Diana 280 or 34?

[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]

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.

Thanks for your comments.

[Bluefan]

I've got both in .177 and I like em , both were bone dry when purchased but relatively easy to fix that. The 34 is a bit hold sensitive but accurate once mastered the 280 less hold sensitive but just as accurate neither have had out more than lube and a check over .

[TRS1]

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

Oh dear!!!

[tinbum]

Oh dear!!!

Buy a used one from a year or two back, but remember a ball detent will never match the Hw lock-up

[Barryg]

Buy a used one from a year or two back, but remember a ball detent will never match the Hw lock-up

LOL You must be joking especially the new HW's with the star breech and the screw on lock up bits.

The 34 has one of the best breech and barrel hinge set ups of all the break barrels, (the most robust also)

Metal to Metal cylinder to breech barrel stop and seal,

Twin spring ball catch,

Properly machined block to take bearing washers and a hardened steel sleeve for the barrel hinge bolt.


And even the new 34's once tuned like SFS does (Watch the video) will easy match or better a New HW

[tinbum]

LOL You must be joking

Nope. They're poop. In fact, as almost every one I've seen or owned has had a degree of barrel droop, I would go as far as to say Poop on toast!

[Barryg]

Nope. They're poop. In fact, as almost every one I've seen or owned has had a degree of barrel droop, I would go as far as to say Poop on toast!

Here is a first for you then as you have been so unlucky I am pleased that everyone dont agree with you like SFS and lots of other pros. I admit that they are not like the old ones but neither is HW

[tinbum]

Meh! You'd stick up for them whatever, ain't exactly compelling evidence is it?
With the one's from the last few years I think it's simply a combination of the breech seal and ball detent preventing the angled breech from seating the same every time.

[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.

[jonnyone]

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.

I got hold of one them also but haven't done anything with it just yet. You've gone where I want to go with mine so an encouraged it turned out good mate👍👍
Dave