Springer Tuning Projects.

[Barryg]

I now have 2 diana 280k's on their way to me. One as least will get tuned to within an inch of its life, just to see how good I can get it

I just cant see it being better than a tuned 34 but my mind is open don't forget to post a review that would be

[robs5230]

I just cant see it being better than a tuned 34 but my mind is open don't forget to post a review that would be

I will Barry.
Its lighter than the 34 and shorter too which makes it better for me.
It makes more than enough power in .177 (easily) for UK sub 12 needs where the 34 has more than needed.

I'm open minded about it too at the minute and I'll need to see what effect the K barrel has being 100mm shorter than the Pro I have here. I'm thinking there will be negligible power loss.

My main reservation is the t06 trigger. I found the one on my 280 Pro very difficult to get right. Now I have 2 more to sort.

[maximus]

I just cant see it being better than a tuned 34 but my mind is open don't forget to post a review that would be

What's your reason for thinking this? The only difference is a shorter stroke and hence a bit more cocking effort.

[Barryg]

What's your reason for thinking this? The only difference is a shorter stroke and hence a bit more cocking effort.

A few reasons here is one for a start
https://youtu.be/i1rkJ63tYmk

The 34 has just got what it takes, that's why there is so many versions.

[JohnnyPiston]

I have a Walther LGU .177 project underway. The plan is to have it set up at approx 14fpe. BMS Precision fully adjustable trigger unit arrivred, and a custom stock is being made, hope to have everything set up by January!

[maximus]

A few reasons here is one for a start
https://youtu.be/i1rkJ63tYmk

The 34 has just got what it takes, that's why there is so many versions.

They could of done the same with a 280, I have both and wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different. Have you shot a 280??

[Barryg]

They could of done the same with a 280, I have both and wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different. Have you shot a 280??

Maybe they could have got the 280 to the same standard but the 34 is time tested and shoots effortless also a better stock and a thicker barrel. The 280 is a fine little springer but a nicely set up 34 is a hard break barrel to beat and I think you know that really

[tinbum]

I have an SMK B2 sat on the bench like a turd floating in the fruit punch.

#livingthedream

[look no hands]

I have an SMK B2 sat on the bench like a turd floating in the fruit punch.

#livingthedream

Could be worse, could be a HW35, so what's the plan with the B2?

Pete

[robs5230]

Maybe they could have got the 280 to the same standard but the 34 is time tested and shoots effortless also a better stock and a thicker barrel. The 280 is a fine little springer but a nicely set up 34 is a hard break barrel to beat and I think you know that really

Hi Barry, re: the 280 barrels. I have 3 here and 2 are 16mm. One of my K's has a 15mm barrel. The other K and the pro compact are 16mm

[Drew451]

Hi Barry, re: the 280 barrels. I have 3 here and 2 are 16mm. One of my K's has a 15mm barrel. The other K and the pro compact are 16mm

The 28 and 280 were always 7/8th scale 34's. I would agree with the post above in that they are neither superior to the 34, just different. I do contend that as far as .177 calibre Diana's go , I would have the 34, but in .22 I would be happy with either (standard guns).
I do not think the stocks are inferior, either, but saying that the ambi "hump" on the 280 is a bit of an acquired taste on the eyeballs. The basic non -stippled 280 Classic is still a nice looking, if plain, gun.

[robs5230]

What's your reason for thinking this? The only difference is a shorter stroke and hence a bit more cocking effort.

Hi Maxiumus
I'd possibly question increased cocking effort.
My 280 pro with a full length barrel could be cocked by a small child. Effortless, though has had a bit of work to smooth things out.
I think the stroke issue is that the 280 is running near optimum where the 34 being made for higher powers is overspecced and will have a lazier cycle.
Having said that, none of my 3 280's lack power in any respect. And they are all .177. When set up correctly, the 280 needs careful attention to keep safely under sub 12

[maximus]

Hi Maxiumus
I'd possibly question increased cocking effort.
My 280 pro with a full length barrel could be cocked by a small child. Effortless, though has had a bit of work to smooth things out.
I think the stroke issue is that the 280 is running near optimum where the 34 being made for higher powers is overspecced and will have a lazier cycle.
Having said that, none of my 3 280's lack power in any respect. And they are all .177. When set up correctly, the 280 needs careful attention to keep safely under sub 12

My 280 is a standard length 177, and I have 34's in std and factory carbine length, both 177. My 280 "is a little stiffer to cock than the carbine 34 and no where near as easy as the std length 34 The 280 was bought 2nd hand and whilst it looked near mint on the outside the piston had loads of holes drilled in it. Power wise I struggled at first but found the breach seal was not working although in good order. I shimmed it up and that has cured it but it's just doing 11 with super domes, less with everything else.
The barrel on mine is the same diameter as the 34's and to me the stock is not inferior to the 34 in any way.

[robs5230]

My 280 is a standard length 177, and I have 34's in std and factory carbine length, both 177. My 280 "is a little stiffer to cock than the carbine 34 and no where near as easy as the std length 34 The 280 was bought 2nd hand and whilst it looked near mint on the outside the piston had loads of holes drilled in it. Power wise I struggled at first but found the breach seal was not working although in good order. I shimmed it up and that has cured it but it's just doing 11 with super domes, less with everything else.
The barrel on mine is the same diameter as the 34's and to me the stock is not inferior to the 34 in any way.

On the power subject.
My pro compact full length has been tuned down to 10.6 with express and domes are 9-9.5 easy to cock
the first K I bought is doing 11.2 with superdomes and just marginally less with express. I think its over sprung.
The second K i have is a sandwell one. Producing 11.7 with express and 11 with superdome. Cocking is easy.

If yours is reading highest with superdome I'd think that its also oversprung and cocking effort could be reduced

[maximus]

On the power subject.
My pro compact full length has been tuned down to 10.6 with express and domes are 9-9.5 easy to cock
the first K I bought is doing 11.2 with superdomes and just marginally less with express. I think its over sprung.
The second K i have is a sandwell one. Producing 11.7 with express and 11 with superdome. Cocking is easy.

If yours is reading highest with superdome I'd think that its also oversprung and cocking effort could be reduced

You could be right, I have contemplated chopping a bit off the spring for that very reason but was bothered about it just reducing the power and being left with a spring that was too short! I added weight back into the piston via a brass top hat and washers, it shoots nice enough though I cant stop the spring from twanging totally despite having tight fitting guides and piston sleeve. Might be a twangy spring or could be a bouncy piston. I may try a different spring one day but all I have in my spring stash are various cut down titan no.1's which all seem to stiff when in and definitely over spring the action. I like the Dianas though and they are usually what I reach for when I want a shot these days.