I was inspired to make this post while I was shooting my Diana 36 tonight. I marveled (again) at how well it shoots, how little money I have into it, and how long it will probably last me.
And I started thinking that, while my setup isn't perfect, I could probably reproduce it today for very modest money.
Since mine cost me around $200, I set that as the price point. And I don't want to include pricing mistakes, crazy deals, etc. Just reasonable new or used prices on all equipment.
How did I get there?
$75: circa 1988 Diana 36 in .177, T01 trigger. Its in pretty good cosmetic condition. Someone stored it cocked so it shoots a little soft but it is impressively accurate. Bought it from a good sized gun store a little.over a year ago.
$75: used Athlon Neos 4-12x40. Good glass, light, springer warranteed side focus scope (10 yds) but sadly, it has a simple duplex reticle. Bought it recently on an airgun forum and its mounted with some Hawke rings that I think came on it. If not, they came on another scope. Essentially free.
$40-50: I will buy an ARH spring for it next time I order, and I have a Vortek seal on hand. It's ahooting around 12 fpe now and I like it there, so it will be getting a mild spring. I won't be in any hurry to imswap it in either.
And that keeps the rig at $200. Its an easy cocking, high quality rifle that will plink all day, hunt all day, and last a lifetime. And if you're a serious shooter, I think the odds are high that you couldn't outshoot it.
It's worth noting that I just pulled an old Bushnell Sportview 4-12x40 AO (Korea) scope off it in favor of the Athlon and its warranty. The Bushnell had been on it since I bought it and has held up just fine to a tin or two of pellets. I think I paid $25 for it, and it was a very good match for the rifle. It could stay on the Diana and that would bring things down to $150. Down to $100 if I just keep shooting it without replacing the spring, which wouldn't bother me at all.
Generally speaking, I don't think you'll find a better used springer deal out there than the various Diana 34 rifles. A model 36 if you get lucky, buy a slip on rubber butt pad for your 34 if you don't.
As for new gear, well I suppose I'd look at the Crosman line (wood stocks for me!) and the Ruger Airhawk/Blackhawk. And, don't laugh - CenterPoint, Tasco Air and CV Life scopes. I have a recently purchased CV Life 4.5-14x40 AO that has decent glass, a good mil-dot reticle and has held up fine (so far) on a very light but 20 fpe BSA Meteor. Cost me $43 delivered direct from CV Life. And reports on the Tasco airgun scopes (duplex reticles only) are consistently positive.
Anyway, what combination would YOU put together in that price range, and why?
And I started thinking that, while my setup isn't perfect, I could probably reproduce it today for very modest money.
Since mine cost me around $200, I set that as the price point. And I don't want to include pricing mistakes, crazy deals, etc. Just reasonable new or used prices on all equipment.
How did I get there?
$75: circa 1988 Diana 36 in .177, T01 trigger. Its in pretty good cosmetic condition. Someone stored it cocked so it shoots a little soft but it is impressively accurate. Bought it from a good sized gun store a little.over a year ago.
$75: used Athlon Neos 4-12x40. Good glass, light, springer warranteed side focus scope (10 yds) but sadly, it has a simple duplex reticle. Bought it recently on an airgun forum and its mounted with some Hawke rings that I think came on it. If not, they came on another scope. Essentially free.
$40-50: I will buy an ARH spring for it next time I order, and I have a Vortek seal on hand. It's ahooting around 12 fpe now and I like it there, so it will be getting a mild spring. I won't be in any hurry to imswap it in either.
And that keeps the rig at $200. Its an easy cocking, high quality rifle that will plink all day, hunt all day, and last a lifetime. And if you're a serious shooter, I think the odds are high that you couldn't outshoot it.
It's worth noting that I just pulled an old Bushnell Sportview 4-12x40 AO (Korea) scope off it in favor of the Athlon and its warranty. The Bushnell had been on it since I bought it and has held up just fine to a tin or two of pellets. I think I paid $25 for it, and it was a very good match for the rifle. It could stay on the Diana and that would bring things down to $150. Down to $100 if I just keep shooting it without replacing the spring, which wouldn't bother me at all.
Generally speaking, I don't think you'll find a better used springer deal out there than the various Diana 34 rifles. A model 36 if you get lucky, buy a slip on rubber butt pad for your 34 if you don't.
As for new gear, well I suppose I'd look at the Crosman line (wood stocks for me!) and the Ruger Airhawk/Blackhawk. And, don't laugh - CenterPoint, Tasco Air and CV Life scopes. I have a recently purchased CV Life 4.5-14x40 AO that has decent glass, a good mil-dot reticle and has held up fine (so far) on a very light but 20 fpe BSA Meteor. Cost me $43 delivered direct from CV Life. And reports on the Tasco airgun scopes (duplex reticles only) are consistently positive.
Anyway, what combination would YOU put together in that price range, and why?
