GTA

All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => European/Asian Air Gun Gates => German AirGun Gate => Topic started by: SwampHunter on May 12, 2021, 11:17:42 PM

Title: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 12, 2021, 11:17:42 PM
Ok, full disclosure I am normally a pcp guy so take it easy on me lol. While i like my pcps for hunting, the just simply are not as much fun to me for plinking. I have had a few cheap break barrels but have gotten rid of most of them. The other day I was shooting my inaccurate ruger impact and realized that i miss just being able to grab a tin of pellets and shoot. I decided i wanted to look around for a springer of some type, gas ram ok too, to get back to the simpler side of airguning. I found an add in the bargain gate for an rws 34 but it is only availble in .177, I shoot .22 or .25 out of my pcps. In doing reseach it appears that there may be an advantage to the .177 in the spring guns though in the flatter trajectory? I know im talking a bunch so bear with me lol.
 Is the rws 34 in .177 a good option? I want somthing that i can reasonably expect to be able to shoot well. I will be target shooting, but if I really like the gun, it will be a hunter as well. I can't stand the though of having a rifle that isnt capable of being a hunter because just my luck is that would be the rifle i fell in love with and then have to grab another to hunt with.
 All opinions and reccomendations are welcome, if you know of a better deal for around $200 I would be open to that too, including used.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Bayman on May 13, 2021, 12:09:56 AM
The 34 classic is a fine rifle Numrich gun parts is selling new ones for 199.
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1828970 (https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1828970)
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: limbshaker on May 13, 2021, 12:14:16 AM
I hunt with .177 springers a lot, and have for a couple decades. Modest powered ones at that. I don't find the .22 to be of any advantage at "accurate" springer power levels.

Although if you are power hungry, an RWS48 in .22 slightly detuned is a killer hunting gun, and very easy to fit a sling to.

 I have high power PCPs in .22 and almost never hunt with them.

I prefer the Weihrauchs over the Diana/RWS mainly for the trigger, but the RWS would be a fine rifle and a nice upgrade over the Ruger.

The Weihrauchs would be a little more of an upgrade and their price reflects that.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 13, 2021, 12:39:06 AM
The 34 classic is a fine rifle Numrich gun parts is selling new ones for 199.
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1828970 (https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1828970)
Thank you, yes, that was the add that started this lol
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 13, 2021, 12:43:18 AM
I hunt with .177 springers a lot, and have for a couple decades. Modest powered ones at that. I don't find the .22 to be of any advantage at "accurate" springer power levels.

Although if you are power hungry, an RWS48 in .22 slightly detuned is a killer hunting gun, and very easy to fit a sling to.

 I have high power PCPs in .22 and almost never hunt with them.

I prefer the Weihrauchs over the Diana/RWS mainly for the trigger, but the RWS would be a fine rifle and a nice upgrade over the Ruger.

The Weihrauchs would be a little more of an upgrade and their price reflects that.
I do like power, but it isn't everything, i have a disco in .22 thats capable of 60 fpe but its never the gun i grab to hunt with.
From everything i have gathered the magnum springers are harder to shoot accurately?
I found a deal through flying dragons for an r9 in .22 tuned and shipped for $450, double the cost of the rws34 and seriously considereding it, but im not convinced its worth it?
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Bayman on May 13, 2021, 01:08:42 AM
I have an Hw95 in 177 which is the same as the R9. It's a very nice gun. Not my choice for taking in the woods though. I prefer the smaller and lighter Hw50. It's about 800 fps with 8.44 JSBs and will kill a squirrel further than I'd try to hit one. It's a 50 yard gun if you are a good enough shot. Krale in the Netherlands has them pretty cheap. Shipping is expensive but will still cost 100 bucks less than the R9.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Roadworthy on May 13, 2021, 01:31:32 AM
Fit and finish on the R9 or HW95 are reputed to be better than the Diana 34.  Are they arguably more accurate?  For hunting that would be the bottom line.  They may have an edge shooting target - I don't know, I've never seen one.  The Diana 34 is a very accurate rifle with a good trigger which can easily be improved if you wish.  I prefer the conventional open sights on the Weihrauch to the fiber optic ones on the Diana but that is personal preference.  My step son prefers the fiber optic.  I believe the Weihrauch comes with a rubber recoil pad while the Diana Classic has a slick hard plastic one - slides easily on a slick floor.  I personally feel Diana offers more bang for the buck.  Both are relatively easy to work on.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Madd Hatter on May 13, 2021, 02:27:29 AM
The very first springer I ever owned was a m34 anaversery model in.177.  It was what I used to hunt ground squirrels. It was deadly on ground squirrels even out to 70 yards. I sure miss that rifle even though I have a m48 also in .177 that has been tuned with a vortec kit that m34 was one nice rifle.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: uglymike on May 13, 2021, 04:03:29 AM
That 34 will work just fine for what you need, whole lotta rifle for $200. 
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Yogi on May 13, 2021, 04:29:52 AM
Get the RWS 34!  Just so you know the Diana and RWS 34 are the same gun. ;)

-Y
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Hobbyman2007 on May 13, 2021, 06:56:12 AM
Never owned the 34 but I would expect it to be more than capable for both hunting and target shooting. I also have a few PCP’s but for the casual hunt or even target session I usually pick up a springer. All of which are in .177 . A well tuned .177 springer close to 12FPE with a good trigger and decent glass will perform out to 50+ yards. Right now my springer of choice is an HW80 that has been tuned to 15fpe. Deadly accurate. A little on the heavy side but I find it helps with the ballance. For 200$ you can’t go wrong with a 34.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: tjk on May 13, 2021, 09:01:42 AM
The Diana/RWS is more than capable as a squirrel gun. A very fine air rifle for the cost. I wouldnt hesitate to take a 34 out in the woods if i needed to put something on the diner table. I prefer .22 in this model but thats more of a individual shooters preference.
The biggest question is cost and usability. Yes, Weihrauch guns are a step up n just about every category, but I would imagine most folks would be more willing to risk adding wear and beauty marks to a $200 rifle than they would a $400 rifle like a Weihrauch offering. Both are German made guns, accurate, and above average triggers. The Diana is a perfect utility/truck gun for those not worried about a bit of superficial abuse. The Diana 34 is also one of those guns that gets alot better once tuned and shot frequently post tune. My old 34 is a living testament to that. So to answer your question,....Yes the Diana 34 in any caliber will make a terrific squirrel gun!!!!
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 13, 2021, 10:29:45 AM
Order confirmed, one rws 34 in .177 should ship out in the morning. Now for the nect round of questions lol.

Is a hawke vantage scope a good match for this rifle? Hopefully so as i have a couple of homeless ones.
If so what mount is recommended?

What pellets , if any, are known to shoot well in these?
Looking for a place to start lol.

What should be looked over , adjusted, etc. When it arrives?

Thank yall for helping me spend my money !  ;D ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Bayman on May 13, 2021, 10:51:31 AM
Order confirmed, one rws 34 in .177 should ship out in the morning. Now for the nect round of questions lol.

Is a hawke vantage scope a good match for this rifle? Hopefully so as i have a couple of homeless ones.
If so what mount is recommended?

What pellets , if any, are known to shoot well in these?
Looking for a place to start lol.

What should be looked over , adjusted, etc. When it arrives?

Thank yall for helping me spend my money !  ;D ;D  ;D
The Vantage may survive if you make sure there's no barrel droop. If there is droop, they make mounts for that or you can bend the barrel. The Vantage is only rated for 12fpe springers. The D34 in 177 I believe is around 15 or 16 fpe???

Can't help you with the pellets.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: ER00z on May 13, 2021, 12:36:34 PM
For pellets, H&N and JSB/Air Arms give best results generally. But I have had decent results with various wadcutters and other domes/hollow points. Even CPHP's have done well in my Diana .177's. But I try not to shoot them often, unless dedicated to a certain barrel.

When switching between pellet brands you may need 15-20 shots for pellets to "settle" in, when using Crosman pellets then switching to other pellet brands it may take many more. Maybe it's just me, but I believe others have noticed also.

As to what to watch for, the screws! Lol. Periodically check your screws when shooting and when done for the session. Some thread locker may be in order if they work loose often. Try not to over tighten stock screws to avoid over compressing wood too much.

There's a wealth of knowledge here, if any issues arise, you can get plenty of help. The 34 is a solid platform that should last you many years, as long as it's not abused. Just shoot and enjoy it.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: WolfyW on May 13, 2021, 01:32:32 PM
Yup, the 34 is more than enough. I've got one in .177 and one in. 22. Killed oodles of squirrels with both.  I and others could bore you with pics all day long. Buy it with confidence.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Hobbyman2007 on May 13, 2021, 01:49:52 PM
At 15 to 16 FPE I would stick to pellets over 8 grain. Too bad about the Crosman getting discontinued as they have always been easy to get. 8.4 JSB or 10.3 JSB is where I would start.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: uglymike on May 13, 2021, 06:03:00 PM
Order confirmed, one rws 34 in .177 should ship out in the morning. Now for the nect round of questions lol.

Is a hawke vantage scope a good match for this rifle? Hopefully so as i have a couple of homeless ones.
If so what mount is recommended?

What pellets , if any, are known to shoot well in these?
Looking for a place to start lol.

What should be looked over , adjusted, etc. When it arrives?

Thank yall for helping me spend my money !  ;D ;D  ;D

Your 34 will eat that Hawke Vantage, it's only rated to 12 ft/lbs. I've got a like new UTG etched glass 3x12 I'd sell ya that was on a 34 I just sold. As far as pellets, start with Superdomes and H&N FTTs.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 14, 2021, 09:50:10 AM
Well thats dissapointing about the hawke, but i do have an older bug buster i can use if need be. Mike pm me a price and the model on the one you have please and thank you for offering! Im not sure if i have tried the etched glass model, I have the accuswat 4-12 and dont care for it, its just too heavy. Plus i dont use all those colors lol.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Yogi on May 14, 2021, 12:48:40 PM
I don't know the range that you will be hunting.  But consider using the open sights at least till you get the hang of the D 34.
For fast moving game, much easier.....

-Y
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: mobilemail on May 14, 2021, 02:11:55 PM
I use a Hawke Vantage 2-7x32AO on my Diana 34 shooting ~15fpe, it has been fine. Actually it is my favorite scope on a springer.  That said...I blew one up on a 20fpe Diana 48.  :-[  Don't try that experiment....

As for pellets, I find JSB 8.44 or 10.3gr to both do well.  At least as they can do in an aging, shaky, caffeine-infused, unskilled shooter! :-)
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Bamajoey on May 15, 2021, 11:25:23 AM
When I got my D34 the first of the year I also bought a tin of RWS 8.2 wadcutters. I was well pleased with them until I tried the H&N FTT’s. The FTT’s are a step above. Most groups are 3/8-1/2 at 70-80 feet. Most of the bushy tailed rats are taken at that range.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Yogi on May 15, 2021, 11:40:15 AM
When I got my D34 the first of the year I also bought a tin of RWS 8.2 wadcutters. I was well pleased with them until I tried the H&N FTT’s. The FTT’s are a step above. Most groups are 3/8-1/2 at 70-80 feet. Most of the bushy tailed rats are taken at that range.

Wadcutter are designed to be supper accurate at 10 meters.  They are usually good out to 20+/- yards.  Not designed or expected to be accurate at longer distances. ;)

-Y
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: hobbiest on May 15, 2021, 08:09:26 PM
I just got a 34. Have four different h&n pellets and Baracuda hunter extreme did the best. They were out of jsb. I threw on a Burris droptine  rimefire I had laying around. Holding up so far. I called them and they said they dont advertise it but all their scopes are airgun rated. Used a hawkee one pc mount med height and its doing well after 120 shots. Not sure med is tall enough for an ao scope but there is room between it and the barrel.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 15, 2021, 08:20:12 PM
I use a Hawke Vantage 2-7x32AO on my Diana 34 shooting ~15fpe, it has been fine. Actually it is my favorite scope on a springer.  That said...I blew one up on a 20fpe Diana 48.  :-[  Don't try that experiment....

As for pellets, I find JSB 8.44 or 10.3gr to both do well.  At least as they can do in an aging, shaky, caffeine-infused, unskilled shooter! :-)
That is actually the scope i have that i wanted to try, i have a couple 40mm obj hawkes too but i want to keep it as light as possible. Definitely going to try the 8.44 and 10.3 jsb, that has been top recommended so far, just waiting for someone to have them so i can order them!
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 15, 2021, 08:21:14 PM
I just got a 34. Have four different h&n pellets and Baracuda hunter extreme did the best. They were out of jsb. I threw on a Burris droptine  rimefire I had laying around. Holding up so far. I called them and they said they dont advertise it but all their scopes are airgun rated. Used a hawkee one pc mount med height and its doing well after 120 shots. Not sure med is tall enough for an ao scope but there is room between it and the barrel.
Thank you, i will try some of the extremes, they usually do pretty well for me in .22
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 15, 2021, 08:22:32 PM
When I got my D34 the first of the year I also bought a tin of RWS 8.2 wadcutters. I was well pleased with them until I tried the H&N FTT’s. The FTT’s are a step above. Most groups are 3/8-1/2 at 70-80 feet. Most of the bushy tailed rats are taken at that range.
Are there diff head sizes for the ftt in .177 like .22? If so what size are you using?
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 15, 2021, 08:28:41 PM
I don't know the range that you will be hunting.  But consider using the open sights at least till you get the hang of the D 34.
For fast moving game, much easier.....

-Y
I will shoot it open sight some, just to see how i like them, i dont have anything against open sights. Im just picky about them and never find the type i like on an airgun. Not good at the names of them but think 10/22 factory sights.....if i could find some of those.....around here the scope helps when they are up in the big oaks and pecan trees.
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: Bamajoey on May 16, 2021, 08:05:12 AM
When I got my D34 the first of the year I also bought a tin of RWS 8.2 wadcutters. I was well pleased with them until I tried the H&N FTT’s. The FTT’s are a step above. Most groups are 3/8-1/2 at 70-80 feet. Most of the bushy tailed rats are taken at that range.
Are there diff head sizes for the ftt in .177 like .22? If so what size are you using?
4.52
Title: Re: Rws 34 classic in .177 for squirrel and plinking
Post by: SwampHunter on May 18, 2021, 08:02:57 PM
Shipping says it should arrive friday and so far i havent found any jsb pellets that weren't priced high.I picked up 1k cphp to shoot for break-in though.