Still new, still have new Panther, but......

[Woodstock]

Hello all,
Still new, still have my new RWS 34 Panther, but now more questions than ever.  After all of the comments to help me with a scope, I have decided to keep the Panther with the iron FO sights as a quick grab pest gun.  My old eyes struggle with open sights, but overall it seems to be working.

While the pests around my home continue to be diminishing, I have been struggling with trigger control (my 34 has the T05 trigger).  Between my old eyes and trigger control my shots are patterning to the right….usually right at 3 o’clock.  Today, I printed out a Gamo X5 target and dumped 25 or so rounds into the target from 12 paces.  Four of the five targets showed the trending to the right, while the upper right most target looked like an expert fired the group….penny size group in the center bull…9’s and 10’s.  Since all of this shooting was done off-hand standing I can only assume that my body position with regard to that target was near perfect and my trigger control for some reason came together….or this is a much worse head game than I originally thought.  The upper right target was always the fourth target to be shot in each series.  I then shot at the targets randomly with the same result….only bad shot on the upper right target I was able to call…lost my shooting rhythm and pulled the shot.   Puzzling!!!

While researching for a scope based on all of your fine comments I began to feel that I contracted an AG virus!  As a result, I have been lusting over a TX200 MKIII and this now leads me to my next round of questions.  If I elect to go the TX200 route my cost to set the gun set up properly will approach $800.   I also have available to me a new RWS 48 in .22 for $370 to my door.  I would save $200 or so over the TX and that, at the moment, seems like the sensible thing to do.
 
I am seeking a finer, fixed barrel rifle that is accurate, with a good trigger and recoil that is not as harsh as the 34.  The trigger on the TX has gotten a lot of accolades and has been compared to the HW trigger system.  I am not too sure about the T06 trigger that would come with the RWS48.  I would appreciate some comments on all of this, please.  My AG’s will still be used for pest control, but I will probably be doing a lot more target shooting than pest killing. To the best of my knowledge there are no FT shoots anywhere near me, so all of my target shooting will be at my homestead.  I am looking forward to your help.

David

[amb5500c]

The TX is truly a fine rifle. Its pretty and shoots accurately and has an excellant trigger. The RWS 48 on the other hand, is not quite as pretty, but shoots accurately and with power to spare and has a very nice trigger also. The TX is mainly a target gun but can be used for hunting. The RWS 48 is exactly the opposite in my opinion. You are a winner either way.
Richard

[lizzie]

While researching for a scope based on all of your fine comments I began to feel that I contracted an AG virus!   

Join the club! Since I've joined here, I've become a compulsive pawn shop visitor and googler of air rifles.

Sorry, I can't help with your questions, but always interested in reading the responses.

[Woodstock]

Richard, then it would seem that saving the $200 would make sense since it is destined to be a pest controller and informal plinker/target shooter.  It is unfortunate that I have to purchase these rifles sight unseen.  I did see a RWS 34 with a beech stock at Cabela's, but I was not at all impressed with that stock....ended up with the synthetic Panther.  Is the RWS48 stock an upgrade from the 34?

David

[Mark 611]

The 48 is an all together different rifle! but it still has a plain jane stock, I really like the 48 but if I were going to pic between it and the TX I would pick the TX its more refined gun! and I would get the HC over the MK3 due to the balance and handling of this rifle, IMHO the Pro Sport is a much nicer gun all around but this is just my opinion I've had and still have some of these rifles, if you want big power go with the 48 in .22cal if you want persision get the TX or Pro Sport they are a very refined gun compared to the Diana guns, and come with Lothar Walther barrels on them {AA guns}  I personally would not chose a Diana over a Air Arms gun theirs no comparison between the 2, JMHO

[JimL911]

The 48 has a Utilitarian stock. Side cockers take a bit of care to load safely. You can't rely on the anti bear trap. You need to get your elbow in front of the cocking arm when loading in case it lets go. This is rare but could happen.

You will probably always LUST after a TX and will eventually get one.

Come over to the DWC and ask Diana questions.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/184474/

[Woodstock]

Hi Jim & Mark....well, I am trying to do this one more time...not a few more times, LOL!  The TX is real eye candy in walnut and I have read nothing but high praise for the gun.  The Diana's OTOH, while still garnering accolades seem to need some further work to get up to speed with a TX out of the box.  The AA specs on the PA site for the 3 rifles (MKIII, HC & ProSport) are a little confusing.  I read somewhere (my eyes are tired from all this reading, LOL)that the HC is exactly the same as the MKIII barrel length and all.  The only difference is the barrel shroud/baffle which is 3" shorter.  Yet there is a .80lb difference in weight.  I stand 6'1" and a 38" rifle seems mighty short to me.  On the cocking of a side lever...that would concern me...sounds like it would be rather awkward for someone with long arms such as myself.  It looks like no matter how hard I try to be frugal I end up back at the high end again!

I will peruse that site, JIM.....thanks.

David

[amb5500c]

Well I have a Pro Sport and absolutely love it. It has decent power and it hits where I point it. It is a very beautiful gun also. I have an RWS 48 too. It is my "go to" spring gun for hunting. Its no where near as pretty as the Pro Sport, but is crazy powerful. As for accuracy, I really cant tell which gun is best. They are both capable of more accuracy than I am. If I had to make your decision, I would have to go with my heart on this one. You seem to have already been studying the specs of the guns you like. So look at several pictures of each, and decide which one you just cant live without. Like I said before, your a winner either way.
Richard

[ZzyzxJoshua]

Have a nice TX200 MkIII in .22. Have a CharlieDaTuna Turbo Tuned RWS 48 in .177 and an untuned model 48 as well. Also a 34 Panther and two 350 magnums, one tuned and one untuned.

Buy the TX200 MkIII. Mine has a Beech stock and it is up to the metal work without qualification. Very nice, clean and finely worked woodwork all the way around.

Easy cocking. Straight shooting. Less recoil. Quieter by far. Much more refined. A 'finished' rifle when compared to any of the DianaRWS rifles I have or have shot.

My use is mainly pest and varmint control. From blackbirds to badgers with the main targets these days being blackbirds and muskrats.

You can change the spring in the TX in 10 minutes without a spring compressor. Mine came with two extras and I have now tried them all and am staying with the one that seems to me to give the best results on muskrats at about 35 yards. Think it is the Macarri spring the fine gentleman I traded with included.(he had two extra springs)

My experience is simple. Not years and years of experience but going on 5 now a bit more seriously - tho I have had the original Diana Model 48 since the early/mid 80's. There is not comparison in shooting, the TX200 is(for me) much better all the way around.

[Woodstock]

ZzyzxJoshua, thanks for your comments...they seem to confirm what I have learned from all of my reading & it seems to make sense for me to get the MKIII.  Having said that, instant gratification tempts me to get a RWS 48 since that is affordable now and use it for varmint control then purchase a MKIII when finances permit.

Question...do you have the beech stock on your MKIII and if so does it detract from the fine metal work?  While I take good care of all of my firearms, this AG will be standing in a corner in the kitchen for a quick grab IYKWIM & the stock is susceptible to getting dinged up a bit. 

Another question since you have both... is the RWS48 difficult/awkward for you to load safely.

Lastly, is the power difference between the MKIII and RWS48 easily noticible or must one really look for it?

Thanks!

[lettercarrier1]

http://www.straightshooters.com/Air%20Arms/tx200carbinebeech.html

http://www.straightshooters.com/rws/r48.html

very easy to compare them, one is an underlevel and the other a side level

M48 is $360.00 and capable of 850 fps in .22 cal.

TX is a $560.00 and 760 fps in .22 cal

you are looking @ a - $200.00 difference and a + 90 fps difference in the M48 compared to the TX model

@ 40 yards that 90 fps difference makes a point worth considering

@ 20 yards that TX is SPOT ON and so is the M48

and don't compare triggers (rekord and TO) series because the TO has gone from the 1-2-3-4-5-6 series while the rekord has gone to NOTHING

I will give you and the Air Arms TX the merit they deserve if you give the same on the M48 and I have the TX (1), B40 (2) and some M48's (to many) to count, just ask Howie1.

Nice thread


 

[Woodstock]

lettercarrier1,

THX for your comments.  I read all of the SS info before I posted.  One thing I note from their summary is that recoil with the RWS48 is "Heavy".  Since you own both could you elaborate on your perceived recoil with both rifles and what, if any, effect it has on your shooting?  Most of my shooting will be from 15 ft to 30 yards and anywhere in between.  I do practice from my deck to a target that is at 45 yards, however, with iron sights I am not proficient enough to shoot at animals.....pest or otherwise without a scope.

Not sure what you mean by telling me not to compare triggers.  I believe the Record trigger is on HW's & Beeman's so not sure why you mentioned it.  The trigger on my RWS 34 Panther is the T05 and is a bit heavy.

[Woodstock]

John,

Well, unless I mis-read I need all three!!!  I wasn't planning on ditching the 34P....it is a nice rifle and I am learning how to shoot it, but I do have some issues as mentioned above.  My intent is to have one open sighted rifle and one scoped handy for the critter control.

Regarding the power...I was surprised that several of my hits on chippers with my 34P were not pass throughs.  I did a 55 yard shot from a rest on a crow that needed a follow-up and the first shot was a good hit.  I am a big believer in one shot one kill...don't like wounding.  Maybe this is a deciding factor for the 48.

Can you elaborate more on the T05 vs the T06.  I have read a lot of posts bemoaning the T05 and I "assumed" that I should only consider a 48 with the T06.  I can get a 48 for $370 to my door, but have no way of knowing what trigger it has....it is new so I am thinking a T06, but I thought that on my 34 and it came with a T05.

I seem to be gravitating toward a 48 and postponing the TX until I sell one of my other toys.  It sure would be nice to get some hands on with all of this, but that is not to be!

[clip]

Hey Woodstock...quite a quandary in which you find yourself. I have both the TX200 and Diana 52  ( which is the same rifle as the 48, just a better stock ). My TX is used for target while my hunting gun is the 52/48. There's more power in the Diana but either rifle will do the job. I don't believe the side lever or the under lever cocking method will bother you after you get used to it. Just be sure to keep a good grip on the lever as you load. In my opinion, the Diana is easier to load than the TX200. The TX has a smaller loading port on the top of the chamber that I find awkward to load a pellet...but that could just be me.  Both of mine happen to be .177 caliber although I believe the .22 is better for hunting. Whichever rifle you decide on, you won't be disappointed. If the cost is paramount at this time, I'd go for the Diana which would leave enough for a good scope. Either one will make you happy.
    Larry

[Woodstock]

Thanks Larry....I am leaning toward the 48 & will probably order one on Monday.  What scope do you have on your 52?

[Mark 611]

If you decide on a new 48 make sure you get one with a T06 trigger and .22cal! they are much better than the T05, and once adjusted correctly their very nice indeed! I don't know what your pest control issues are but a .177cal TX can handle just about any small game with reasonable distance and shot placement! shot placement is key over power! a good medium powered springer that is consistently accurate and you are capable of putting the pellet where you want it is better than having a hammer that may or may not hit the mark! unless your hunting G -Hog's at 75+yds you don't need a big magnum springer I've taken many wabbits out at 70yds with my Pro Sport in .22cal at 700fps and my HW97k in .22cal at 700fps with one shot kills! w/14.3gr Cphp's and crows too! just my 2ct

[Woodstock]

Just when I thought I had made a decision.....LOL.....this is getting harder not easier!!  Mark, your comments are much appreciated & I definitely agree on shot placement; especially given the fact that I shoot a lot of archery with stick & string. My rationale is:  the RWS 48 is a good solid quality rifle with more than adequate power in .177 or .22, it comes with a set of iron sights and it will cost me $360 to my door with the T06 trigger.  The TX will cost me $570 & will need to be scoped immediately just to be able to shoot it.  Also, I would be a lot less anxious about dinging the 48 over the walnut TX that I lust over (been there with my O/U Guerini shotgun in winter skeet league…it is up for sale now!)

What adds to the complexity of this decision is some of the seemingly conflicting statements regarding caliber and speed.  It is sort of like the never ending battle between .9mm and .45acp pistol owners and the mythical “stopping power” of each.  I own, shoot and carry both with confidence.
 
Going back to my original post you will note that this disease all started with a Gamo Shadow in .l77 that decimated the tree rat, red squirrel problem that was trashing our gardens and invading our home.  I relied on boiler room rather than fuse box hits mainly due to my vision or lack thereof.  The .177 obviously did the job, but frequently needed a quick coup de grace.  So, my thought was a little bigger missile, hence the .22 Panther.  I was a little surprised to discover that my kills were actually a little cleaner with the Shadow…not exactly sure why.  This coupled with the “disease factor” led me to investigate a higher level springer.

It is probably noteworthy to say that if my Guerini was sold I/we wouldn’t be belaboring this decision as a MKIII with a Leapers or Hawke scope would already reside here.  Because cabin fever hits me hard every year I have had to institute some self-imposed rules this year i.e. new toys require the sale of old toys…sound economic principle re-enforced by the fact that I purchased 8 firearms during my last bout with cabin fever.  Kind of embarrassing, LOL.

[Mark 611]

Wood, not tryin to push the TX on you I just want you to really think about you decision and I do think your headed in the right direction! the 48 for what you want to does makes since for a door gun I'd get a T06 .22cal and call it a day!

[lillysdad621]

not to be a party pooper, but the panther you have is already enough for the problem. I owned a rws 34 in .22 and it was a decent pest/hunter out to 50 yards, shooting 660 with crosman premiers if i recall correctly. for the type of shooting you seem to wanted for i would opt for a large body red dot, with adjustable dot size. i would zero it at 20 yards and go from there. As per sideways stringing, well mostly is us pulling the shot... try adjusting the trigger a little lighter, and if not just place the red dot to the left of the target. with a very consistent hold you should be able to cloverleaf 5 shots under a nickel at 20 yards. Also if you can mount the red dot ona weaver rail that has the bottom set for the dovetail that comes with the panther. heck, if you feel thinkeree at all drill a hole in the back and run a long screw down to the dovetail to avoid recoil creep. (but the .22 is a mild recoiling rifle so you should not need it)
I do own a TX in .177, great gun, but not a pester. I did trade a rws 54 for it, and that one was definitely not a pester... more of a howitzer. if money was not an object my eyes would turn to the venerable R1 in .22, or better yet the RX2 in .25. perfect garden guns.

[hw77grey]

Between the two mentioned, I would pick the tx, both are great but the tx shoots better  than almost anything, and when hunting, confidence in your tool is crucial.