RWS 34

2010 RWS Diana 34. Wood looks pretty nice after 3 coats of Tom's 1/3 Wax.

RWS Diana 34  
As an avid informal target shooter from the great state of New Jersey, my options to explore this pursuit are, let's say, pretty limited. It was only my time outside of NJ due to college that allowed me the opportunity to really expand on my interest- and purchase my first air rifle. The decision did not come lightly, and I spent a great deal (read: too much) time reviewing the various options out there. My budget, ~$300, helped narrow the field. because I wanted a pure plinker with some limited hunting capability thrown in, I decided fairly early on to pursue the .177 caliber. Pyramyd Air, one of the leading names in the air gun industry, has stated that .177 pellets fly with a generally flatter pattern, which makes hitting glass bottles and other random targets much easier at distances approaching 100 yards. 

Always cool to be able to say "German air rifle."

To that end, I also decided on the purchase of a scope, to easily put accurate groups on paper, beyond the range of iron sights. With this criteria out of the way, I still had many great rifles that fit the bill. It seemed that the typical offering, ie. Crosman and Gamo, were of robust construction, but various reviews steered me away from these manufacturers when I read reviews expressing some quality control issues. Eventually, one air rifle began to separate from the pack. RWS' flagship model, the Diana 34, seemed to have nothing but positive reviews across the board.

The 3-9x Leapers scope includes an optional sunshade.

 Available at Pyraymd Air for $219.99, free shipping, the model seemed ideal for my needs. (The price has now risen to $279.99!) Fortunately for me, RWS seems to have recently addressed a common problem with their rifles- that of "barrel droop." While quite a weird name for an issue, it refers to the tendency of RWS rifles to group high when combined with a standard scope and mount combination. This sometimes occurs to such a degree that the rifle still groups high, even with the scope's elevation adjustment bottomed out. Leapers has worked with RWS to produce the a "droop-compensating scope mount," which essentially provides a dovetail rail adjusted to a 33.7 degree slant, designed to counteract the effects of barrel droop on RWS rifles. 

Using a Leapers 3-9x40 scope with medium-profile rings, I can safely report that this mount performs flawlessly. I have been able to achieve quarter sized groups from 35 yards away, and regularly destroy cans and bottles at a distance of 150 yards-sometimes more! The Diana 34 is an excellent, economical, and fun plinking weapon. With a tin of 500 .177 pellets running approximately $8, one shoots for far cheaper than any .22 rimfire.

Close-up of the droop scope rail and adjustable objective. Note the safety at the rear of the receiver.

Some miscellaneous notes. 

 This Diana 34 was purchased right before RWS switched the configuration of the model. My older 34 contains the T-05 trigger, which features second-stage adjustment, but offers no first-stage adjustment.

Nice view of the Monte Carlo stock and the (gasp) plastic trigger.

Some will also complain that the T-05 features a plastic trigger blade. The new T-06 model features both adjustable first, and second stage travel- the blade is now metal. While the T-06 doubtlessly offers finer control of the trigger, the updated model dispenses with features that are more desirable- in my mind. While the T-05 used a traditional hooded post front sight constructed of metal, the new model uses an updated fiber-optic site, made of plastic. While the fiber-optic offers faster target acquisition and better low-light performance, users have reported that it is somewhat more prone to breakage under field conditions. Another change from the T-05 to T-06 model is the deletion of the Monte-Carlo style stock for a straight profile stock.

I personally enjoy the cheekweld offered by the T-05's Monte Carlo stock, and view the T-06's straight stock as a compromise to keep the costs low. One significant bonus to the T-06 model is the rubberized buttplate- the T-05 model has no buttplate, with the end of the stock prone to wear marks over the course of normal service life. 

Links:
More Pictures 
T-05 Trigger Debate
Detailed RWS 34 Review