Cannot obtain consistant groups, the gun is shooting differenty from rest position to standing position to sitting positions.

I am not impressed with this rifle at all.
I am going to try some different things, then going back to the shop.

What cal.,is it scoped,if so what kind of mount and is it tight. what pellets heve you tried,are the stock screws loose?A friend of mine and I have between us 5 mod.34's and they will all do 1/2" or better groups at 30 yds.Keep us informed and keep shooting, Gary

...it will take a few HUNDERD shots to settle down. Both my fatther's and my 34 dieseled slightly for the first 50 or so shots, leaving the barrel full of smoky haze. Once this was shot off, consistency started to show up. Make sure to check all the obious things like stock screws, scope mounts, etc.

34s have a distinct recoil, and don't shoot well off a traditional rest. I've had my best luck using a rifle rest with a gel bicycle seatcover on the front rest. When I hold the gun, I place my front hand right where the rifle balances. I use this same point on the rest. I hold the gun very loosely, with almost no shoulder pressure on the butt, and very light cheek pressure.

Diana makes wonderful .177 barrels, and I'm very impressed with my 34. These guns take some skill to master, since they are relatively light for their power.

I think we're all bozos on this bus.

Thanks for the suggestions, but when i can shoot a 30.06 springfield off hand more accurately than a diana 34 at just 20 yards, something is wrong.


That gun is back at the dealer.

fired a mid- or high-power springer before the 34? It isn't like shooting a firearm. The action of the spring may feel like a firearm but the recoil is totally different. It takes lots of practice to shoot one consistantly, and hold technique is everything. It has to be the same- exactly the same- every time, and held so the gun can recoil. Hold it a bit different and it will shoot different. Spring guns don't generally respond well to a standard firearms benchrest, and of course it will shoot differently if you are sitting or standing. If you're shooting it like a firearm you're holding it differently in each position. Its not really fair to say the gun is bad after one or two brief shooting sessions.
Also, from a previous post, barrel droop is normal and common, especially in European guns. Most Dianas have some degree of droop, and nearly every break-barrel spring gun I have has at least a little, even if it isn't visible. Its the nature of the thing, and why adjustable mounts are a must have if you hope to properly set up in scope on a Diana or just about any break-barrel gun.

Dave I believe you when you say that it is not like shooting a firearm.

I bought the Diana as a off season practise weapon to hone regular firearm skills, but if the technique is different as you say than it will not serve
as a good practise tool.

Tomorrow I will get out the .22 rimfire and kill some crows.

actually improve your firearm skills in my opinion. Airguns, due to their lack of noise and excessive recoil (in general), let you refine such skills as trigger release, grip, breathing, hold sensitivity, proper sight picture , etc. all at a relatively low cost and in a whole lot more locales. Just my 2 cents.