New in 1979 Single shot pellet or BB repeater 215fps BB's- 180 fps pellets. Very few Variations, it went from a heavy Diecast to plastic around 1990. It became BB only around 1984.
That's about all the info I could dig up on this gun. Why you might ask am I posting about a Daisy 188? What's the big deal about it? Nothing as far as airguns go. But this particular model happens to be the first airgun I ever owned. I don't know what became of the original gun I purchased back in 1980 but I got this one from a nice gentleman on the Canadian Airgun Forum.
When I got this gun in my hands again it really brought back memories of my childhood. I remember saving up my money back then and when I had enough, my mom taking me down to TG&Y to buy it and some BBs. I opened it up on the ride home and started loading it with BBs in the backseat with mom driving us back home. Once there, I ran to our backyard and grabbed an aluminum soda can from the trash and set it up out in the yard. I loaded a BB, pulled down on the cocking lever, took aim at the can from about 30 feet and squeezed the trigger. Miss! LOL Well, what did you expect? I had never shot a pistol before. I loaded another BB, pulled down on the cocking lever, took aim at the can and squeezed the trigger. Ding! OWWWW! What happened? The BB hit the rim of the soda can and bounced right off, flew back at me and hit me right in my eyebrow. That sucks. Well, could have been worse, 1 inch lower and I'm a cyclops. Lesson learned.
So that's why I posted about this gun. Because it has a story attached to it for me. Hope you had a good chuckle at my expense! :)
Be safe and have fun shooting!
Your experience brings back memories! I did pretty much the same thing you did, the 188 was my first BB pistol (and not half as cool as the 1377 my friend bought not long after 8-}). I think it shot around 380-400fps (per the packaging, although I may be way off) and not real accurate with bb's or pellets. Once I found a holster that sort of fit it though I carried it quite alot as a backup gun hunting pigeons and crows around the local farmers barns. Does anyone remember if it has a rifled barrel? I am heading back east to visit my family soon, I'll have to hunt around and see if its still there!
ReplyDeleteI have been looking for this pistol for over 20 years. Living in Albuquerque, it hasn't been easy. It wasn't technically my first. But it was my absolute favorite. My best friend and I each had one. We'd shoot at the gazillion grasshoppers that invaded (or the random ant hill). The little containers for mechanical pencil lead made ideal BB holders for the amount that fit.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you, I know the model # and prodution years, etc. THANK YOU. So, so many thanks. Now I just have to find one...
Tom Kelly
Albuquerque, NM
(tpkelly2/y'hoo)
Just figured the model number out on this too. Had one when I was 9.
ReplyDeleteIt looked pretty damn cool compared to the Colt 1911 cast medal ones my friends had.
Thing was this gun was so weak it was pathetic. My Red Rider shot twice as hard. You could literally watch the BB drop on it's way to the target. I always wished I could of modded it to be like the pump rifles the bad kids in the neighborhood had. You'd hear them pumping 10-20 times while you were hiding out and then while you were running you'd hear the BB's whiz by or blast a hole through the collar of your shirt.
I'm going to try to score a clean one and open it up and disable the single cock and maybe put heavier seals in there and see if it will hold up.
Used to blow everyone's mind to see how it cocks and how heavy it felt with one hand. I used to hold the lever open sometimes and hold it like a submachine gun. I'd also used it like a tri-pod, but if I remember it wouldn't fire until it was returned to the barrel.
Single shot pellets were lame and too expensive as a kid. Used to find unusual shaped pellets and shot them until they got lost.
Pellets were too heavy and shot terribly until I found some DARTS!
I used to load them in the pellet tray and used to love to watch them stick into walls and wood trim.
They didn't go far at all but satisfied my desire for more lethal capability.
After raiding the RR's tube for BB's I'd shoot it till it was empty. Then I was left shooting air balls at invisible enemies. I did shoot at crows and stuff, but never downed them with this piece of crap.
My friends Co2 pistol put this thing to shame.
Worth remembering, but needs mods to make it worth using unless you want to give this to your kid knowing he isn't going to hurt a damn thing with it.
Well, I posted above in Sept 2010 that I have been looking for a Daisy 188 Pistol (the metal not plastic) for over 20 years, and someone read that post and was kind enough to offer me two (one plastic & one metal). I was so excited. Unfortunately, I simply could not afford two, as I am unemployed. Talk about bad timing. I probably could have justified the purchase of one, but as those that have ever been in this situation realize, every single dollar counts. But, in the hopes that someone else finds this post (well, it happened once)and has one to sell -- I'm still looking. And I certainly won't be unemployed forever.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks to Mike's post, I know the model # and production years, etc. That was really helpful.
Tom K.
Albuquerque, NM
(tpkelly2/y'hoo)
Are you still in search of a model 188? I have a plastic model that i may be able to part with.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deleteive a metal one, pretty late to the party though lol
DeleteI have a metal model 188 I might b able to let go
DeleteI have a metal one
DeleteI have a Daisy Model 188, Metal, excellent condition, like New in the original box. It has been in my safe for the last 24 years. It is for sale! If you are interested just make a comment and it will send me an email. Ed
ReplyDeleteI still have my 188. I still shoot it all the time. One of my kids managed to pop the safety out, but kids are good for that. It was the world first airsoft gun which made it great for indoor shooting. Me and my little brother had competitions all the time growing up. 5 shots in 5 seconds. Most bullseyes wins. We were only shooting across the bedroom. Good times.
ReplyDeleteHi Ed,
ReplyDeleteIs the daisy 188 still available? Can I have your email address?
email - ehw988@zoominternet.net
ReplyDeletemy wife had one of these as a kid. Her dad dug it out the other day and handed it over with a great story about her taking the screen off her window and shooting the neighbors cats! it's the metal version from the early '80's. kinda weak but cool... what are these going for these days in excellent condition? not that she'd ever get rid of it. also, do they make a rebuild kit or anything for these?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis is what i am looking for. The most useful blog post that will expand my knowledge.
ReplyDeleteAirguns for sale are available at discounted prices. However, you need to choose the best one who meets your needs. Airguns or short guns that fire projectiles by a compressed gas or air in comparison to a firearm.
i got the plastic one. i bought it in the early 90's i think. it looks like the james bond live and let die gun. i still have it. wish i got the metal one.
ReplyDeleteI have one the metal one that can shoot pellets. Good for pinging the roosters when they piss me off with their crowing under my bedroom window.
ReplyDeletetraded mine for a toy bat mobile, i regret it..
ReplyDeleteI was just given the metal one in supreme condition no rust. Its a very cool Bb gun. Only good for target practice but still very cool
ReplyDeleteI just picked up a metal die cast one with pellet firing capability from the gold rush for $30. Did I do well?
ReplyDeleteI got a full metal one if any one wants it
ReplyDeleteI was re-united with mine after 10+ years yesterday. I remember shooting this with my dad as a kid 30 years ago. Now a father of 3 I had wanted to find another one but struggled to remember the model #. Then yesterday while visiting an old friend whom I lived with way back when. Tells me his wife had a box of unclaimed items he wanted me to look through. Right on top my Daisy 188. I couldn't believe it.
ReplyDeleteGOD IS GOOD
Jamie
Just opened up a box from my childhood and found my model 188. It has been in there over 20+ years. Cleaned and oiled it. OMG works great. I don't know about the comment someone made that it was a weak shot but let me tell you...mine is super powerful. I can't believe I found it. I was around 9 when my grandmother took me to the Daisy Factory and bought it for me. I'm now 45. I feel like I'm that 9 year old boy again.
ReplyDeleteI bought mine in 1979 when they first hit the market. Loved it. My Father-in-law just gave me one (for my 46th birthday) that he came across a few months ago. What a way to ring in my birthday!
ReplyDeleteDoes this gun need a certain type of pellets or will any kind work
ReplyDeleteI have a Daisy Model 188 metal all black in great condition. Im willing to part with for reasonable fair price. Toss an offer my way
ReplyDeleteEmail Jumpa13 at gmail
P.S.
90% of the time Daisy BB guns do not need a rebuild just a little oil to expand the seals
I'm interested in buying a metal 188
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in purchasing a metal 188..... Anyone please.
ReplyDeleteI have a metal one that son gave me the safety is gone but I still plink cans and teach the grandkids how to shoot and hold a pistol I have others too but for indoor teaching gun its perfect and yes mine does pellets too bit they suck out of it BBS are much better for target hits for kids have a good day and safe shooting
ReplyDelete