Just bought myself a post-Christmass present, an "R" version of the RWS Model-36 in .22 from our friends at UMAREX. With only around 30 shots through it I gotta say I'm quite impresed! (The major Weather events here in Calif cut my shooting WAY short, doggonit)

 I chose the .22 version in the hopes that a theroy (developed around experiences with my .22 Stingray Magnum Carbine)about the "softer" shooting mannerisms of it and other Low and Mid-velocity .22 airguns would carry on through with the full sized Model-36 .Well, the theroy and the .22 bore size didn't let me down! It's a SWEET shooter!  One other theroy, was that the difference between the "felt" recoil and sharp discharge of my Maccari-Sprung and modded .177 Model-40 would be noticed at the first shot! It was.The power increase that the JM Mainspring creates is immediatelly noticeable. His expertice with wire and the different mainspring types really transforms an airgun! Believe me, Factory Diana Mainsprings aren't all that bad! I just re-sprung my tired,"Pet" .177 Beeman/Diana 35's with a stock Diana spring and all I can say is WOW, I'd forgotten how the power of that "pre-magnum" powerhouse felt!

 For the time being I plan to break-in the rifle with the Factory mainspring and a simple "Lube Tune" Naturally, this will involve a lengthlly shoot-in period and meantime I can ponder if, or not to modify the powerplant, if I want to even touch the excellent out-of-the-Box Trigger adjustment, and how I want to refinish the damaged Stock. The rifle will mount either a fixed, 4x30 Leapers A/O Mil-dot scope or a BSA 3x12x40 A/O Target scope. I'm leaning toward the Mil-dot for pure simplicity and rangefinding capabilitys. As with most all my long barreled break-barrels, I plan to use a Droop-compensating scope mount.

   I can't report on accuracy  but I CAN report that the velocity of the unbroken-in RWS is only around 70% of my  "stock" but well broken-in and lubed .22 Webly Stingray Carbine. In just the small amount of time I had to compare the two, you could really notice the difference!. No problem, as they are VERY different guns! The Model 36 DID make a good showing of it'self by  flattening "fragging" Crosman W/C's off a 50 yard distant Splashplate! On my 7m Garage range, it just explodes the same pellet! Gosh, Speaking of Pellets, I LOVE pellet testing, finding the "right" one for each airgun, and Oh Boy a.22 to sort out! I guess I gotta buy a Chrony one of these days... Till then, 20, 30 and 50 yard groups will have to do.

 As an ideal project gun, I couldn't want for another. The 5.5mm caliber alone (in a full sized magnum rifle) is new territory for me and the T-05 Triggergroup on the Model-36 is a wee bit different enough from the trigger on the Model-40 that I'm used to also . This'un is gonna be FUN!

 ZVP

ZVP, The most impressive post I have read. Thanks for the info, from one of the most knowledgeable guys on air guns. I hope you keep posting more often. You seem to offer more common sense approach to air gunning than anyone I have come across. Thanks and keep the good work up! I have asked many questions about the 34 in 22. cal. in the past. I wish you had posted earlier. I know I should have taken Umarex up on that sale. Congradualations on your new 22. cal.

Dave @vabch

 Dave, You're making me blush! I just love Airguns and I guess I portray it too much in writing about em.

 Yea, I harbored a fascination for another GOOD .22 . You know how it goes, one day you just decide to buy another gun! I have the big Stingray Carbine, but wanted a Full-Sized rifle.

 The current Model 34-45 action is a very healthy Powerplant, capable of handling both the 1 and 2 bores well. Each is very different in the way they act as I stated. I like both types of preformance and really couldn't pick just one even for Hunting! The .177 penetrates deep, does a lot of damage, quick and downs the quarry efficentlly. The .22 is a Knock-Out punch, giving meduim penetration and efficent energy transfer to Vitals. I own a few of both Calibersand  heck, who could choose? Ha-Ha The phrase "Airgun Poor" always comes to mind...

 I DO try and read all Posts but Health issues often limit my sitting here and making long posts. I really enjoy the Posters here! So much information and knowlege to gleen over and absourb. I enjoy seeing that so many airgunners enjoyi the equipment and the Sport/Hobby as I do!

 ZVP

ZVP, it looks like your RWS Model-36 in .22 found a good home. It looks like you received a good deal from Umarax as well. I really want a Diana 34 35 etc in 22.cal. I kick myself for not jumping on the Umarax demo sale. I bought a 850. and am enjoying that gun, but should have waited and bought the 34 or 36 when I had the chance. Oh, well, there is always another shot! Here's hoping for your good health, and happy shooting in the New Year! Keep the good work up, and thanks.

Dave@vabch

Dave, I hope this is not too personal, but you and I spoke (by e-mail) when I first became involved in air guns, especially RWS. I will never forget your quick and encouraging words. It was obvious that you are a true "AIRGUNNER". One of the founding fathers in this fast and growing hobby. In the shadows, I know you have always been monitoring this site, which is your true love. I hope in the coming year, you can contribute more often as your advice is greatly appreciated. I personally would like to hear about your health. You have mentioned it a few times, and quite frankly it concerns me. I was so happy to hear you bought a new gun and have been out to enjoy it. Sorry for the bad California weather, I will try and work on that.But I am curious about your condition. Can you discuss that? If not, E-mail me. I think I speak for all of the guy's on this site. We care about you, and love it when you report. Please Keep blogging! Man, you are the heart and soul of this "Dianawerk"

A great read and some good insights ZVP! Its always nice to see you posting here, getting involved with us. I really like this site. By the way, do you think it be possible to add a search function? There's a ton of useful information here. Sometimes I like to search all the info on a particular Diana and just learn stuff about it.

Thanks again

Harv

Harv,

 This is a real hard spot to have the Forum in!

 With this basic free foremat I just get what we've got.  It has no keys to initate any sort of search. At the time I started this all, I had no idea it'd blossom into such a Diana (and other Brands) encyclopedia! Heck, now it's gone so far it may be beyond my control...

 I'm not very computer savvy and am afraid that should I now change to another service, that we'll loose everything! Do you know how these systems work? I don't, I'm just a shooter with good intentions.

 ZVP

I have a network account similar to what you have. So if you'd like, we could try this over the phone and I can see if I can't get us to where we would like this to go. This way, you don't have to pass me any sensitive info and I might be able to help us get a search function...functioning lol.

You still have the same number? I could give you a call if you'd like.

Harv

is making me want a .22 ...kinda killing me here ! I was just starting to believe my little collection to be satisfactorily complete (minus a Tyro and a bigger bore of course!) now I'm not so sure ...what to do ?? what to do ???

Harvey I believe you're correct in thinking the search can be enabled . There should be a toggle setting in the Global Admin function that turns the search on/off . It may not allow past posts to be searchable without an archive though. If not all the old posts will remain as they are - but all new posts from enabled date on would be searchable . If the existing forum became an archive "sub forum " then all posts would become searchable ...just sayin.

Like Rick and Harvey say that's a start and the sooner the better. Sometimes when I have time in my hands I go through different pages of this forum (like when my wife is shopping for 5 hrs.)

The first post was "Hello ZVP", Feb 23, 2002 @ 11:34 on page 68, that was 6 years ago.

There is a TON of info on this forum.

Anybody in this forum that is Admin-Net savy is invited to help in this issue, it will benefit all the members' and the new ones to come.

warren