continued to 1993. These collectible No. 25s now bring $150 and more on the used gun market, and they will continue to increase with each passing year.
Daisy celebrated their centennial with a special No. 25!
If you ever have the opportunity to get a No. 25, it's a pretty safe investment. A good used shooter with wood stock is worth $75 today, and the engraved model in good condition now brings $80 or more. In excellent shape, a wood-stocked No. 25 fetches around $350!
posted by B.B. Pelletier @ 4:30 AM
136 comments
136 Comments:
Hey BB,
Don't know if you have done this before, I haven't look thru your archives. How's about doing a piece on what would be your ideal springers for FT. Starting with a low end budget of $300 (including scope)...then mid price of $500 ...then your dream set up. Then maybe do the same for PCP.
Thanks
Jim Poh
Are we through with airshotguns? The first post on the Farco is what really got me hooked on your blog but you still have so many more to do. I'll be honest i knew much about the three you done already but what about the others. In America you still have the Plainsman .28 caliber, the Vincent and the Paul both .410 caliber. How bout the several from the phillipines. The Valiente 16 Gauge, LD hammer type shotguns. I believe they even have pump repeaters over there. I read somewhere on an England forum a while back, must've been many years ago Daystate made a Ranger shotgun, could of been misinformed. In Korea there was the Yeewah(Spelling) .25 caliber PCP with the pump built into the stock. Please dont give up on the shotguns. Theres still so many more.
B.B.
I took your advise and used some oil in the chamber of my old 25 but the gun still just piddles. the gun appears to be one of the older models since it has the engraving you describe. The steel bb's also tend to drop out the barrel. Is it possible that the smaller size of modern bb's are also the reason for the poor performance?
CWI
Jim,
I've done a lot of articles on my favorite springers. Take a look at the Sept. 30th posting, which is an index of blogs going back to the beginning of March.
I'll consider your idea, but give me some time.
B.B.
Air shotguns,
You were probably the little boy who shook his Xmas presents until the wrapping tore and you could see what was inside!
No cookies & milk for you tonight!
B.B.
P.S. Never fear, all those shotguns you mentioned are on the list, except for the weird ones from the Philippines. They made those on a whim, and there was no standardization.
I may even have a surprise left - if you don't spoil it!
CWI,
I'm on a road trip for the present. But, when I return, I'll post a lengthy answer to your comment.
B.B.
Don't know where but there's one of these in my past too...that long steel rail of the pump lever is real familiar.
airgundoc,
I bet you have a shot tube made for lead shot, not steel. Does it have a wire spring at the base of the tube (where the threads are) on the outside? If not, it is a shot tube made to shoot lead air rifle shot and you should be shooting Beeman Perfect Rounds instead of steel BBs.
The low power may mean the leather piston head is worn out. Sometimes, though, it can take a month for an old leather piston head to soak up enough oil to shoot strong, so keep oiling it and rechecking every couple days. And try shooting lead balls.
B.B.
Thanks, that's the information I need. I will get some lead shot and try it. I do believe the leather washer is worn out however. Is there any reasonable way I can replace it. It looks like a major job to remove it without damaging the center rod. If I can work it off, is there any problem with replacing it with a self fabricated o-ring piston? I really would like to clean this gun up since it is in relatively good condition otherwise except for some dents on the outer barrel distal to the compression chamber.
CWI
airgundoc,
One thing I forgot to ask. Does the gun have a gritty sound when it's cocked? If so, it was used to shoot dirt clods and is ruined. The inside of the compression chamber has too many scratches from dirt to allow any seal to generate compression.
No, you will want a leather seal. An O-ring won't do the job. Just cut up an old belt to fit.
Yes, it is a very big deal to repair one of these. I have done it and it is not easy to get the mechanism apart and back together without a special holding fixture.
B.B.
No gritty sounds on cocking but that brother of mine may have shot just about anything. If there is anything wrong with the gun it certainly was not MY fault! I'll keep working with it as you have suggested and thanks for the input!
CWI
Do you know where I can purchase a 1993 Centennial model 25?
Thx
Dusty,
Do you mean a 1986 Centennial 25? That's the only one I know about.
Look on Auction Arms and Gunbroker.com
Expect to pay too much. The Blue Book of Airguns, 5th Edition says a perfect one in the box is worth $150, and I agree with that. I have seen tham at airgun shows for that price. But when folks who don't know the market get involved, you can expect anything.
B.B.
First off, great article above! I found it very informative.
Secondly, I would like to know if anyone has seen any recent remakes of the model 25? I had a BB gun back in the late 90's that resembled the mod 25 (bought from Academy for $20-30), but it was not one and for the life of me I cant remember what it was. Im not even sure that it was Diasy who made it. The grip at the fore end was different than the old mod 25, but everything else seemed the same. Does anyone have any idea of what it might be? Thanks
The late '90s timeframe has me puzzled. Daisy did make a centennial 25 in 1986. It came in a box that looked very vintage. The price would have been $75-90 though.
Anybody help?
B.B.
My understanding is that the Plymouth models between 1886 and 1895 preceded the later models and were similarly designed. I have one from that time period. Any thoughts?
I don't understand what you are asking.
B.B.
I guess I'm asking when the first Daisy airguns were made. I've got a straight stock pump model that was my granmother's fathers, reportedly pre-1900. Is that possible?
Okay, now I understand.
The No. 25 pump was, as the blog states, first marketed in 1913, probably in December. It was designed by Fred Lefever, who began work in 1912.
There has been more historic documentation on the No. 25 than any other Daisy model, so the date your gun was manufacturered can be narrowed down to a 10-year span, and sometimes considerably less.
So, let's get started. The earliest model has an adjustable from sight and is plated with black nickel over silver nickel. If your gun is blued, and has a fixed front sight, it can't be the 1913 model.
Count the number of grooves in the pump handle. If five, the gun is older. If six, not as old.
Please get back to me and we'll go from there.
B.B.
How does one tell age? I have a Daisy #25, only 5 grooves.
kyle,
You have an early one, but how early I can't say.
How is it finished? Blue or nickel?
Is the front sight fixed or adjustable?
Is the front of the rod the pump handle slides on welded to the gun or held on by a clamp?
Answer these questions and I may be able to pin it down.
B.B.
BB my centennial 25 box has a place for a wooden box of BB,s that I have. Can you tell me how many of these were made?
I have an old bb pump that resembles the no.25 I saw on your web site. A man who collects bb guns said he thought it was a Benjamin, is there such a bb gun and what does it look like?
There are some Benjamin pneumatics that have a "Tootsie Roll" pump handle like the one on the Daisy 25. The smoothbores are BB guns. So, yes, it is possible that you have a Benjamin BB gun.
It does not work like the Daisy 25 because it is a pneumatic, rather than a spring gun. But the way the pump handle operates looks similar on both guns.
B.B.
There are some Benjamin pneumatics that have a "Tootsie Roll" pump handle like the one on the Daisy 25. The smoothbores are BB guns. So, yes, it is possible that you have a Benjamin BB gun.
It does not work like the Daisy 25 because it is a pneumatic, rather than a spring gun. But the way the pump handle operates looks similar on both guns.
B.B.
I have recently recieved a Daisy Co. No. 25 bb gun. From my previous research, i have concluded that it was made from 1913 to 1925. The gun still has "pop" when you pump it and fire. I have tried several times to load it with bb's (unfortunely i do not know if they are the appropriate size) They get stuck somewhere deep in the barrel. According to this webpage, there is a removable magazine for it. i have not been able to locate that on my gun and would like further information on where the magazine is located and what size bb's i wpuld need. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. Are there any other webpages that would be helpful about daisy bb guns from the 30's?
Okay! I will help you.
The removable magazine unscrews at the muzzle. You will notice that there is a separate piece at the very muzzle of the gun. It has a BB-sized hole in the center. This is the shot tube and also the gun's magazine. If it isn't there, the gun won't shoot a BB.
Do you have the shot tube? Can you remove it?
B.B.
I have a model 25 that was my grandfather's BB gun, so it is probably 70-80 years old. Behind the rear sight, with the Daisy name and model number, it still says patent pending. Do you know about how old this gun would be, and if I could find a more receintly made gun to use for replacement parts? I would very much like to get it working again, since it was my grandfather's, and is what my dad learned to shoot with.
Thanks, Alex
Mr. Pelletier,
Your comments thus far are useful; I have an older pre-1930 Model 25 in Very Good condition; 5-groove pump grip, patent pending stamp, etc. Only the rear site is adjustable (the one nearest the shooter). And it does seem blued, with the case hardened pump mechanism. I guess that takes it out of the 1914 range, eh? Now I know why the BB's do not feed easily... I need differerent bb's. I want to sell this gun. How can I determine the closest year range? Seems like it might be worth around $200. Your comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg
Greg,
At the Daisy Get-Together two weeks abo, I saw a gun like you describe. It was in 98 percent condition (perfect blue and case colors) and the asking price was $200. A regular gun like you describe (50 percent blue and case, some rust peppering) sells for $70-100.
For 4.4mm balls call John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365.
If they also double-feed, try 4.5mm Gamo round balls or Beeman Perfect Rounds.
John Steed published a small pamphlet that helps determine the year of manufacture more closely, but you have to remember, Daisy made guns from whatever parts were on hand. It's very possible to find newer and older features on a model that's not supposed to have them.
B.B.
Thanks BB. I appreciate your taking time to respond. Know anyone who might want to buy this?
thanks,
greg
Greg,
Try the Daisy Talk forum on the Daisy website (go to the museum). They have a place to sell guns.
www.daisy.com
B.B.
I have a number of Daisy's, with model numbers, patent numbers, pat pending notice, registation numbers, city of mfg., and one Daisy/Heddon BB gun. Is there a documented or published source available that will help pinpoint the age of the gun?
hanson17@verizon.net,
Daisys made in Rogers can be dated by their lot numbers by Daisy. Call the Daisy Museum and talk to Orin Ribar.
www.daisy.com
B.B.
I have a model 25 and would like a gun with similar features (quick shooting, easy cocking) that I can use regularly for sport. Any suggestions?
The Crosman 1077 migyt suit you. It's a double action revolver rifle with 12 fast shots.It's pretty accurate, too.Do a search for it on the home blog page.
B.B.
Thanks BB. I was hoping to avoid CO2. Any other suggestions?
You need a power source of some kind. It has to be either spring, air or CO2. A Remington model 26 is a fast-firing pump BB gun, but they are collector's items for which you'll pay ovewr 1,000 dollars.
I can't think of anything other than another BB gun.
B.B.
I am finding it hard to obtain much info on my vz 35 and is there some place that I may obtain
4.4mm lead bb's?
thanks in advance
goldmstr@hotmail.com
Mel,
I'll blog the vz35 and vz49 and you can get 4.4mm balls from this guy:
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
Interesting. My first rifle of any type was a daisy pump. My father bought it for me in 1975. Regretably, at 10 years old, I used it to kill pidgeons and mice. I remember squating on my haunches and using the back porch hand rail as a rest and downing pidgeons on a wire no less than 30 yards away. The birds would fall and often not flap a wing. I am certain that I shot at least 20 or so this way. I remember my Dad not believing that I could shoot mice walking along the workshop roof from some attaching ivy. One late summer day, he sat in the back yard with me and lo a field mouse hopped from the ivy to a fence rail and looked at us for a few seconds. Long enough for me to rest the daisy on my knees, with my back against the house (improvised shooting techniques he laughed about too..!) and shot him the length of his body flipping the little pest up in the air. That was it for airguns for Dad and I because the next week he bought a Marlin semi-auto .22 that he felt I earned. Anyway, sorry for the rant, but I sure wish I had that Daisy pump!
B.B., I have a pre-1940's Daisy #25 which just 'piddles' also. Re: November 2005 blog. Do you know of someone or somewhere I can have it put back in shooting order? I am new, again, to air rifle shooting and thoroughly enjoyed the articles on the Daisy #25.
jorg,
Jim Coplen is your man,
Jim Coplen, PO Box 7297, Rochester, MN. 55903 (507)281-2314
B.B.
Hi,
All I need now is to find one for sale. I have been looking for over a year to purchase one for my best friend who is now 66 and neer had the opportunity to won one.
Derek Allen
Winterville, N.C.
Email: iamtarheel64@yahoo.com
Derek,
No problem. The 25 is the most popular BB gun ever made (over 20 million) and there are always a dizen or so for sale on the gun auction websites.
B.B.
B.B. I have a Model 25, six grove pump grip, fixed front sight. It works and has great air pressure. However it is completly missing the BB magazine. Is there any place that I can get a magazine to fit this gun?
Jerry Scholler
New Braunfels, Texas
gss@axs4u.net
Jerry,
You live close enough to the Little Rock Airgun Expo to attend Apr. 27 & 28.
Or contact this man:
Jim Coplen, PO Box 7297, Rochester, MN. 55903 (507)281-2314
B.B.
I just got a No. 25 that is in the process of cleaning out her grandmother's house. It is the one with the hunter and dog engraving. The gun pumps but the trigger assembly doesn't seem to work and I noticed something in the barrel (mid way) that appears to be jammed. How do you know when these guns were made? How can I learn more about these guns? Any assistance would be appreciated.
Benn Sherman
bssherman@gmail.com
Attleboro, MA
Benn,
The Blue Book of Airguns is a good place to start. If your gun has a wooden stock and pump handle and the engraving is real (not painted) and the gun is blued steel rather than painted, it was made between 1936 and 1952, with time off for WWII.
This man will fix it for you:
Jim Coplen, PO Box 7297, Rochester, MN. 55903 (507)281-2314
B.B.
I received a model 25 for Christmas in the early 60's. It has plastic stocks and breaks down by removing a screw where the barrel meets the receiver. I am looking to find a replacement rear sight that was lost years ago. It was a flip type sight you could change from peep to v-notch. Any ideas where I could find this?
rws
rws,
Go on the Daisy site and go to the museum. There you can enter Daisy Talk and chat with other Daisy owners about parts.
B.B.
I too received a model 25 as a gift in the early 60s. If I remember correctly, the metal parts were painted gold. I had no idea I had been given one of the most popular and most powerful BB rifles made by Daisy. At the time, I was disappointed Dad hadn't bought me a Red Ryder or some other gun that looked like a "cowboy rifle"! I lost interest in it as I entered my teenage years. Wish I still had it. I'm now 57 and want to get back into airgunning.--Clarke
Clarke,
It's never too late to get back in. You're the average age of an airgunner today!
B.B.
B.B,
Any suggestion as to what would be a good type of rifle to start out with? I live in a rural area and have just over 1 acre. I'd like to do a little target shooting and maybe just some plinking. Oh yes, my wife will be shooting too. Co-workers have recommended 3 particular rifles. the Gamo Shadow 1000, Xisico XS-B26, or a Benjamin pump. I realise these are two different types of air guns. Do you have a recommendation for someone who hasn't fired an air rifle since I had my Daisy model 25 forty five years ago?--Clarke
Clarke,
I'd go with the Benjamin for a number of reasons. First, you control the power by the number of pumps. Second. It will be easier for your wife. Third, if you get a .22, it's the best of the guns mentioned for hunting, unless the B26 is also a .22.
B.B.
B.B,
Thanks for the suggestion. I mentioned it to an older gentleman at church the other day, and he offered me his Benjamin which has been in a closet for a while. It's a model 310 he bought about 40 years ago. It looks like it's in good physical condition. It pumps up and appears to hold air, but since he had no ammo for it, I didn't test fire it. According to Crosman's website, the 310 is smooth bore and designed to shoot .177 lead shot, although the owner says he always used pellets. I searched a vintage airgun forum and found comments about the 310 ranging from "good rifle" to "terribly inaccurate...junk". Do you know anythinig about this rifle? I was wondering if it might be worth keeping or if it's just a flea market oddity. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Clarke
Clarke,
If you think this is a flea market oddity, may I have first crack at it?
The 310 is NOT junk. Those who say so haven't a clue about good airguns. The 310 is a fine vintage airgun that does happen to be smoothbore.
You can still shoot pellets; in fact, you should. They will group around 1.5" to 2" at 10 yards.
B.B.
B.B,
Thanks for the info. I figured the 310 is worth keeping. You say I should shoot pellets with it rather than seeking out .177 lead balls such as Pyramyd Air sells? Why's that? I'm afraid I'm ignorant in these matters.
Clarke
Clarke,
It's okay to shoot the .177 lead balls , too. In fact, your gun was made to shoot steel BBs, though I would go with the lead balls. They will be more powerful because they fit the bore better.
Lubricate your pump cup! Which style of 310 do you own, the front-pump or the underlever pump? Tell me and I will tell you how to lubericate the pump cup.
Always leave one pump of air in the gun, with the gun uncocked. That keeps the valve closed against airborn dirt.
B.B.
B.B,
It's an underlever. I may be mistaken, but I thought the front-pump was a model 300. Anyway, according to the Crosman website, the serial number indicates it was manufactured in 1967 (the year I graduated). Also, the Crosman website doesn't mention steel BBs for the 310, only lead shot. Of course, Crosman didn't own Benjamin in 1967. So, what is the BEST ammo to shoot in a 310, lead balls, pellets, or BBs? Also,please tell me how to lubricate the pump cup.
Thanks Again,
Clarke
I found some info on the 310 in the "Blue Book of Airguns" 5th edition, pages 117 and 118. I tried to get more info from Crosman, but was told there was an unrepairable safety issue with the 310s, so all parts and even all literature was destroyed in 1992. So much for finding owner info, I guess.
Clarke
Clarke,
Although the Blue Book doesn't acknowledge it, There was also a model 310 front-pump gun. Five have been documented, and I have owned one of them.
You have the underlever pump. What you do is flip the gun on its back and extend the pump lever as far as it will go. You should see a felt wiper on the pump rod assembly through the pump slot. Drop five to ten drops of Crosman Pellgunoil or other pure silicone oil (do not use the general-purpose spray sold at hardware store for this) on the felt and it will be applied to the pump head from the compression chamber walls as the pump head moves.
Dean Fletcher sells a book on vintage Benjamins. Google his name and Benjamin. That book will have all the info you will ever need on your gun.
B.B.
B.B,
Thanks for your help. I've been in contact with Dean Fletcher. He's given me some good info. I've a question regarding ammo for the 310. I thought you'd be a good one to ask, since you've had one. According to Dean Fletcher, and from what I've read, the 310 has a smooth bore barrel with an internal diameter of .177 inches, and was originally designed to shoot lead .175 BBs. I've shot some .177 pellets through it with no apparent problems. Am I risking getting pellets stuck in the rifle, or are .177 pellets actually smaller than .177? Is the 310's barrel worn, or is there another explanation? Thanks.
Clarke
Clarke,
I'm surprised you were able to load pellets into the 310. And .177 pellets are all larger than .177, for a good bore seal. I think you don't want to shoot them.
B.B.
B.B,
I'm confused now. On June 1, you wrote:
Clarke,
If you think this is a flea market oddity, may I have first crack at it?
The 310 is NOT junk. Those who say so haven't a clue about good airguns. The 310 is a fine vintage airgun that does happen to be smoothbore.
You can still shoot pellets; in fact, you should. They will group around 1.5" to 2" at 10 yards.
B.B.
June 01, 2007 10:29 AM
Later that same day, you wrote:
B.B. Pelletier said...
Clarke,
It's okay to shoot the .177 lead balls , too. In fact, your gun was made to shoot steel BBs, though I would go with the lead balls. They will be more powerful because they fit the bore better.
Lubricate your pump cup! Which style of 310 do you own, the front-pump or the underlever pump? Tell me and I will tell you how to lubericate the pump cup.
Always leave one pump of air in the gun, with the gun uncocked. That keeps the valve closed against airborn dirt.
B.B.
June 01, 2007 12:20 PM
Your two comments seem to indicate that that .177 pellets and .177 lead balls should be used in the 310. Now, you say I should not use pellets in my 310. What am I misunderstanding?
Clarke
Clarke,
I forgot who you were and what we were talking about. When you said 310, I was thinking Haenel 310, which is a 6-shot bolt-action ball-shooter. I forgot about the Benjamin 310.
Sorry. Everything I said before was good, and pellets are better than BBs in this gun.
B.B.
B.B,
Now that we're both on the same page regarding the Benjamin 310, back to my question...If the Benjamin 310 was originally designed to shoot .175 BBs through a barrel having an inside diameter of .177, why do .177 pellets, which are larger than BBs, work? Is it that the .002 difference isn't enough to matter? It's not an earth shaking question. I was just wondering.
Clarke
Clarke,
They work because lead is very malleable and pellets are mostly hollow.
B.B.
B.B,
I've been shooting my Benjamin 310 and have found its accuracy to be what you've told me. Any wild shots can be attributed to my unsteady aim. It makes me wonder about those who criticize their airgun when they completely miss the target! It looks as though I'll have to have the Benji resealed. If I leave three pumps in it at night, by morning, it hasn't enough power to lauch a pellet. Is George Pena a good one to contact about resealing the Benjamin 310, or do recommend someone else? Thanks!
Clarke
Clarke,
George might be able to go it, but John Groenewold is another good resource. Even Boris at Pyramyd Air can reseal that gun.
B.B.
Hey ya'll,
I recently came into possession of my grandparent's daisy bb. I know nothing about them whatsoever...wondering if anyone could offer any help. Only markings on the gun say "Daisy MFG Co. No. 25 Plymouth,Mich. Patents Pending" Is there any way I can find out what year it is? E-mail me if you can help; tiff1987@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Tiffany
Tiffany,
The inscription "Patents Pending" appears only on the earliest number 25s. Your BB gun was probably made before 1916.
Value depends on condition.Your gun could be worth between $35 and $1,000, depending on condition and which exact variation it is. An average shooting gun from this period is worth $150.
DO NOT shoot steel BBs (modern BBs) in the gun! They will destroy it!
B.B.
Thanks B.B.
That was so awesome to hear. :) Another quick question, I'm not too worried about the monetary value necessilary since we are going to keep it obviously. For the long run though, I was wondering, the metal has a sort of patina on it, would it be all right to take steel wool to the muzzle/ restore it, or would it be better to leave it as is?
~Tiffany
Tiffany,
The finish on the very earliest number 25 was black nickle over silver nickle. I have one with all the black gone and just a hint of the silver remaining in the places where the gun doesn't get touched. If I removed any of this silver, my gun, which is worth about $350 as it is, would lose $100 value.
You can wipe the gun with an oily cloth, but don't use steel wool.
Now, your gun could also be a later version that was blued. In that case, going to patina, which is a uniform reddish brown color from fine rust, is very normal. Airgunners cherish that color on their guns. I have a much later variation that is all patina and, though it is worth less than $100, that is the way I would keep it. I do oil that gun, however.
If your gun started out with a blued finish and is now all patina, it's worth $200-250.
Your gun should have a funnel-shaped muzzle instead of a flat one. Also, on the very earliest model only, there is a soldered steel patch under the spot where the lever rides. The later guns don't have this patch.
You should drop ten drops of household oil (3-in-One is fine) down the muzzle with the gun standing straight up and let it stand that way for several hours. That will lubricate the leather piston seal and bring it back to life.
Remember, shoot no steel BBs in your gun. If you want to shoot it, use 4.4mm lead balls, available by the pound from this source:
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
Hello,
I have what some refer to as a short-pull or short-stroke Daisy Model 25. The cocking lever is a couple of inches shorter than later models. It has a distinct brown partina with a fixed front sight and an adjustable rear sight. The stock is straight. Can you narrow down the year of production? I'm guessing it is pre-1920. Thanks, -Tom
Tom,
1914 (late) to 1920.
B.B.
Thanks, B.B.
One follow-on question: Did the short-stroke design give way to the current design? Asked another way: Once the longer-stroke design came out did production stop on the shorter design? Thanks, -Tom
Tom,
Yes. Daisy found that some smaller kids were having a problem cocking the gun, so they lengthened the stroke and made it a little easier. That happened just before 1920, if my sources are rifght.
When the long stroke came oput, the stort stroke ended. Of course Daisy used up all old parts, so there is always an overlap of months or years between changes.
B.B.
B.B.
When did Daisy stop using the larger, rounded, takedown screw on the model 25 (some call it the penny-type screw)? Thanks, -Tom
B.B.
What can you tell me about a "nickle-plated" shot tube for the Daisy 25? The pictures I've seen show that it has a domed shooting end... Thanks, -Tom
Tom,
The answers to your two questions require a book!
Just as an example, the "penny" sized takedown screw was last seen on a 1933 gun, but a smaller sized screw was already in use for several years by then, and the smallest sized screw was soon to become the standard. There are also two other takedown screws that are saeldom seen but which fit into the timeline as well.
I am going to recommend that you contact John Steed who has done a lot of research and has written a small pamphlet of Daisy 25 features that help to pin down manufacturing dates. I don't know what he charges for it, but this pamphlet is essential to a Daisy 25 collector.
Daisy never threw anything away, so parts like the nickle-plated shot tube would be used on guns to which they didn't "belong," because Daisy had no configuration control. If a part fit, it was put on a gun regardless of what the model called for. There are three variations of the nickle tube that appeared on guns from 1913 to 1918. They are differentiated by whether they have a concave muzzle or not and how much of a concave they have.
John Steed is
steed1@mindspring.com
B.B.
B.B.
Thanks for the information. I tried to email John Steed but it bounces back with an "unknown user" message.
I double checked and I did send to steed1@mindspring.com. Any chance that his address has changed.
Thanks, -Tom
Tom,
Good chance of it. The pamphlet is four years old.
Try his mailing address:
57 Willever Lake Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07863
B.B.
Tom,
Good chance of it. The pamphlet is four years old.
Try his mailing address:
57 Willever Lake Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07863
B.B.
Can someone tell me how you adjust the windage on an old 1930's Daisy model 25. It shoots too far to the left and I cannot fiqure how to correct this. Thanks.
Sight guy,
You adjust windage the way it's been done for a century. Bend the front sight to the left to move the BB to the right. I did this with mine.
B.B.
I have a Daisy model 25, Plymouth Mich. with wooden pistol grip stock and wooden 6 groove forend. The pump arm is color case hardened. The gun is about 90 percent. I would like to know if you can tell me approx. age of gun? I have shot steel bb's with terrible accuracy. Should I be using lead shot? Would that help? The only #'s I can find are Pat. dates. Thanks.
Your gun was made from 1930 (approx.) to 1936 (also approx.). It may have been made to shoot lead shot. If there is no steel wire spring at the rear of the shot tube, it's made for lead. If there is a wire spring it's made for steel.
4.4mm shot may perk it up. Buy it by the pound from this guy:
John Groenewold, PO Box 830, Mundelein, IL 60060-0830, (847) 566-2365
B.B.
Thanks for the info on my model 25.
I have an opportunity to purchase a Daisy Model 225 in the original packaging. Shrink wrap over red white and blue cardboard. I have not seen this gun, only a picture. What should I look for? It looks from the picture that it has a Monte Carlo stock. And says 650 shot. Apparently it loads differently then a Model 25. What would the age of this gun be and what would be the current value? Any info would be very helpful.
Thank You.
Daisy 225,
1991-1993. Blue Book puts your gun at $65. I value it at $100-125 in the package.
B.B.
Thank you for getting back so quickly with the info on the Daisy 225.
Hello All ; Curious if you can tell me what a Daisy 25 with the 300 long scope in the original box with an extra tube , original paperwork , metal target box with bell and BB's still in the plastic bags , is valued at ?? It is in pristine as new condition with the engraving scene on it .. I have a chance to buy it , so any information would be very helpful .. Thank you ..
Best regards ____
Jewel ___________
Jewel,
The Number 325 set, as you describe it, is worth $800, minimum. Selling it at that price means finding interested airgunners. There cannot be any rust spots on the gun to be pristine. The blue cardboard box is allowed to be slightly deteriorated because it is made of acidic cardboard, but the sides cannot be torn.
The extra "tube" is a cork-firing shot tube, and should have a much larger bore than the BB tube. There should be a package of cork balls with the gun as well, for the package to be complete, but the price I gave isn't affected by theuir absence.
B.B.
Hi!
I have my dad's old Plymoth Daisy 25. The L shaped spring in the trigger mechanism fell out, I have it, can you direct me to a drawing of how to reinstall?
THANKS!
I'm going to send you to the Daisy forum with this question. go to www.daisy.com and join the Daisy Talk forum. People there will help you.
B.B.
Found you through a google search...I have an Engraved Daisy Model 25 bb gun. Does not shoot. From your articles above, it looks like it's missing the magazine and the trigger mechanism isn't working properly. Stock is in decent shape, but the barrel has some surface rust.
I was going to sell it on ebay. Think that's a good idea? Have any better ideas? How much do you think it's worth?
Duke,
You can't post it on Ebay. No BB guns there.
It's worth $25-50 bucks as a parts gun in its present condition.
B.B.