RWS Diana 45 Air Rifle Power Problem

[jonny13sb]

I have an RWS Diana model 45 air rifle that I bought new around 25 years ago. I took it to a friends house in the high desert to shoot ground squirrels and was really disappointed, and a little embarrassed, to see that my once powerful air rifle was now about as potent as a Red Ryder bb gun. Does anyone out there know a fix for this problem, which I assume is a dried out or blown seal issue? It used to easily penetrate 1/2 inch plywood or go through both sides of a cottontails noggin at 50 yds and now it spits out its .177 caliber pellet at about 40% velocity, definitely losing compression somewhere.
I hate to get rid of it and buy a new one if I can restore it's power for a reasonable price.

 

[venomballistics]

when you say "high desert" .. what kind of elevation are we talking about?
Less air= less power.
check it's performance at lower elevations before deciding you need to fix something that might not be broke.

Now if it actually needs fixing, it's mechanically simple. its just a spring and a piston that makes these things run.
The catch, however, is that the spring involved can kill or maim you during disassembly as well as assembly.
As long as you can cook up a way of keeping it contained while you decompress / compress it. your fine.
If not, you need a professional

 

[jonny13sb]

I considered the elevation factor but it was only around 4,000 ft. I live and shoot at around 1,500 ft. It had been some years since I last fired the rifle so I think it's probably a mechanical issue. It looks like I'll need professional assistance, so does anyone have a recommendation for a repair facility?

 

[Babalooie]

Could be a problem with seals. On my feinwerkbarau there's one where the barrel breaks open when you cock it. I had a leak there.

If it requires you to disassemble the gun, see if there are instructions on the internet. You Tube is OK, but you're better off if there's something you can print out for reference.

Definitely beware of the spring. It is deadly.

If you don't feel comfortable working on it, find someone on the internet who can do it for you. I don't know if PYRAMYD repairs air guns.

Good luck.

 

[Mule Packer]

I considered the elevation factor but it was only around 4,000 ft. I live and shoot at around 1,500 ft. It had been some years since I last fired the rifle so I think it's probably a mechanical issue.

I'm going to have to agree that it's probably a mechanical issue. I have an RWS Diana Model 350 and now live at about 4200 feet above sea level, having lived at around 100 feet above sea level for several years. Haven't really noticed any significant difference in power. That's why I'm thinking it could be your seals.

 

[jonny13sb]

I'll throw this out there one more time, does any forum member know of a good repair shop that could diagnose and repair my RWS Diana model 45 air rifle? I found a guy a few months ago on the Internet, I think he was in Texas, but lost the contact info and can't seem to find it again. Thanks guys.

 

[hardknocks]

mac1airgun

He is good. Google will take you there.

 

[growr]

Give Champion Shooters, or Champions Choice a call and if they cannot repair they will refer you to those that CAN. Also, check the RWS web site to see if there is a link to a US repair center.

I had the same problem with my FWB 600 and I ended up replacing the seals...it is now back to the X ring again

Randy

 

[FloridaFlier]

John:

Try these guys.
Vortek Products Inc
I also am an airgunner. They have an excellent reputation for drop-in kits. There is a guy in PA who does a tune and kit install for a reasonable price, but I've lost his contact info. Maybe I can do some more digging and find it for you.