DAISY Champion 499B Competition Grade BB Gun

DAISY Champion 499B Competition Grade BB Gun

DAISY AVANTI Champion

The DAISY Champion has been dubbed "the most accurate BB gun in the world" time and time again. The beautiful spring air rifle is used by thousands of shooting education programs to teach as well as compete. Emblazoned with the "Official Shooting Education BB Gun by Daisy" medallion in the stained solid wood stock, this single shot, muzzle-loading BB gun looks as great as it performs.

It is a single-shot, lever-action muzzle-loading BB gun. Velocity is very consistent at around 240 feet per second. The 499 wasn't designed for general-purpose shooting or plinking but was created for a single purpose: to shoot a BB as accurately as possible at a distance of 5 meters. The 499 may be "just" a BB gun, but take one look at it, and it is instantly clear that this gun was designed for serious competition.

At 36 1/4 inches long and 3.1 pounds, it is the right size for many young shooters but the walnut-stained wood buttstock and forestock are thick enough so that they can be easily handled by teenagers and adults. This rifle is not designed for a scope. Underneath the pistol grip is a black plastic lever that is used to cock the 499 and also serves as the trigger guard. The cocking effort is quite light so even the youngest shooter can manage it. Inside the trigger guard, the plastic trigger feels comfortable to the finger, even for extended shooting sessions. On the right hand side of the black metal receiver is a plastic slide safety. Pull it back to "safe;" move it forward to fire.

On top of the receiver is a precision micrometer adjustable peep sight that can be click-stop adjusted to put the 499 precisely on target. At the far end of the black metal barrel is a hooded sight with interchangeable apertures. Underneath, the wooden forestock flares at the bottom for easy gripping, and a sling can be attached for three-position shooting.

Shooting the 499 is a joy, even for an experienced shooter. The firing sequence instructions are stamped on the top of the barrel. 1. Put "on Safe." 2. Cock. 3. Feed BB. (This involves dropping a BB down the muzzle of the gun while holding it muzzle upward and letting the BB roll to a magnetic "catch" in the innards of the gun.) 4. Aim. 5. Take "Off Safe." 6. Fire.

The trigger pulls lightly and evenly until the 499 discharges. It is very predictable and compatible with accurate shooting. There is a slight twang as the powerplant launches the BB, and a hole appears in the target. What puts a smile on every shooter's face is the accuracy of the 499.