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Education / Training Daisy Powerline 953 Targetpro – Part 5

Daisy Powerline 953 Targetpro – Part 5

by B.B. Pelletier

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Part 5? What more can I do with the 953?

Well, one of you asked to see the AirForce target sight set mounted on the Daisy 953, and in a moment of weakness I said I’d do it. Forget the fact that I have already tested the rifle with a scope, which is potentially more accurate. They wanted to see what it would do with these sights and I agreed. Today’s the day.

Installation of the sights
Installation was easy. The front sight could be installed on either side of the muzzle, and I chose the right side for no particular reason. Of course, that sight can also be installed at a wide range of heights. Since the 953 doesn’t let you look through the barrel, I guessed what the right height might be and put it there. That guess was based on where the rear sight was, of course.

01-28-10-05

Front sight was installed in a low position. It’s using a clear aperture, the same as modern Precision-class rifles.

The rear sight installs on the left side of the receiver, and once again has a wide range of heights at which it can be locked. After that, all vertical adjustments are made with the adjustment knobs.

01-28-10-04

Rear sight has plenty of internal adjustability. When that’s not enough, it goes up and down on a stalk.

Change to the test plan
Since this is a fifth report on this gun and the third accuracy test, I decided to forego the 10-shot groups. Actually, there were both 10- and 20-shot groups for the 953 since I last tested it so long ago. Today, I’m doing just five per pellet.

I also now know which pellets work best in the gun, so those are the ones I’m shooting. And I’m adding one domed pellet because someone asked me to test it.

Today’s shooting is from a rested rifle at 10 meters using an MTM rifle rest. And before anyone asks, yes, I did notice that the rifle jumps slightly to the left when it fires. When I say “slightly,” I mean that the front aperture shifts about half a bullseye to the left.

RWS R10 Match Heavy pellets
RWS R10 Match Heavy pellets were fired before the rear sight was adjusted, so the group was low in the bull. As in all previous tests of the 953, the R10s continued to group well, though you must bear in mind that these are only 5-shot groups, so they will look much smaller than the 10- and 20-shot groups I fired last year.

01-28-10-01

The group is low on the bull because the sights were not adjusted. But the R10s still shoot well in the 953.

JSB Exact lites
JSB Exact 8.4-grain pellets were tried next because another reader suggested them to me. Since I had an easily adjustable rear sight on the gun, I clicked up 12 clicks to bring the group closer to the center of the bull.

01-28-10-02

This group of JSB Exact lites climbed on the bull from the adjustment put into the rear sight. They group okay but not as good as the R10s at this distance. At longer range–say 25 yards–domed pellets like these will overtake and pass the non-aerodynamic wadcutters.

H&N Finale Match Pistol
I put another 12 clicks of elevation into the rear sight and proceeded to shoot five H&N Finale Match Pistol pellets. These turned in the smallest group of the session, and of course they were even closer to the center of the bull.

01-28-10-03

H&N Finale Match pistol pellets gave the tightest group of this test.

There you have it. The 953 accepted the AirForce target sights without a problem, and they turned in great results on target. This test demonstrates that the adjustments on the rear sight do work as advertised.

Although I doubt that too many shooters will mount this sight set on a 953, you can consider this test was also for an 853 and a 753, because their receivers are very close to the 953’s receiver. The rear sight works precisely as you might expect and there seems to be no backlash in the adjustments.

Finally, remember I shot only five shots at each target. That and that, alone, was the difference between this test and the targets in Parts 3 and 4.

author avatar
Tom Gaylord (B.B. Pelletier)
Tom Gaylord, also known as B.B. Pelletier, provides expert insights to airgunners all over the world on behalf of Pyramyd AIR. He has earned the title The Godfather of Airguns™ for his contributions to the industry, spending many years with AirForce Airguns and starting magazines dedicated to the sport such as Airgun Illustrated.

78 thoughts on “Daisy Powerline 953 Targetpro – Part 5”

  1. Good morning Tom,

    A little off topic here but I am really intrigued by the new Benjamin Trail XP Nitro. Will you be doing any testing on this new, or should I say modified super streak, rifle? I was really wondering also what hold would work for it and would it be as hold sensative as the metal spring version. I am guessing it won't. I actually own 2 super streaks, one of which I shoot quite often. I guess my biggest question is will the super streak be able use the nitro piston or be modified easily to accept it. I would love to do this to one of my rifles and then do a long term comparison of the two. Sorry for all the quetions so early in the am but I can't stop thinking about it since you mentioned this rifle on the SHOT Show blog. Thanks!

    Rich

  2. Rich,

    I believe the new Benjamin Trail is an all-new gun, but my wife is checking with Crosman. When I looked at them at the SHOT Show last week they didn't look like a Super Streak, but I'm not positive that they aren't.

    I do believe they are all made in New York, but my wife is checking that as well.

    B.B.

  3. Morning B.B.,

    This is a follow up question to something that Mo said last night about green lasers not being able to handle the recoil of a springer.

    Mo, I don't know anything about the internals of lasers, but why are just the green ones unable to survive springer generated recoil?

    I've got one that I want to put on my RWS 350 Magnum. Was thinking about QD rings on the scope and laser thus giving me the ability to put a little green dot on the head the possums that are eating up the neighborhood gardens.

    I will await your answer Mo, before I persue this idea any farther.

    Thanks much,
    Mr B.

  4. Mr. B, your question was answered in yesterday's comments section by Edith. The last comment there. In short, this laser can withstand the RWS350 recoil, per Gamo. Let us know if this is correct or needs to be taken with a bit of salt.

    Fred PRoNJ

  5. BB,

    I mounted a Beeman Aperture sight on the receiver of my 953 Target Pro and had to buy the Daisy front aperture sights as the sights on it would not allow me to get on target.

    Those however were quite inexpensive but suffer from poor durability as the mounting blocks (50 cents) are rubber. So I ordered extra blocks and exercise great care handling the gun.

    The final installation and adjustments gave me 5 shot 10 meter centered groups which are one hole and more uniform and smaller than yours.

    From a rest this combo is awesome. Off hand the trigger pull on this gun hampers best grouping but is still quite good and better than I can do off hand with most springers.

  6. B.B.

    OK… do the Gamo… Information is the name of the game.. it's just the priority of things for some of us.

    I share your concern for guns that take 3,500 lb fill.. that's the wrong direction for the manufacture in my opinion. With the crosman PCP line using 2,700 tops and doing fine at 2,200.. and my ugly old USFTs using 1,800# and still giving me loads of shots..

    Entry level air tanks and pumps are not going to make it easy to fill this gamo PCP.. so when the cost and trouble of filling the gun are figured in the price.. well..

    But.. let these facts and the accuracy of the gun be on the table for everyone..

    Wacky Wayne, MD. Ashland Air Rifle Range

  7. Wayne,

    According to Tim McMurray you are overfilling your USFTs. The fill pressure is supposed to be 1650, I believe. At least that's what Tim told me.

    There was one other thing I got at the SHOT Show. A "miracle" compound that, when added to the base of bullets" makes them fly faster and cleans the copper fouling out of the bore.

    I hear the same claims all the time, but I bought some to test nevertheless. It's part of my ongoing investigation into snake oil and miracle remedies.

    B.B.

  8. BB,

    A few more comments on aperture sights for the Daisy 953.

    I chose the Beeman sport aperture rear sight because I had two of them and the one had never been used. When I bought them many many years ago they were about $15. Now I believe they are around $65 before shipping.

    And the air force set is like out of sight. More for the sights than the gun by far!

    Only a gun writer or a billionaire could afford to put this on their Daisy 953. Cause with the cost of the sights added, you can buy a fairly good target gun WITH aperture sights installed!

    I feel aperture sights are a must for best shooting with this gun and would recommend the Daisy sights. Cost you less than $35 including shipping and three or four extra mounting blocks.

    The blocks will not break with normal use, but first time I installed them I set the gun in a corner, it fell and landed on the front sight and broke the mount base in half. Lucky I had spares! Only cause the order clerk told me they did not come with the sight when they do. And I like to have spares of "replaceable" parts which don't come with whatever so I ordered several.

    So fore warned is fore armed!

    Buy the Daisy sights if you have a 953.

    If you got the money to buy the gun and the air force sights, just skip that and buy a better gun.

  9. Another question from a new airgunner.
    ——————————–

    Dear Mr. Gaylord,

    This is the only link I have managed to find to contact you- please forgive
    my using it!

    I am totally new to airgunning and after enough research to become
    overwhelmed by the choices available, decided I had read enough advice to
    know I should stick to less than the speed of sound and .177 caliber for my
    backyard plinking. So I chose an RWS Diana 34P and RWS round head 8.3 grain
    pellets to start. I have not, however, been able to find any conclusive
    advice on what would be the best scope and mounting for this gun, from
    amongst the vast array of choices available here as well. So I thought I'd
    turn to you for advice. I only intend to plink away at between 10 and 20
    meters. Thanks!

    Best regards,

    Alan Luedeking

  10. Alan,

    First I want you to change your choice of pellet for the RWS Diana 34P. Try JSB Exact domed pellets that weigh 8.4 grains and Crosman Premiers weighing 7.9 grains and packed in the brown cardboard box. They should give superior accuracy in that rifle.

    As for a scope, I would select a 3-9 or 4-12 power variable made by Leapers. They are clear and represent good value. While you only intend to plink at 10-20 meters now, these scopes can grow with you as you discover new horizons in airgunning.

    I also recommend the UTG scope base that compensates for barrel droop. Normally a 34P has a lot of droop, but some don't, so I'm recommending the base made for the fixed-barrel 460 Magnum rifle. It still corrects for droop, but the slope is less.

    /product/utg-scope-mount-base-fits-rws-diana-48-52-54-460-magnum-with-to5?a=2297

    And you'll need 2-piece Weaver rings for that base.

    B.B.

  11. B.B.,

    Re: "A "miracle" compound that, when added to the base of bullets" makes them fly faster and cleans the copper fouling out of the bore."

    I think I've read about this compound. It also claims that if you spread it on your chest you'll be able to fly faster than a speeding bullet become more powerful than a locomotive and be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!

    Hope the compound lives up to the claims and I'm glad you're willing to test and report on these types of products.

  12. Kevion,

    Testing stuff like this is a hobby of mine. I enjoy going to meetings with the people who put these product out and debunking their claims. And every once in a while, one of them turns out to have some merit.

    The product called Sweetshooter really does live up to its claim of making your gun's bore easier to clean after shooting. But it is a rare product that does deliver and I love to see the deflated looks of these snake oil salesmen when I announce the results of my testing.

    The most dramatic super product I ever tried that really did perform as advertised was a VIVIF fish lure, back in the 1960s. They said it drove fish wild and I actually saw a bucketmouth bass slam into it on the very first retrieve! The first was also the last, as the fish snapped my line and took my lure after I beached him. So he was the proverbial "one that got away." I'd guess he was at least a five-pounder.

    B.B.

  13. Fred PRoNJ,

    I'm sorry that I didn't say that the laser I have is not one of the laser flashlights that PA is selling.

    It is simply a laser made as a gun sight that has knobs to adjust it's X and Y axis. Had a couple red lasers that required an allen wrench to adjust those axies–not a good design IMHO. I won't buy anymore that require an allen wrench to adjust them.

    Further more, I don't understand Mo's comment that geen lasers also have red lasers inside them.

    But like I said I know nothing about the interal structure of a green laser and will wait to hear from Mo and any of you all that have the knowledge to help me out. Will my green laser survive being mounted on my RWS 350 Magnum or will its dreaded recoil destroy my 20mW green laser sight.

    Mr B.

  14. B.B.,

    Hold the phone.

    You fish?

    You're absolutely right about the latest and greatest fishing lure always claiming to be the best at catching fish. Usually they're only good at catching the two legged fish rather than the swimming kind.

    kevin

  15. BB,
    Good report. I still like my 953 and still like to see additional reports on it from you. There must be something else about it you haven't covered yet 🙂

    I just wanted to mention that unlike yours my 953 seems to love the JSBs. (and I can backup your claim about scoped results) I commented earlier this month that I used mine for the last 10m eMatch competition. I used JSB Exacts 8.4 for that match and got much better results than you showed, but in all fairness I did use a scope. I can't actually measure my results c-t-c. The reason is because there is only one pellet in each of the 30 targets. All I can offer is that the 10 ring is 1/4" and 22 of the 30 shots cut at least 50% inside the 10 ring. Two of those were perfect 10's. This equates to a 1/4" c-t-c group and if they were all on the same target it would be one 3/8" hole. The remaining 8 were at the most 1/2" c-t-c within the 30 shot group.

    Looking for an inexpensive, good, accurate, entry level, single pump pneumatic that can be shipped almost anywhere?

    953!!

    -Chuck

  16. Kevin,

    Not only do I fish, but Edith does, as well. She always wants to do two things that we never have time for–fish and metal detect.

    She has an Ugly Stick and her own Mitchell 300 and she love catching bass.

    I like bass and a spinning reel and I also flyfish a bit.

    B.B.

  17. Chuck:

    I second your comments. I used RWS Hobbys with my scoped 953 on the eMatch target, and my best score was 273 out of 300 with eight 10s (I had a terrific day!) and 19 with at least 50% of the 10 ring. That seems to me to be very accurate for a $75 air gun that has a terrible trigger.

    I tried RWS R-10s, but they were considerably worse than the cheap Hobbys.

  18. pcsashooter,
    Great shooting!!!! Keep it up and one of us ought to give that Anschutz guy a run for his money!!! Eight 10's is admirable. One of these days I'm going to try without ingesting coffee all morning.

  19. "She has an Ugly Stick and her own Mitchell 300 and she love catching bass."

    Mitchell 300 and a 7 1/2' fast-taper light-action rod. With one of those clear plastic bubble 'bobbers' that could be filled with water for extra weight I could work a light lure anywhere I wanted on Delaware's Brandywine (back before the factories upstream made it deathly polluted). Still bummed I can't get any more of those red and white-striped little spoon lures…they were my go-to lure for Crappie and Rainbows.

  20. Chuck

    Dang! I'm going to go out on a limb and guess your girlfriend isn't a frequenter of this blog. Also it certainly explains why SHE has to scrape around the bottom of the barrel;^)

    PS: Any tips for new Marauder owners?

  21. B.B.

    Very good with the Hawaiian reference.

    I have a great idea! To increase the sales of the burgeoning PA knife stocks, you put up a video of your special sharpening techniques that allow you to split frog hairs. I bet a lot of people would be interested in sharpening for its own sake and the next thing you know, they will buy more of the PA knives.

    Matt61

  22. B.B.
    Thanks for the advice on the fill pressure on the USFTs. Tim put dots on the gauge of #44 and the high side is right at 1,800. She shoots great all the way down to 1,150.. about 100 shots with no meaningful loss of POI at 25 yards. In a contest I take no more than 70 shots on a fill…

    ..
    But I'll do a bench rest testing with weighed pellets at 19 yards indoors in the pool room.. maybe tonight..
    Thanks for the tip, Tim actually filled my gun for me off his tank, while we were shooting together at the Calif State match last Nov. I'm pretty sure he also brought it up to 1,800.. the top red dot on the gauge.
    .. but then again we were both shooting international class… so.. no, no just kidding!…. that's not the Tim I know.. He and Larry were both telling me I had to start weighing my pellets.. both trying hard to help me do better while they watched me shoot "take more breaths", "take more time".. The best of folks..

    anyway.. a detailed test is called for to see if any valve lock will happen from 1,800 to 1,600.. I always shoot her in sitting FT position, so I really wouldn't know for sure..
    But we all know my groups are the same "weather" on the bench or sitting FT style :-):-) (big smile).. but a test it is!

    Wacky Wayne, MD Ashland Air Rifle Range

  23. A.R. Tinker,

    Thank you for the information and the link. I checked the website where I bought the laser, but no info on it's "innards" (note my use of technical jargon gleaned from the link you provided).

    Is there anyway I can determine my laser's construction short of a dremil tool with a cutting blade that you could suggest?

    Thanks again,
    Mr B.

  24. Chuck,

    Macro photography – could be. Laser technology certainly can get one involved with sophisticated optics.

    Mr. B,

    I did some checking and it looks like the direct output (direct injection) green laser isn't generally available. So it looks like green laser pointers still use the frequency doubling technology although the implementation has improved.

    A.R.

  25. Hmmm…
    I want to get some sot of optics for my 953(right now its just the fiberoptics and a cheap crosman 4-15) but should i get a bug buster or daisy target sights? Probaly a bug buster after hereing about the strudiness problems of the target sights. Got to get the mony now! By the way, it does jump and has o horible triger. The triger does break in after a while though.

    Bud

  26. Slinging Lead,
    Marauder tip:
    Be nicer to your Marauder than I was to my girlfriend and you will have many years of pleasure and satisfaction. Oh, yes, and get the boxed Crosman Premiers.

    -Chuck

  27. B.B,
    I'm really looking forward to your report on the new Benjamin Trail. It sounds like Gamo might finally have some competition!

    Not that the "1500 fps" claim of the XL appeals to me, we all know that those velocity numbers mean absolutely nothing. But with a heavy pellet it might prove to be a nice hunting gun. We all look forward to hearing what you think about it!

  28. Hi B.B.
    Following up on what Wayne said earlier, I think it is important that Crossman keep required presure to a minimum as they did in both the Marauder and Discovery rifles. But having the Marauder pistol require 3000 pounds of air automaticly rules it out as viable for those of us using a hand pump like myself. You have always been a proponent of lower presures yourself as well.
    -Jeff

  29. Your report archive is incredible! Volumes of information! Great information and not just all about airguns.

    Sorry I posted a question on a 4 year old report. Didn’t know any better. But I’m educated now and it won’t happen again.

    I asked if the Izh 61 would be a good bug buster. You stated that it used to be but may not be as accurate today.

    Is that because Izh went to a polymer receiver and magazine instead of steel?

    If so, I should probably search out an older Izh 61 with the steel receiver and magazine?

    My reason for wanting to go bug busting is because I have gotten away from target shooting and plinking over the years and my hunting form is showing it. But do you really need a reason to go bug busting? It just sounds like fun.

    I grew up lusting after the “High Powered Adult Airguns” of the late 80’s. But I never purchased one. The glitter and hype of firearms lured me away. Anyway, I was a descent shooter back then and that stemmed from all the time and practice I put into pumping that old crosman 760 for plinking and pigeon shooting. I was thinking that bug busting would be a good way to improve my form and the Izh 61 an inexpensive way to get back into airguns. Of course if money was not an object, I would go with a FWB 300S tyrolean. Now that’s my ultimate bug buster.

    I think the Izh 61 would be nice for this sport with a Leapers Bug Buster scope because it is low powered and an easy side lever cock. This should be great for shooting from the prone position. The Izh is relatively quiet and supposedly accurate. It also reportedly takes good form to shoot tight groups. Which is something I need to work on. From there I would like to graduate from bug busting and go on to squirrel hunting with an Arm Arms TX200 MkIII. I know it’s a huge leap…expense, quality, etc. But we all need a goal.

    Thanks, JJK

  30. Jeff,

    You seem to be ignoring the physics of the situation. In order to get a decent number of shots from a pistol that has a short reservoir tube and filling it to only 2000 psi, the tube has to be the diameter of a sewer conduit. You have to have the air volume when the air pressure is lower.

    I am a proponent of lower air pressure in PCPs, but I have to allow for the physics of the situation when it comes to pistols.

    I shoot a 10-meter air pistol that has a 300 bar reservoir and I routinely fill it to 3500 psi with a hand pump. It is not debilitating.

    B.B.

  31. JJK,

    First let me welcome you to the blog. This is a great place for airgunners to chat.

    Now as for the IZH 60 and 61, I am hearing that the new plastic parts plus relaxed manufacturing standards may have changed the guns over time.

    So I have ordered both models and am planning a big test to see exactly where they are today, with respect to accuracy.

    Several of our regular readers have these guns, but once again we don't know the vintage of everybody;s gun. So I'm going to try to ascertain what a new gun can do.

    And my new Bronco may indeed fill your dance card for bug busting.

    B.B.

  32. Mr.B,

    I'm sorry about the late reply.

    About mounting your 20mW green laser on a springer, I wouldn't do it.

    Green lasers are complex compared to a regular red laser pointer.

    A red laser pointer has a Laser Diode with a collimating lens mounted in front to focus the beam.

    A green laser has an Infra Red diode that emits invisible infra red radiation at 1064nm that is focussed using a Grin lens onto a small Potassium Titanyl Phosphate crystal that doubles the frequency of the invisible IR beam to 532nm. Now, light at 532nm is in the visible spectrum and green.

    Its not over yet. Now comes the focussing barrel. Which starts with an aperture (hence the round beam profile) with a collimating array in front.

    And voila, we have a bright green beam!

    Green laser appears bright to our eyes since we have the greatest sensitivity to green from the visible spectrum.

    With the particular ND3, the final focussing barrel is adjustable. Hence we can alter the beam divergence.

    All green lasers, unless specifically mentioned, will not take any level of shock. Most of them will go out of alignment even with a drop. I'm sure many of us have green lasers that have been dropped and work fine. However, the damage caused to the beam cannot be seen from near using our naked eye, since the facula will be overwhelmingly bright.

    However, at a distance, the beam will not be perfectly round. One of the reasons being one of the modules being shaken out of alignment.

    If you look carefully at the facula made by a red laser, you will see that its more oval than round. The reason being that, the collimating lens is placed directly in front of the laser diode. No Aperture, no round beam.

    So, unless specifically made for that purpose, you cannot mount a green laser on a springer.

    Mo.

  33. In addition to having a rocket scientist on this blog, a chemist with a penchant for theoretical aerodynamics and statistical analysis, we also have an honest to goodness expert on laser technology.

    This is just marvelous.

    Fred PRoNJ

  34. Mo,

    Thanks for you explanation. Now it makes sense to me, although one of the reviewers of this laser sight has it on a .357 magnum revolver and it's working fine for him. It'll work fine for me too, but not on a springer.

    I'm thinking about my Colt .22 Match Target pistol which had a Bushnell Phatom scope on it. I have a rail on the gun and a custom holster that to cary it.

    Mr B.

  35. Filling the Marauder pistol should be much easier than filling the rifle with a hand pump simply because the reservoir is smaller. It'll take fewer pump strokes to bring it back up to full pressure. Remember, the gun isn't shot from 3000 psi down to zero. It's shot to about 2ooo psi then topped off–probably in about 25 or 30 pump strokes–about one per shot.

  36. Mr.B,

    You're welcome.

    I'm pretty sure it should be able to take .22 rimfire recoil without harm. But I may be wrong.

    Could you give some details about your laser? Brand name, model etc..

    On a different note, The colt would look like a weapon out of Suburban Commando if you add a laser to the already scoped kit! 🙂

    Mo.

  37. Mo,

    I'm sorry that I wasn't clear. It's either the scope or the laser not both at once. You're right that would look cool.

    I cann't tell you much about the laser, but you can check it out at http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13136

    I like the bright green dot which is readly visable in the day light. If a starling's eyes glow green and I do my part it's a head shot out to 26-30 yards 70% of the time. The absense of target type turrets is a deal breaker for me.

    If you have any questions for me fire away.

    Mr B.

    PS Fred PRoNJ, this blog has us also.:)

  38. Trout Underground,

    Nice to hear from you. How are you and what have you been up to?

    You're right he does seem to be so, shall I say, sort one way sometimes. I mean an Anshutz rifle, that's not asking like too much to do for you, now is it?

  39. Mr. Gaylord,
    I have a brand new Gamo Whisper Deluxe. The latest issue of these guns apparently no longer accept the GRT-III trigger blade. Also the trigger guard no longer features a hole for accessing the trigger adjustment screw.
    Is the trigger in these latest rifles still adjustable? If so, does it only affect the first stage or can some of the second stage "creep" be removed?
    Thanks …Don F.

  40. Don F

    If you go to the maker of the GRT-III, Charlie da Tuna's website you will find this page where he talks about the new Gamo triggers.

    https://www.charliedatuna.com/Gamo%20trig%20new.htm

    The long and short of it is that the new triggers are junk. To work on them you need to pull it off the action, which means sliding it off the back. In order to do that you have to basically tear down the rifle using a spring compressor. Bob pretty much advises not to buy a newer Gamo.

    Maybe consider trading up to a Diana rifle, or the Crosman Nitro if you need it extra quiet.

  41. Raven3in1 / JJK

    I have a newer model IZH 61 with the plastic receiver and I would not recommend it for bug busting.

    When I do my roach sniping I am often shooting at an angle up into trees or down to the ground. It is difficult to have the light hold necessary for any accuracy and shoot at an angle.

    I can't compare accuracy to the older metal receiver versions because I have never shot one, but I have not been able to do anything to impress myself with my newer plastic version. You may be able to find an older one with the metal receiver, but not if I find it first.

    Your scope of choice is perfect. I have the Leapers bugbuster 3-9x32AO and can't say enough good things about it.

    For my roach sniping, I use my Crosman 1377 multi pump carbine. Splitting a palmetto bug in half doesn't require much power, so 3 pumps is more than enough.

    Alternatively, look at the 2240 CO2 pistol from Crosman. You can go to the custom shop on their website and build one exactly to your liking. Get the carbine stock.

    By chance I also happen to own an Air Arms TX200 Mark III. Since purchasing it back in August, I have shot at only one squirrel, at a distance of 50 yards. He is no longer with us.

    Happy Hunting.

  42. Don,

    I don't ever believe what people say about new things until I try them. There has been a lot of bitterness about the new Gamo trigger unit that appears to have been created to make the installation of the GRT III trigger blade impossible.

    Since I haven't tested a Gamo with the new trigger yet I can't comment on it, but Gamo personnel did go out of their way to point it out to me at the 2010 SHOT Show last week.

    That's all I can say until I try one of the new triggers.

    B.B.

  43. Don F

    If I were a sales rep for a company that had just slit its own throat, I would hype whatever new feature I could, or look for a job.

    Either Gamo has designed a trigger that is so good, it can't be improved, or Bob Werner just wants to quit making money from people who want to improve their Gamos. I'm going to side with Bob on this one. You seem to want to improve your trigger so I think your vote is in as well.

  44. Tom,
    Thanks for the advice on the right scope and pellets for my new RWS 34P. As a rank newbie to airgunning, it came as a surprise that you recommended pellets from different manufacturers than those from the gun maker itself. I will immediately buy the ones you suggested. Can you tell me why the 34P droops so much (or some do)? I chose the 34P because the performance specs were similar to most other 'serious' airguns but the cocking effort was much lighter. I tried a friend's RWS 350 and was astounded at the great effort it took to cock it. Not something I want to do all afternoon long. Hence the 34P.
    I also took your advice about getting Ballistol lubricant. Okay to oil the gun and visible moving parts with it, but never the inside of the barrel, even for long term storage, correct? Thanks again for all your advice- it is appreciated. -Alan.

  45. BB your 10M target sight shooting does amaze me. The difference between your open and scoped results are pretty close. I do feel you can do better with your 953.

    Does that new bullet compound contain any coconut oil? he he he If so, then Wayne should get a cut of the action.

    Chuck, nice shooting. I can't get enough of shooting my 953 with a good scope. It's such an awsome combo.

    As for Gamo, well I think they have some great ideas and make a good air rifle for the money. That's too bad aboout their new trigger. For hunting, the trigger shouldn't be a big concern as long as you are use to it.

  46. Alan,

    Because the open sights are both mounted to the barrel, Diana didn't worry too much about the downward barrel angle that resulted when the barrel is closed. It is the same with most breakbarrel spring guns, with the Diana RWS 350 Magnum being a notable exception. Those barrel generally have little or no droop.

    Yes to the Ballistol on all parts and also yes to keeping it out of the barrel. Actually unless you live close to salt water a dry barrel is the best for storage. But if you do live close to salt water, try using Birchwood Casey's Barricade. But clean it out before you shoot again.

    Actually if you promise to dry the bore before shooting, then Ballistol is not bad, either.

    B.B.

  47. Buying a 953 is essentially the same as buying any other target rifle without sights – the sights that come with it are not up to the accuracy of the gun. Mine is, despite the trigger, easily accurate enough to justify the nicer sights. Since I have access to a mill and was able to fabricate a mount, it now sports an old Redfield Olympic rear (from my parts box) and a 7/8" globe fromt of unknown manufacture. Despite my best efforts, it still shoots better than I can hold.

    Jim

  48. Jim,

    you're a bit more fortunate than the rest of us in having a mill and the machining skills to go with it. However, very few of the participants on the blog will read your comment since they seldom go back to these older blogs.

    There is a core of volunteers, I being one, that monitor the old blogs and advise folks like you to come and join us on the most current blog. A new blog appears Monday through Friday and can be found here:

    /blog//

    Please join us and ask any questions and offer answers as you see fit. We always welcome new comers.

    Fred PRoNJ

  49. Jim,

    I'm here to second what Fred PRofNJ just said and to also extend an invite to join us in helping each other out sharing our knowledge and making some good friends.

    Hope to see you there,
    Mr B.

  50. When I was young, I would shoot the staples out of my paper target with a scoped Daisy 1894 when I finished. Retired now, I decided to get back into air guns. Real steel is getting too costly and you know the rest of the story.
    I picked up a new 1000PSI China made breakbarrel at a gun show and was lucky to get on a target at all!
    Junk gun, you get what you pay for!….Sure looked good though. Ordered an EVANIX RENEGADE from PA and start reading this blog. Found I was using very bad pellets, had a dirty barrel and springers don't do well on a bench…Fixed all 3 but could not hit the same place twice. Scope time, no big help, but I could see my missed shot better! Read more blog!…Barrel droop!…but BB says it should not be a problem? Better check it out. No droop! But something is loose, what's that noise? Well, the action is nice and tight in the stock… now!
    Where the hell is my stapler!!
    Thank you all for the education. Bob M

  51. Bob M,

    you're quite welcome. However, very few of us go back to the old blogs to read comments. There is a dedicated core, of which I'm one, that monitor these to advise new visitors, such as yourself, to post your comments on the current blog. You'll get much more interaction and advice that way.

    Here's the link to the current blog.

    /blog//

    I envy you your retirement. I'm still 5 plus years away but do welcome you to our community and hope you'll make a habit of visiting us and posting and sharing your experiences with us all.

    Fred PRoNJ

  52. Bob M,

    I am seconding Fred's welcome to you and hope that you'll stick around and keep us retired folks company. I only wish that I'd set up a defined air gun fund. Sure is alot of neat stuff now, compaired to the 50's and 60's.

    Again welcome!

    Mr B.

  53. Borislav,

    according to the info contained on PA's website, the front site comes with three inserts but will also accept numerous European inserts:

    /product/airforce-front-target-sight-fits-most-10-meter-3-position-rifles-all?a=2238

    Also keep in mind very few of us monitor these older blogs. There are a core of volunteers, of which I am one, who do. If you would like more comments and have your question open to our entire community, I'd advise you to post your comment or question, even off-topic ones, to the most current blog. You can find it here:

    /blog//

    Please come and join our community. We look forward to your participation and comments.

    Fred PRoNJ

  54. Thinking of buying my 8 year olds 1st Air Rifle and teach him about shooting!

    Can't decide between the Daisy 953 vs the IZH 61.
    (Was also debating with the Crossman Raven and Ruger Explorer)

    Please help 😀

  55. Anonymous

    I own both an IZH 61 and a Daisy 953.

    The IZH61 cocks much easier than the Daisy. It also has iron sights rather than fiber optic, and I prefer iron sights for accuracy. It is very fun to shoot. There is NO safety on this gun however. Also it is very easy to dry fire this rifle when you forget or don't pay attention to how many shots you have already fired. Dry firing on a spring powered gun is very bad. The IZH 60 is a single shot, and may be a better choice for your boy. The magazines don't hold the pellets very tightly, and they are expensive for what they are.

    The Daisy 953 is harder to pump than the IZH is to cock, no doubt about it. But I imagine you could pump it for him since you will be supervising anyway, at least until he has the size and strength to do it himself. It also has a manual safety, which would be good for a younger shooter. In my experience the Daisy is more accurate. Also for the price of one extra IZH magazine, Daisy gives you five magazines, plus a single-shot tray (which is what I use) and Daisy's magazines hold the pellets better. On the down side, the 953 might be too big for an 8 year old, but you could saw off the end of the stock if necessary. Also the Daisy 953 comes with fiber optic sights which I personally do not like. You and your boy might love them, it is a personal thing. If you prefer iron sights, PA has a cheap Daisy peep sight for the rear and a Daisy globe front sight. That is the route I have taken.

    I hope you and your boy enjoy shooting together.

  56. I have to agree with Slinging Lead that the 953 is probably too large for a 8-year-old. The stock has adult proportions.

    I must reiterate that the Hammerli 490 Express is worth a look. It's easy to cock, lightweight and small. The trigger is stiff, but that is the one and only drawback that I see. Please read my report on it:

    /blog/2008/1/hammerli-490-part-4-another-great-youth-rifle/

    B.B.

  57. Thanks for the QUICK Reply!

    My son is 50.5" and 60lbs now, hell he grew 1/2" in just 2 weeks!
    I used to be a Machine Gunner in the USMC 10 years ago so I am sure I can teach him how to respect and properly use a rifle.

    I plan to use the rifle with my son and my wife has stated an interest in shooting also.
    General use for it will be target practice and just general fun in the yard.

    I want something that will be accurate and last a while.
    Also plan to get a scope later on once he learns the basics without one.

    So I guess what I read is that the Hammerli 490 Express will probably be the best for us for now due to my son's age?

    2nd option should be the IZH 60? Due to the IZH 61 will be bad if we don't pay attention to the shots fired and may damage the rifle?
    (And you are saying that the QC has gone down with the IZH 61 lately?)

    The Ruger Explorer and Crossman Raven is out of the question for my situation and needs?

    But is the 953 a better rifle compared to the 490 express if he grows into it?

    Are there any other suggestions for an 8 year old to grow on?

  58. You have read everything correctly. yes, some of the quality has gone from the IZH line in the past few years, but they are still fine airguns. I just can't help to compare them to what I knew them to be a decade ago.

    Yes to your son growing into the guns as you have described it. The 953 is probably a better rifle for kids who can handle it, simply because it can accept target sights and therefore grow with them. But right now it may be a little too large.

    I never ruled the Ruger Explorer or the Crosman Raven out. I just gave you suggestions for what I though would work best. The Raven and Explorer are both fine airguns and could serve your son's needs quite well.

    B.B.

  59. I think I may risk it and just get the 953 and hope he can fire it well enough despite the size.
    (He is growing up fast anyways!)

    We really like the 5 shot magazine and why the IZH 61 was our other option.

    Can someone send me a link of the suggested Rear and Front Sights?

    Also what is this trigger mod for the 953 I was reading somewhere about? Link to it would be great also 😀

    Also what are the best suggested pellets for the 953?

  60. Anonymous on the 953,
    I agree with what BB and Slinging Lead said. To support their position I'd like to make mention that the IZh-91 is also somewhat harder to scope and get proper eye relief because of the location of the pellet loading opening which is between two short 11mm rails.

    I have both the IZH-61 and the 953 and for accuracy I like the 953 best. It is also durable and as I found out recently very easy to work on. It's a gun I'll have for a long time. However, the trigger mod on the internet intimidates me.

    The 953 will be easier to scope and for your family to learn to shoot since it is a single stroke pneumatic rather than a springer. Springers tend to hold sensitive and "jump" more than the pneumatics.

    I don't know anything about the other rifles you mentioned so don't think my opinion excludes them. I just wanted to reinforce the 953 recommendation.

    However, to add difficulty to your choice, I have three grandsons who at the age of 11 had trouble cocking the 953. They were pretty slender kids then. They had no trouble at all cocking the IZH-61. That being said, I think your son will be able to figure out how to leverage the 953 for cocking. It's too bad you can't find one to try out.
    -CJr

  61. I forgot to add, I think it is the JSB Exact 8.4gr pellets that work the best.

    You should come over here:

    /blog//

    to post your question since this is always the current day's blog and more very helpful people will see it. The blog entry you are on here is dated January 2010 and not many people will see it. Don't worry about being off topic.
    -CJr

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