Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! In our previous segments, we explored the rich history of the Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun and examined its various iterations through the years. Today, we’ll help you identify when your Red Ryder was made and dive into its specifications. Let’s explore this American classic further!
Curious Relics Coverage on AllOutdoor
- Curious Relics #098: Long Ago Long Barrel – H&R 676 22LR Revolver
- Curious Relics #099: Gotta Start Somewhere– H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver Part II
- Curious Relics #100: Easy Dating – H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver Part III
- Curious Relics #101: Love Revolver Snipers – H&R Model 676 Part IV
Welcome to our recurring series of “Curious Relics.” Here, we want to share all of our experiences, knowledge, misadventures, and passion for older firearms that one might categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that is at least 50 years old according to the ATF. Hopefully along the way you can garner a greater appreciation for older firearms like we do, and simultaneously you can teach us things as well through sharing your own expertise and thoughts in the Comments. Understanding the firearms of old, their importance, and their development which lead to many of the arms we now cherish today is incredibly fascinating and we hope you enjoy what we have to share, too!
Dating: Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun
Dating a Daisy Red Ryder involves examining both physical characteristics and, for models made after 1952, interpreting its registration or lot number. Let’s break this down into a systematic approach.
- First, look for either “REG. NO.” (used 1952-1972) or “LOT NO.” (used after 1972) stamped on your Red Ryder. The format of these numbers changed over time, creating distinct periods that help narrow down manufacturing dates.
- For Red Ryders made between 1972 and 1982, the number starts with a month code letter, followed by the last digit of the year, and ends with a five-digit production number. For instance, if you see “L272345,” your Red Ryder was made in November (L) 1972.
- From 1982 to 1993, Daisy reversed the order. The number now begins with the last digit of the year, followed by the month code letter, then the production number. A Red Ryder marked “2L08750” was manufactured in November (L) 1982.
- After 1993, Daisy expanded the year designation to two digits. A number like “93L11694” indicates manufacture in November (L) 1993.
Throughout all these periods, Daisy used consistent month codes: A – January B – February C – March D – April E – May F – June G – July H – August J – September K – October L – November M – December (Note: The letter “I” was never used to avoid confusion with the number “1”)
Specifications: Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun
The Daisy Red Ryder stands as the quintessential youth BB gun, combining classic aesthetics with reliable performance. This lever-action carbine features a spring-powered design that has introduced generations to the shooting sports. Its wooden stock proudly displays the iconic Red Ryder brand, while modern safety features like the crossbolt trigger block make it suitable for supervised youth shooting.
Note: These Specifications are of the current 1938B Model Red Ryder
- Caliber: .177 BB
- Velocity: 350 feet per second
- Action: Lever Action
- Stock: Wood with Engraving
- Powerplant: Spring
- Barrel: Smooth Bore
- Maximum Shooting Distance: 195 Yards
- Overall Length: 35.4 inches
- Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Sights: Blade and ramp front, adjustable rear for windage and elevation
- Safety: Crossbolt Trigger Block
- Magazine Capacity: 650 BBs
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories: Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun
When it comes to keeping these classic BB guns running, there are several options for both parts and accessories. Daisy itself maintains a modest selection of replacement components including screws, leather thongs, sights, and both metal and plastic levers. This makes sense given their long-standing commitment to supporting these iconic rifles.
The aftermarket world offers additional options. Amazon carries various parts like pump seals and miscellaneous components, though quality can vary significantly. eBay has proven to be a surprisingly robust marketplace for Red Ryder parts, with sellers offering almost anything you might need to keep your gun running. JG Airguns, while less well-known, maintains an inventory of parts salvaged from donor guns.
For accessories, Daisy remains the gold standard. Their lineup includes dedicated gun sleeves, paper targets, shooting galleries, and comprehensive shooting kits. While Amazon does offer some alternatives, be cautious of cheap knock-off products that might not meet the same quality standards as genuine Daisy accessories.
End of Part III: More to Come
We’ve covered quite a bit of ground with the Red Ryder, from identifying its age to understanding its specifications. While dating these classic BB guns can be challenging, the reward of connecting with such an enduring piece of American heritage makes it worthwhile. Next time, we’ll take this icon to the range and see how it performs!
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics segment informed as well as entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We did not just realize how guns were supposed to look and function. It was a long and tedious process that has shaped the world we live in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm out there that you feel does not get much notoriety? What should our next Curious Relics topic cover? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
The post Curious Relics #104: The Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun Part III appeared first on AllOutdoor.com.
