RWS Diana Model 45

[Calaloo]

Gentlemen, I have an opportunity to buy the above named rifle and would like your opinion. It is marked "Made in West Germany" so it was made before the fall of the USSR. The gun is in excellent shape with no blemishes except a couple of small dings in the stock. I fired about a dozen rounds with it. It shoots fine and is reasonably accurate. Now the bad news. Someone has tried to mount a scope base and has made a mess of it. There are 8 holes in the action tube one of which may be original as it is about 3/8 of an inch in diameter (perhaps an oil hole). What would be the approximate value of this rifle and is there an owners manual available for it? Can anyone recomend a good book about care, feeding, and using pellet rifles? Thank you in advance.

[tomzuki]

I have one. Bought it in the early eighties.  They originally came with a very trick "Micrometer" sight, with interchangable front reticles.  The holes on the rear top of the barrel are for the rear sight.  I fitted mine with a weaver style rail and added a scope.  Very accurate.  We only use these days for a paper turkey target shoot on Thanksgiving Day.  The winner gets to carve the bird!  If I were to buy one now I would offer $65-75 dollars.  They really are very good quality and last a lifetime.  The care a feeding are simple, buy a piston-gun cleaning kit, contains proper oil, (Do Not use Household oil as it will damage the seals), and little felt cleaning pellets.  I used to live a little more urban and did take pests and varmints with it a long time ago.  Preaty good on rats and ground squirrel's................

[Calaloo]

Thanks for the reply. The one I'm looking at has the same sights, micrometer rear and a globe front with inserts. Some of the holes in the tube may be factory, but some are drilled off center, None are threaded. The owner wants $100 for it. I will try to bargain with him. Again, thanks for your help.