Diana Panther 21

[kellyj]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the great forums and posts found here.
I recently purchased a Diana Panther 21 with composite stock. I mounted a "Centre Point" 4X30 scope and have managed to dispatch several grackles.

Here's my question. The velocity is around 495 fps. OK for close shooting under 15-20 yards. I know she is capable of 600-750 though. Can I "tune" her in any way to get a better velocity and thus shoot more accuarately out to 30-40 yards?

Thanks for all your help here,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50144458@N03/4604244222/



kellyj

[ezman604]

Kelly, first off welcome to GTA Forums. Glad you joined us airgun nutz.

Your Panther 21 is rated around 580fps according to this[/i][/b] site. Of course, different guns of the same make and model will have different outputs and it also depends on the ammo used. But, your gun could definately benefit from a tune. A better spring and possibly an aftermarket seal might bring the numbers up some. The cleaning, deburring and proper lube from a tune up would definate help.It alldepends on how much you are willing to invest in your airgun. and whether you want to tackle the job yourself or have a professional do the job.

Again, welcome. Post often and post pictures. We enjoy hearing and seeing adventures in airguns!!!!

Happy Shooting!!!!

Dave

[kellyj]

Thanks Dave!

I remember as a kid shooting a czech air rifle. Long gone now...

According to Canadian government regulations the Diana 21 must shoot no greater than 495 fps. Do you know how the company would reduce muzzle velocity?
Would it be a weaker spring or smaller air chamber? How would I fnd a better spring or after market seal?

Is there a way to bring her up to 580 fps?

Cheers!

Kellyj

[JimL911]

A weaker spring/transfer port restriction/lighter piston/a hole in the piston face; any combination will reduce power. You need to open it to see what has been done before you can "tamper" with it. At the same time you need to measure the spring(coils,length,inside & outside diameter) and seal before looking for replacement parts.  This is one of the best for springs and seals:  http://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/page/page/251327.htm

Adding a few spacers to give more pre-load can boost power a little if all they did was use a weaker spring.

[ezman604]

The manufacturer could do several things to reduce the output fps of an airgun for different markets, but the MOST likely item would be replacing the main spring. You can check with James Maccari[/b][/i] to see what he has available for your gun as far as main spring and seals. I'm sure there are other members here that own the P21and will chime in with tips and hints for you. Also do a search of all posts and I'm sure you will find some very useful info.

Good luck!!!!

Dave

[tjk]

Welcome to the GTA Kelly. Instead of trying to make the rifle faster,....why not just get another one,...like a Diana 34. Most people get caught up in the velocity hype,....Me included,....but think of the benefits of having a slower gun to shoot in close quarters. Many of us have guns that we can't shoot around the house because they are too powerful, loud, etc. The P21 sounds to me like an ideal plinker/window bird buster. Also, the velocity may increase with more use. Best way to squeek a little more juice out of your gun would probably be to go with lighter weight pellets. HTH, tjk

[kellyj]

Thanks tjk, Dave,

Trouble is I'm a bit of an equipment freak and will want more airguns to try out and tinker with. Sound familiar

So far I have only had one two shot grackle kill out of six! The rest were one shot using pointed pellets.
The gun is very quiet, accurate and doesn't disturb anyone, very stealthy.

Someone suggested a few sprays of WD 40 in the pellet container and mixing them up to give the pellet more velocity?

Cheers!

kellyj

[Bogey]

Spraying your pellets with WD-40......not a good idea.    I sprayed some pellets with a wax lube and report when fired one ( thought they were dry ) was as loud as a .22 LR.  Speed was really up there though but it may cause more problems than it would be worth.