Standard D34 vs. Meisterschutze

[jason miller]

Other than a couple inches of length, are there any other notable differences between a newly manufactured standard RWS/Diana 34 and the shorter Meisterschutze version?

I’m mostly wondering if the barrels are of similar quality, or if perhaps the “master shooter” version MIGHT have a better barrel?? Also, does anyone happen to know if either/both versions have a choke? Seems like getting the Meisterschutze version might be a better idea than chopping a standard one if the Meisterschutze has a choke. And one more thing- does anyone know if that giant weight/brake/whatever it is on the Meisterschutze version can be removed/replaced? I’ve read reviews that it adds quite a bit of weight, and something slimmer might be nice for aesthetics, as well as weighing less.

Anything else noteworthy that anyone feels like contributing would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[jusanothajoe]

Other than a couple inches of length, are there any other notable differences between a newly manufactured standard RWS/Diana 34 and the shorter Meisterschutze version?

I’m mostly wondering if the barrels are of similar quality, or if perhaps the “master shooter” version MIGHT have a better barrel?? Also, does anyone happen to know if either/both versions have a choke? Seems like getting the Meisterschutze version might be a better idea than chopping a standard one if the Meisterschutze has a choke. And one more thing- does anyone know if that giant weight/brake/whatever it is on the Meisterschutze version can be removed/replaced? I’ve read reviews that it adds quite a bit of weight, and something slimmer might be nice for aesthetics, as well as weighing less.

Anything else noteworthy that anyone feels like contributing would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

The muzzle brake can be removed, it is held on with two grub screws.
I have heard of a few that didn't have bluing on the barrel under the brake, mine does.

[Roadworthy]

The muzzle break thing kind of finishes the barrel and helps act as a cocking aid for the shorter barrel.  I believe what you are calling a Meisterschutze is currently stamped as the Professional Compact.  There is also a full length barrel Professional version but it seems to be only available in the synthetic stock.  The Compact version has no sights, a wood stock, and a rubber butt pad.  It may shoot a wee bit better than the full length version but that could be due to barrel harmonics being slightly more pronounced in a longer barrel or maybe it's just me or this particular gun.  I believe all current production rifles have choked barrels.  I am told Diana barrels are not checked for quality, the barrel you get with a given gun will be whatever the next one was to install therefore the same barrel may be found on a Classic as the Professional or even the Premium version from Airguns of Arizona.  Some are cosmetically nicer than others but how they shoot is pretty much luck of the draw - though I've never seen a bad one.  If your questions aren't answered ask away with fresh ones.

[lizzie]

Roadworthy's initial statement was the first thought that entered my mind.
The brake is often VERY useful for the purpose of making cocking easier, and I'd consider keeping it in place for at least a couple of weeks, before decided to discard it. Sometimes, the easier cocking is worth a little less elegance in an air rifle.

[Gear_Junkie]

The brake is also helpful in steadying the rifle when shooting offhand.  Plus, it just looks cool

[Yogi]

Look for information from the 2020 Shot Show.  Diana/RWS is completely changing the D34.Making it very modular.  Seems really cool.  I would wait till it is available.
The only problem with the cocking/muzzle weight is that if it is not machined perfectly it will wobble and thus throw off the harmonics of the barrel.

-Y

[fwbsport]

I'm still confused about the availability of a classic wood stocked spring piston D34 in .22.

Are those still here or is it all Nitro piston stuff?

[Roadworthy]

At this point it is my understanding that the Diana 34, at whatever trim level or style, uses a standard steel coil spring regardless of caliber.  The gas spring version is designated the 340.  Its "big brother", the Diana 350 may be had with either a coil spring or gas spring.  The coil spring version is the 350 while the gas spring is the 350 N-TEC.  This should change with the introduction of the new 34 and one will have to read ads more carefully to see what is being purchased in the future.

[HectorMedina]

Other than a couple inches of length, are there any other notable differences between a newly manufactured standard RWS/Diana 34 and the shorter Meisterschutze version?

I’m mostly wondering if the barrels are of similar quality, or if perhaps the “master shooter” version MIGHT have a better barrel?? Also, does anyone happen to know if either/both versions have a choke? Seems like getting the Meisterschutze version might be a better idea than chopping a standard one if the Meisterschutze has a choke. And one more thing- does anyone know if that giant weight/brake/whatever it is on the Meisterschutze version can be removed/replaced? I’ve read reviews that it adds quite a bit of weight, and something slimmer might be nice for aesthetics, as well as weighing less.

Anything else noteworthy that anyone feels like contributing would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Probably the MAIN difference is that the "MeisterSchütze Pro Compact" is an RWS designation that defies the rules.
It comes with a wood stock, therefore it should not be a "Pro" version, but RWS decided to name it this and so it stays like that.
Most other "Pro" models come with a Synthetic stock, or should.
The OTHER BIG difference is that it is ONLY available in 0.177" (Importer of Record decision), but that does not mean that you cannot change the barrel for a short ("Compact")  0.22" cal. one. Barrels can be purchased from UMAREX.

JUST as a reference, I once made a custom 0.22" MeisterSchütze Compact for a friend that wanted to thin the Raccoon population that attacked his turnip garden.
This is him shooting his 0.22" cal D34 MS-C:


And, even though his stance may not win him the "style" competition, his results are remarkable, five shots from 25 yards:


The gun ended up liking FTT's:


and Predators:


The MW was removed from the original barrel and installed in the 0.22" cal one and supports were added internally to prevent the huge mass from increasing the harmonics when shooting. Attachment mechanism was also changed and reinforced.

Overall, it was a very interesting project.

AFAIK, it is the only 0.22" cal 34 M-S P-C ever built.

Regarding your questions:

BOTH barrel lengths are choked. They are MADE to the proper length, not cut. They all come from the same rifling machine, so they are as identical as a manufacturer can make two things.
No special selection.
Yes you can remove the MW, but the surface of the barrel under the MW will most likely be unfinished.
Yes, there are alternatives.

It SEEMS the cheapest option for purchase is AoA:

https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/spring-piston/rws-model-34-pro-compact-.177-combo/

But you would need to call and ensure that it is not a glitch in their system. Usually, the classical stock and the short barrel brings a premium and most retailers sell these guns for $230 to $240.

HTH, keep well and shoot straight!







HM

[jusanothajoe]

Other than a couple inches of length, are there any other notable differences between a newly manufactured standard RWS/Diana 34 and the shorter Meisterschutze version?

I’m mostly wondering if the barrels are of similar quality, or if perhaps the “master shooter” version MIGHT have a better barrel?? Also, does anyone happen to know if either/both versions have a choke? Seems like getting the Meisterschutze version might be a better idea than chopping a standard one if the Meisterschutze has a choke. And one more thing- does anyone know if that giant weight/brake/whatever it is on the Meisterschutze version can be removed/replaced? I’ve read reviews that it adds quite a bit of weight, and something slimmer might be nice for aesthetics, as well as weighing less.

Anything else noteworthy that anyone feels like contributing would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Probably the MAIN difference is that the "MeisterSchütze Pro Compact" is an RWS designation that defies the rules.
It comes with a wood stock, therefore it should not be a "Pro" version, but RWS decided to name it this and so it stays like that.
Most other "Pro" models come with a Synthetic stock, or should.
The OTHER BIG difference is that it is ONLY available in 0.177" (Importer of Record decision), but that does not mean that you cannot change the barrel for a short ("Compact")  0.22" cal. one. Barrels can be purchased from UMAREX.

JUST as a reference, I once made a custom 0.22" MeisterSchütze Compact for a friend that wanted to thin the Raccoon population that attacked his turnip garden.
This is him shooting his 0.22" cal D34 MS-C:


And, even though his stance may not win him the "style" competition, his results are remarkable, five shots from 25 yards:


The gun ended up liking FTT's:


and Predators:


The MW was removed from the original barrel and installed in the 0.22" cal one and supports were added internally to prevent the huge mass from increasing the harmonics when shooting. Attachment mechanism was also changed and reinforced.

Overall, it was a very interesting project.

AFAIK, it is the only 0.22" cal 34 M-S P-C ever built.

Regarding your questions:

BOTH barrel lengths are choked. They are MADE to the proper length, not cut. They all come from the same rifling machine, so they are as identical as a manufacturer can make two things.
No special selection.
Yes you can remove the MW, but the surface of the barrel under the MW will most likely be unfinished.
Yes, there are alternatives.

It SEEMS the cheapest option for purchase is AoA:

https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/spring-piston/rws-model-34-pro-compact-.177-combo/

But you would need to call and ensure that it is not a glitch in their system. Usually, the classical stock and the short barrel brings a premium and most retailers sell these guns for $230 to $240.

HTH, keep well and shoot straight!







HM

Good info Hector.
Could you point me in the right direction for purchasing a .22 RWS barrel from UMAREX ?
I can't seem to find where to buy one.

[Roadworthy]

Umarex will respond to email queries regarding prices and availability of products.

[Golden Frog]

I have a RWS Meisterschutze Pro Compact .177. It shoots great. The only bummer is it’s a bit loud for backyard shooting (at my house). I was looking into replacing the muzzle weight with a moderator but from the few emails and phone calls I made it doesn’t seem like an option. I got a tin of the JSB Monster Exact pellets (13.43 gr) hoping the weight would reduce the sound. I think it helps a bit but I still only shoot during the day when there construction noise to help mask it.

[HectorMedina]

GF;

As I told the OP, there ARE options. Custom options.
Problem is that at the prices currently going for complete airguns, the custom options sometimes go almost to the price of the gun itself.

It is one of the "diseases" we want to "cure" with the EMS system.

We cannot subtract ourselves from the reality of life that industrially made things are now mostly made by robots. They don't get a salary, nor SS, medical insurance, or retirement.

Anyway, a reflex moderator IS possible, but worth it ONLY if you have an extremely accurate barrel that would be difficult to replace.

JMHO






HM

[fwbsport]

There's one review by "Primo" on the AOA site and it isn't good.

[HectorMedina]

There's one review by "Primo" on the AOA site and it isn't good.

Most probably, PRIMO is suffering from a loose MW. Something that is relatively common with the OEM arrangement.

;-)




HM

[B67]

I have 3 34's One in .22 one in .77 and a MS pro in .22 that I built on an older TO5 platform...I like all of the Diana trigger systems so that isn't an issue...The MS pro may actually be my favorite.It is short and stable with the barrel weight...I did this a few years back but hopefully Umarex still sells the barrel and weight...

[Roadworthy]

I also have multiples of the Diana 34.  All are incredibly accurate.  My oldest one is a 2000 model with a T01 trigger.  I did dismantle the trigger to polish surfaces and it is now a wonderful smooth trigger.  With that said, my Pro Compact with the T06 trigger shoots just a bit more accurately for me.  The T06 is a fantastic trigger out of the box.  Other than an exceeding long (to me) first stage it is fantastic.  I have yet to find a 34 or any other Diana I don't like.  They all seem to shoot very well.