Which airgun would be the best purchase?

[JDB]

I am new to the sport of airgun shooting and would like some advice on buying a new, good quality, magnuum powered airgun (springer). I have been doing some research and have decided that my best options are the Weihrauch HW90 or the Diana model 52. The Pro-Elite seems to be a very good air rifle, based on the general comments on this forum, but I dont know whether these rifles are available in South Africa.

After reading through some of the discussions posted on this site, I am concerned with the controversy surrounding the quality issues of Weihrauch airguns of recent? Is this justified!

I initially thought buying a good airgun would be a fairly simple task, but I am now totally confused with the available options. What would be my best bet?

Thank you for your time.

Jason

[Waelwulfas]

I may be out-voted but I would endorse the Diana 52. It is utterly reliable, built like a schoolhouse and once you get settled with it has incredible accuracy. Some people dislike the plastic trigger although I owned one for many years without complaint. I can't comment on the HW not having owned or fired one. The 52 will wind up to very high power levels I've seen them running over 28ftlbs.

[Pat...]

Pro-elite

Easier to operate and maintain and less to go wrong than the Diana - might bear that in mind if parts are hard to source where you are.....

Pat

[It deserved it...]

Jason,

I have a diana 52, and it's been a great.
no hassle at all.
a bit on the heavy side though.

i haven't used an HW90 yet, but have used a few 77's and found them to very good.

I spose the best advice would be to try them both, and buy from a dealer.

nathan

[5thplaceron]

Go for the Diana 52 or better still the Diana 54 semi recoiless a dream to shoot ,but be warned they are scope wreckers so get a spring air gun rated scope with life time warranty ,you may need it .Ron.

[rustambana]

Why haven't you considered the Theoben Eliminator? I'm pretty certain that a BBS member from SA imported one recently.

I don't like the Diana 52's much. My short list would include an Eliminator (28 ft.lbs. in 0.22"), a Venom Maglaza tuned HW80K (20 ft.lbs. in 0.22") and a Pro-Elite (20-22 ft.lbs. in 0.22").

Are you permitted to import directly from the manufacturer or a registered firearms dealer in the U.K.?

Rustam.

[JKOrrock]

jkorrock@hotmail.com

We can chat, I am a local boy.

[instantkarma]

the 90k is a gas ram not a springer but as i own both the pro elite and the 90k i would have to say the 90k is nicer to live with at 12ft/lbs.
however for fac levels i'd go 4 the pro elite.