Roped in another one...need advice on first gun.

[Nico5999]

I roped my friend into airgunning and he wants me to recommend a setup for him.  He likes springers with wood stocks because he doesn't want the hassle of filling a PCP or pumping an MSP.  Powerlets are also out of the question for him.

So far, I have come up with 4 options: the first is a refurb Diana 34 from AGD.  That was my first thought.  Secondly, I thought of Mike Melick and an XS25 with a FULL tune.  Third the Hatsan 95 seemed like it would be a good option.  I've always liked Hatsan and have had good experiences with them.  Finally, a BSA Meteor MK7 looked good since it is in the 12 ftlbs range and will be easy to shoot.

A scope is madatory, and I was thinking a Leapers 4-16x40 would be good.  He has really bad eyes so a minimum maximum magnification of 12x is mandatory, as well as a mil-dot reticle and AO.

He wants to keep the setup under $300

[BenjiHunter]

Of those, I would go with the Diana 34.

[Brazos]

I too would vote for a 34.  Even new it will be under $300.  If $300 is to include a scope a little harder but worth stretching the budget.

[Sfttailrdr46]

  My vote for a first springer is also the D34 . I just picked up a used D34 from a follew GTA member and I have to say it is a delight to shoot and as you can see from my brag list I have several very nice toys in my collection but for an all around relitivly inexpensive rifle the D34 gets my vote. Fit and finish are quality accuracy is good and the rifle is easy to cock

[Chako]

Another vote for the 34, but will the leapers hold up to the recoil?

[Nico5999]

Another vote for the 34, but will the leapers hold up to the recoil?

I have a Leapers on my Hatsan 125 Sniper and it has held up fine, so I'm not worried.

[tomykay12]

Diana34

[JimL911]

The Diana hands down.

[AudiS4]

Hatsan 95 every day of the week. Much more gun then the 34, and more fun with a new gun. Rather spend 150 on a scope, then 300 on just a 34