GTA
Airguns by Make and Model => Diana Airguns => Topic started by: Lymon on August 31, 2011, 08:00:47 PM
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I have somehow accidentally become addicted to springer air rifles. So far I have limited myself to Chinese B3 style rifles, but I have a chance to bid on a used RWS DIANA Model 34 .22 cal at a local auction.
My problem is that I don't have a clue on what a fair maximum bid might be. I'm afraid that I can't provide any details about the rifle, other than it looks nice. I have no clue how old it is or any other details of it's history. I know what the new prices are running, but couldn't find any used specimens. Do they hold their value or do prices drop dramatically?
Can anyone throw out a couple of ideas on maximum bid, and maybe what to look for when I go to examine it before the auction? FWIW, there is no scope.
I know it's not much to go on, but any input would be appreciated.
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Hmm, without the information that you mentioned, that's a tough one. You already know how much the new ones are going for, so that should give you a good ceiling limit. As far as seeing them used, I rarely see them being sold stock or without modifications/any work done to them in the online classifieds. Most have some type of work done, whether it be muzzle brake, stock, spring, and/or tune.
As far as what to look for, there's really not much other the aesthetics. Any dings? Rust? Is the cocking smoothing without locking the spring? Is the breech seal is not worn or torn?
Let us know how it goes.
-GB
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well first off its a 200$ gun new T06 models and the older ones can be had for 100 to 150 new T05 models I personally wouldn't an older T05 gun used unless you can get it right just my 2ct :P
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To me if it's on an auction block and you don't get to shoot it, touch it, or get any real background on it, anything over 1/2 the new value has to be based on your need/want to have that particular rifle. If you have always wanted a 34 that would drive the cost up to maybe 70% of new, anything more and you might as well wait for a sale on a new one.
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The two I bought used were $100 and $125 shipped. The first had custom camo bluing about 70% after a Vortek and som barrel adjusting it is incredibly accurate. The other was in near perfect condition except the clown tried to "drill" out the rivets holding Rail on. Nice shooter though.
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"I personally wouldn't an older T05 gun used unless you can get it right just my 2ct :P"
That's what I'm talking about. Keep ragging the T05's, guys. I'll keep buying them.
Regarding the question, at auction, if in good condition, I would top out at maybe $125. You aren't going to find new ones for $100 or even $125. And ditto most good used ones. If it's older than a T05, so much the better! Me wants one of those, meself.
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Will the T05 or T06 designation be obviously marked on the rifle or is it a matter of specific identifying design characteristics?
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The trigger type.will be stamped on top of the combustion tube in front of the scope.rail.
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The trigger type.will be stamped on top of the combustion tube in front of the scope.rail.
like this:
(http://airgunz.altervista.org/CatalogoNazionale/Diana%20_F24_1_TO5.jpg)
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Many folks have been using the TO5 and I'm one of 'em. I like the TO5 especially in the field. I would not give more than $100 (try for $80 cap), for it if you can't tell a lot about it. You never know at auctions tho. Don't get caught up in it if it starts climbing. I know...easy to say...tough to do.
Good Luck!
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If it's a local auction, as you say, can you look at the gun? Years ago, one of the local auction houses nearby decided to try a gun auction. We were allowed to handle the guns and inspect them. Maybe you could do the same? I doubt they will let you shoot it but, if you think they might, take some .177 and .22 pellets (if they made a mistake as to caliber) and a cheap paperback book. Place the book on the floor and shoot the gun with muzzle about an inch away. Will give you an idea of the shot cycle and power level. If it sounds like a box load of broken springs, etc, you might want to think about a really low bid. OTOH, if it seems good to go, then you might want to hang in there. Be aware that you can pick up a decent 34 in .22 on the classifieds for about $150, usually with some kind of back up if it's a known seller.
PS - Some older guns won't be marked as to trigger type. Early 90's can be a T01. Even older might be pre-T01. These are both really decent triggers, better than the T05 in some regards. The older guns will have the logo and model info roll stamped into the steel, as well.
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I did visit the gun, and brought some pellets :), but didn't bring a paperback. The auction guy let me fire it into the grass. No spring noises, just a nice authoritative whoomp. It's in great shape, with a case. I placed a max bid of $115, but was immediately auto overbid (it's a local online auction). I'm trying to resist placing another bid as I type.
Probably a question for another thread, but is there a springer that is easier to cock? The RWS wasn't horrible, but noticeably stiffer than my B3 under lever. I have a bit of arthritis in my wrist, and would like to avoid as much wear and tear as possible.
Thanks for all of the valuable input.
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Oh, by the way, it is a T05.
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yep a Cometa 400 compact very easy to cock and has allot more power than a 34! :P
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Pass. Stay in touch tho and see what it brings.
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Oh man, 5 tins of pellets, too--I'm struggling... :)
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yep a Cometa 400 compact very easy to cock and has allot more power than a 34! :P
That looks like a very nice rifle, but a little out of my current air rifle price range. Until my unexplainable recent infatuation with air rifles, I had been strictly a cartridge gun shooter, and at that price I would probably kick in a few more bucks and sneak another Glock home :D
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just remember good airguns are not cheap! :P
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FWIW, it went for $120.99--not to me, I quit after my original bid. I'm glad it turned out that way, given the 4% buyers premium (I never did understand that one), sales tax and gas for another 50 mile round trip, I'd have been uncomfortably close to the cost of a new one.
Thanks to all for the good advice.
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just remember good airguns are not cheap! :P
Mark, I do know that. I have seen ads for air rifles that are more expensive than any of my cartridge guns. But, all that I do currently is informal backyard plinking and can't currently justify an expenditure of more than $200 for another air rifle. Someday--maybe :)
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Well, you didn't mention a fifty mile trip and buyer's premium (yeah, that's kind of greedy). Figure $3.50/gallon and maybe three gallons and you're in the neighborhood of buying a 34 off the classifieds. I see deals on Craigslist sometimes but, once you factor in the time and gas, they lose their appeal. Take your time. 34's are always coming up for sale since they sold a bazillion of them. And counting! And consider that, should you have "won" the auction with a bid of, say, $125, add $12 gas and $5 for the "privilege" of handing them your money, you're at $142 or about $70 less than a new one with the improved trigger, no previous owner issues/dings and a guarantee. $70 isn't even two tanks of gas these days.
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Lymon, you have to do what you feel is right for you! I'm just trying to give a heads up form my experiences, I've had almost every airgun that I thought was worth buying, and believe me I've spent way to much money over the years in this hobby of ours, I could have bought 2 brand new Harley's! let's put it that way! and I have learned from tuning them and usage of these guns to know what is what in the airgun world, so believe me I'll give you an honest opinion, :P