Daisy 747 Review

Overall Rating

Match accurate (Lothar Walther rifled barrel)
Beautiful to look at
Good weight and size (well balanced)
Extremely cheap for match pistol
Little recoil (single stroke pneumatic - no need for CO2 or diver's bottle)
Adjustable rear sight and trigger
Easily adjustable piston to keep muzzle velocity consistent over time
Manual safety
Smooth, easy cocking and loading
Exclusivity (in the UK)

Non adjustable grip
Plastic bolt
No UK dealers

I have been looking for an entry level match pistol for some time. After trying out the following: Baikal IZH46, Gamo Compact and Weihrauch HW40, I finally settled on the Daisy Avanti 747 without seeing or trying it out before hand. I couldn't get hold of one to try out or locate any UK dealers who could order it for me, so I searched the internet and found Pilkington guns based in Tennessee, USA. The staff were so helpful and I couldn't believe how trouble free it was to buy the gun from them. It arrived safely by post 3 days after dispatch.
After I zeroed it, I consistently shot 9's and 10's despite being new to 10 metre air pistol shooting. I had also tried the much more expensive pistols like the Steyr LP1, FWB and Morini's at my local gun club but I have to say that it was almost as good for a fraction of the cost. Obviously, if I was to take up this sport seriously, I'll buy myself either a Steyr LP10 or LP50. These are over 10x more expensive and require the hustle of diver's bottle etc.
If I ignore the price and critically review it, I'll have to say that the grip could be better. It's a non adjustable moulded wood grain chequered grip with a contoured thumb rest. I think the plastic bolt could be better if it was metal. I also wish they could make one with Nickel finish to prevent corrosion in the future. I'll be trying my hardest to keep corrosion away by oiling it regularly. The quality is not up to the standard of a Weihrauch but is definitely on par with the Baikal or Gamo.
I will not be selling this gun even if I was to move up to a Steyr in the future. Thanks again for the good people at Pilkington guns and I love Rhonda's accent!

Members' Comments onhpaw's Review

• hpaw on 1st Sep 2004

  I thought I better mention that the scores of 9's and 10's were obtained with a 2-handed grip, just in case anyone thinks that it's possible for anyone to get those scores! I wanted to test the accuracy of the pistol and not have me as a factor in the scoring. Having shot several more pellets through it, I can add the following comments. The muzzle end may be a little heavy and the sight line is a little high, which could make any slight muzzle flip more obvious. I just need to start building up my forearm muscle to cope with it. Otherwise still think it's a great pistol.

• jcs on 6th Sep 2004

  I thought the forearm comment was valuable. I bought a Baikal 46M and I had the same problem for the first 50 shots. I just finished my first tin of 500 shots and I am very satisfied with the Baikal. I adjusted the site to clicks up for dead center accuracy. I have to say it's challenging to keep the pellet in the 10 ring from 10 meters, but it's a matter of breathing and maintaining a clear front picture. I was shocked at your positive comments of the Daisy comparing to the Baikal. I can't say I know the Baikal is better, but I am curious to see if it can really compete with the others. I almost bought a 747, but decided on the Baikal 46M. Again, it's a fantastic one-hand competition pistol.

• hpaw on 14th Sep 2004

  My gun club uses the IZH46 as their club pistol. I wouldn't say the Daisy 747 is better than the IZH46M, but it's certainly better looking. I have to admit I do like the IZH46M, but it was almost three times the cost compared to the Daisy. I'm now going to go straight up to the Steyr LP2.

• jcs on 15th Sep 2004

  I'm dreaming about getting the Steyr LP10. It runs around 1200 dollars. After reading a number of interviews with the top air pistol shooters in the world, most of them use Steyr LPs. Nice Morini grips and no recoil. I'll have to wait for another year or so in order to save enough money to buy a Steyr.

• hpaw on 22nd Aug 2005

  Having owned the Daisy 747 for sometime and bought other pistols, I have to downgrade my generous score of 10/10 for the 747. Mine has also lost pressure and now has a constant hiss once cocked. The pressue lost is not too great and it still shoots reasonable accurately at 10 metres. If budget is an issue then I'll still recommend it, but the best recoiless spring or pneumatic air pistol in the world to my mind is the feinwerkbau 65. I was lucky enough to buy one and is now the favourite pistol in my collection.