Diana V's Webley Air Rifles

[gunnstack]

Hi guys- I'm looking to buy another air rifle.  My local supplier is pushing the Webley Tomahawk/Hawke scope combo but reading a few posts, there seems to be (or has been?) some problems with the Webleys shearing screws, bits breaking etc.  I'm looking toward a rifle with good accuracy, range and hitting power at around 50 metres.  I'm leaning more toward the Diana model 48 (or 52) or the 350 Magnum.  Do any of you own these Diana rifles and if so could you advise on their accuracy etc.  I'm leaning more toward the .177 calibre but would go for a .22 depending on feedback.  The rifle will be used for longish range hunting rather than plinking.  SS claim that the 350 in .22 is overstated in it's velocity and seems to be under the 1000fps.  That's not a problem so long as it is accurate and reliable.  Any advice appreciated.
Regards Gordon

[dave]

If you're looking for a long range hunter, stick with a .22. I have a .22 Diana 54 and it will easily take small game like rabbits and squirrels past 50 yards. Its shooting at about 22fpe, in the low 800s with 14.3 gr Crosman Premiers, way more than the Webley. The 54 has little felt recoil also, unlike most other highpower spring guns. For long range hunting its a great choice.

[Lawdog]

gunnstack,

  At longer ranges the larger caliber’s, like the .22, actually have the advantage.  Also, don't believe everything you read in Straight Shooters.  Straight Shooters may have gotten a "bad" rifle to test.  I know a couple of guys(one is my son in-law) shooting the RWS 350M in .22 caliber and have chronographed both of their rifles.  They have both gotten over 1,000 fps.(but just over) using light weight target pellets(RWS wadcutter’s in my son in-laws).  Personally I would go with the RWS Model 54 as it seems to be much friendlier to scopes than the models 48, 52 or 350.  Lawdog
 

[gunnstack]

Thanks for the info Dave & Lawdog.  The model 54 was my first choice but just a tad out of my price range.  An additional problem is that we have only one importer of these air rifles in NZ and he can best be described as a shark.  An example is the 350 which retails at around US$450 (or less) and this guy sells it for NZ$1189 which =US$826.  Now this guy will be buying wholesale at the best prices so you have a fair idea of the mark up.  I still have to contact my local supplier who is a pretty fair guy with his prices so will keep you posted.  
Regards Gordon

[dave]

Why not look for a used one? You can find some pretty good deals if you look around a bit. I got mine that way a couple years ago for about $350, and it turned out to be a professionally tuned gun with a JM Monolith kit installed and had some pretty slick trigger work too.

[Lawdog]

gunnstack,

Here is two you can check out.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=6125041
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=25296974


Shipping will be a bit more but the price is much better.  Scopes included.  Lawdog
 

[Medbill]

Check these out.  Ken is a great guy too, he just lowered the prices on all his remaining stock of rifles that he picked up from a dealer that went out of business.

Please buy them all so I don't!  I don't need another gun, I don't need another gun...... :-D

http://kenandjudy.us/Airguns/AirgunPictures/RiflesforSale/index.htm