Box to Bench with the Diana 48 in .177 - A side-lever, spring powered air rifle from Germany

[@leemartinson6449]

I have the 48 in .25. Years ago I met Dr. Beeman. He told me a good rifle shooter is a poor springer shooter. A good springer shooter is a phenomenal rifle shooter. It is all about follow through. Keep up the good work my man..

[@WiscAirGunners]

Wise words!

[@Joe-wy2bn]

Must be the case. I can't hit a soda can at 25 yds with my Diana 48, but my ruger 10/22 just hits whatever I want to hit without really thinking about it.

[@WiscAirGunners]

@@Joe-wy2bn I’d also try different pellets. Pellet selection can make a big difference in setting up a springer for success. Look at a thing called the “artillery hold.”

[@Joe-wy2bn]

@@WiscAirGunners I ordered some heavier pellets, I'll see how it goes thanks.

[@Joe-wy2bn]

I put a vortek spring kit in the gun. That really made it more pleasant to shoot. Cleaned the barrel thoroughly. Inspected the muzzle/crown for damage (none). I shot it with the scope on with a new scope mount (4 screw type designed for this gun), shot it with iron sights. I'm not kidding, my iron sighted $25 760 pumpmaster bb gun shoots groups 1/4 the size of my Diana 48. Obviously there is a problem that I haven't figured out yet.

[@Steve-yz1eb]

I always look for the older RWS guns with the small steel safety. The plastic safety will eventually wear out. Since you are going to scope the 48 ,heres a great tip. TAKE THAT UGLY FRONT SIGHT OFF ALONG WITH THE SLOPPY SHROUD THAT ROTATES EVERY TIME YOU GRAB THE BARREL. You will find a beautiful blued barrel underneath. Now you can get a .585-635 barrel band for a sling. Heck while Im commenting heres another tip. Dont use 2 scope rings.....use 4... 2 in front of the turret 2 behind. Far better solution than the ridiculous and bulky one piece mounts that raise the scope so high that your stretching your neck to see thru the scope.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thanks

[@thomaskelly1228]

I've had mine in .22 about 10 years now, just love it.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Awesome!

[@VikingAirgunner]

Im getting all emotional watching this rifle. I started out with different cheap rifle and then turned to Diana. Had two break barrels before getting the 48 and remember how I was blown away by the power of the gun. Accurate and consistant like nothing else. Had it for maybe 20 years before I sold it. Had a Nikko Sterling 4x32 on it 😎 Thanks for this video PJ 🙂

[@WiscAirGunners]

Glad to bring back some fond memories.

[@joshuagibson2520]

"Its not an unboxing video, so Cyclops Joe, you can relax..." lol. I about pissed myself laughing at that one.

[@WiscAirGunners]

I’m glad someone caught the joke!

[@johnvanberrgem286]

I own a Diana 48. I simply love it. I put a decent scope on it. Up to 70 meters ( indoor) very acurate. Try to shoot ZAN slugs 10 grain. Wow.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Good to know.

[@johnvanberrgem286]

Don't forget to check the stock bolts. They need retightening aftercthe first couple of shots. Have fun!

[@adammoon4087]

ive had my model 48 for 20 years love it use the heaviest pellets you can get and if you use a scope make sure you get the proper scope mount . the scope will creep bad if you dont

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thanks!

[@jl8543]

Great presentation..the Safety on my Diana 460 Magnum is resettable.. Nothing like the logo.. MADE IN GERMANY..in your Airgun 😊

[@WiscAirGunners]

Interesting. I just finished up with a 460, and you have to go back through the cocking sequence to put it back on safe.

[@jl8543]

@@WiscAirGunners I just pull back the Safety..till now..l would too have to check it up again 😊 I have checked the 460 Magnum..The Safety resets if you firmly pull it back.. Regards

[@SmeurkeDeKat]

@@jl8543 Safeties on my K98 (460 action) an 350 Magnum are both resettable.

[@johndoee3850]

Beeman r1 Gord trigger, was the good old days.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Tell me more.

[@zmanpianoman]

I own a Diana model 52, 22 cal. With 3×9 scope and a homemade suppressor. Had it since the 80's still dead on.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Awesome!

[@zmanpianoman]

Only problem now is I have to rest it in order to shoot it. Kinda heavy. Lol

[@bretthl1]

Mine arives Thursday, looking forward to it. I have enough into center fire. It will be great to get some simple inexpensive trigger time.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Can’t beat it. Look into the artillery hold.

[@robertfeddeler5508]

I've had mine since 1992 and it was used when I bought it and was made March of 1987. I didn't ever open it up for any repair or mods until 3 years ago when I installed a vortec tune kit. Mine is what's id'd as a to1 trigger where the one you tested is a to6 trigger. Mine still didn't need to be worked on but I was unaware that altitude effected velocity of a springer so thought the spring had lost power.

[@WiscAirGunners]

That thin air (and humidity) can make a difference.

[@justinhromek73]

Very good review PJ! My first and only springer was the Diana mod. 54, same exact gun except the barrel slides backwards when fired. Not completely re-coil- less but damn close. Very accurate and powerful gun. Tough to shoot it after shooting my impacts, I’m addicted to magazines quicker shooting. Never had an issue with it breaking scopes. Way better than a break barrel design in my opinion

[@peteralexben]

yes good guns i got or have them 48 -52 -54 , but also when a breakbarrel is good made ,and the barrel is in line with the aircilindertube, or corrected to be , notting can beat a breakbarrel , loading and cocking ,overal weight is better

[@williamarmstrong392]

That was a great review. I have had the 48 in .177 a few months now. I also have a 34 in .177 and the Diana 460 magnum in 22. One thing I do love about the Diana’s, all 3 of my guns love the cheaper crosman pellets. All of these guns will group in a one inch circle at 50 yards. The 48 loves the crosman 10.5 pellets. I’m 62 years old and have to depend on a scope. Good shooting my friend !

[@paultshields1284]

You're right about the Crossman pellets . My HW97K will shoot through the same hole at thirty yards with Crossman hollow points . I have absolutely nothing against Diana but if you save up and buy a HW97K you'll have an easier to cock and pin point accurate, incredibly well made air rifle for the rest of your life .

[@russmiller4801]

Superb presentation! Just received my M48 last week. Tight tolerances and a heavy rifle. Weight simply means more metal and wood; great for supported shooting (i.e. benchrest) A fine addition to the Walther Reign, Impact Max and Chinese B3. (an excellent underlever for the cost).

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thank you sir!

[@rayfoster6980]

I put a big Diana scope with the Bulls Eye Z-R mount on mine. Great combination.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Nice!

[@10ring60-bp5ml]

thanks the brits and germans have it going on super air guns i just bought a 48 have had a bsa meteor very accurate

[@WiscAirGunners]

I'm hoping to get my hands on something from BSA in 2024.

[@leeroyjones7225]

Hi there, appreciate your videos. One word of advice when you go to put a scope on it, be sure to use a scope stop. The more powerful springers like this one can move a scope in just a few shots.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Excellent point. The top rail on the 48 is equipped with holes to accommodate a scope stop.

[@MajTom128]

I'm sold. Gotta have one! Super review.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thanks. This is my favorite springer.

[@philkennedy342]

Nice review on the Diana I’ve got 3 a 48 from the late 80’s with the to1 trigger a 340 n tech and I’ve just a k98 Mauser love all of them my only criticism is there good scope killers.. good solid last a life time engineering 👍👍👍

[@joedokes8641]

I have the Gamo Hunter Extreme in .177 made in England and my only complaint is the trigger I wish it was the T06 . I guess it all comes down to technique . It does have the Charlie Da Tuna mod installed and it is better but will never be a T06 unit . It likes the Crosman Ultra Magnums 10.5 grains ( very accurate as long as you do your part ) . It has maintained zero since 2009 . Leapers scope 4x16x50mm one piece mount nothing fancy. Lubrication and check stock screws often . Recoil is substantial . Nice review .

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thanks. I had a Charlie trigger on a Benjamin and it was a big upgrade but you’re right, starting with a better design makes a bigger difference.

[@michaelsipos5023]

This video was perfect. Covered all the bases. Kudos to you. Going to check out part 2 next

[@WiscAirGunners]

I hope you like it!

[@nolancaudill1712]

Love the video! I use a Weihrauch Hw 97 in .177 under lever springer for field target matches and I just ordered a Diana Airbug in .177.

[@WiscAirGunners]

The Airbug is a fun shooter!

[@LowkeyAirgunner]

*Gotta like them higher end air rifles!* _The only downside about them is their scope breaking abillitys_

[@WiscAirGunners]

It’s critical to pick the right optic and pay attention to the warranty!

[@springpistonriflefeverlone9611]

Agree, avoid the gas ram, it has twice the scope breaking ability of a spring piston rifle 👍🙂.

[@LowkeyAirgunner]

@@springpistonriflefeverlone9611 Gas ram does seems to be a bit smoother than a twangy springer BUT they still do hit pretty hard... _Ive unglued/messed up the glass on a brand new rimfire scope 3 shots after zeroing it...but it stays zero on this Swarm IGT wich is not the case with the other one on my Optimus springer_

[@peteralexben]

diana (name)is now a part of GSG , it was known as mayer and grammelspacher before ,but stil high quality

[@WiscAirGunners]

You are correct. I think they are trying very hard to make a distinction between their in-house, German made air-rifles and their outsourced, action line offerings. Of course, as part of their being mixed with GSG, firearms are also made at that factory.

[@edwinmcnew4389]

I have that exact gun! Pretty accurate, I love it!

[@thor-sten1564]

I am from Germany and have the diana 48 to. For me it is a very nice gun and i enjoy shooting every time. Thank you for the great video. Its my first air springer rifle and i think i bought the best,🤘

[@WiscAirGunners]

I agree.

[@joshuagibson2520]

I have a Gamo Socom break barrel from about 2005 or so. I was given the gun second hand. I put about 12,000 pellets through it myself (plus however many the original owner shot) and then did a full rebuild last winter due to significant velocity loss. I've since put another 5k shots through it and going strong. It has some slight rust and I'm not afraid to drag it through the woods, etc. However, I've been eyeing an heirloom quality break barrel lately. The ones that have my attention are Diana, Weirauch, and Air arms. I guess if I stop buying pcp's I'll add another break barrel here soon. Lol.

[@WiscAirGunners]

A great springer kind of makes time stand still. Would recommend.

[@jaretdavies1991]

i shoot open sights at no more than 25 yards and its very challenging, definitely makes me appreciate scopes...lol

[@WiscAirGunners]

Agreed!

[@JoseSantos-jd3dn]

Greatings PJ from Portugal! Diana is the best in the springers market. I have a Gecado mod 27 from the 1960´s. My father said to me it was a diana but i don´t know if he was right. I´m 45 years old and this break barrel still is accurate (10meters)

[@WiscAirGunners]

I confirmed with Diana that they made airguns for Gecado during that time frame.

[@briandolson2941]

Nice. I'd be surprised if that wind was only 10mph though! So even more impressive.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Gusty. I love the JSB 10.3 in the wind.

[@briandolson2941]

@@WiscAirGunners If you have access to them, try some Predator GTO's. My 460 Magnum (basically the underlever version of the 48) loves them! Guessing the barrel likes the harder alloy? They do fly mighty fast though, so not suitable in some scenarios.

[@buijs1967]

Great review. After seing Steves factory tour, i bought the 34 EMS. And wow it is as nice as my HW's , only a little more "plastic" parts (trigger guard, sights, end cap ect) In general for the break barrels they should pimp the stocks a bit and shorten the barrel length and a will be a returning customer. 😁

[@WiscAirGunners]

The EMS is a pretty interesting rifle that I hope I get a chance to "play" with.

[@gratmatassa5432]

good review interesting as i have a webley tracker carbine which also uses a side lever action & tap system for loading.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thanks. I’ve never had the pleasure of shooting a Webley.

[@bruceallen6016]

I had to laugh every time I saw you forget the safety. Sorry, I too have a Diana 48 in .177. I find myself getting into a routine now of automatically turning the safety off after cocking and loading the rifle. Let us know which scope you choose. I have an Athlon Talos 3-12x40 on mine which I like. Thumb up. 🙂

[@WiscAirGunners]

Yeah…after a while I got better at it. I used an Element Optics Helix. That video is up and I was very pleased with the results.

[@bjornbjorn8235]

Good review and a very nice Diana. Allow me to give a little advice though. Safety or not, when you put in the pellet, you can block for the side lever with your elbow. Better safe than sorry.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Good point. On my bench I often have the lever tucked under the top when I put my fingers in harms way.

[@gmanneod8085]

Nice job PJ. The 48 king is a sweet rifle for sure. I prefer .22 caliber air rifles, myself. Can't wait for the review of the Diana Model XP200 in the box behind you in the beginning of the video! I'm betting Steve @AEAC gave you and all his industry buddies the early heads up to request to review their rifles (including the New XP200) before he published his video!

[@WiscAirGunners]

I’m hopeful I’ll be able to review the XP200 in 2023!

[@gmanneod8085]

@@WiscAirGunners That's cool I know NDA 's are part of the air rifle community!

[@MrScarnose1974]

Hey PJ. I love your vids, keep 'm coming. Regarding the safety, i have a HW97K with an automatic safety reset just as this Diana does. When i switch it to "fire" and decide to bring it back to "safe", it will only allow me to do so by cocking the gun again. In the last part of the cocking stroke it will reset the safety again. Maybe your Diana 48 works the same. And as you already mentioned, there is no other way to release the tension of the loaded spring than firing the gun. Have fun with this springer!

[@WiscAirGunners]

I’ll give that a try.

[@andik859]

Man kann den Spannbügel ziehen und festhalten und den Abzug drücken, dann den Spannhebel zurücklassen. Sehr schwer bei dem Seitenspanner, mit Knicklaufgewehren geht es leichter sie zu entspannen wenn man nicht schießen will.

[@WiscAirGunners]

@@andik859 Ausgezeichneter Punkt. Danke schön.

[@user-sn4ey7cm7h]

Hi my friend, i want to ask you something and hope you understand me because my English is not very good....so...see that you pull back the bar....to armed the rifle...but... after that....when you tern back...the bar to the first position....want to know...If there is something to keep this bar....close to the side...of the fifle..(maybe there is a magnet to fix this)...or maybe after few years...this bar doesn't fix so well at the side...???....Thanks...nice video and the rifle too...!!!...PS...can you..put....into the bridge of the barrel....pellets with different diameter as.. Exact 4.52mm...for example.....or you can use only....4.50...???... Thanks again...

[@WiscAirGunners]

As to pellet sizing. As with every airgun, you have to find the right pellet with the right head size for your rifle. Too little it won't engage the rifling and too big and there is too much drag in the barrel. There is no mechanical catch. This design has been produced for a LONG, loooong time under the RWS brand, and I've not ever read complaints of the condition that concerns you. Once the lever is closed, it stays there until you open it.

[@hernandovillamarinbuenaven7476]

Awsome in.depth reviews PJ. (ER / ICU / ex- Military MD, 100% springer lover here..). A couple days ago, saw one comment suggesting 'talk less, shoot more'. I don't agree. In fact I subbed / will share for this very reason. Very clear & in.depth explanations + great shooting. Respectful suggestion: Don't ever talk about yourself as an 'old man' (I'm in my middle 60's, still alive'n kickin'). Bad ass Icon Clint Eastwood (92+ years YOUNG, still working on his next movie, as well as working on his Malpaso Films Company..), said once, something like: "... I keep the 'Old Man' out of myself..", so Mr. Eastwood's still working & pushing his creativity and skills to higher levels everyday. I apologize for my long comment; I've been an avid + competitive shooter since I was a kid, following both my Grandparents Legacy, (Ctg + shotshell reloading included..). Thank you kindly for your utterly dedicated work + pristine presentations. May our Lord Almighty Bless you & family.. 😌🇺🇲💪🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! I will take heed and continue to be the voice of thorough.

[@irishkelly654]

It's easily "minute of gopher", so all's good!!

[@WiscAirGunners]

Exactly!

[@irishkelly654]

@@WiscAirGunners - Cheers...

[@thor-sten1564]

i am looking forward to the video using a scope to the diana 48

[@WiscAirGunners]

I got the mounts this week and am waiting on the new optic!

[@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan]

Good stuff!

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thanks!

[@stephenrides1434]

Wunder if webley got the idea of side lever looks like a webley tracker expext the loading area

[@WiscAirGunners]

Webley’s are scarce here in the US so I haven’t had the chance to see one. Could be?

[@dc440-4]

I just bought one in .22, what i dont like about it is trigger guard is plastic and front and rear sights have plastic. And last i dont like that you cant reset the safety, i have a 1988 .177 model 48 and it has metal trigger guard and the safety is resetable. Not sure if the sight are metal on the old one being how mine is missing the sights.

[@zap7759]

Haven't heard about the trigger guard anywhere, thanks. Is this the current 48 that AoA has?

[@stewmeat30]

I just inherited a Winchester Mod 353 pistol from a friend. I'm guessing it's a rebranded Diana from the research I've done. Says Made in Germany 03/71 on the left side. Not much in to airguns I'll probably sell it to someone who can appreciate it more.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Check with Baker Airguns for more info on that model.

[@boyota74]

have had n mine for 30 years ,,,but mine is in 22 cal

[@WiscAirGunners]

That’s longevity!

[@davidkrozy3283]

I bought one in 1990

[@WiscAirGunners]

Still shooting it?

[@davidkrozy3283]

@@WiscAirGunners yes sir just had complete cleaning. fantastic quality you can feel it when you hold it.. and you know! Still hits hard and accurate!

[@raffaeledemartino9736]

Hi Sir got a question for you: what about Muzzle Crack? Is it that loud??

[@WiscAirGunners]

The action noise is louder than the muzzle report. I shot a squirrel at 15 yards off of a feeder. A deer was standing underneath. The deer didn't react until the squirrel dropped on him.

[@canofanger]

Can the safety be reset by perhaps recocking the lever?

[@WiscAirGunners]

I believe that will do the trick.

[@Sertao2013]

Notice at 9: 50 there is a edit . He had to stop the video because he forgot to get the grease out of the barrel and it sounded like a 22 rim fire went off after he fired the gun and the pellet speed was over 1,000 fps . You never ever take a air gun from the box to the bench without cleaning out the grease from the barrel first . This step take about 30 minutes and 100 patches to get free of grease . I don't know why he didn't tell people you have to do this step instead of just editing it out . Its better to look bad and show you messed up in hopes it will help other people that is watching this video and are new to air guns . I know there are hundreds of long time shooter who were crossing their fingers in hope he would clean the guns barrel or at least tell about the step . But no he went and just loaded a pellet . I know what was going to happen and sure enough there it was , the edit . He tried his best to get back in the same spot but as you can see the bag and his body are not the same . This is for all new shooters of air guns . The 1st rule is never cock and fire the gun without a pellet in it. In the manual they call it dry firing . The 2nd rule is always clean out all the grease in the barrel before you take that first shot . Shame on you Wisconsin airgunners for editing that part out .

[@WiscAirGunners]

@@Sertao2013 if I were reviewing a big box break barrel I’d clean the grease out. That’s not how Diana ships these. I don’t recall what that particular edit was about, probable me stuttering or losing my train of thought, but if I’d have cleaned that barrel I’d have shown the PatchWorm pull through cleaner and the Balistol.

[@johndoee3850]

I have the 48,like the 350 better, THE gamo magnum more powerful. I have owned over 100 air rifles. THANKS

[@WiscAirGunners]

That’s quite the collection! Thanks for watching.

[@chickoohitch8976]

This a .22 or .17?

[@WiscAirGunners]

.177

[@argiebackyardrabbitry1835]

I hope I can buy airgun But I can't afford I'm so inlove in airgun... Need some help😊😊😊

[@WiscAirGunners]

The Model 48 would be a great place to set your sights, pun intended. I can’t offer you any assistance in your quest other than to say, it’s a better decision to go towards higher quality, even if that means waiting, versus buying the cheapest thing, as soon as it becomes available.

[@TheJohnnyairgun]

Just Sub'd. This is the one springer I'd never sell. Ive had 2 cals but my .22 is amazing. Check my channel, I've been powder burning for the past decade but I'm back. Keep up the content, its great.

[@WiscAirGunners]

Thanks! I’ll check it out.

[@paultshields1284]

The Diana 48 is not worth what it cost ! The stock is but the metal work is shoddy compared to HW !

[@WiscAirGunners]

I haven’t had the pleasure of spending much time with the HW line up, but by all accounts they are very nice.

[@paultshields1284]

@@WiscAirGunners I have owned all of the hw Springer's, most eat scopes for breakfast . The hw 30 and the 97k are the most accurate with the 97k being as accurate as any PCP. The 97 k is by far the best HW !

[@WiscAirGunners]

@@paultshields1284 Good to know. I'll look forward to a chance to try one out.

[@chickoohitch8976]

Ok .17

[@WiscAirGunners]

Yes.

[@Dutch.1722]

.177 is too anemic for that gun. I own the .22 48 and shot my neighbors. 177 48. 10.5 cps just ain't enough IMO.

[@WiscAirGunners]

My Model 48 is generating about or over 17 FPE with both 8.4 grain and 10.3 grain JSB pellets which is plenty of power for pesting in most backyard situations. It might not be my first choice for raccoon, but I’m not going to use a springer as a night hunter because no one makes NV gear that can withstand the recoil. It’s good to have choices!

[@Dutch.1722]

@@WiscAirGunners That is why my 48 is dedicated iron sights. 48s eat optics.

[@peteralexben]

@@Dutch.1722 , if shoot this guns and all springers above 20 joule only with 4x32 scopes springer approved , because how much less the internals weigh ,they can resist longer the recoil wear , you dont need a scope with high magnification at the short usable distance of a springer 50 -60 meter

[@Rattletrap-xs8il]

I have a model 48 and 52 in .22

[@WiscAirGunners]

Nice airguns!

[@Rattletrap-xs8il]

Just get the right scope (a spring gun certified scope), those guns are scope destroyers.

[@WiscAirGunners]

I’m not worried about the he looks, but I also thought, why push it? And it gave me an opportunity to try out something new (to me) that I was skeptical of, and I am now a believer. Win-Win!