Diana 280 or 34?

[maximus]

Opinions from all sides gratefully received, we can agree to disagree here can't we

I'm going for the Diana. I like the look of it, simple as that.

As good a reason as any! I have a full length .177 and with a mild tune it is a lovely gun to shoot. The cocking effort is a little higher than a 95 and if cocked
in k form with no barrel weight or mod to add extra leverage it would be significant. I am always impressed with how quiet the std length gun is a feel no need to
fit a mod upsetting its handy size. The only thing for me is I would like a longer stock but I am 6' 2" so it may not bother others. Good choice. atb Max

[CaineIsCarter]

As good a reason as any! I have a full length .177 and with a mild tune it is a lovely gun to shoot. The cocking effort is a little higher than a 95 and if cocked
in k form with no barrel weight or mod to add extra leverage it would be significant. I am always impressed with how quiet the std length gun is a feel no need to
fit a mod upsetting its handy size. The only thing for me is I would like a longer stock but I am 6' 2" so it may not bother others. Good choice. atb Max

Thank you, Max, I'm really looking forward to laying my hands on it. You say yours has had a mild tune; can you say exactly what, and whether you did it yourself?

Cheers

Damian

[look no hands]

As already said, lovely gun to shoot, just has a shit stock on it, which is a shame.

Pete

[maximus]

Thank you, Max, I'm really looking forward to laying my hands on it. You say yours has had a mild tune; can you say exactly what, and whether you did it yourself?

Cheers

Damian

Mine has just had a polish, relube and a closer fitting guide and top hat fitted to tame the twang. I hade to re-shape and polish the cocking lever a bit where it engages with the piston as it was graunchey. To strip it you will need a sash cramp to compress the spring. I think I made a plastic piston sleeve from a milk container too. Not so difficult and worth the effort. A polish relube and piston liner would make a significant difference a guide set is a bit of a luxury really. In fact, I'm going to have a plink with mine now! Max

[TRS1]

So, Diana 280 or 34?

280's seem a bit thinner on the ground now...

[bill57]

My 280 was brand new last year. Terrible barrel droop, barrel bent to the left, scope rail was not central on the cylinder, and the breech throat was cut off centre. Was sent straight back, I will never buy another Diana.

[tinbum]

My 280 was brand new last year. Terrible barrel droop, barrel bent to the left, scope rail was not central on the cylinder, and the breech throat was cut off centre. Was sent straight back, I will never buy another Diana.

Yup, new ones are pretty shoddy when compared to AA, HW or SMK

[Drew451]

I have a 280 in .22 and a 34 in each calibre. All full length rifles. The 34 is only very slightly larger than the 280 in overall size. Both handle very nicely and feel similar in that respect. Remember the 280 has fibre optic sights.
The firing cycle is different, due to the different stroke lengths. Not at all sure what I prefer. Like them both. I think the 34 suits .177 cal very well. All of mine are mild mannered but I've read the 280 carbine can be less so in .177.
All of mine seem well built, with good bluing and with none of the faults described above. You may well find it devoid or short of factory lubrication, though.
I think you would be happy with either model, although the 34 Premium undoubtedly looks to best.

[TRS1]

Yup, new ones are pretty shoddy when compared to AA, HW or SMK

Oh dear!!!

[maximus]

Yup, new ones are pretty shoddy when compared to AA, HW or SMK

I recently bought one of the commemorative 35's which is a 34 with the nice metal sights in a fairly basic stock. At 235ish euro from Veranderhaus Schneider I thought it was a bargain. The finish all round is excellent and shoots nice now it's got fitted guides etc.

[CapitalBee]

So, Diana 280 or 34?

280's seem a bit thinner on the ground now...

I bought a fettled 280 off of here. Lovely rifle, in fact I was shooting it this morning, along with my SFS 95 and there's very little between them, possibly the trigger is a tad better on the tuned 95, although the T06 compares well to standard Rekords. It took me a little while longer to find the best pellet for it though (Superdomes).

[TRS1]

I bought a fettled 280 off of here. Lovely rifle, in fact I was shooting it this morning, along with my SFS 95 and there's very little between them, possibly the trigger is a tad better on the tuned 95, although the T06 compares well to standard Rekords. It took me a little while longer to find the best pellet for it though (Superdomes).

Thanks... Been thinking about a 280 for a while. Been down the HW95 and 99 road, but fancied trying something different. I like the slimline classic look of it...

Cheers,
Tim