New 34P arrived today

[wabi]

Bought a new RWS 34P (.22) and it arrived today. Been using a Benjamin Discovery (.22) for several years, but wanted something I could take out for a short shooting session or quick hunt without having to spend time on the hand pump charging it.

On impulse (saw an ad) I had ordered a Benjamin Mayhem (.22) and after a very short range session decided to return it (over 200fps variation on the 10/10 test, barrel sometimes wouldn't latch open when cocking/loading it, and trigger pull was heavy & inconsistent).
I had been looking at the RWS 34P in the recent past, and since I have always been pleased with RWS performance (Started with a Diana air rifle back in the late 50s/early 60s), so I returned the Benjamin to exchange for the 34P.
(I do have an RWS mod 48 (.177) but it destroys scopes quickly, and my eyes are too old for open sights for hunting.)

Opened the box today and was instantly in awe of the beautiful blueing and fine fit & finish. The 10/10 test indicated a very consistent velocity string with lead pellets (730 avg with 12.96 gr pellets & less than 10 fps variation). Took it out, cleaned the bore, and shot a few times on my 10 yard indoor range. First couple of shots surprised me when it fired! I wasn't ready for such a smooth light trigger pull. 

Decided to pull the scope (Hawke) & rings off my Discovery and stick it on the 34P to see if I would need to order a mount with droop compensation. First 3 shots were 1" right and 2½" low at ten yards. A couple quick minor scope adjustments and I was easily centered at 10 yards with standard (steel) rings.
Came to the house and ordered a new 4X scope (Leapers 4x32AO), a set of rings (Leapers accushot with a stop pin), an assortment of pellets, and an RWS shooters kit (Cleaning rod & attachments, lube, cleaning pellets, targets, & RWS pellets) to prepare for the upcoming squirrel season!

[nolimit2217]

Good choice, my M34 is great and I 2oild never sell it. Hope you enjoy her!

[Skinard88]

Congrats on your new D34p.  I bought a D34p 22cal. referb  a few years back.  Put a Bushnell Trophy XLT on it and it never losses zero.  The D34s are one of my most loved Airguns.  Hope you have lots of fun shooting you 34.

[Yogi]

Congratulations on the new airgun.
I'm sure you will love it!
Most 34P owners do.
Clean the barrel and watch for barrel droop.

-Y

[wabi]

Ordered a scope (Leapers 4x32AO) & mounts (LeapersAccushot) for it, and received them yesterday. Took it to the range and was able to get it zeroed at 25 yards, but about ran out of elevation adjustment. I ordered a droop compensating mount base for it last night to correct that problem. (Luckily I decided not to loc-tite anything until I find a good combination of scope/base/rings for it.)

Was satisfied with groups (best were about 1" @ 25 yards) but hopefully it will improve as I shoot it more. The best grouping pellet was the inexpensive Crossman 14.3gr, with H&N 14.66gr being a very close second, and it did not like any of the JSBs (trial pack of 4 types) I tried. I also received a tin of RWS superdome 14.5gr which I did not try out yet, but I suspect they will do good, too. Got the RWS pellets with the "Shooters Kit" I bought so I could lube the spring & chamber before I shot it too much.

Actually cut my hand on the sharp edges of the checkering on the stock when I tried resting it on the web between my thumb & index finger looking for hold options for good accuracy. Found the best hold is probably the "standard" method used with most rifles (palm of hand), but with a very relaxed grip.

More fun ahead I think!

[Fred J]

Enjoy your D34P. My D34 is my go-to rifle for pest control. When I do my part with the artillery hold, I can shot 1" groups fairly consistently at 50 yards.