I’d like to take you on a little Wayback Machine trip to the mid-1960’s. I was lucky enough to be a “child of the sixties” when the dangers to youngsters didn’t seem to be lurking around every corner and our parents gave us some long leashes as to how we spent our time during the summers. I lived in a suburban area and nobody gave a second thought when young males walked down the street carrying airguns. It was an easy time where summer break went all the way through Labor Day and was full of lazy days exploring and playing with my friends.
Just like Ralphie from ‘A Christmas Story’, I bugged my parents for my very own BB gun. My older brother had his Daisy Model 25 pump action – which I was never allowed to touch. “All my friends have one, Mom!” – not exactly true, but I was trying to build a case. You can imagine my delight when a long, narrow box was found leaning against the wall behind the tree that Xmas morning of my 13th year. In it was my dream-come-true brand-new Model 1894 “Spittin’ Image” BB airgun!
A lot of good memories come to mind when handling this old BB gun. The same is probably true for some of you reading this if you are fortunate to have your old airgun still in your possession. Taking it out recently to find what shape it was in; my expectations were not high. I would’ve liked to swab the barrel before shooting it, but the only way is from the muzzle end. I’m afraid to run a cleaning rod down the barrel even though I know decades of crud is lurking there. It would only serve to push gunk down into the breech area. The kind of gunk we’re talking about here would include stuff left behind from the practice of shooting “tracers”, better known as strike-anywhere matches, dropped into the barrel head first. They never failed to ignite when the friction of the BB behind the matchhead launched those matchsticks. Obviously, at 13 I wasn’t considering the long-term effect on the airgun. A wonder it is still in one piece and that we never started a grass fire!
It sure felt good to get behind this old companion for some shooting time. Of course, it is pretty anemic in its old age (as am I) and even though I periodically drip some airgun oil into the oil hole when I handle it, the seals are unable to do the job. For fun I chrono’d the 1894 using 5.4 grain Hornady Black Diamonds. I chose them because of their added lubricity, hoping it would help. Unfortunately, while the mechanics of the gun appear to be in good shape, the Black Diamonds rolled out of the barrel at a paltry 89fps.
Luckily, a few years back, I was fortunate to find another Model 1894 at a garage sale and snapped it up. Too bad it exhibits the same anemic behavior. At least now I have a spare for parts. My plan is for a winter project where I disassemble the 1894 and attempt to get this old gun back to its former glory. If I am successful, I will do a future blog about it.
I have a model 1894 spitting image. My gun is jammed when cocking it it went halfway got jammed the handle. Dont know what consists of takeing apart.
Hi Tommy,
Sorry for the late reply. Typically, taking apart any airgun with a spring inside can be a challenge without special tools, but I have not personally taken one of these 1894s apart. If you haven’t already, try posting to some of the airgun forums and check with B.B. Pellitier by responding to one of his blogs on the Pyramyd Air website for additional input.
Good luck and I hope you get that old airgun working again! H
Great memories. Mine broke and I was able to repair it. Parts and a repair manual are available through JG airguns. My best friend from childhood had a model 26. I purchased a non functioning one and was also able to repair it. Both rifles function better than me now.
Steve
Glad the article brought back some good memories and thanks for the comments. I can relate to what you mean about those old airguns functioning better than we are…Good to know that info about JG Airguns. I’ll put that in my back pocket. Thanks!
I have a daisy 1884 spittin image I would like to sale if anyone is interested
My Email is alex-galindo@sbcglobal.net, I purchased a model 1894 bbgun with the box, its in immaculate shape, the owner told his grandfather had in a gun safe ,from the looks like its been fired maybe its real good i say about my opinion 98%