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The Super-Plinker/Best of both worlds.- DIANA 280

8/6/2021

19 Comments

 
G'd I miss IWA!

Every year the pilgrimage to the greatest "Weapons Exhibition" in the world is a thrill.

And, of course, spending some real-face time with my DIANA friends is a boon to boot.

BUT CoViD19 put a damper on IWA 2020 and IWA 2021, next year IWA 2022 has been programmed, but there is no guarantee.

Anyway, one of the more charming aspects about IWA is that you can interact with top notch gunsmiths from around the world. Not all are interested in airguns, but most of them understand the complexities of low power shooting.

Among the typical discussions is the eternal one about the "German" way and the "American" way. From sling placement and usage, to sights and stock shapes, there is always someone that claims to be "richtig" & "genau".  :-)

Of course the reality is that we need to take the best of all the options available to us. And this post is a bit about that: Getting a German, medium powered springer to be a joy to shoot in a specifically American endeavor: Plinking with iron sights using economy pellets.

So, when a friend requested something to complement his scoped R-7, I thought: This is a good opportunity for a DIANA 280.
And so the project started some months ago, the guns were available then and they were procured.

One, in 0.177", cal has already been reviewed here.

And the challenge with this one in 0.22" cal was to make it shoot well with iron sights.

We went back and forth with different rear sights, but in the end, it was necessary to change the front sight to something that would allow proper head positioning, BUT, we still wanted to keep the gun as DIANA as possible, and so we changed the front​ muzzle piece to one that was made by DIANA for the larger guns to use the "Korntunnel" in the DIANA lineup.

However, there are no Fiber Optic korntunnels in the German world, ¿What on earth for? you are supposed to shoot ONLY at paper targets! You NEED BLACK!  . . . .  LOL!  . . .  Nope!
Enter Tru-Glo, an American company that has been making optical gathering front sights for some time. 

That allowed us to use the Williams FP rear and add the Merit Iris for light and contrast control, but since the sight stop is located fairly forward, an extension to the eyepiece had to be manufactured.

The powerplant was changed to a Titan #10 spring in a custom composite guide; performance stats are located in the targets for those that need numbers.

Overall it was a great project, fun and challenging.
​
​So, let's look at some pictures:
Picture
The first thing we did was to shoot the gun in, with the normal shoot and clean routine, this took some weeks of intermittent effort. We then shot some test groups to define the best pellet. Without a doubt, the JSB RS proved to be the one. This is a no-standard 10M target because of the colors, but the size is strictly regulation.
Picture
But the gun had an extremely low LOS, and the stock was completely inadequate. It took great effort and concentration to shoot groups like the one above, so we installed a small, appropriate telescope and tested other pellets from among the ones that ARE available.
Picture
Results were reasonably good, specially the H&N Excite Hammer, that is an "economy" pellet in the H&N line.
Picture
But the owner insisted on "Irons" as the gun was to be a "plinker". And so. we decided to test the flat Match style muzzlepiece DIANA makes for the 48->54 family, that did not look bad at all.
Picture
The space between the relatively thin barrel (15 mm's) and the external bore of the muzzlepiece cavity was taken up by a "Cello" finish Carbon Fiber tube.
Picture
At the rear, we installed a Williams FP/AG sight, but had to use the long slide of the GR sight to really give it latitude.
Picture
But the rear sight was too far forward to give a good sight picture! We had to make an extension.
Picture
This is the sight picture through the Merit Iris disc once the extension was added. You can clearly see the bright aimpoint from the TruGlo front sight, even against a white paper.
Picture
And then we took the gun to play outside!
Picture
After some warming up and sighting in at a more realistic distance of 25 yards, these are the results.
Picture
One of the things I really like about the Tru-Glo is that the amount of light you put "on target" is adjustable. You can reduce the brightness in an extremely bright day to a good level by turning the "shading" on.
Picture
Or you can have more and more light by "opening the shutters".
Picture
If there was truly little light in the day, then you can have a wide open window, taking in light from almost 180° of sky
Picture
This is the sight picture with a "fully closed shutter", yes it is bright, but by no means glaring.
Picture
And I do like the way the CF glossy finish tube shines! LOL!
Picture
In the end, this is what it is all about: a pleasant evening in the cooling day, with your S.O. so that she can create the targets for you. Some distance, some pellets, and have fun!
Picture
And if you REALLY have what it takes, then turn the can on end. The gun is more than capable. Will you be? ;-) Let's see!
Keep well and shoot straight!






HM

19 Comments
Paul Manktelow
8/7/2021 19:34:23

I found this to be an enjoyable read. Thanks

Reply
Hector Medina
8/8/2021 10:15:36

Thanks, Paul!

Hope to see you sometime soon.

Keep well and shoot straight!





HM

Reply
Drew Simpson
8/8/2021 07:10:47

A nice project and an enjoyable read. Im not sure if the 48/52 muzzle piece is commonly available here in the UK but it looks like a fine solution for the too low LOS. You have effectively created a 280 HV.
Strangely, I find the 280 fine to shoot with open sights but find the 34EMS uncomfortably low. I look forward to the release of the metal sights for the EMS and wonder if they will fit the 280 provided it's got the 16mm diameter barrel.
Another option would be to fit the diopter from a 75 T01 which would sit closer to the eye than the Williams. I have one on an RWS 45 and its a great combination.
The 280 is a great little rifle. Its a shame it has been discontinued. The world went crazy for the HW50/99S but overlooked the little Diana which is at least its equal in my view.

Reply
Hector Medina
8/8/2021 10:37:12

Hello Drew!

Thanks for reading!

I am not sure the "Flat Match" muzzle piece is available anywhere anymore, LOL!
BUT I am sure the 280 will accommodate the "normal" 48-52-54 muzzlepiece with the slanted front sight ramp (tested and ascertained it), as both barrels are 15 mm's (nominal) diameter. You will need to get either the shim and sleeve of a 48, or a CF tube to take up the space.

The 34 EMS has a 16 mm's (nominal) barrel, so the accessories SHOULD be "fittable" with thimbles or shims. Problem is that the attachment method is through the steel nut at the muzzle and the 280 does NOT have a threaded muzzle to receive this.

Truth is that, for all intents and purposes, the 34 EMS DOES replace the 280. It is a few ounces LIGHTER, and with the short barrels it is a few inches SHORTER, even with the "long action".

If you have not read it already, perhaps you can dedicate a few minutes to read this:
https://www.ctcustomairguns.com/hectors-airgun-blog/the-diana-34-ems-easy-modular-system-chap-1

In future installments we will review different options and aspects of the guns that will show how far advanced these rifles are from others.

I do agree with you that the 280 received a bit of "snobbish lookdown" reception, specially in the UK Press, and given the impact of British airgun writers in the worldwide market, it is not strange that the model was not the commercial success it COULD have been.

BUT, that was then, the "new" M&G has come up with a thrilling new alternative with lots of options, while other brands are letting the break-barrel shooters hanging in the air.

;-)

Thanks for reading, keep well and shoot straight!







HM

Reply
Drew Simpson
8/13/2021 09:48:41

H M,
My 280 has a 16mm diameter barrel but I cannot find any sign of a "match" muzzlepiece for sale anywhere. As I said, I find the 280 perfectly usable as is but the one you have set up looks very nice.
The traditional recommendation of RWS pellets for Diana barrels certainly holds true for my .22 280. Its favourite are good old Superdomes.

Regards,
Drew

RidgeRunner
8/9/2021 05:44:27

Hector,

Being a serious plinker, I really enjoyed this article. I never thought of plinking as being anything particularly American. I used to be a hunter, but since I no longer need to do such to feed my family, I quit.

Competition? Only with myself. I have never been serious enough with a 10 meter air rifle or air pistol to go up against anyone in a match. The same with FT. Also, any competition usually requires travel, which is out of the question, although with the release of the Chinese Bioweapon, ingenuity has begun overcoming isolation.

Sitting on the back porch steps on a sunny Sunday afternoon and plinking at feral soda cans out at 25+ yards with these "antique" airguns is a nice way to pass the afternoon and keep your "eye" in.

Perhaps the rest of the world should take up plinking.

Reply
Hector Medina
8/9/2021 09:12:33

My Dear RR;

I have often said that if all the world were airgunners, the world would be a better place.

;-)

Keep well and shoot straight!






HM

Reply
Hector Medina
8/13/2021 11:12:49

@ Drew Simpson:
Dear Drew, the FOUR 280's I've had in my hands have all had 15 mm's barrels.
DO, please, check your barrel, it SHOULD measure 15.2 mm's almost exactly.
IF you do have the 15 mm's barrel, then DIANA part # 30500700 should fit.
That is the slanted ramp/front sight muzzle piece of the 48->54 family.

IF you have a 16 mm's barrel, then have patience and find a gunsmith that can thread your barrel's muzzle to ½"-20 UNF and when the EMS parts become available (which should be next year at latest), you will be able to use those parts in your 280.

BUT, it would be a peculiar 280 to have a 16 mm's barrel.

On the other hand, if you are interested in a custom part, drop me a line through my contact page.

Keep well and shoot straight!




HM

Reply
Drew Simpson
8/13/2021 12:50:39

H M,
The barrel on this particular 280 is definately 16mm rather than 15 or therabouts. It wore a steel barrel weight for a while with that internal diameter.
Thank you for the offer of a possible custom part. Right now Im wondering what can be done to get the EMS running with a steel front sight. A year is a long way away.

Regards,
Drew

Reply
Drew Simpson
8/13/2021 13:43:34

H M,
Not at all peculiar. A good friend in Wales has kindly taken a vernier to his 280K barrel this evening and it gives 15.76mm. The 280 carbine barrel is threaded. He's a step ahead.

Regards
Drew

Reply
Hector Medina
8/13/2021 15:38:31

Now I understand!

The 'k" model was specifically made for RUAG in the UK. It also sported the "Premium" stock and sold for quite a bit more than the "Classic" one.

The Premium stock and the "k" length go hand in hand to create a VERY handsome gun, you can see our own efforts with the 0.20" cal special run we ordered here:

https://www.ctcustomairguns.com/hectors-airgun-blog/converting-a-spring-powered-d34-into-an-n-tec-rifle

Since RUAG ordered a special run, the barrel could be non-standard.
They could have also ordered a limited number of guns in rifle length and/or Classic stock.

There is an interesting article here:
https://www.airgunmagazine.co.uk/tests/diana-280k-and-norica-black-eagle/

That shows the Premium stock.

In any event, the addition of the Carbon Fiber sleeve added a lot to the little gun, so if your barrel is 15.76 mm's, you can easily find a 5/8" ID CF tube that has an 18 mm's / 11/16" OD and you will be good to go.
Any good lathe turner can drill the DIANA piece I listed above to allow the 15.76 mm's in.

It really is a Piece of Cake!

Thanks for the clarification & Keep us posted!






HM

Reply
Drew Simpson
8/13/2021 18:27:00

H M,
My 280 has the full length barrel. My
Welsh pals 280k has the screw cut carbine barrel. Both have the "duluxe" stock. Both have the nominal 16mm barrels.
Regsrds .
Drew

Reply
Hector Medina
8/14/2021 09:48:37

Great!
So, you can do as I said without waiting a year.

5/8" is pretty close to "nominal" 16 mm's.

;-)

Keep us posted if you move forward.




HM

Reply
RidgeRunner
8/20/2021 13:54:14

Hector,

Where did you find that TruGlo front sight? I have been looking, but have not found it yet.

Reply
Hector Medina
8/20/2021 14:20:13

Because I like them so much, I bought quite a few.

Drop me a line and we'll work out something.

;-)





HM

Reply
RidgeRunner
10/24/2021 07:24:41

Hector,

I had mounted that TruGlo front sight and a Williams peep on the rear of my grandson's HW30S. I took it out yesterday and zeroed it in.

Now you almost have to try to miss with it. Just sitting on the back steps without a rest I could hit a 3/4" dot time and again at 10 yards. Feral soda cans do not stand a chance at 25 yards.

This is the first glowy thingy sight I have ever liked.

Reply
Hector Medina
10/24/2021 10:24:02

Glad you are happy RR!

Keep well and thanks for teaching a youngster!





HM

Reply
RidgeRunner
11/7/2021 16:47:28

Yesterday my grandson spent some time shooting the HW30S with the TruGlo front sight and the Williams rear sight. He stated that he does not want a scope on that air rifle or the sights to ever be changed.

I think he might like this setup also.

Reply
Hector Medina
11/9/2021 16:19:53

CLEARLY a chip off the old block!
LOL!

Good for him to know what he likes and what he wants.

You have taught him well.

Congrats!





HM

Reply



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    Hector Medina

    2012 US National WFTF Spring Piston Champion
    2012 WFTF Spring Piston Grand Prix Winner
    2013 World's WFTF Spring Piston 7th place
    2014 Texas State WFTF Piston Champion
    2014 World's WFTF Spring Piston 5th place.
    2015 Maine State Champion WFTF Piston
    2015 Massachusetts State Champion WFTF Piston
    2015 New York State Champion WFTF Piston
    2015 US National WFTF Piston 2nd Place
    2016 Canadian WFTF Piston Champion
    2016 Pyramyd Air Cup WFTF Piston 1st Place
    2017 US Nationals Open Piston 3rd Place
    2018 WFTC's Member of Team USA Champion Springers
    2018 WFTC's 4th place Veteran Springer
    2020 Puerto Rico GP Piston First Place
    2020 NC State Championships 1st Place Piston
    2022 Maryland State Champion WFTF 
    2022 WFTC's Italy Member of TEAM USA 2nd place Springers
    2022 WFTC's Italy
    2nd Place Veteran Springers

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