Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

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2RoundRob
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Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#1 Post by 2RoundRob »

I'm want a compact air rifle/pistol for hunting grouse while bowhunting. I looked at the world of 13XX modding and realized that the sky is the limit in terms of performance that can be squeezed out of this platform, but so is the cost potential. I love working on things myself but it seems products from buck-rail, alchemy air works or alliance hobby can add quick especially with USD and some parts can't even be had in Canada. It seems like support for the 13XX is fading in popularity and support. When I look at something like the PP750 I see something I don't have to touch to have an accurate backpack gun. Any 13XX lovers out there who can make a case for a classic air gun platform?
Winchester 425 (Diana 25) .177
Benjamin Marauder .25
American Classic .177
McRobert
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#2 Post by McRobert »

I do not believe it meets the requirements for a rifle in Canada, so the velocity is therefore limited. Barrel Length and overall length place it in restricted category once above 500FPS.

https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/classes-fir ... rms-canada
TCooper
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#3 Post by TCooper »

If you are only looking at performance then the 1377 might fill your needs. You are legally limited to 500fps or 4.2 fpe. Tinkering with the bleed hole size should get you there. Then you are at top velocity performance. Plugging the hole completely will put you over the limit. I spent some time with an unaltered 1377 and found it very accurate. At 10m it would shoot little cloverleaf groups of around 1/4” with H&N FTT pellets (benchrested). Tin cans at 30-40 yards were good targets. So… the 1377 has the accuracy and top power.

With the 1377 you can have a cheap self-contained pistol for $100 but it has a plastic breech, grip and sights. A Crosman metal breech is a nice upgrade but you will have to use a red dot or figure out a rear iron sight.

Some ppl convert the 1377 to a carbine so a buttstock would be needed. Then you have a larger rifle to carry. It’s also still classed as an air pistol so 500/4.2 applies.

The PP750 is apparently a nice pistol-carbine but your spending goes up and you need an air source.
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Dukemeister
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#4 Post by Dukemeister »

It is a very good question, and I think it may come down to your personal preference. There aren't too many alternatives to the 1377, I'd you are after a multi pump platform. The pp750 and similar pistols tend to be SSP, CO2, or PCP power plants. If you are OK hand pumping, Diana Bandit is a cheap alternative, but you have to pack a pump. So, it may be worth tricking out a 1377 as a versatile grab and go gun with very low knock down power.

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2RoundRob
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#5 Post by 2RoundRob »

I'm not too concerned with velocity. I think a .22 conversion and barrel upgrade (steel breech LW barrel) would give me increase power and accuracy. A folding buck rail stock would greatly improve field accuracy. Well I think I'll just to shoot a few hundred pellets and see if I can fall in love with it and mod from there.
Winchester 425 (Diana 25) .177
Benjamin Marauder .25
American Classic .177
Daryl
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#6 Post by Daryl »

Didn't see your location. It is illegal to use an air pistol for hunting anything in BC.
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JayDee24ca
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#7 Post by JayDee24ca »

Daryl wrote: Tue Feb 04, 2025 3:56 pm Didn't see your location. It is illegal to use an air pistol for hunting anything in BC.
Is "pesting" in your backyard considered "hunting"?
Daryl
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#8 Post by Daryl »

As far as I know, just about all municipalities in BC are non-shooting. Surrey used to differ from that, being a lot of farm land and bush in some areas.
Best check the local laws/regulations.
There was "hunting" allowed in Surrey for some critters. I would suggest any shooting of critters might be considered hunting.
The regulation states "No Hunting With Handguns". A call to the game branch might be in order to find out what is what.
However, there are some animals in B.C. that are considered vermin and a hunting license is not required to shoot them.
Others here know what THOSE critters are. I don't.
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mangerover
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#9 Post by mangerover »

When I hunt with the longbow I carry two flu flu arrows with ace blunts in the quiver no need to carry more stuff.
When I got my Mt goat I had more fun with the ptarmigans.
Daryl
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#10 Post by Daryl »

Used to hunt ruffed grouse & gophers with our longbows and blunts.
Shooting grouse is easier with a rifle. This one, with a Condor & 31gr. H&H RN.
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Willow Grouse AirForce Condor .25 .JPG
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mangerover
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#11 Post by mangerover »

I agree Daryl if i am road hunting the air rifle is the go to but if I am spot and stock I do the minimal thing both hands on the wheel so to say
Daryl
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Re: Is modding a 1377 for hunting practical?

#12 Post by Daryl »

Judging by the head on that bird, the pellet might have been a Predator. :wink:
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