MODIFYING THE DAISY 853-STYLE TRIGGER
The following instructions will allow adjustment to a competitive trigger weight on any Daisy Model 853, 753, 888, or 887 air rifle, that being a minimum of 1.5 pounds.
You will need:
- Hacksaw
- Fine file
- Side cutters
- 8/32″ tap
- 8/32″ screw (socket head or slot-headed)
- 1/8″ drill bit and electric drill
- Dremel or rotary tool
- Vice (optional)
- Trigger weight to set trigger
Disassemble the rifle down to just the barrelled action. When you go to take the cover off the action, lift it slowly and put your finger under it to stop the parts from scattering. Take the plunger and spring out. That should leave three parts left pivoting on a pin; the trigger, the sear, and the safety catch, from top to bottom.
1.Make the cut shown in Figure 1 to the front of the trigger — cut with a hacksaw and smooth with a fine square file. The front of the trigger piece shown is originally .200″ in height. You will need to cut .100″ off it. The cut should only be .150″ from the tip. CAUTION: If this cut is taken too far, the function of the safety catch could be compromised.
Fig. 1
2. Make a cut as shown in Figure 2, taking off approximately half the tip — using the same tools.
Fig. 2
3. Cut the small pin point out in Figure 3. It should be cut to about half its length. A pair of sidecutters can be used for this, then clean up the edge with a file.
Fig. 3
4. You will need to drill a tap and a hole at the back of the trigger guard at the angle shown in Figure 4. Note: There is an oval hole and a dimpled circle (shaded yellow in the photo) that’s left from the moulding process that you can use to align the bit to the drill hole I use a 8/32″ screw approximately 1″ long, the hole drilled with a 1/8″ drill bit.
Fig. 4
5. You will need a dremel tool or something similar to open up the back of the trigger guard for the adjusting screw as shown in Figure 6. Note: It’s easier to get a flat surface for the screw to seat on if you use a flat-tipped bit as shown.
Fig. 5
The way this modification works is by shorting sear engagement. Trigger travel is shorting sear engagement. Trigger travel is shortened, as well as trigger weight being lessened.
To adjust:
Cock the action (making sure the gun is unloaded first, of course). Hold the barrel vertical, hang the 1.5lb trigger weight from 
the trigger hoe, and slowly turn (clockwise) the adjusting screw until the trigger breaks. Turn the screw counter-clockwise about 1/8 of a turn, then re-check the trigger is still legal weight.
At 1.5ln, the trigger should be safe. If working below that weight, cock the action and bump the stock firmly to be certain there is enough sear engagement. If the trigger releases, you have an unsafe trigger.