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Category: RWS/Diana

Editor’s Pick For $400 – Diana RWS 48 / T06 Trigger

There are many, many great air rifles you can buy for $400 or less; however, in our view, none can compare to the total package that is the Diana RWS 48 with the T06 Trigger. And while it may not always be available for $400 or less, when you can get it for this price, we say GO FOR IT!

But why all the fuss over this spring-piston side lever you ask? Please let us explain why we’ve given this rifle the top spot in a very competitive price class.

>>Check RWS 48 Prices & Options!<<

Why We Love the Diana RWS 48

First-Class Build Quality / Fit & Finish

There’s nothing particularly flashy about the RWS 48, but it simply oozes quality throughout. This rifle comes with a gorgeous beechwood (a hardwood) stock with metal that is blued to perfection. Everything is tight and just feels solid on this model. And at roughly 42 inches in total length and 8.5 pounds in weight, this is one extremely well-balanced weapon that is not light, but is easy to hold and reminds you that you are firing a serious piece of air rifle craftsmanship. Think the BMW of air rifles!

Competition-Grade Accuracy

The unparalleled match-grade accuracy of the RWS 48 is well established and beyond reproach, which is precisely why this rifle is used by the U.S. field target club! As such, you will not have to worry about wild fliers here! The RWS 48 can go toe to toe with the most expensive pellet rifles and is capable of maintaining dime/nickle-sized groups at distances that most other elite rifles simply cannot match. In addition, the super high-quality rifling on this barrel also produces absurdly consistent velocities. In short, this rifle delivers consistent, tack-driving accuracy that is limited only by the skill and technique of the user – in fact, we know of no other rifle that brings this level of shooting precision and reliability out of the box for less than $500!

The New & Improved T06 Trigger

The RWS 48 was an instant classic back when it was fitted with the T05 trigger. However, the superiority of the new T06 trigger puts this rifle on an even loftier position. The T06 is in our view the perfect trigger: light, crisp and extremely predictable. Together with the 48’s precisely machined barrel and overall superb balance, you simply cannot ask for a more optimized pellet rifle out of the box. But the T06 not only feels better and more efficiently harnesses the accuracy of this rifle, it is also more durable and just better made than the T05. Consequently, be careful not to purchase any older versions of the RWS 48 as they are likely to come with the T05!

Outstanding Front/Rear Adjustable Open Sights

For those (including myself) that appreciate the rapid target acquisition and simplicity of open-sight shooting, you will love the RWS 48. Both the front and rear sights are adjustable and allow extremely precise positioning thanks to a rail-type mount in the front and a ball bearing elevation adjustment in the rear. Indeed, with quality sights like these, you could postpone buying a quality air rifle scope for some time – or indefinitely!

Outstanding Small Game Hunting Power

While many rifles built for accuracy sometimes lag in terms of long-range knock-down power, the Diana RWS 48 is a sharp-shooting hammer! The .177 caliber sizzles in its own right, but if you are anticipating doing any hunting, we say go for the .22, which packs up to 25 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) at the muzzle by our calculations – significantly more than the minimum 12 FPE we recommend for hunting rifles. It is this combination of great power and legendary (50 yard+) accuracy that has also earned the RWS 48 (in the .22) our pick as one of the very best hunting air rifles!

A Smooth-Cocking Sidelever

Just about everyone who uses the RWS 48 will confirm that it cocks remarkably smoothly, despite the nearly 40 pounds of effort technically involved. We suspect this is in large part due to the overall quality of the spring/cocking mechanism and the fact that this is a sidelever – which is arguably the easiest cocking configuration you can get in a springer. Regardless, most users will find the RWS 48 quite easy to cock, particularly considering this rifle’s impressive muzzle energy.

Another nice advantage of the sidelever, as compared to a breakbarrel, is the elimination of possible barrel/scope misalignment that can occur with breakbarrels – i.e, the slight change in barrel position over time due to constant breaking of the barrel during cocking. With a fixed barrel sidelever, you never need to worry that the cocking the rifle may over time affect accuracy.

Smooth-Firing & Relatively Quiet for Springer

Among all of the powerplants, spring-piston rifles are typically the loudest and suffer from the most recoil due to the coiling/uncoiling of the heavy spring mass that drives them. However, the RWS 48 shoots so smoothly and quietly (for a springer) that you may think you are using a gas-ram! The recoil is also very minimal, which contributes to this rifle’s pellet-stacking accuracy.

Anything Not to Like?

It is extremely hard to nitpick a rifle of this quality at this price, but in a perfect world it would be nice if it came with a swiveled sling, and perhaps some detail (like checkering) on the pistol grip and fore. An option for upgraded stock or addition of a raised cheek piece would also be nice. As you can see, this is all just minor/cosmetic stuff; the RWS has no real weak spots we can see!

Price and Value

At the moment, the RWS 48 is available for around $400 shipped. Yes, this is pricey for a springer, and we wouldn’t blame anyone for opting for something more budget-friendly. Nevertheless, this is the kind of air rifle that can do everything; do it better than most (even compared to more expensive models), and should last a lifetime. It’s also supported by a lifetime limited warranty. Consequently, when you consider the superior performance, craftsmanship and durability of this weapon – and then project this over decades of use and enjoyment – it is worth every penny in our book.

Concluding Thoughts on the RWS 48

No matter how big, small or expensive your air rifle collection, we are confident that the Diana RWS 48 is likely to be the first rifle you grab when power and competition-grade accuracy is needed. Its hard-hitting nature and extreme accuracy in our estimation makes it one of the very best hunting air rifles you can buy, regardless of price class, but the RWS 48 is also ideal for everything from plinking/spinning to competitive field target shooting.

And while one can always complain about its hefty price, in reality, this rifle delivers elite-level performance that is typically found in rifles that cost several hundred dollars more. As such, we’d easily recommend the RWS 48 to anyone searching for an accurate and reliable air rifle – even if price were no object!

>>Buy the RWS 48 T06 Trigger in .177 Caliber!<<

>>Buy the RWS 48 T06 Trigger in .22 Caliber!<<

June 13, 2014
Ultimate Springer – RWS 54 Air King

I must admit, if I could afford a new springer right now, it would be the Diana RWS 54 Air King. RWS is unquestionably one of the most lauded air rifle makers of all time, and the RWS 54 is one of their nicest models available in my opinion. No, they are definitely not cheap, but this is far from your average springer – and is one air rifle that will pay you back handsomely in the form of a lifetime of ultra-high performance, beauty and reliability. But rather than merely telling you about how wonderful it is, let’s take a closer look at exactly what makes the Air King truly rein over lesser spring rifles.

>>Check Price, Ratings & Availability<<

The Power of a PCP Hunting Rifle

When an air rifle costs over $500, it is usually held up to particular scrutiny. And the RWS 54 is often compared with other elite springers, particularly the Air Arms TX200 MKIII. Both of these air rifles are truly outstanding, and offer extreme precision and superior craftsmanship. However, what the RWS 54 air rifle has the Air Arms does not is PCP-like power.

The Air Arms is certainly nothing to laugh at, with about 18 FPE at the muzzle. But the RWS 54 Air King is in a different league altogether, boasting about 26 FPE in the .22, based on a reported velocity of 900 FPS and assuming a 14.3 grain standard lead pellet is used. Thus, while the MKIII may begin to struggle to maintain groupings beyond 60 yards, the RWS 54 can still take down game with striking accuracy – out to 100 yards with a good scope. In fact, we’ve heard of reports of one user dispatching starlings at 100 yards with ease using the RWS 54. That type of range is only possible with the RWS’ exceptional muzzle energy.

Recoil-less Action

The biggest drawback of huge power in a spring rifle is normally recoil, and lots of it. However RWS’ recoil-less system uses a floating sled mechanism that absorbs the recoil otherwise transmitted to the shooter. Moreover, because the pellet is actually discharged before it can receive any recoil, it helps maintain astonishing accuracy. Of course, this system is not designed to minimize recoil received by the scope, so you will definitely want a once-piece mount for this monster.

T06 Trigger in the .22

If you’ve done any digging about the RWS 54 you will see many talk about a “plastic” or “heavy” trigger. Indeed, this has been the big drawback of the RWS 54 historically. That has all since changed with RWS’ new T06 two-stage adjustable trigger. This is a steel trigger that is not heavy at all. In fact, this happens to be one of the best triggers currently available on the market today in our view.

Long-Range Accuracy You Read About

Frankly, we’re a bit tired of telling everyone how accurate RWS rifles are, but we’ll do it again: the RWS 54 is exceptionally accurate – no, this is a freakin laser beam! The recoil-less action, smooth yet crisp T06 trigger, and precise barrel rifling and quality has created one of the most accurate air rifles of all time. In addition, with 26 FPE in the .22, you can be sure that this rifle can remain accurate far, far downrange where other rifles (including most other elite springers) simply cannot go. Thus, if you pride yourself in taking small game at distances, this rifle is made for you.

Oh: we strongly encourage you to do yourself a favor and buy a high-quality adjustable air rifle scope rather than purchasing a combo with an inferior scope. Putting a cheap scope on something of this quality should be criminal!

Side-Lever Cocking

If you are going to spend this kind of money on springer, a side or underlever action is best, since you don’t have any fears of barrel misalignment (and its impact on accuracy) developing over time due to the constant breaking of the barrel. As you might guess from the massive power this rifle generates though, cocking effort is significant – 39 pounds’ worth of effort to be exact.

First-Class Fit and Finish

As you expect from RWS, the 54 Air King comes with a gorgeous beechwood stock and first-class bluing that will not disappoint you. This rifle also just feels extremely well put together, and reminds us of a very high-priced rimfire in terms of overall feel and heft.

Anything Not to Like?

Beyond the expected moaning at this rifle’s $600+ price tag, the biggest complaint about the RWS 54 has historically been the plastic, heavy trigger – which is now a moot issue thanks to the new all-steel and sultry-smooth T06 trigger (in the .22). Aside from that, some have called the Air King a bit too heavy, which is something we don’t agree with. At about 10 pounds unscoped, this is definitely on the heavier side, but that’s because of the better steel and more robust build of the RWS 54. I for one appreciate a slightly heavier rifle.

User Feedback

The the RWS 54 Air King is easily one of the most praised elite spring rifles out there, and has a devout 5-star following among veteran airgunners. One user has even devoted an entire website to an earlier version of this model.

Suggested Uses

For my money, the RWS 54 is probably the most accurate and powerful springer you can get, and therefore is my dream spring air rifle for hunting small game. Of course, this presumes you are getting this rifle in the .22 caliber, which is the only way to really take advantage of its fantastic muzzle energy in my opinion. This is also a perfect model for target shooting, plinking, spinning or simply showing off when shooting among friends. There is really nothing you can’t do with this outstanding piece of German engineering.

Diana RWS 54 Air King – Concluding Thoughts

In the field of elite spring air rifles there are lots of opinions about which is best. However, most seasoned air gunners would likely agree that the RWS 54 Air King is among the top 2 or 3 choices in the $600 range. In our view, the biggest rival of this model is the Air Arms TX200 MKIII, which is a fantastic air rifle that you can’t go wrong with. But does it match up to the Air King? For us, the RWS 54 brings similar accuracy and build quality compared to the MKIII, but it really blows the Air Arms away in terms of power. It is this far greater power of the RWS 54 King that makes it so much better for making deadly accurate longer shots, well over 60 yards. The Air Arms just can’t hang with the King that far down range. Just make sure you get a quality air rifle scope worthy of such an amazing air rifle.

In addition, the big gripe levied against the RWS 54 in the past – the infamous “plastic” trigger – has been wiped away (at least in the .22) with the introduction of the T06 trigger, which is one of the best triggers currently available. Indeed, if there were any doubts before, we think it’s pretty clear now that the RWS 54 truly is King, making it the ultimate springer in our book.

>>Buy the Diana RWS 54 Air King Now!<<

May 5, 2014
Best CO2 Air Rifle for Hunting – Hammerli 850 AirMagnum?

We often hear people asking for suggestions about quality, high-powered CO2 air rifles. But the truth is that most CO2 models on the market are underwhelming in terms of construction and the power they generate. As such, we normally recommend folks stick to other power plants, especially if they are intending to also use the air rifle for hunting and/or pest elimination.

As most things in life though, there are several notable exceptions – one the most obvious of which is the Umarex/RWS / Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle. This high-quality CO2 repeater is definitely one of the nicest and is reportedly the most powerful CO2 air rifles produced in the world. Seem a bit incredible? Let’s take a closer look at the 850 AirMagnum and see whether these accolades are deserved.

>>Check Price, User Ratings & Availability!<<

Hammerli 850 AirMagnum – Key Features & Specifications

Game-Changing Power for a CO2 Air Rifle

The most amazing feature of the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum is its incredible power for a CO2 repeater. While we can’t confirm RWS’ contention that this is the absolute most powerful CO2 air rifle in the entire world, we can say that this rifle produces muzzle velocities and FPE on par with or exceeding many spring rifles. And this is saying a lot.

Specifically, Hammerli reports that the 850 AirMagnum produces muzzle velocities of 650 FPS in the .22 caliber and 760 FPS in the .177 caliber models. Since RWS typically uses lead pellets for their velocity testing, we assumed these numbers were generated from standard lead pellets weighing around 14.3 and 8.0 grains, respectively. This gives us an estimated foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) at the muzzle of over 13 FPE in the .22 caliber and just over 10 FPE in the .177. This is a ton of power for a CO2 air rifle, and we are particularly impressed with this model in the .22 caliber – especially since it produces more hitting power than the 12 FPE minimum we generally recommend for good hunting air rifles! Please note that this rifle uses AirSource 88-Gram CO2 Tanks.

Outstanding Accuracy & Convenient Repeat Shooting

Any air rifle manufactured by RWS is going to be deadly accurate, and the Hammerli 850 is no exception. The ultra-high quality fiber optic front/rear open sights that come with this air rifle are so good you may postpone upgrading to a quality air rifle scope, maybe indefinitely. Moreover, the precise rifling of the barrel (something RWS is famous for) will have you shooting unbelievably tight groups at 50 yards with this model. This rifle is an 8-shot repeater; however, you can fire hundreds of shots on a single 88 gram CO2 tank. How can you not love that!?

Ultra-Responsive Trigger

Contributing to the fantastic accuracy of this air rifle is the fact that it is naturally recoil-less and comes with a very smooth trigger mechanism. This is the type of trigger we’d like to see on many more rifles, and greatly compliments the laser-beam accuracy of this model. No hitchy, heavy pull here!

High Quality Polymer Stock & RWS Quality All Around

While many prefer the look and feel of wood stocks, we are confident that you will be impressed by the construction and handling of its all-weather Monte Carlo stock. This advanced polymer is super solid and resists the kind of wear that could quickly mar a hardwood stock. As such, you can enjoy using this rifle in a variety of environments and without babying it – and it should still look like a million bucks. Consequently, for those that are looking to put some serious mileage on this rifle, the polymer stock is a big benefit in our view.

Again, consistent with RWS’ rifles generally, the overall build and feel of this air rifle, including the crisp bolt-action mechanism and factory bluing, is all top-notch. No cheap parts here!

Recommended Uses

The accuracy and power of the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum make it excellent for all typical uses, e.g., plinking, target shooting, spinning, etc. And in addition, the over 13 FPE in the .22 caliber also make the 850 AirMagnum a great hunting and/or pest elimination air rifle. In fact, for typical close range hunting and clearing out of vermin within 50 yards or so, we can hardly think of a more effective and FUN air rifle to use. Further, because there’s no need to cock the rifle or mess with scuba tanks or hand pumps, this is a perfect rifle for more slightly-built / female shooters to use around the home as well. We can’t tell you how many people want a pest rifle that their wives can also use – this is a perfect choice.

User Reviews & Ratings

The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum has earned a near-legendary reputation among veteran air rifle enthusiasts for quality and performance, so we were not surprised to find that it currently enjoys an solid satisfaction rating.

Users glow about the power, accuracy and all-around quality of this rifle. And many users report great success hunting small game and pests – for example, one user commented: “The European sparrows are being annihilated. I can retire my collection of pump up and barrel cock airguns.” Among all of the reviews there was only one negative comment, and this was due to an apparently isolated jamming issue.

Price and Value

Currently selling for roughly $280 shipped, this is an amazing deal for such an unusually powerful and well-made CO2 repeater. Indeed, there are many more expensive springers on the market that don’t bring this level of quality. If you are into CO2 air rifles, this one is easily worth the price.

Hammerli 850 AirMagnum – Concluding Thoughts

If you’ve ever admired the convenience and smooth, recoil-less firing of CO2 air rifles but have been hesitant due to their typically limited power and often shoddy quality, the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum is the answer.

This rifle is made to exacting German design standards and delivers the kind of power we’d expect in a good spring rifle. In particular, the .22 caliber has plenty of power for real small game hunting, and would make an absolutely sizzling air rifle for clearing out heavy infestations of pest species. Moreover, with its repeat shooting and ability to fire well over a hundred shots without power-waning on a single cartridge, we can’t think of a more enjoyable and easy-to-use rifle for the job.

>>Buy the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum Air Rifle!<<

April 29, 2014
Top Air Rifle Under $300 – Diana RWS 34 w/T06 Trigger

Upon getting into the hobby, it’s natural to get sucked into fixating on various specifications when comparing air rifles, especially sexy metrics like velocity and FPE. However, after a while, most air rifle enthusiasts inevitably begin focusing more on overall quality, durability and accuracy, rather than muzzle energy or, even less importantly, how fast a rifle can project gimmicky alloy pellets.

The good news for those seeking a truly high-quality air rifle is that they don’t have to spend an arm or a leg. Case in point: the Diana RWS 34 Breakbarrel Rifle with the T06 Trigger. This high-powered and absurdly-accurate springer is RWS’ best-selling model, and for good reason. Veteran air gunners know that it is built to RWS’ legendary standards, yet can still be had for less than $300. Sound interesting? Let’s take a closer look at the RWS 34 and see why it actually lives up to the hype.

>>Check Price, User Ratings & Availability!<<

Diana RWS 34 – Key Specifications & Features

Great Power in Both the .177 and .22 Calibers

Even if you are obsessed with power, the Diana RWS 34 will not disappoint. This rifle in the .177 can fire a lead pellet up to 1000 feet per second (“FPS”), and the .22 can attain velocities of up to 800 FPS. Based on our calculations, this makes for an air rifle that generates roughly 18 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) in the .177 and over 20 FPE in the .22 caliber. Consequently, both rifles well-exceed the 12 FPE minimum we recommend for more serious air rifle hunting, although the .22 is the clearly superior caliber for hunting furred game or eliminating common pests.

Incredible Laser-Like Accuracy

Power is great but just about any experienced air rifle enthusiast will tell you that accuracy is king. Whether it’s zeroing in on the typically small (often quarter-sized or smaller) kill zones for most small game, or merely beating your friends at a friendly field target competition, achieving consistently tight groups at longer ranges is what all good airgunners strive for. And this happens to be where the RWS 34 really shines.

In addition to coming with one of the best triggers available, the quality of the barrel and sophistication of the rifling is second to none, and can make even a novice shooter look like a star – just with the open sights. In fact, we are confident that this rifle can have you consistently nailing “hail Mary” shots that you may not even have attempted before with lesser rifles. Of course, you should never practice 100 yard shots on live game! Always remember that there is a big difference between confident and reckless shooting.

The Best Trigger in the Business

We can’t say enough about the two-stage adjustable RWS T06 Trigger, as this is really one of the greatest features we’ve seen to date on a sub $300 air rifle. Most air gunners lament their triggers, particularly the awkward second stage for most adjustable mechanisms. This was still true for the T05. The completely redesigned RWS T06, however, is often held as one of the very best, or at least rivaling some of the most famous and expensive (e.g., TX models) spring rifle triggers ever. How much will this improve your shot consistency? Try it out and we are fairly certain you will be hooked!

Outstanding Open Sights

Sooner or later an air rifle of this caliber deserves a high quality scope (which is why we are not a fan of most cheap scope combos in the RWS 34). However, in the meantime, and for those who enjoy the freedom of open-sight shooting (including myself), you are in luck, because these sights are fantastic and easy to use. The RWS 34 features a fiber-optic front sight and a rear sight that allows for quick windage and elevation adjustment.

Quality Stock and Well-Balanced Design

This is a gorgeous air rifle that comes with a very durable and rich hardwood stock and deeply blued metal. The RWS 34 is also expertly balanced for ambidextrous use and has a modest length (45″ overall) and weight (7.5 pounds), all of which makes it unusually easy to hold and fire (use the “artillery hold”) for a springer.

Modest Cocking Effort

Rated to require only 33 pounds’ worth of cocking effort, the RWS 34 is much easier to cock than you’d expect from a rifle that can generate over 20 FPE in the .22 caliber. This is fantastic since it minimizes loading fatigue and allows less-burly users to also enjoy this rifle. Of course, this is still not an “easy” rifle to cock, so we wouldn’t recommend it for very young shooters.

Built to Last – and Last

One of the greatest things about the RWS 34 is the craftsmanship. This air rifle can and should last for decades. Moreover, with RWS’ legendary support and lifetime warranty, you are in good hands as long as you own this rifle. We always take pleasure hearing from the steady stream of old timers who come out to brag about owning their RWS 34 for decades with only minimal maintenance. You just can’t put a price on that type of durability, and fortunately for all of us – RWS hasn’t!

Anything Not to Like?

Unless you are unlucky enough to receive your rifle with some type of shipping damage, there is virtually nothing to complain about here. The RWS 34 is a very no-frills air rifle that doesn’t try to do too much, but provides tons of quality and precision where it counts.

Diana RWS 34 User Ratings

Consistently heralded as one of the best air rifles of all time, we didn’t expect mediocre reviews of the RWS 34, and we weren’t disappointed.

Currently, this model is holding an average satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars on amazon.com. Users commend this rifle for crisp power, unbeatable accuracy, a high-quality fit and finish, and tireless durability. They also confirm that this is truly one of the best deals of all time for a sub-$300 air rifle.

Notably, the few negative comments about this rifle were aimed primarily at shipping or other item damage, as opposed to complaints about actual performance.

Diana RWS 34 w/T06 Trigger – Concluding Thoughts

I have no qualms about characterizing the Diana RWS 34 Breakbarrel Rifle with the T06 Trigger as the all-time best air rifle for less than $300. In particular, the RWS 34 in the .22 is a sizzling, “uber”-accurate small game or pest air rifle that you should cherish for a lifetime with only minimal attention. This really is the total package, so to speak. So, if you are looking to buy just one air rifle in this price range that can do just about everything, this would be my first recommendation.

Although you don’t need to wait, the outstanding open sights are so good you can probably postpone buying a high quality air rifle scope for a while. In either case, we are fairly confident that you will be making shots you didn’t think were possible, right out of the box! Also be sure to get a box of high quality air rifle pellets to take full advantage of this rifle’s accuracy.

>>Buy the Diana RWS 34 with T06 Trigger Now!<<

April 20, 2014
Why We Love the RWS .22 350 Magnum Air Rifle

If you are looking for an elite spring-piston air rifle that you can use to hunt small game, eliminate pests, shoot field targets, or simply plink around, we suggest you strongly consider the RWS .22 Model 350 Magnum air rifle combo. As we discuss in more detail below, this is one of our favorite springers for all-around power, performance and beauty, and is a rifle that you can enjoy for a lifetime with proper care. Please read on as we take a closer look at the RWS 350 Magnum and explain why we rate it so highly.

>>Check Price, Ratings & Availability<<

RWS .22 350 Magnum – Overview & Key Features

Fantastic Long-Range Hitting Power

The first thing you should know about the RWS .22 350 Magnum is it has outstanding stopping power for a spring-piston air rifle. Specifically, it’s reported to attain velocities of around 850 feet per second with a standard, 14.5 grain lead pellet. This translates into an air rifle with over 23 FPE (foot pounds of energy) at the muzzle. This is roughly double the 12 FPE minimum that we generally recommend for air rifle hunting. Consequently, unlike many other springers on the market, the 350 Magnum is capable of long-range kills with the same stopping power as many higher-ticket PCP rifles. Simply put, if hard-hitting, downrange power is what you seek in a springer, the 350 is definitely your rifle.

Legendary RWS Accuracy

There’s no question that springers can take some getting used to. Their greater noise, recoil and all-around heft is something that users new to spring rifles may find challenging at first. However, with a bit of practice using the “artillery” hold (a method in which the gun is very lightly held), the 350 Magnum is ridiculously accurate. Indeed, the high-quality of the barrel, along with the massive power it generates, can have you easily nailing game or targets well-beyond 50 yards consistently.

Outstanding Trigger

Many would consider the 350 Magnum to have an ideal two-stage adjustable trigger. With a pull of 3.3 pounds, we’d have to agree. This of course also contributes to this rifle’s dead-eye accuracy.

Scope & Mounts

This rifle comes with an 11mm dovetail-type mount, and the combo package referenced comes with a 4×32 scope that is not top-of-the-line, but should meet or exceed the expectations of most users. Again, this is an extremely accurate rifle right out of the box, so any wandering of your groups is most likely a consequence of inexperience on the part of the user!

Cocking Type & Effort

The 350 Magnum is a breakbarrel rifle that requires approximately 45 pounds’ worth of cocking effort. This is substantially more cocking effort than your average springer; but this is unavoidable given the massive power the Magnum brings. Cocking is toughest during initial break in, and typically gets smoother in time. Nevertheless, this is not the type of rifle for young or most female users.

Size & Weight

In addition to being a bear to cock, this is a heavier, longer air rifle than many are used to. It measures 48 inches in length overall and is just over 8 pounds, without the scope. This is yet another reason that younger and/or female shooters may have a bit more difficulty firing this rifle.

Additional Specifications

The 350 Magnum comes with a beautiful hardwood beech stock that is adorned with detailed checkering along the fore region. It uses a Monte Carlo-styled buttstock. The blueing is deep and gives the metal a very attractive luster. Elevation and windage is adjustable.

User Feedback & Ratings

Positive Comments: The consensus from users from a variety of sources is that this is a 5-star air rifle that reeks of high-quality German manufacturing and precision. The most common observations throughout this model’s reviews are that this is an extremely powerful springer capable of remarkably accurate downrange shooting, right out of the box and without any tuning. They also roundly praise this rifle for simply being a cut above most other spring rifles with unusual attention to detail and a very robust construction that you can feel immediately.

Negative Comments: There were scant reports of anything to complain about with the RWS 350 Magnum, and most could not find any fault with it. Nevertheless, some users indicated more neutrally that the rifle is a bit hard to cock; is larger than they’d expected; and the scope mounting screws required tightening during the initial break in period.

Price and Value

Currently on sale for just over $400 shipped, the RWS .22 Model 350 Magnum air rifle combo is a fantastic deal in our book. Yes, this rifle is considerably more expensive than many other popular springers; however, it is built to much more exacting standards than most other springers, and is made of better quality components all-around. From the rich and intricate wood stock, to the precisely rifled barrel and deep blueing, the Magnum is truly a first-rate air rifle built to be admired and enjoyed for a lifetime with proper maintenance. As such, we think its unusual quality easily justifies the higher price.

>>Buy the RWS .22 350 Magnum Now!<<

Concluding Thoughts

The RWS Diana 350 Magnum .22 air rifle is – pardon the sexism – a man’s hunting air rifle. This model can stop larger game well over 50 yards and has the downrange power and extreme accuracy to make even novice shooters look like pros with a bit of practice. Moreover, the all-around robustness and solid feel of this elite hunting air rifle is something that we can’t put into words, but, when you hold it for the first time, will become immediately evident. In fact, we are confident that it will be your favorite springer to shoot, even if you have a large air rifle collection. It’s no secret that we are huge fans of RWS/Diana air rifles for their uncompromising dedication to quality, and the 350 Magnum is exactly why.

The only words of caution we’d offer are for younger and/or female shooters. As we said, this is a big, relatively heavy gun with lots of power and a fair amount of kick to go with it. Therefore, if you fatigue easily when maintaining a hold, or have struggled cocking lesser springers in the past, the 350 Magnum may be a bit too much for you.

April 18, 2014