I'm new to airguns, ordered a .177 RWS-48 with a Leapers scope today, mainly for target shooting and varmints, snakes and doves mostly. Any suggestions on things to do when I take it out of the box?
I'm serious - there is often all kinds of 'gunk' in the barrel - even if it looks clean - clean it. Is it coming with the scope mounted? If not, you'll need a mount.
Get a RWS cleaning kit and a plastic push through ceaning rod. Clean and lube it according to the directions with the gun, and then go have fun. You picked a good gun and you will be pleased. If you have any trouble with accuracy, read the tips on shooting a spring piston gun on Umarex web site. (by the way, they sell the RWS cleaning kit as well.)I'm still learning to shoot mine well....
Many, if not all, RWS rifles come out of the box with NO spring lube. Recommend lubing the main spring before shooting! My 54 was bone dry and the spring bent quickly. Save yourself the hassle and your gun will thank you for it!
Bob R.
so far, as I understand, two things are fact.
1. RWS rifles have a lifetime warranty.
2. ALL RWS rifles come without lube and dry.
Putting those two together, doesnt it mean the factory has decided that not lubing their rifles gives them the best durability?
Logically speaking, a company that offers lifetime warranty, wants to get as few rifles in for warranty service as possible. That translates to money not leaving their pocket. So they would do their best within reason, to reduce the number of return for warranty rifles. Lube is relatively cheap, so it seems if applying lube would make their rifles more reliable, they would do it to make more money.
This is not a fact, but just a conclusion I'm coming to. If you disagree, please let me know the flaw in my logic.
Maybe it's the law of diminishing returns. It costs money to lube rifles. Even though it might not cost a lot per rifle in lubes, you have to take into account the time involved also. Multiply that by thousands of rifles, and it adds up. Plus, sometimes, people buy guns and hardly ever shoot them. If somebody just shoots occasionally, they aren't likely to care if the gun honks like a goose every time it's cocked.
I thought about that..but...
from what I understand, US is not a large part of the RWS/Diana market. From what I remember growing up in Europe, those guys just dont buy something and store it. If they buy a rifle, they use it, and use it. Also, if they are looking to save the money on the lube...that scares the living daylights out of me. Just imagine what else they have cut costs on...that is much more money saving than the lube and not noticeable. I want to not believe this is the case. I want to believe that they have come to the conclusion that not lubing the rifle has negligible negative effect on its longevity and performance, and that's why they have opted to not lube.
Well, it seems the two larger German airgun manufacturers are at the extreme ends as far as lubing is concerned: the lore has it Diana rifles leave the factory pretty much unlubed and should thus be disassembled and lubed prior to use, while Weihrauchs are supposed to be overlubed and should thus be disassembled and delubed prior to use.
That's at least what the rumours say...
By the way, I recently bought a used 46 Stutzen from Germany, dated 10/99, and when replacing the German 6 ftlbs spring with a Maccari kit I noticed the rifle was totally dry inside. It had, however, clearly been used and it worked as well as a 46 with about 6 ftlbs can work (i.e. it felt wrong).
Well, while Diana's may not require lube to funtion . there is no doubt , that by lubeing, it will improve performence and help smooth out the gun.
Maybe Diana understands that the rifle will funtion fine without a lube and figures they can save a few bucks , and if the owner wants a lube he can do it or have a pro do it.
If ALL Diana's leave factory unlubed - how come that the only time I accidentially dry-fired my 54 it was dieseling?
Another point: My 54 doesn't honk, squeek, twang or anything like that.
It gives off a satisfying "twock" when shot.
Up to now I have fired some 7,000 rounds since I bought it - without any complications.
