Info/education on the Diana 350 magnum?

[L4z4r0s]

Hello everyone, happy new year!!!

While still in the search for a new rifle, I'm also considering getting a magnum springer. So far the only two options that I quite like are the hw80 and the diana 350 magnum. Over the two I think that I prefer the diana rifle a little bit more because of the more slender stock (along with the fact that it has checkering) and the resettable safety. I was wondering;

1) Since this rifle is considered to be a scope eater, what scope/mount setup is advised for it?

2) How hard/easy is it to work on it? Also how hold sensitive is it?

3) I've seen that there is a chinese copy of the rifle called the xisico xs-28. How does the diana rifle differ from it's chinese copy? (aside from being a european made rifle?).

4) Would an HW80 be a better choice over this in the case of a magnum springer?

5) More general question; is a magnum springer worth it compared to lower powered rifles considering the harsher shot cycle they produce?

Sorry for producing another post about a completely different rifle etc, it's just that researching for springers is pretty new to me and I'm still trying to learn as much as I can before making a choice.

Any input/info/opinion would be more than welcome!

Thanks in advance!!

[Yogi]

Where will you be shooting and what will you be shooting?  That is the most important thing.  No springer does everything.

-Y

[Denby95]

I've seen a few of your other posts asking about various springers. Feel like you really need (if possible) to get some of these in your hands and perhaps figure it out from there.

1. The mount that is consider the 'scope saver' is a ZR mount from diana. It has the ability to absorb recoil. Some people like them, I tried one, didn't like it and run both my diana 460 and D54 with standard BKL mounts and airmax scopes. No issues so far.

2. Phoboesis (spelling) has some recent posts taking his apart, so you can see the experience there. They're simple as long as you have a spring compressor and use dummy pins for the trigger group. You'll find other things on the internet about taking them apart, they're on par with other dianas. 

3. Can't comment on this, but I know Mike Melick at flying dragons sells alot of those clones and people like them a fair bit after he's cleaned them up, tuned them, and fixed the omissions of the factory.

4. I've never had an HW80. But when I compare my HW95 and HW97 to my Dianas, there is just zero comparison when it comes to aesthetics and fit and finish between the two. In terms of shooting experience they're all very different and I wouldn't want to compare apples to oranges since they vary in caliber (.177 vs .22) and in power output but all put shots on target and I enjoy them. So if fit and finish matters (being pretty), it's unlikely the HW is gonna lose.

5. Are you older? Or do you have any arm/shoulder issues? That can be another concern for people on magnums is that the cocking force can be something they can do yes but only for so many shots before it becomes tiring.

[RedFeather]

I have two Chinese clones, a Ruger Air Magnum and an XS28, both in .22. The 350 does best with .22 pellets. No one has any in stock at present. Mike has the XS28 and offers a full tune for $100. I'd recommend one of his. The cocking effort is not too bad thanks to the compound cocking linkage. Shooting the 350 entails what has been called a "steep learning curve". It takes a while to master one. I liken these to high powered, magnum rifles intended for hunting rather than target shooting. Here's a link to Mike's shop:

http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/blog/

[Toxylon]

I feel we have been over these questions these past couple weeks already, no? I also feel that we're closing in on the "you have to decide for yourself" territory.

IMO / IME, magnum springers are best enjoyed with iron sights (not neccessarily factory sights, which are pretty sad these days), and not just because the magnums, and especially lightweight magnums, tend to break even better scopes pretty fast.

The 350 Mag is very straight-forward to take apart. I hear the HW80 is not, what with the screw-on end cap etc.

The 350 Mag is among the most hold-sensitive production springers around. But that only means you need to hold the gun always the same. If you take your time and are careful, the 350 Mag will be very accurate, with plenty of power.

The 350 Mag is appreciably lighter, but appreciably longer than the HW80. Only you can say which combination suits you better.

Esthetics are way more than just fit and finish. The lines of the gun trump those, for instance. If the shape of the swelte 350 Mag calls your name over the portly HW80, the choice is easy.

Whether magnum springers are "worth it" is UTTERLY dependent on you. I personally enjoy immensely shooting, and tweaking, high-power springers. I have no use for low-power springers, and little use for mid-power models. Your mileage may vary.

[Bayman]

Ok lots big questions. First you should ask yourself the most important question. Do you need a magnum springer? It seems you flirt with lots of ideas. Not that there's anything wrong with that. IMO the Hw80 is a better rifle. Neither are easy to shoot accurately. I almost feel as you're a plant to develop website traffic. There's lots of good people here to help legitimate concerns. Why don't you buy a gun and come back if you need any help. For crying out loud you're not picking a bride or a house. Just buy something. Anything! Please. Myself and others have typed pages and pages of valid detailed information to help you with your initial interest. Now you discarded all that to start another line of questions. I'm done responding to you until you actually buy something. I've spent more time furnishing you information about choosing a BB gun then I spent buying my first house. This isn't life or death it's BB guns. Sorry all who haven't followed all the OPs threads but read through them all and I dare you to not feel what I feel
Good night
Ron

[Denby95]

I agree with Bayman's point. It's time for you to buy something. Whatever you buy you may love, or you may want something different. Thats why most of us own MANY of them. You'll get a mid range, then decide you want something higher power, then decide you want something just for easy plinking. And once you own all of those, you'll continue to pick up new ones to experiment with.

[mpbby]

Happy New Year!!

For a long-term relationship, magnum springers are for a few.  I totally agree about the “steep learning curve”.  So, first of all, I think you should carefully realize about your actual ‘needs’, and, on the other hand .. if your profile is more rational to accomplish consistent accuracy - or – if you are compatible with an endless (and emotional) challenge.  In the first case, I think you should go for a medium power springer, and an objectively easier life ahead.

I am in the second case.  Guided by passion, I got married with the Diana 350 T06 .22 about 8+ years ago and, what was a surprise to the newbie, she is picky, and a hard part of the learning curve has been about scopes (and mounts).  While the whole setup is technically reliable (average fps, ES=extreme spread, holding zero), although I accept the obligation to be always ‘repeatable’, I also had to learn to “enjoy the hits and disregard the misses” (for me, just a ‘marriage wisdom’).  My rational part only comes in for troubleshooting.

Objectively, think twice..  I like The Beatles and even remembered the song The Night Before.

Seriously, if you decide to face the 350 challenge, I will be here to listen and try to help. 

[RedFeather]

Why does anyone need a magnum? Why not? Buy one, try one. If you don't like it, sell it. I never thought I'd buy a big magnum. Now I've got over half a dozen. And I shoot them indoors at ten meters, lol. A Slavia 618 will kill the paper just as well but I still like using them. (And the "little" springers, too.)  So make your play and let us know how you do or don't like it.

Also, ypu know there's been a ton of online info regarding the 350 over the past twenty years. I've seen more questions on that gun lately which could have been answered 90% with a little Googling here and elsewhere. Seems no one wants to do the legwork anymore. There are some seriously good older threads out there. Blow the dust off of them. Researching is half the fun in buying a gun.

[SpiralGroove]

Happy New Year!!
For a long-term relationship, magnum Springer's are for a few.

Yes, I had a 2 year relationship with Hatsan Springer's, and while to did enjoy it (getting back into airguns after 36 years) - the University of Hatsan taught me build quality is important, accuracy trumps power, learning to shoot magnums can be frustrating for a newbie.

After reading all these threads, I would recommend he buy a HW50S or HW30S. 
Forget about potential problems as all guns have issues - The GTA can help if anything pops up.

You will likely fall in Love, but can easily sell it if she's incompatible.
 

[JNG]

I like my 350's. But I understand exactly what they are, a very high velocity spring piston air rifle with all the faults that ANY similar rifle would have. I would buy them again, and would buy them over any other comparable model from any other brand.

To answer your questions directly-

1. The Diana ZR Bullseye mount is what you need. As for the optic, pick something very light, springer rated, and with a good warranty. I would suggest the Japanese made Clearridge.

2. Not hard to work on compared to some other brands/models. Yes it is hold sensitive, but what spring piston rifle is not?? Learn how to shoot it and it will bring a smile to your face every time.

3. I do not and will not buy Chinese clones/copies of anything knowingly. A unique Chinese airgun is one thing, but I will not buy cheaply made copies.

4. While HW's are nice, I strongly prefer Diana's.

5. Only you can answer that. Magnum springer rifles are somewhat a specialized beast. Do you have a specific need/want/desire for one? I will say this, learning how to shoot the higher velocity springers well (of any brand) will make you a better shot with other less demanding air rifles.

[phoebeisis]

Konstantinos

I have a Diana 350 .177 and a Diana 460 .22.

I love them-they are RIFLES-that look like Rifles-and as Duke mentioned some other brands "look portly" ha,ha  good word-portly.

The Diana's are sleek-I like to look at them about as much-well not quite but close-as my TX200 which is almost too pretty(walnut).

They are magnums-but I don't hunt-just shoot inside(neighbors would freak if I shot in backyard) in my bedroom-hallway-bedroom "10 meter range"

Why magnums if I don't hunt?

THEY ARE FUN!!   BAM BAM FUN!! To some degree they replicate the firearms experience without the cost-extreme report    violent recoil(my  .40 .45 .357 pistols)  smoke   

and they do it safely indoors.

The Diana magnums  are more  FUN than other air rifles-

they shoot great and look great-but they are MORE FUN than wimpy rifles

I am old-70-and small 170lbs  5'5"   but have no problem cocking them-I do have a cheater-16" PVC cheater-if that day comes for the 460-and I can make a break barrel cheater too

[Toxylon]

I honestly don't think that a person looking seriously into quality magnum springers would be happy with a HW35 or HW50. I know full well I wouldn't have been.

As large and helpful as the GTA community is, it is not really representative of airgunners out there. The scores of mostly younger bucks who want to see how a magnum goes down are mostly elsewhere. It's not hard to find online material by people who are seriously and long-term in love with their British Patriots, 460 Mags etc.

[JNG]

I honestly don't think that a person looking seriously into quality magnum springers would be happy with a HW35 or HW50. I know full well I wouldn't have been.

As large and helpful as the GTA community is, it is not really representative of airgunners out there. The scores of mostly younger bucks who want to see how a magnum goes down are mostly elsewhere. It's not hard to find online material by people who are seriously and long-term in love with their British Patriots, 460 Mags etc.

The second paragraph is certainly spot on! GTA is a wonderful resource, but is not exactly representative of a lot of airgunners on a global scale.

[phoebeisis]

Like Duke and JNG say-

MAGNUMS are FUN- young guys and gals want  POWERFUL guns- a BENJAMIN PUMP-not a RED RYDER(sorry Daisy)

As JNG and Duke politely suggested   forum members tend to be "not young"

I am 70 yo

[Toxylon]

People who want a Dodge Viper aren't going to have fun in a Vauxhall instead. Overcoming challenges is what accomplishments are made of. In the words of Dean Torges: "I can't think of anything quick and easy that was worth doing."

Getting a powerful spring piston airgun to hit small targets at 55 yards feels like a real accomplishment, and is very doable. If I've done it, most anyone can.

[RedFeather]

Aw, but you can have fun in little four banger Spitfire or MGB, too. Spent enough time ragging around in an old Alpine to know that. 😉 Airguns offer quite a broad spectrum. Low power, high power. State of the art, 2022 or 1932. Each facet offers a lot. But, again, 350's, 460's, big Hatsans are primarily hunting guns, the nitro express versions of the springer world. Big thumpers will always be harder to shoot and sessions shorter. So, if you do chose a 350, remember that comes with the territory.

[Yogi]

It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

Until the OP says where and what he expects to shoot, we don't know enough to make any recommendations.

-Y

[L4z4r0s]

I would like to be able to shoot 2cm groups at about 35 yards and be able to hit stuff out to maybe 100 yards (not group, but at least be able to hit an empty shotgun shell at that range). I know that all this will require a lot of practice and patience to achieve... but then again I like a challenge. This is pretty much my requirement in terms of accuracy and performance.

[SpiralGroove]

It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.
Until the OP says where and what he expects to shoot, we don't know enough to make any recommendations.
-Y

The OP has started two threads where he was given much information.
At this point no one is sure what his real purpose is, other than to give circular information/arguments.

It's hard to help someone who isn't aware of their needs, problems or goals ...... or a way to prioritize .