GTA

Airguns by Make and Model => Diana Airguns => Topic started by: airgunaut on September 12, 2024, 01:50:24 PM

Title: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: airgunaut on September 12, 2024, 01:50:24 PM
I really don’t want to accumulate more stuff, but this one is still lurking in the back of my mind. I’m curious what the short-rifle configuration feels like? The only air guns I have are a Daisy 880, Sheridan Blue Streak, and Beeman P3. I’m afraid the trigger on the P3 might spoil me for any inexpensive gun.

Any caveats other than the temperature sensitivity of CO2? I’m not even sure what I “need” it for except when I don’t feel like pumping, or to reduce time between shots.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Back_Roads on September 13, 2024, 08:56:14 AM
 My enabler senses say you would have a blast with a Chaser kit :)
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: CK on September 13, 2024, 10:10:56 AM
I bought my son the .177 kit a couple of years ago and he (we) loves it.  The moderator makes it really quiet and the trigger is pretty nice, and adjustable, too once you figure it out.

The carbine barrel comes with its own rear sight/clamp assembly.  It's easy to lose/fall out of case so watch out for that.  Some instructions say you need to remove the rear pistol sight but we do not, and the sights do not conflict with each other.  They don't co-witness, it's more like you don't even see the pistol rear sight when you look at the rifle front sight post.

There is a dovetail rail on the pistol, but it's really short and you would need to pull the rear sight to make more of it available if you wanted to use a scope or a dot.

The moderator is moveable to the pistol barrel, you just need a heat gun or hair dryer to get it off.  My son's favorite configuration is to put the moderator on the pistol barrel and mount the buttstock for a super short setup.  I shot it this way last weekend and had fun popping spinners at 10 yards, just a little soft report and satisfying "tink" at the target.  My son remarked that he's never heard me giggle with glee while shooting.

The only other caveat is that in the carbine format there is really no fore end to hold, so you wind up holding the barrel or the pistol stock.

Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: airgunaut on September 14, 2024, 12:29:23 AM
James, I bet you’re right. I enjoy shooting any of the ones I already have.

Chris, thank you for the detailed info. Very useful to know that the pistol sight does not have to be removed, and that the moderator really lessens the sound. Would a two-handed pistol hold feel OK, or would it feel unbalanced front to rear? If the balance is comfortable, I’d like to switch shooting hands, as in pistol shooting. It’s just too darned awkward with a conventional rifle configuration.

I’m good at resisting impulse buying, but this gun has interested me since the first time I saw a photo and description of it. It might well have been my first air gun, but I wanted to not rely on expendible CO2 cartridges. I still have reservations about that, though I’ve since read that the empty cartridges can be recycled.

So yeah, I might sit on the fence even longer! If I end up buying one I will definitely post that in here. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Back_Roads on September 14, 2024, 09:54:07 AM
 Here is a chaser converted to hpa, but it is still shooting about the same fps as CO2 and Nick has done the same accuracy on CO2. Video for thought ;)
https://youtu.be/wOtyMHOPqUE
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: CK on September 16, 2024, 10:59:42 PM
Pat,
The Chaser is light enough and balanced enough for pistol shooting, either two handed or bullseye style.  One cavat is the detachable piece at the bottom of the grip can be awkward at first, it's beak like and projects rearward.  My glove size is medium and it doesn't bug me.  We brought it to a 4H practice and some of the coaches commented on the beak.  You can shoot it without that piece but you lose the spare CO2 cartridge storage.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Novagun on September 17, 2024, 04:23:27 PM
Temptation was designed to yield to.
It is the things that you don't do that you regret.
A chaser might be a good experience.
It's only money and not much of it.
It will bring ou another perspective on shooting.
It will increase your knowledge.
Ìt will be interesting .

Go before it Airgunaut.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: avator on September 17, 2024, 05:15:13 PM
It's a fun kit. It has a few features such as left handed bolt and multishot mags. Unfortunately those features are it's weak points. The bolt handle shafts break and the mags are fiddly to load and they also break. Bolt handles and mags can both be upgraded with available after market parts.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Simplemann on September 17, 2024, 05:15:41 PM
I really don’t want to accumulate more stuff, but this one is still lurking in the back of my mind. I’m curious what the short-rifle configuration feels like? The only air guns I have are a Daisy 880, Sheridan Blue Streak, and Beeman P3. I’m afraid the trigger on the P3 might spoil me for any inexpensive gun.

Any caveats other than the temperature sensitivity of CO2? I’m not even sure what I “need” it for except when I don’t feel like pumping, or to reduce time between shots.

I have a P3 and totally would have agreed with you, until I put the Crosman two stage trigger in a 2289! I've always said the P3 trigger was the best trigger of all the airguns and PB pistols  I own, and I have a 9mm with a aftermarket trigger in that is very nice but that P3 was better. Well after putting the Crosman two stage in, I'd have to give the fist place award to the 2289  ;)
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: avator on September 17, 2024, 05:17:33 PM
The SPA triggers are pretty good.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Back_Roads on September 17, 2024, 07:23:05 PM
 I had mine out today  ;D Was hard to put it back in the case and shoot another.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/gallery/17377-200724125301.jpeg)
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: airgunaut on September 17, 2024, 11:49:53 PM
LOL, I shoulda known better than to post the topic to a bunch of addicts. Not so sure I’m not already one, too.

It’s just that I thought of all the bicycles, kayaks, cameras, and related gear (which is a lot), plus camping equipment, and I contrasted that with which ones still get used. GULP.

And reminded myself that I’m no spring chicken. Will the rooster get stuck dispatching of a big accumulation, or can I reduce the burden?

Back to the Chaser. The comments pro and con are helpful. I’m not wild about upgrading parts except on bikes, which was easy. I’d rather pay more upfront for better quality.

So I’ll hold off and keep perusing guns that look interesting. Sorry, novagun! 😁

Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Novagun on September 18, 2024, 05:55:33 AM
Well it was a good try.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: avator on September 18, 2024, 06:16:14 AM
I don't mean to dis on the Chaser or dissuade your opinion. I've enjoyed the SPA line. I just think there are better options such as the NOTOS should you choose to venture into PCP.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: airgunaut on September 19, 2024, 03:25:06 PM
I don't mean to dis on the Chaser or dissuade your opinion. I've enjoyed the SPA line. I just think there are better options such as the NOTOS should you choose to venture into PCP.

You said the secret word!!!!!! (The only time I mentioned That Word in the forum was when perusing what the second rifle should be. I got sidetracked by the Beeman P3, happily so. And then by the Blue Streak, ditto.)

The Benjamin Marauder pistol version also got my early interest early on. The discontinued Woods Walker, to be more specific. I decided to hold off till I felt willing to deal with the peripheral equipment needed, a.k.a., a hand pump at the very least. Not as light as the Chaser, but more powerful, and no concerns over used cartridges.

It’s not over yet. I should sell some unused stuff to make room.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Novagun on September 20, 2024, 08:26:17 AM
Ah ha. That little niggle. Just a want to have another nice airgun. Maybe the next one will be better than all the rest.
I know the feeling, others know the feeling.
I wonder how this one will end up.  Watching!
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: airgunaut on September 21, 2024, 01:34:02 AM
Ah ha. That little niggle. Just a want to have another nice airgun. Maybe the next one will be better than all the rest.
I know the feeling, others know the feeling.
I wonder how this one will end up.  Watching!

Haha, better might not be the right word. My itch is more a curiosity about the different configurations and how they feel. The possibility that the same gun can be a pistol yet quickly become sort of a lightweight rifle exerts a magnetic draw. I probably will succumb. It’s a matter of When, more than If.

My motto at this stage of life is Why Not?
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Novagun on September 21, 2024, 02:35:41 AM
Waiting!
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Blowpipe Sam on September 21, 2024, 11:01:47 PM
Y'all are turrible you know that?  I came here gullible and innocent, seeking enlightenment, and now I got a wall covered with airguns. >:(

Hey anyone seen this new Umarex PCP that uses a Nitrogen cartridge?  Cartridges are rated at over 2,000 PSI. Could be the next big thing!
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: bReTt on September 22, 2024, 12:02:06 PM
Y'all are turrible you know that?  I came here gullible and innocent, seeking enlightenment, and now I got a wall covered with airguns. >:(
That’s how I got roped in also but it wasn’t here, it was on the old Yellow Forum.  That was many airguns ago…
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: bReTt on September 22, 2024, 12:02:31 PM
Y'all are turrible you know that?  I came here gullible and innocent, seeking enlightenment, and now I got a wall covered with airguns. >:(
That’s how I got roped in also but it wasn’t here, it was on the old Yellow Forum.  That was many airguns ago…
And lots of $$$ too! 😬💸💸💸
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: WobblyHand on September 22, 2024, 04:21:31 PM
Relatively cheap money.  Might be fun for you.  Worth a try anyways.  Pretty sure it would be easy to get rid of if it's not to your liking.  The Chaser kit has tempted me.

Yes, I was gullible and innocent here as well.  Started with a 1377, years ago.  Then the tinkering began.  Along came a few more.  Then those $7.50 bargain P17's, one of which I converted to 0.22.  (Easier to shoot than the 0.177 in my opinion.)  I learned how to machine barrels, and fix my mistakes...  Got interested in machining to make airgun things.  A 1322, and a P-rod was added.  Been fun really, don't regret it.  Picked up casting to reduce some costs.  Nah, who am I fooling - it was fun to start casting again.  Made my own PID controller for the casting pot.  Finally got a a PP700S, which is a very nice inexpensive PCP shooter.  Lastly, a 0.22 cal GK1, which is both scary and amazing at the same time.  Added a folding stock and green dot, have to say it is a hoot, both as a pistol and carbine.  Think I have a Diana springer, don't remember which one.  Not easy to shoot well.  That one is collecting dust in the  attic, sad to say.

Innocence lost.  But a lot of fun along the way.

But yea, do think about thinning the herd down if you don't use some of them.  Been involved in dealing with an estate, and I've seen the results of excess collection of "stuff".  I don't want to do the same to my kids, as estate work is simply mountains of work, for neither pay nor thanks.  At least with many airguns, there's some worth, with ephemera like stuff, its really hard to get anything for it besides a backache.  It has been a sobering reminder to me to clean up my act, and to remove stuff that's no longer needed.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser kit
Post by: Birdhunter on September 22, 2024, 06:00:34 PM
I don't mean to dis on the Chaser or dissuade your opinion. I've enjoyed the SPA line. I just think there are better options such as the NOTOS should you choose to venture into PCP.

You said the secret word!!!!!! (The only time I mentioned That Word in the forum was when perusing what the second rifle should be. I got sidetracked by the Beeman P3, happily so. And then by the Blue Streak, ditto.)

The Benjamin Marauder pistol version also got my early interest early on. The discontinued Woods Walker, to be more specific. I decided to hold off till I felt willing to deal with the peripheral equipment needed, a.k.a., a hand pump at the very least. Not as light as the Chaser, but more powerful, and no concerns over used cartridges.

It’s not over yet. I should sell some unused stuff to make room.

I bought a Prod several years ago and a hand pump. Set it up as the carbine with a scope and cheek piece on the crosman shoulder stock and have been happy with it as a pest gun. I don't shoot it as a target gun as much as my pumpers or my springers but I like it for pest control. If I was looking today, I would consider the Notos because it is less expensive and seems to be a great gun. Ted's holdover has a great review of it on Youtube. I have a Remington 1875 C02 and have had a Crosman 2240 and while they are fun to shoot, I find the use of CO2, having a temperature limit, using up the cylinders, wondering when the power level is going to start dropping or trying to keep up on shot count, keeps me from having a relaxing time with them. the PCP,  using a hand pump is ok if you are not going to shoot a lot in one setting but could get old if you do. I can see why guys and gals are using tanks and now pumps. I am in the midwest and we don't have any scuba shops or ways to fill tanks easily in my area. Just some thoughts from my perspective. Hope you find what you want!
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser ki
Post by: airgunaut on September 24, 2024, 01:05:14 PM
I made a rule for myself:  sell the WW kayak I no longer use AND fix the 880 before buying another gun.

One clears some physical space (although not where I keep guns). The second clears some mental space; I don’t want to get in a mindset of letting things slide forever because I have something else to use.

The Notos is out of consideration for the same reason many guns are—too heavy and big. I am just under 5’3” and 106-108 lbs.

I agree with the reservations about CO2 cartridges, and I don’t mind pumping except on rare occasions. With a PCP, I could keep some air in the tube for an unplanned couple of shots.
Title: Re: Tempted to buy a Diana Chaser ki
Post by: avator on September 24, 2024, 02:19:14 PM
I made a rule for myself:  sell the WW kayak I no longer use AND fix the 880 before buying another gun.

One clears some physical space (although not where I keep guns). The second clears some mental space; I don’t want to get in a mindset of letting things slide forever because I have something else to use.

The Notos is out of consideration for the same reason many guns are—too heavy and big. I am just under 5’3” and 106-108 lbs.

I agree with the reservations about CO2 cartridges, and I don’t mind pumping except on rare occasions. With a PCP, I could keep some air in the tube for an unplanned couple of shots.
The NOTOS is a light weight carbine with adjustable butt stock. I think you would be surprised.