Air Gun Home :: View topic - What you do you guys think about the Diana RWS 34P

dragonfly · Member

I need an air rifle that is reliable, accurate, and dependable for shooting sparrows and starlings 75-100 feet away. I'm a good shooter, relatively speaking, but I'm a small female, and would like a rifle that doesn't have a long butt stock. I noticed that the barrel length on the 34P is shorter, but how about the overall size for a smaller than average shooter. Anyone here have one? Other recommendations that won't break the bank?:D

Oops- edited to add: Pro Compact to the thread title. Embarassed

broommaster2000 · Moderator

I have nothing. Razz

I own a Ruger Blackhawk which is technically the same only made in China. I'm sure it fits the bill for the task you have in mind. They're decent and solid springers and very good allrounders. Wink

Couldn't pick a better gun to start with.

dragonfly · Member

Thanks. Is "made in China" a problem with air rifles? Is it hit and miss, or are name brands pretty indicative of consistent quality, regardless of country of origin? I'm just always hesitant to buy Chinese stuff when I want something that will last for a long time.

rsterne · Moderator

IMO the German made RWS/Diana is of better quality than the Chinese made clone.... The D-34 is an excellent choice for a springer.... and great value....

Bob

broommaster2000 · Moderator

DavidS · Banned

Hi Dragon Fly,
I have a Benjamin NP Trail in .177 with the synthetic stock which may not be too close to what your looking at but the point I wanted to bring up is that it's a 8 pound rifle so it's not light to hold especially for a smaller frame lady!

If the others like the Ruger Black Hawk are about the same weight as the Benjamin and the Dinna is anything like them from a weight standpoint that is going to be a lot more rifle than you can comfortably handle especially free standing without something like at least a Monopod to support the stock & barrel weight.

On the other hand if your shooting from a bench rest where the rifle is supported from the front standpoint then there's no problem except for stock length and a good gunsmith can cut the wood stock down to your size. Smile

Ok, I did a search for the, 'Diana RWS 34dP' and indeed it is very much the same as the other guns and I imagine the weight is very much the same too which may present a problem for you Dragon Fly as I said above.

Also is the fact that if this gun is as hard to cock as my Benjamin NP [Nitro Piston] is that also will present a real challenge to you. I'm 5'9" and weigh about 195 and not weak at all and after firing about 10-15 shots it time to change arms as the cocking effort becomes a bit trying to say the least and for a smaller frame lady that may also become another real challenge. I'm assuming you'll be shooting alone in stating all of this.

Very possibly, even though the Diana or a rifle like the Benjamin is far superior to it, a model 1077 Co2 Pellet rifle which is a 10 shot repeator too and might be a lot more practical for you? It's much lighter at about 4 lbs too less a scope and might suite Dragon Fly much better plus mine came with an attachment to use the large Co2 cartridge for many more consistant shots before the pressure drops and no pumping or break barrel cocking is required, just grab it and start shootijng. I have one of these so I know the difference.

It's not half the rifle as far as impact at much of any distance but may well
suit you much better, with a lot more enjoyment Dragon Fly? Smile

HtH

David

jimineecricket · Member

Smaug · Member

Hi dragonfly. You may have already bought your airgun by now. I'm still researching my first good one myself, and I have a couple suggestions at other places you could look for opinions. I found this review quite useful:

http://www.straightshooters.com/rws/r34procompact.html

This gun will be more than adequate for sparrows out to 100 ft. At that range, a sparrow is quite a small target. They're also pretty small and weak birds, so it doesn't take a lot of energy to kill them. So you should focus on a low-medium power airgun that is very accurate. Plan on getting a good scope.

This will not be a popular opinion, I'm sure, but don't overlook mass market airguns like the Daisy 880. It is a multi-pump that should deliver a light .177 pellet in the 600-700 fps range. More than enough for a sparrow. The reviews on the gun at pyramydair.com suggest it is quite accurate. (i.e. hitting dimes at 25 yards) On this gun you could spend $50 on the gun, and another $50-100 on the scope.

One of these was the first gun of any kind that I shot. I have fond memories of shooting it in the basement with my dad at a homemade target trap.

The reason I recommended this one as a possible alternative to the higher end RWS 34 is that it maybe easier to shoot accurately, especially for someone with less upper body strength. The pumping handle is longer than on the Crosman models, so even a kid can pump it up. 10 pumps = full power. There is no recoil, like there is on spring airguns like the RWS', so even if the gun is not top-notch, there's no recoil to throw pellet off track.

Can you go to a Bass Pro or Cabelas and ask for "help" to determine if you'll be strong enough to cock a spring gun?

The reviews on straightshooters.com are pretty good indication of whether a lady or a youth would be strong enough to cock it. I feel like most ladies could cock one describeda s light or medium cocking effort in their tables.