There are many reasons you would need to know the age of your rifle. The internal and exterior design has changed several times. Before ordering parts you need to know what your working with. For those interested in collecting 880’s knowing the different changes made through the years is interesting information. I will be focusing on bigger design changes, different options were often offered like fiber optic sights etc. I will start with the current model of the 880.

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Current Production 880

Made in China this is the currently produced Daisy 880. Easily distinguished from the previous generation by the color of the stock and forearms. This generation like the one preceding it has three screws securing the stock which has finally stopped the notorious stock wiggle that plagues the earlier models. This generation started showing up in my area around 2017.

One Generation Back From Current Model 880, Only Difference Is Color (New Style)

Very easy to distinguish from its brethren this later generation has many design improvements and is unfortunately made in China. Being made in China is probably why the current model costs the same amount today as it did when I was a kid. Don’t let the negatives fool you though this is a well made rifle that has some improvements over earlier designs. I wish they offered a premium version with more metal and wood furniture.

Looking on the barrel cover towards the receiver you will find the “Made In China” stamp easily identifying it is a later generation model. One of the most needed revisions was securing the butt stock better. This is the first model that has three screws on each Side securing the butt stock. This prevents the stock wiggle so common on every previous version of the 880.

The current model has a plastic receiver (side covers) and a plastic pump arm. The only metal remaining on the exterior of the gun is the barrel cover and the trigger.

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The Last U.S. Made 880 (Mixed New & Old Styles)

The last gun built in the US this version is in transition. The diamond on the forearm is just painted, the stock is retained by a

single screw. This was the first rifle to employ the new style internals which were an improved design, but it seems they used up the old parts first as there are some with Old Style internals. I think the new style chamber design is the easiest to work on. With a better chamber seal and pump tube design that is also easier to re assemble when worked on.

20th Anniversary 880

Somewhere in the middle of the last US produced diamond forearm generation this special model was made for one year on the 20th anniversary of the Daisy 880.

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The Multi Piece Diamond Forearm

The thing that sets this 880 apart from later and earlier models is the diamond on the forearm with plastic side covers. Later versions only have the diamond painted on, and The earlier version has metal Side Covers. These guns have plastic receivers (side covers) and plastic pump handles.

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Last General Production Metal Receiver 880

These 880’s have the diamond in the forearm that is not painted on and metal receivers. The pump handles are usually plastic but it always seems like Daisy will use up the remaining parts first.

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The Original 880

The original Daisy 880 has the most metal parts as to be expected of the oldest model 880. The forearm is plastic with no diamond insert or painting. The Stock and Forearm have a unique color. The shape of the forearm is also different for the later models. The receiver (side covers) and pump handle are metal.  This gun is made in Rogers Arkansas and the barrel shroud is stamped stating such.

Some Interesting Pictures You May Find Helpful