Today we’re accessorizing the Diana Bandit Tactical PCP carbine! Yes, it’s only just announced but one has arrived here at the HAM offices and so I’ve started pre-review playing – er, I mean informal testing, with the gun. Here’s the results so far…
First off, I have to say that I’m amazed by just how small and light the Bandit Tactical really is. The all-up weight is just 3 Lbs 5 Oz and that’s with the bundled red dot sight installed and a full magazine of .22 caliber pellets in place. It really is amazingly small and light!
It looks like it should be a great little plinker and squirrel gun!
But the purpose of this post is to highlight some of the capabilities of the Bandit Tactical for adding cool accessories. After all, this is intended to be a fun plinker, so let’s have some fun with it!
Accessorizing The Diana Bandit Tactical PCP Carbine – M-Lok Slots
As we saw in the heading photograph above, the Bandit Tactical can be fitted with an independent-leg bipod. I installed a Leapers Recon Flex M-Lok Bipod. It worked well and can be folded horizontally to be conveniently out-of the-way when not required.
Another option for M-LOK slot use is to install a forward handgrip/stop. I installed a Leapers UTG Ultra Slim Angled Foregrip and found this very useful for acquiring a convenient – and consistent – grip on the gun’s forend.
One thing to note about the Bandit Tactical is that the M-LOK laden foregrip also functions as a barrel band. It grasps the barrel good and tight, a feature that will be welcomed by many.
Accessorizing The Diana Bandit Tactical PCP Carbine – Pistol Grip
While this is not a feature publicized by Diana, the pistol grip is actually AR15-compatible. I tried a couple of AR-fit grips, as follows…
First was a “vertical” grip…
Then I tried a “beavertail” grip. This I really liked! For me, this provides a solid, comfortable and attractive grip that transformed the entire feel of the gun.
The manufacturer is Ergo Air (as was the other grip above). I will be leaving this in place for our shooting test of the Bandit Tactical.
Accessorizing The Diana Bandit Tactical PCP Carbine – What Didn’t Work
The Pyramyd web page says that the bundled, installed silencer can be removed. For replacement with an aftermarket alternative, obviously. A muzzle cap is also included with the gun, so Diana obviously expects it to be removable, too.
However – as with other Diana airguns – I was unable to remove the silencer fitted to the test gun. What we should probably say is that the amount of torque I was willing to apply to the silencer was less that actually required. After all, I haven’t shot the thing yet and don’t want to break it!
The Pyramyd web page also indicates that the AR15-type stock is removable.
But again, I was unable to loosen the locking ring with my Leapers UTG AR15 Armoror’s Multi-Function Combo Wrench. This was not a big issue as I was happy with the bundled stock. But it did prevent me from trying out the Bandit Tactical as a pistol.
Full review to follow!
BUY FROM PYRAMYD
Diana Bandit Tactical PCP Air Carbine 0.177
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