Your opinions please

[jr28]

Here's my dilemma:  I'm looking to get a new rifle, and I'm torn between two of them.  (I know, right?  Everyone should have this problem!)
I've heard so much good about the CFX that its looking like the winner, especially since I'll have Charlie work his magic on it.  Buuut...the RWS 350 looks pretty great, and I'm thinking a step up from the Gamos might be in order.  Anyway, there it is.  Feel free to write as much as you want here, I need convincing.  BTW I already have a Hunter Elite, and I shoot mostly longer distance.  Just FYI.

[longislandhunter]

Just curious,,, what caliber are you considering and what do you intend to use the rifle for?   Target,,, Hunting ??  If small game hunting is your goal my advice would be go with the 350 in .22  

Break barrel design is more conducive to quicker reloading for a follow up shot if necessary,,,, the 350 has more than enough power to take down small game and even woodchuck sized game with good shot placement of course, and the quality of the 350 is superior to that of the CFX and lastly the 350 trigger is pretty nice, whereas the CFX trigger is going to need work or replacing with Bob's gold trigger.  

Well, that's my advice for whatever it's worth.  I'm sure others will chime in with their take.  Whatever you choose ,,, enjoy......

Jeff

[palonej]

jr, the only way I'm leaning towards the CFX is because you say you are sending it to Charlie!! Turbo Tune and GRT in a CFX is VERY hard to beat bro!!!
Joe

[jr28]

Thanks guys.  Caliber-wise I'm thinking .22.  Plenty of opportunity for ground squirrels, etc and plinking, plus I've never had a .22.  Something new is always fun!  
The big reason I'm leaning towards the CFX (aside from getting Charlie to work on it) is because it is a fixed barrel, and I think it would be nice if I didn't have to contend with the barrel droop that plagues my Hunter Elite.  But if that really isn't a problem with the 350 then I'd certainly consider it.
Anyway, thanks again for the input.  

[jr28]

One more related question:
How does the .22 compare with the .177 in terms of ballistics?  My general shooting distance is right about 50yds for plinking.  I know it's a little beyond accepted "effective range" but I've found that with practice its not too hard.  Annyyway...would that be unrealistic for a .22?  Thanks again!

[3n00n]

Diana 52, soda can accurate at 100m measured.

BBBob tuned DAQ .308, a l'il better . . .

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.com/airguns/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4079&mid=28114#M28114

[Progun]

Hey Nick, my 2 cents. The 350 has more power vs.the cfx. The power plant of the cfx will shoot flatter in .177 than the same gun in .22. if you shoot pellets with a high BC. The 350 does have some scope mounting issues but with the right mounts such as the new Leapers mount which will hit the shelves soon that won't be a problem. Like you said though, with practice hitting your target at 50 yds is doable even with a cfx .22.

[jr28]

Wow..100m?!  Thats something!  Nice shooting...
Ok, so the CFX is underpowered compared to the 350.  What about barrel droop?  Any problems there?  
Thanks for the help!

[Progun]

Nick, it's not unusual to have a built in barrel droop with the German made Diana's including the 350. Seems the manufacturer caters more to the European market where diopter sights and open sights serve quite well on these models in spite of any droop.Droop becomes an issue when you try to mount a scope. However mounts such as the BKL 260 and the new Leapers mount are made to compensate for this problem which really isn't a problem at all. There are other mounts available also that deal with this issue such as adjustable mounts by Beeman (5039) and B-Square that allow you to adjust the mount for elevation and windage corrections without using all or most of the scopes adjustments. If you get the 350 I would advise you to order the new Leapers mount which is specifically made for this rifle. It will have a picatinny/weaver style rail with built in droop correction and will allow you to use weaver rings.You can check the Pyramid Air site for more info on this mount.

[mikeiniowa]

If you go for the 350 remember that Xisico (B-28) makes some of the main parts for it, I've had them side by side and about the only difference is the stock is slightly nicer on the 350.......

[jr28]

Excellent.  Thank you all.

[vinceb]

...a little cheaper than a 350 (for the model 48), almost as powerful, and easier to shoot well. It's a bit heavier - but it balances better and some find it easier to handle because of that and the shorter length. Despite the sidelever design it's much faster to reload than the CFX... for me, about as quick as a breakbarrel. Overall, it's definitely a step up over a CFX... and is a lot more refined out-of-the-box.

Tom Gaylord has suggested that the 48/52/54 is quite capable of 1" groups at 50 yards... from the performance of my '48 at 55-60 yards, I'm inclined to agree.

[Traolach]

UmarexUSA has some refurb/demo Diana 48s for $225 shipped and a combo with their new droop compensating mount and a 4X scope for $250 shipped.  No warranty but still a great bargain.  I got the combo and it's the best rifle I've shot yet.  Terry

[Timmyj1959@yahoo.com]

48, 52, 54,, Pretty doge gone nice "out the box"!! Tim.

[jr28]

Great.  Thanks for the tips guys.  I'll go check them out.