Well you wont get one from Ruag Ammotec (the importers)anymore cos I bought the last one they had about 3 weeks ago
I have replied to a similar topic over on the AGF recently. From memory (cant 100% put dates to this) but the '38 was introduced here as a replacement to the '45 which was being withdrawn. I am not sure if they were ever sold alongside one another.
I seem also to recall Diana bringing out a range of rifles they branded "Firebirds"- this is way before BSA got hold of the brand name- early 90's I think. I lusted after a '38 for ages and one came up here for sale not that far from where I live. Its the only bad deal I have ever had on here as the compression tube was badly scored and it will never make full compression.
The new one I have got has a manufacture date stamp on it of late 03- so that tells you how many have been sold of late? I have only fired a couple of clearing shots into the back garden and so I may scope it up on the weekend and give it a whirl. Its a bit twangy right now- but since it was lubed back then and not fired since I am not really suprised. Its certainly got the basics right and with a nice tune up I have no doubt it will be sweet to shoot. Not that heavy either. Pity Diana never stretched to fitting a cast ally trigger blade though? Plastic is a bit of a let down- but I guess its strong enough.
I did a similar thread on here a good while back and I think I only had 2 responses from other owners- so I do wonder where all the '38s went? As I said on the AGF, I have a hunch that some of Diana rifles are more popular in some countries than others- so maybe the '38 sold better elsewhere? From looking at a couple of the American forums, the '34 seems popular over there. I cant really see that many differences between them really and often wonder what was the logic behind the numbering of each model? Does anyone know? Is it the higher the number- the greater the power potential or is it how Diana see each rifle rank in order of prestige- with the '54 being "top of the tree"?
In my quest to track a '38 down- I found a shop with 2 others- so if there is anyone out there desperate for this soon to become (if it isnt already) rare rifle- give me a pm.
They are a bit pricey nowadays for what is a fairly plain rifle- but I still like them all the same.
Cheers,
Dave