It is really frustrating. Me too, I find nothing about this gun and I would really really like to know it's real world energy data.
I think that in the US this gun makes little sense, but here it does.
Where I live (Belgium) there is NO limit to airgun power but in the UK one is limited to 12 fp.
If one takes airguns to the UK, as I do, it is always a hassle replacing the spring in your 97K, or whatever other gun, with a weaker 12 fp spring.
So, for the purpose of going airgun hunting in the UK, a Diana (RWS) 300R makes real sense, provided it stays sub 12 fp. Simply buy it and no modifications needed. Plus no English police asking questions whether your gun is really downtuned.
In fact, I think the 300R is sub 12 because the listed velocities are even 5 m/s lower than these of a 46, which already is a +/- 12 fp gun.
Also, provided it works well, the 7 shot magazine makes follow-up shots easier, only cocking again and not fumbling with pellets. In theory it is nice.
I will start saving pennies and let you all know. I take pride in buying guns nobody else wants/has
Got the airgun bug this august and already ... it's a very very real addiction.
This saturday I participated in a "serious" lever action competition (Marlin 336SS) and all the time I was looking at my watch as I wanted to leave early in order to have enough time to try out my new HW 77K .25
Mine is a .22WMR Model 1894 . Produced for only a couple years, the 1894, 44Mag reciever is used, mated to the handy and powerfull .22WMR bbl. An underbarrel, tube-fed magazine is loaded via the usual .22RF style forward cartrige loading slot. Positive cartrige feed is assured by a simplespring/tube follower.What a fantastic little carbine! Unlike when using the .22WMR in a Pisrol, you will not go deaf with the Marlin. In fact, firing it without hearing protedtion is actually plesant! 11 fast shots, a trigger that rivals the one on my Single-Six, and a decent set of Iron Sights (Scoping is also possible for the non-traditionalist).
The versitle caliber now offers a broad number of bullet weights and styles to suit many applications, and ammo costs aren't going to break the bank account. For plinking and Small Game hunting, this rifle is a ball to shoot!
Since the .22RF and the .22WMR arent interchangable, and since the 1894 heavy frame is not available in a .22LR chambering, it's too bad that there is not a CB style, ultra-low velocity load for indoor shooting... Yea, I'd love to crank off that Marlin in the Garage!
Your "Serious" 336 Lever Gun event sounds like it was fun!
** BTW, Factory specs for the Model 300 only put it about 50fps slower than the Diana Model 46. As with all former RWS guns, velocitys quoted were probally based on shooting RWS Hobby pellets for it.s velocity quotes.
Thans for your comment.
Me too, I've always wanted a lever .22mag, a Marlin or a 9422 Winchester, but in Belgium you can only get 10 gun permits (I have 12 ) so one has to make choices on what to buy and what not. Most centerfire hunting rifles and shotguns, like my Marlin 336SS .30-30 are free however and can be bought without limitation (only registration). At one time Marlin made a limited run of their 1894 in .32-20 (free, no permit required) but I can't find one.
So rimfire long guns are subject to permits and I already have 4: a Browning auto (the well known takedown model), a Unique audax .22lr (my first .22 back in 1981), a Walther UIT super target .22lr AND an Anschuetz 1365 9mm flobert. I can not have more rimfire long guns as I would have to trade in some handguns to "liberate" permits.
Instead of a .22mag, I got myself a sweet and free Ruger 77/22rsh .22 hornet - also a small and very handy rifle, though accuracy could be better. (2 to 2.5" at 100 meters is not really all that well).
You should all be very grateful to live in the US and make sure you remain the country of the truly free. It seems Condoleezza Rice is very pro gun because she knows from her childhood that having guns provide you with safety. Indeed a very smart woman and good lookong too. I bet SHE has a Diana 300R... and a model 25 to plink in the basement of the White House.
Kind regards
PS1: airguns are completely free in Belgium
PS2: how is your health now ? Are you doing Ok ?
Ya gotta remember, Germany has some velocity restrictions, and perhaps the German FT guys get the US full power, Spec rifle... The loss between the 300 repeater, and a single shot 46 is likely from the air-gap an empty pellet chamber causes. (sorta like seating the pellet too deep). I'm sure Diana made Piston Breaking allowancs in the design, and like any other good grade Diana, this one ought to last a lifetime!
As yet information is scant, but the Model is relativelly new. Maybe in the near future, someone will print something? Granted, the Model 300R prices are pretty high, and one can get a basic 48 cheaper... Maybe that is the reason for the slow start-up with the Model???
claim that the people that have bought them like them a lot, no reliability or performance issues to speak of...only complain they get is that there should of been a shot count indicator implemented on the magazine to let you know you are on the last shot...
I also asked if the wood on the 46 Stutzen and the 300R are anything special since every advertisement of these guns shows stunning examples, borderline nice walnut appearances, they went and opened up a couple boxes and told me they are definitely nice beech but nothing spectacular...
Ya gots to be careful about RWS velocities....in my experience...
December 9 2005, 12:54 PM
they tend to run actually hotter than advertised. My .22 34 for instance is pushing 17.75 fpe with 14.5 grainers and it's basically bone stock except for a little guide tuning and a little Maccari Velo tar. No dieseling either. Loves those RWS Superdomes btw. My hunch tells me that at least as of recently RWS is either putting in stouter springs or I've just got an unusually hot one. lol
