RWS/Diana 5G Magnum Air Pistol

[Uncle Bob]

Hi folks--

Has anybody tried this .177 magnum springer pistol?  

From what I've read so far, this beast is rated out at 700 fps by the manufacturer, with a qualifier stating it averages between 550-635 fps.  The 3 or 4 reviews I've read on ReviewCentre suggest it's a sweet, well-made, hard-hitting pistol...and very accurate.

I've never fired a springer pistol.  I would imagine it's like trying to hang on to a very angry rattlesnake with one hand,  judging from my experiences with springer air rifles.

My concern is the amount of recoil/vibration when launching pellets.  Would hate to spend $200 just to find I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with the thing.

Comments/thoughts?

-Uncle Bob

[ZVP]

Bob,
 This velocity was a misprint, that got smeared all over the net.
 The real velocity is near 500fps, and only with LIGHT pells!
 Shooting a Springer pistol is not uncomfortable at all! The recoil is nothing.
 I have perhaps the WORST  production recoiler (a BSA Scorpion), and it just twitches a bit. I also own a Webly Tempest which recoils similarilly to a cartrige firing gun (rearward), it too is a pussycat.
 The stories of "recoil" from an airpistol get greatly exagurated! Many are in reference or comparison to recoiless springers, CO2, or Pneumatics, which normally have low ,or no recoil.
 HTH,
 ZVP
 The dependability, consistancy, and usual quiet discharge note ogf most springers, make them a joy to own.

[Lawdog]

If you really want a powerful springer pistol then why not get a Beeman P1.  Takes a scope easily, accurate and powerful.  I have used mine to take Brush Bunnies(4 to 5 pound average) out to 30 yards.  Lawdog

[Marvel]

If your paper punching the upper model RWS spring pistols have a counter weight piston to reduce spring shock movement , but only get up to 450 - 500 fps with light pellets. look at russian Co2 or single stroke guns for a target pistol.

Some Co2 rigs blast critter well in hot weather, but Co2 is temp sensitive in cold weather they lose power big time.

marvel

[Deaf Smith]

and I consider it supior in every way to the 5G magnum. The 9N gets close to its rated velcety of 550 with normal pellets the grip feels much better in my hands and the balance is much better than the longer breake barrel. THe 9N is nickle and really looks good that way but a blue model is avaiable for about $20 cheaper. I prefer the 9N pistol to both the BSA scorpian or the 5G that should tell you a lot. Check out the 9N you can get one ar D&R sports center for $125 plus shipping. A great deal on a great gun. Try it out you won't be sorry.

[Jeff Vicars]

RWS lists the 5g Magnum @ 700 fps with a 6.9 gr. pellet. The sight radius of the 5g is quiet abit more than the 9N.

[big6x6]

RWS 5-G vs RWS 9B....  I just happen to have both.  I consider both excellent pistols but each could be improved and each have their better points.

Velocity is practially identical.  The 5G is way over-rated.  Listed velocity IS 700fps while mine gives only 484fps with Gamo Hunters a 7.5gr pellet.  The 9B practically does its' rated velocity of 500fps.  Mine does 492fps, again with the Gamo Hunter.

The sights of the 9B are very so so.  They really hold the pistol back.  The rear sight is shaped wrong for a good sight picture and is non-adjustable for elevation.  Not good.  I had to insert a piece of credit card under the rear sight in order to sight in the gun with ANY pellet at 10M.  The 5G has way superior sights.  Superior sights plus a longer sight radius help the 5G shoot better groups at 10M than the 9B.

Either is a better choice than a Tempest but neither is the pistol the P-1 is.