by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Diana 240 Classic.
This report covers:
- The scope
- The test
- Sight-in
- JSB Exact RS
- Air Arms Falcons
- RWS Superpoints
- Summary
Today we examine the accuracy of the Diana 240 Classic at 25 yards when scoped. I think this will be interesting.
The scope
I mounted a nondescript Gamo 3-9X40 scope for two reasons. First, it was already in rings that would fit the rifle and second, it is the type of scope many shooters would mount on a rifle like the 240. This is the kind of scope that comes bundled in a combo, so I can’t give you a link, but we are talking about a $40 scope at the most. There is no parallax adjustment, so at 9 power the target was a little fuzzy, though I used a target with a one-inch red center that made centering the crosshairs easy.
The test
Today I shot from a rest at 25 yards. The gun was rested directly on the sandbag and, although someone asked if I shouldn’t try the artillery hold, I think today’s results will show that isn’t necessary.
Sight-in
As many of you know, I try to get on paper but don’t worry about hitting the center of the target — most of the time. Today was different. I shot two groups with the first pellet, and, after the first group, I adjusted the scope to hit pretty close to the aim point — but only with that first pellet. Once I was on target I left the scope adjusted as it was for the rest of the test.
JSB Exact RS
The first pellet was the JSB Exact RS pellet that shot an open group in the last test. I wondered if using a scope would improve the group. Last time with open sights I put 10 pellets into 1.311-inches at 25 yards. This time 10 pellets went into 0.984-inches. So, a scoped gun usually does shoot better!
Ten JSB RS pellets went into 0.984-inches at 25 yards.
Air Arms Falcons
Next I tried 10 Air Arms Falcon pellets. With open sights the 240 put 10 of these into 1.85-inches, but 6 of them were in 0.383-inches. That intrigued me and I wanted to see what would happen when the rifle was scoped.
This time 10 Falcons made a 0.865-inch group! It was the best group of the test and I think it demonstrates how accurate the 240 Classic really is. I have shot several Beeman R7s over the years and I don’t think one of them ever shot better than this. If you are going to lecture me on the accuracy of an R7, please use 10-shot groups at 25 yards. My point is, with this kind of potential, the 240 is a great little airgun.
Ten Air Arms Falcon pellets went into 0.865-inches at 25 yards. Best group of the test.
RWS Superpoints
The last pellet I tried was the RWS Superpoint. In the last test I shot RWS Superdomes, but reader Big Iron suggested trying RWS Superpoints, instead. Since Superdomes didn’t do that well with open sights (1.612-inches at 25 yards), I decided to try the Superpoints.
Ten Superpoints went into 0.968-inches at 25 yards, with 8 of them in only 0.424-inches. That’s another tantalizing group within a group, and if I owned this rifle I would continue to test this pellet.
Ten RWS Superpoint pellets went into 0.968-inches at 25 yards, with 8 of them in just 0.424-inches. A pellet to watch!
Summary
Throughout this test we have seen how this little rifle behaves, and it is very nice. I think it is a modern counterpart to the Diana 25 or 27.
If I were just wanting a quiet pellet rifle that’s easy to shoot and relatively accurate, the Diana 240 Classic would fill the bill. Yes, I can make a case for other rifles that have better accuracy, nicer triggers and so on, but at the price point of the 240 Classic I don’t think there are many challengers.
B.B.
Aside from shooter error, which we know in not the case here, why do scoped rifles shoot better at 25 yards that sighted rifles. At 50 yards and beyond, I can understand it, but not 25 yards. Are the sights no good? Would an aperture sight be more accurate? Would a better scope be even more accurate, yea probably…
Glad she is shooting better, 25 yards and open sights, I was worried.
-Y
Yogi,
The answer is called the circular error of probability, which I do not want to get into here. But to simplify it — scopes are more precise aiming devices at all distances. But close up, the differences are too small to notice. So at 10 meters, you won’t see them. At 25 yards they start to appear and by the time you are out to 50 yards they are very apparent.
As the distance grows, the difference between the more precise and less precise aiming grows and becomes more obvious. But the scope is always ahead.
B.B.
Good morning B.B.
In order to try to entice you to say more about “circular error of probability” I’ll ask if this is related to the eye’s natural tendency to center images?
I am thinking of scopes verses aperture sights verses standard sights.
Not fair that you drop something interesting like “circular error of probability” on us and not explain it 🙂
Happy Monday all!!
Hank
Hank,
NO. CEP has to do with statistics and the cone of dispersion of ballistic projectiles.
B.B.
LOL!!!
I tried 🙂
This got me thinking of the article in the Beeman catalog (from the 80’s) showing a “Spirograph” like image and discussing the importance of using quality pellets…
There was a circle representing the accuracy of the rifle/shooter that had additional circles positioned on the circumference representing the accuracy of the pellet. The additive tolerance made for a large area of possible points of impact.
A large dose of luck could result in a really tight group, bad luck could end up with filers all over the place.
Hank
hank,
That is what I call,.. “luck of the landing”. The errors and variables can stack up in your favor,.. or ruin your day. It shows up the most with the M-rod at 100 yds. and the Maximus at 70 yards. Then again,.. that is pushing them right up to their limits,.. but still minute of pop can.
B.B.,
You have already stated that you don’t plan to test the Umarex Embark air rifle at 25 yards. But just thinking out loud, considering the performance of the Diana 240 at that distance with open sights, do you think the Umarex Embark air rifle can match that accuracy using lead pellets?
Siraniko
Siraniko,
I don’t think the Embark would be quite as accurate. But it wouldn’t be that bad, either.
B.B.
B.B.,
Nice shooting. Gotta’ love them sub-groups eh? 😉 I see you have forgone the usual M/F history article. Probably a very good idea considering the backlog. Anxiously awaiting further testing on Geo’s air rifle.
Good Day all,…. Chris
Chris,
I didn’t forget the historical article. I pushed it out of the way because I am trying to return this 240 Classic to Pyramyd AIR in a shipment this week. I needed the space to write this, so Monday’s traditional history article was replaced.
Actually, tomorrow’s blog will be historical, though I am not listing it that way. Lotta crazy stuff happening right now to try and get things back into alignment with the blog.
B.B.
“alignment” is a good thing. Best of wishes on getting there.
B.B.,
I had not thought that you had “forgot” the history article,… rather “forgone”, as in, on purpose. I do not think anyone would blame you for dropping a few in light of playing catch up on the new stuff.
Chris
Chris
I too am anxiously awaiting further testing on my RWS 34P. Looks like B.B. has his plate full. Everyday I look to see if he has done part II. I am in no hurry and I want him to take all the time he needs. Like Donald says “It’s going to be great!”.
Geo,
I am sure many of us are. Patience Grass Hopper! 😉 You appear to be on the winning end of this deal. By the way, thanks for the in depth explanation of your quest to protect the Bluebirds. I did not realize that there was that much to the good bird/bad bird “wars”. I do not feed them, but I have lot’s of Robin’s and Cardinals. Some Sparrows and some Wood Peckers. In fact, I had a 90′ tree cut and had them leave 20′ standing on purpose,.. just for the Wood Peckers.
I think I’m on the winning end also…how can I not be with the “Godfather of Airguns” evaluating, and even tuning the RWS 34P for me. I couldn’t possible ask for anything more. Patience is a virtue.
I spend a lot of money feeding the birds. It’s one of my favorite things to watch them and feed them. I just bought 40# of sunflower seed today for the Cardinals and Grosbeaks. I have a humming bird feeder hanging from the eave with both sugar water for the hummers and grape jelly for the orioles.
Some folks don’t like the woodpeckers because they say they peck on their house. My house is aluminum sided so they don’t do that, besides I feed them suet & peanut delight. Love my woodpeckers. Nice of you to leave that stump for them.
BB,
This is indeed a nice little plinker. I have read other reviews praising this as an excellent youth rifle. I will most definitely have to keep this in mind for my grandson.
RR,
Yeah, but just in the last report people were asking why it is so inaccurate. That’s why I rushed this report to the blog today — because some people don’t give an airgun a chance. They condemn it if it slips even one time in a test.
B.B.
BB,
The issue is we are spoiled. Without thinking, we are comparing a $200 sproinger to a $700 sproinger or worse yet, to a $1500 PCP. We sometimes lose perspective.
For an affordable, heirloom quality youth air rifle, this one is certainly worth considering. I personally wish it did not have glowy thingy sights, but they help to keep the cost down.
RR
Points well made!
I too dislike the glow sights. They are not suitable for informal 10 meter or any paper punching for my eyes. Just my opinion but wish this rifle was also offered with no sights. I would buy it now and put either a scope or other optic on it. Hey Pyramidair, want to see if I mean it?
Decksniper
RR,
I that was exactly what I was thinking as I read the report this morning – most of my rifles will (if I am doing my job right) will stack pellets at 25 yards (and more) – got to remember that a lot of good rifles will shoot acceptable groups if only at a bit shorter ranges.
Think it is time to take out the Slavia 618 and burn a box of pellets with it. Sometimes a kick in the perspective is in order 🙂
Hank
RR,
I agree on the sights. But they are what non-shooting maketeers put on guns.
B.B.
BB
You may have older RWS Superpoint pellets in your personal inventory. If you were looking to get more of these what would you buy? I have never been able to find them by this specific name. Maybe other readers have opinions too. Is it the same as RWS Superpoint Extra? Are yours match pellets?
Decksniper
Decksniper,
RWS changed the name. The pellet is the same. They have never been and are not match pellets now.
B.B.
B.B.,
This 240 Classic is a winner, no question. This would be a superb backyard plinker. I have already begun to save my pennies for one. :^)
Any barrel droop? It is a Diana, after all.
Michael
Michael,
I have to think the barrel droops, though if I don’t scope it, it;s hard to tell.
B.B.
I finally got a chance on Father’s Day to shoot my .22 cal marauder, and the first time using my Beta Chrony. So shooting my first string with Crosman premiers the gun averaged 825 fps with a 2900 fill pressure. So what do I do next ? Start trying pellets of various weights until I find the most accurate?
Coduece,
RE: “So what do I do next?”
Would suggest that you stick with the Crosman Premiers, if they’re the ones in the cardboard box, and focus on fill pressure and how it affects the accuracy in your gun.
Remember B.B.’s series on the .22 caliber Marauder? The Crosman Premiers and the Beeman Kodiaks (aka H & N Barracuda’s) performed best AFTER he discovered his .22 caliber Marauder’s best fill pressure.
Here’s a link to the series:
/blog//?s=marauder+22&btnGo=
Thanks again for the link everything I need is right there.
Coduece,
In addition to whatever else you try, I suggest you purchase a JSB Match Diabolo Test Sampler:
/product/jsb-match-diabolo-test-sampler-22-cal-round-nose-pointed-4-pellet?p=959
as well as a tin of RWS Superdomes: /product/rws-superdome-22-cal-14-5-grains-domed-200ct?p=790
Michael
Ok thanks for the pellet tip. Is it possible to have two different set ups? One for the maximum number of accurate shots for backyard plinking, and another for accurate maximum power for hunting.
Thanks I remember the marauder.25 series , and the disco .22 but didn’t know about the marauder .22 thanks
B.B.,
I think today’s Blog should be called Diana 240 Classic: Part 5, just saying.
Mike
Mike,
Done. Thanks,
B.B.
Mailed a request for the MSDS for Tune in a Tube. Here’s what I found:
Tune In A Tube is Almagard® Vari-Purpose Lubricant (3750 – 3752). It is a lithium complex formulation, red in color. It’s distributed by LEI (Lubrication Engineers, Inc.). This is the same company who supplies Crosman Pellgunoil.
Available in NLGI Grades 2, 1, and 0 (listed as 3752, 3751, 3750 respectively).
• Grade 2- Appearance is “normal grease”, consistency similar to “peanut butter”
• Grade 1- Appearance is “soft”, consistency similar to “tomato paste”
• Grade 0- Appearance is “very soft”, consistency similar to “brown mustard”
Smallest quantity available of Grade 0 is a pail, cost is $254.45. A pail of grease is 30-40 lbs. Grades 1 and 2 are available in tubes, cost for Grade 2 from Speedway/eBay is $17.98 delivered (GA tax) for a 14.5 ounce tube. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lubrication-Engineers-3752-LE-Almagard-Industrial-Multifunction-Grease-14-5-Oz-/381244305834
Airgun Pro Shop large size (maybe 2 ounces?) for $20.90. I thought it was available from PA but it’s not listed there, according to the fellow I chatted with earlier today.
The grade used for TIAT is not stated outright, but I have come to think they’re using Grade 2. I base this on that being the grade that’s listed at the top of the MSDS, and Grade 2 is the thickest grease of that series which would adhere the best. However, I’ve not had a chance to look at this grease in person. If I could, this would take the guess work out of what the grade is. Maybe someone here who has handled it can say for sure what the grade is.
All that aside, if TIAT is Grade 2, there’s nothing about Almagard Vari-Purpose grease that I’m aware of that would make it better than, say, a Grade 2 lithium complex grease like
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/images/e/e6/TIAT_MSDS_1.jpg
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/images/3/3b/TIAT_MSDS_2.jpg
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/images/5/54/TIAT_MSDS_3.jpg
The software blocked me mentioning the red, tacky #2 grease that lucas markets. It’s 5 bucks a tube.
Correction again, not the software here, it was on my end- Office Word had it formatted as ‘hidden’ so it didn’t display when I pasted it here. Anyway, the grease I wanted to mention is Lucas Oil’s Red “N” Tacky #2 lithium grease, $5.00 for a 14.5 ounce tube from O’Reilly, etc. I’m going to go ahead ant take one for the team and order the TIAT and compare it w/the Lucas grease. Means taking down my Gamo Shadow 1000 at least twice but that’s the only way I will know for sure. That is, unless the TIAT is something other than #2. If it is, I’ll just use it and call it good.
Cobalt,
Thank you for “taking one for the team” and digging a little deeper. Your research ought to put that question to bed once and for all,… and possibly provide a more ready resource. A lot of speculation has occurred on the topic. MSDS,… good idea!,… though I do believe they have changed the name of the document and have forced more uniform formatting.
Colbalt,
You just put TIAT out of business, 5 bucks for more than you could use unless you are an airgun smith.
Yes, that’s exactly what just happened. TIAT is now out of business. 🙁
B.B.
B.B.
You have used TIAT, so is it’s consistency the same as peanut butter, tomato paste or brown mustard?
Love those technical terms.
Mike,
Number 2.
B.B.
Mike in Atl.,
Not likely. Too many people are not willing to do the homework. Much like anything in life and purchasing items,.. there is always something better and cheaper if you are willing to invest a little time.
With the internet,.. there is less and less as such a thing a thing as having a “corner” on the market. Good, bad, indifferent,.. that is just the way it is.
Chris,
Cobalt just did the homework for us, so now we know and that is the important thing. Well almost, he is probably right about it being #2 but he wants to verify that.
Mike,
Smart consumerism. Plain and simple. Consumer Reports,.. B.B.’s Reviews,… I fail to see to the difference. It all helps us to spend our money a little wiser. Speaking for me,.. I try to make what bucks I have go the furthest and still get the best quality.
As for Tune In A Tube,… for the average consumer,… I would just get it and be done with it. Period. No guess work, recommended, and dropped at your door step. Time is often a factor too. Yeah,… I could go to Costco and get a 144 pack of toilet paper,… but do I really want to bother with storing it?
Chris,
You are right but the price difference just seemed so shocking, and I need to do a brake job and a bearing repack, this stuff looks fine for that too.
Mike,
In a way, it might be better. If TIAT was to ship an entire, re-branded and re-labeled tube of the stuff,….. someone would surely think that more is better and try to pump the entire tube in there. 🙂
That is funny.
Pump it all in then cock the rifle and the red goo starts coming out of every port in the rifle, upon firing the pellet pops out and lands 4 feet in front of the barrel.
They said it may reduce the fps.. 😉
No one’s going out of business. Just having the TIAT in a syringe dispenser along with delivery to ones mailbox will be enough for most people to opt for it, over having to use it from a 14.5 ounce tube meant to fit into a grease gun IMO. In other words- people will pay for convenience. Besides, the contents of Pellgunoil is well documented. I don’t see any less of it flying off Walmart’s shelves.
https://www.crosman-air-pistol-owners-forum.com/board/index.php/topic,17521.0.html
For those of us who aren’t members, what’s the composition?
Rambler,
Here you go: https://www.crosman.com/media/pdf/msds/SDS-PELLGUNOIL.pdf
Siraniko
Thank you!
Cobalt 327,
Thanks for the info man. I live in the Caribbean and tried to buy TIAT from the supplier but his site is not set up to sell to foreigners. I dropped him an email asking how I can buy his product, but he never replied! I can now try other online dealers who would ship to me. We should still thank the TIAT supplier though for introducing us to the airgun application of this product.
Cheers
Just for info purposes, I took a look and shipping for one of their $24 lube package deals https://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/catalog/item/251484/4169286.htm is $20 to the Caribbean. This black tar is used on many magnum’ airguns with good results and is recognized as one of the best by a lot of airgunners. Not saying TIAT isn’t a good product, nor that something else might not work as well. Just offering it up as an option.
Ton
Check out Air Rifle Headquarters https://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/page/page/251327.htm. they sell several proprietary tars and lubes. Email them if you need answers.
Good luck!
Hi again Cobalt327,
I have ordered those very same lubs from Jim at Airrifleheadquarters before. No problem with him shipping to me. I have used his lubs in all the springers I have opened and I am happy with his products. TIAT just appeared to be nifty ’cause you can squirt it through the cocking slot without opening up the gun lol. BB gave it good reviews too. I am always for trying new stuff. I am looking forward to you promised comparison with the Lithium grease. thanks again
Cheers
Understand the “always trying new stuff” deal- me too! It keeps me interested and comes in handy when the weather keeps me from shooting outside. Your comment about the TIAT applicator plus BB’s endorsement is why anyone need not worry about folks knowing what the product really consists of. Then adding shipping it to the buyers mailbox seals the deal for the vast majority of airgunners.
Excellent review. I struggled a bit with my 240 until i found out it had expensive taste: RWS R10 7gr which just edged Meisterkugeln of the same weight.
I sold that gun but have an old Original 24 which follows the same diet. I have recently found it shoots the inexpensive RWS Geco very well.
I do prefer metal sights but found the fibre optics pretty decent. I still have a Diana 280 with these sights.
Drew,
Welcome to the blog.
B.B.