Tag Archives: H&N Diabolo Sport pellets

RWS Diana model 45 – Part 3

Posted on by B.B. Pelletier ↓ 53 Comments

by B.B. Pelletier

Photos and testing by Earl “Mac” McDonald

Part 1
Part 2


RWS Diana 45 is a magnum springer from the past.

Well, Mac has been testing this rifle for us, and a lot of you have commented that you like what you see. It does look nice in contrast to today’s magnum blasters. In its day, it was considered the most powerful of magnum springers, but those days are long past and now the rifle looks like a classic sweetie.

I do have to tell you, though, there are two sides to this rifle. For every smooth shooter like the one Mac is testing, there are other 45s that buck and buzz terribly. This seems to be independent of caliber or the year of manufacture. I just want you to be aware of that if you decide to get one for yourself. read more

RWS Diana model 45 – Part 2

Posted on by B.B. Pelletier ↓ 79 Comments

by B.B. Pelletier

Photos and testing by Earl “Mac” McDonald

Part 1


Mac’s RWS Diana 45 is a real classic from the days of the great horsepower races. It was at one time one of four different models that could sometimes deliver velocities in excess of 800 f.p.s. in .177 caliber.

This vintage breakbarrel is well-known to many of you readers. Apparently, the most common find is a 45 that’s lost most of its finish but still shoots great. And, the loss of finish comes from handling most of the time, so it would appear that the RWS Diana 45 is a gun that people like to shoot.

The 45 was one of the very first Dianas with a modern scope rail attached to the top of the spring tube. Earlier guns, such as the model 27, had a ramp in the same place, but it was designed to accept only aperture sights. There would still be some more slight design changes to come, but the 45 scope rail was essentially the final product. read more