Team coaches all over America worked together to improve the marginal accuracy offered by what was still basically a production gun with target sights. They traded tuning secrets until the kids began to have a chance of doing well, but Daisy had an ace up their corporate sleeve. In 1976 Daisy proudly unveiled the model 499 single-shot target gun. It was made specifically for competition. What a wonder it is! The muzzle-loaded gun is called "The World's Most Accurate BB Gun," and no one can justifiably challenge that claim. At the regulation distance of five meters (16.4 feet), it can shoot 10 shots into an aspirin-sized group-offhand! At that distance, I've shot many 10-shot groups that stayed inside Roosevelt's head on a dime. If you miss the 9-ring with a 499, it's your fault. No. 515 Precision Ground shot is the Sierra MatchKing of BBs. They aren't available from your local Wal-Mart; they have to be special ordered, and they aren't cheap by BB standards. The BB had to keep pace The new gun warrants the finest ammo, and Daisy created it. No. 515 Precision Ground shot is to BB guns what MatchKings are to long-range shooters. Initially, this stuff was such a challenge to make that Daisy restricted distribution to clubs and competitors. Supplies are still limited, but it's possible to get through Daisy's Special Market Programs. If you own a 499, you need it! BBs come of age Today's standard BB is much improved. According to Daisy Marketing VP, Joe Murfin, BBs are still made on the same machinery as in the 1970s, but the flashing and plating operations are more uniform. Also, some procedures, such as shot sorting, have been improved. The result is a smoother BB with no flat spots. The American BB gun has done as much as any military rifle to further the shooting sports. At its heart, the lowly BB has had an interesting life. Thanks to Joe Murfin and the Daisy Manufacturing Company for their assistance with this article. Sources: 499 Avanti Champion BB gun Pyramyd Air 888-262-4867 www.pyramydair.com 515 Precision Ground air rifle shot Daisy Manufacturing Company-Special Market Programs 800-643-3458 www.daisy.com/education.htm