How to Check the Speed of a Daisy BB Gun

You can measure the speed of your BB gun with a chronograph.

When shooting a Daisy BB gun, you may wonder just exactly how fast the BBs are traveling through the air. The velocity of BBs is typically measured in feet per second (fps). Most Daisy BB guns will have a maximum speed listed in the owner's manual. Your Daisy BB gun's velocity can change, though, based on such factors as number of times you pump the gun, age of the gun or whether the gun has been stored in high-heat areas. Heat can destroy the seals in the pneumatic reservoir, which will ultimately ruin the gun. To measure the speed of your Daisy BB gun, you will need to purchase a shooter's chronograph. Chronographs are available at many sporting good stores, as well as being plentiful online.

Things You'll Need

• Chronograph
• Protective eye wear
• Calculator (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the chronograph outside on a level table or on a tripod, in a safe area. Make sure the chronograph is level or the speed readings may be inaccurate. Check that the direction in which you will be shooting is clear of any objects, people or animals that could be hit with BBs, either directly or by ricochets.

2. Insert the chronograph's metal rods into the chronograph diffuser body. (The rods should form arc or a "V" shape, depending on the model you are using.) Make sure you insert all of the rods; there should be two arcs or "V" shapes in tandem, one behind the other.

3. Switch on the chronograph power. Select the feet per second (fps) setting.

4. Put on safety glasses or goggles.

5. Load your Daisy BB gun. Pump the BB gun 10 times (usually the maximum number of pumps recommended by the manufacturer).

6. Place the muzzle of the BB gun directly in front of the metal rod arc or "V" shape. (It should be about an inch or two from the first arc.) Make sure the barrel of the gun is straight so that the BB will pass through both sets of metal rods like it is going through a tunnel.

7. Turn the BB gun's safety off or to the fire position. Squeeze the trigger.

8. Check the digital display on the front of the chronograph for the speed of the BB you just shot. Write down the speed in feet per second.

9. Fire 10 shots in the same manner to get an accurate reading of your Daisy's shooting velocity. Add all of the times together and divide the number by 10 to get the average speed of the 10 shots. Make sure you pump the BB gun exactly the same number of times for each shot.

References

• ProChrono Pal: Operating Instructions
• BB-Guns: Chrony Alpha Chronograph
• Midway USA: Shooting Chrony Beta Master Chronograph