Diana Mauser K98 Reviews

I like everything about this rifle! Mine is the .22 cal. and it shoots very well with the H&N Sniper Magnum, 17.9 gr.. Pyramyd Air, added a Leapers UTG optic, 3x9x40 for 20/$20 and using the RWS Hobby .22 pellets, 11.9 gr. (Yes, light wt. I know.), but it pushed them out the barrel at an average 950 fps thru all 20 shots. For my backstop I was using 3/4" plywood covered by 2x1.0" pieces of dense rubbery shipping material made for heavy item cushion, plus 3 sheets of cardboard and within 10 shots with JSB Diabolo, domed pellets 18.13 gr, I had to add a sheet of brass plating because the plywood was busting out the back side. This rifle does have some wgt. at 9.5 lbs but i didn't buy it to carry through the woods, I bought it to pop targets from a rest...and believe me, it does that very well!

No idea...Love it as it is! Can't promise everyone will, but for me a 63 yr old man, who has stayed halfway fit, and loves to shoot, it's perfect!!

My wife came out on the back porch while I was shooting this fine rifle and asked if she could shoot it too. My wife is 60 yrs old and weights >< 125 lbs, and hasn't fired anything more than a well used (extremely low psi), Daisy bb gun for the last 40 yrs; I was happy to let her shoot it, but I did need to cock the rifle for her, (about 35 lbs of pressure to cock,). So, to keep her record separate, I put up a fresh Dirty Bird, splattering, target. After her first shot, one of three she fired, she said, "A pellet rifle shouldn't kick like this!" Now, I was firing at targets 35 yd's. out 105 feet! 1.5" red center on my targets. She put 3 shots within 1 5/8" from center, all 3 easing closer and closer, the 3 can be covered by a nickel, this reminded me of why I married her, always full of surprises. She acted like it was no big deal! I went Ape s--t! I have that target with all info. on the back: date, time, distance, pellet and of course, (Our), Diana K98 Mauser. Love it!!

Love the style, but the performance is fantastic. A little awkward and heavy, but it is a tack driver. Not hold sensitive, so it shoots great off a bag which given its weight is a good thing.

I wish it came with Weaver or picatinny rail instead of the standard dovetail. The adaptors rise the scope a little high. The stock is not exactly the same as a K98, it uses a cheat at the fore end but who cares. Looks great. The front sight is fantastic and metal, but the rear lacks some adjustment and does not feel up to par. Scoped it regardless.

Super powerful springer. Exceptionally accurate. Almost boring or routine because you hit almost everything once you get it zeroed. Fairly heavy, takes some getting used to the weight.

Very nice looking and accurate i have the 22cal

Here's the bad part i have received two of these so far waiting the 3rd one now first two broke then need too change the way there building these rifle

Like said had two so far both broke

I was initially drawn to this rifle as a WWII replica. It fits the category I'm interested in collecting. And it appeared to be a quality, German made gun.. which was a bonus, especially as that's where the historical firearm was produced. I was pleasantly surprised that it would prove to be my finest springer. The quality and craftsmanship are excellent. I have the .22 cal model, and I shoot it with open sights. (I feel it's more historically accurate without a scope.) It has the best accuracy of any airgun I own... easily grouping well at 30+ yards. Mine likes Predator GTO leadfree pellets. Clever use of the underlever to mimick the original bayonet lug. I purchased an aftermarket K98 reproduction leather sling which fit nicely in the stock cutouts. Again, lending a hint of historical accuracy. Wood finish is more "red" than other european beech wood stocks I have, giving a rich appearance. Mauser logo, and trigger are excellent.

Others have correctly noted the trigger guard is plastic. But only your hands tell you that. It does not detract from the looks or experience. If I changed anything, I suppose this would be it. But not a big deal. I shoot unsupported/offhand, and while the gun is heavier, it doesn't bother me. In fact, I like the weight.

This is simply an excellent gun. You could buy it for the quality and shooting accuracy alone. But if you're into historical replicas, especially WWII ones, as I am... this gun is an absolute must-buy. Get it! I'm especially pleased they made it as a quality gun, and didn't go cheap on the quality. Next up: hoping someone comes out with a quality M1 Garand...

This is a well made rifle with an excellent trigger that's adjustable to the shooter's needs, and with stunning accuracy that holds its own with my TX200HC and HW97K. The K98 is about as heavy as them, though the Mauser's weight leans more toward the muzzle, making it ideal for bench shooting. The owner's manual includes trigger adjustment directions that are easy to follow, though a very small screwdriver, such as those used by jewelers, is necessary to adjust the two screws inset into the trigger blade. A specialized tool kit is included with the rifle, though the screwdriver will not fit the adjustment screws. Overall, this rifle is a superb piece of work.

Nothing

Mine is a .22, and after testing a number of pellets for accuracy, the finest pellets I shot are Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy, 18gr. I was quite surprised to learn that my rifle is a drooper, needing a UTG droop compensating mount for a T06 trigger to get me on target.

The rifle seems mostly well made and solid. Cocking effort is not excessive. Trigger is reasonable for a simulated military rifle, though that might be faint praise given that most military rifles have vague, long trigger pulls with a lot of pull weight.

The balance is terrible. I have a military K98 built in 1938, and the balance difference is like night and day between the Diana replica and the original rifle. The replica is muzzle-heavy. So much so that shooting it offhand is not very much fun for me. But it does make me appreciate the fine balance of the real K98 all that much more, so I guess in a way the Diana replica is useful in one respect. Shooting off the bench is a better experience. The rifle is reasonably accurate if I do my part, though (again), the real 98K is much better in this area as well.

If you are looking for a clone of the real Mauser 98K that is much less expensive to shoot, don't bother with the Diana replica. This rifle is deeply disappointing from that standpoint. If you are simply interested in an air rifle that is styled like the 98K for shooting off of a bench rest at 15-25yds, this could work for you. Given the price, I was hoping for a lot more.

Looks and feels close to my 98K 8mm rifle. The adjustable front sight was a nice touch.

Should have had a metal trigger guard ( I know, that's nitpicking, but, Hey, this thing was expensive). Actually, I think there should not be any plastic on this rifle.

Fit and finish was very good. Remember this is a replica of a military gun, so don't expect it to look like a Mauser designed and built for civilian hunters. The operation is very much like a Diana 460 magnum, so I won't get into that. The accuracy of this rifle is just like the 460 ( which I also have) that is to say, very good. Hitting a 1 1/2 inch target at 50 yds. is very easy and consistent using a 3X9 scope. The mounting rail is canted a small bit to the right side, but, not enough to return the gun. I didn't try the open sights because of bad eyes. Chrono. tests show 765 fps ( ave) with Exact 14.35 gr. vs. 780 for the 460. 700 fps for Falcons vs. 730 for the 460. Note, my 460 is tuned for accuracy so the velocity is about 100 fps slower than when new. For me this thing is great, it is very much a conversation starter when others see it . Then when they see it hit a small object ( like a plastic pill bottle at 50 yds.), they are impressed, as I was. For me, it's a keeper

It looks good.

Spring to gas piston, its horrible gun to shoot. Horrible recoil and TWANG!. More power! Its not even close that powerfull as specs says. Its way too expensive, i feel like i wasted my money for gun wich should really be worth like 200$. This is my first Diana airgun and im very sure its my last Diana. Triggerguard is PLASTIC..What a shame!! This rifle is not balanced well, front of gun is very heavy, and rear is very light wich makes it hard to shoot accurate shots while standing. Dont make same mistake that i did and do not waste your money to this toy.

Those open sights are rubbish, you really need scope for it if you really want to hit somewhere, but make sure the scope is solod because of horrible recoil...

This is a very accurate rifle and fun to shoot. Diana has done a fine job with the fit and finish with this one.

Very hard to service. Upon finishing maintenance, I began to reinstall the stock. Wow, that was a pill. It took me 2 hours to reinstall 3 stock screws. I still could not get the 2 washers in the right place at the forend of the stock. I found it next to impossible.

PA service is A+ to begin with. I got this rifle with the intention of shooting open sights to keep the Old School look. I then decided to add some new school with a Limb Saver but pad. I then polished and cleaned the barrel, and as usual with most airguns the barrel was nasty. I pulled out my chronograph and got very erratic readings with H&N FTT & JSB 18.13 grain pellets, but the JSB 15.89 gran pellets was the ticket. LO 773.40, HI 796.20, AVG 781.12, ES 22.80, SD 6.86. PA got me a good rifle, no spring twang! As this rifle breaks in I am confident the ES & SD will go down.

As said before, I would love a sling.

I got the .22 because I thought the .177 might shoot the pellet faster than I wanted and the .22 in my experience has a smoother shot cycle. I might add a scope, but if I do it will have to be period specific.

Altho have not gotten to fire it much because of the cold weather. I have had no problems, shoots well. Will sight in scope as soon as weather warms.

Nice looking and well made. Very accurate right out of box.

Should come with sling, adds a lot to look.

Not light, not easiest to caulk, but a pleasure to shoot and look at.

I ordered this model as a refurb in .22. Sadly, the rifle arrived damaged in the mail. The rifle was packaged extremely poorly and the rear sight was broken and partially hanging off. Aside from the shipping damage the K98 is a beautiful rifle and I can't wait to get the damaged one exchanged so I can try it out. The rifle is very sturdy,solid and feels well built. It is a bit heavy but it reflects in the quality and you really dont notice the weight when you are holding the rifle (as if to fire) unless you have a short reach then it could be a problem (my 5' tall gf had trouble holding the k98. Even though the rear sight was broken the sight picture is really nice and I could tell from shooting actual firearms this sight is going to be really accurate. I've been waiting like a kid a week before Christmas to get this k98 and start shooting but Ill have to be a bit more patient. I think it will be worth the wait though. Beautiful gun.

Not a deal breaker but a boltaction would have been cool. Option for a picatinny rail would be nice considering air rifle scopes are known for walking across dovetail. I like the cap on the buttplate but a strip of thin rubber would have worked well. i know original K98s didnt have them but K98s also dont need to be cocked with an under-lever. A little grip on the plate would allow for more stability when cocking and loading

Due to shipping damage haven't been able to shoot it so I haven't found any yet.

Love the look. The stock has a wonderful color. German workmanship is as good as it gets. I got the .22 cal. The rear sight is 1 or 2 clicks from center and dead on at 33 yards. I find it easy to cock. Does not feel overly large in my hands. I chronied the " Crosman Premier HP " at an average of 675 fps. Very pleasant firing with no twang. Fun Fun Fun!!!

Nothing. It is perfect.

The Williams/Beeman aperture sight does not get low enough for the front sight. Scope or open sights are the options. Open sights for me.

Ich leibe mein gewehr!!! (I love my rifle - for those of you who don't sprechen sie deutsch) WOW!!! This rifle is amazing. Its look is sleek and almost perfect in realism. First shot out of box at 20 yds with .22 cal. JSB domed exacts 15.89gr was a bulls eye. 25 yds, same thing, and all the way to 50yds. The power is exceptional and it hits like a hammer. Cocking effort is smooth and the design makes it feel allot less than it is. I have approx. 700 rounds fired (40-60 degrees) and its performed flawlessly. Only minor sight adjustments required. I will not add a scope, as I prefer to carry the rifle the same way most of the Soldat's did, and frankly, it doesn't need one. The accuracy is amazing. This is German engineering at its best, and Diana has hit this one out of the park on all points. I added the 98K sling and that is all it really needs. The T06 trigger is as smooth as a trigger you will get, and required no adjustments. This may be the best rifle out there today, at any price.

This rifle needs a bolt. It is the only missing to make it perfect in every way. Because of the excellent design, instead of a fake bolt you could put a short stroke working bolt on that would operate a dust cover over the action. Yes it would add an extra step for loading, but it adds the realism it deserves, and I would think that for those who buy this rifle, the added realism would be appreciated. It would also aid in keeping dirt, rain, snow or anything else unwanted from contaminating the action. The tool kit comes with a wrench to remove the barrel, but the manual does not address removing the barrel or how to lubricate the main spring - can you oil it from the outside or do you have to remove the stock?? Don't know, it doesn't say. The rest of the manual is good, but fell short on providing this information. Maybe our friends at Air Gun Academy could do one on maintaining the K98 which could address these two issues??? PLEASE???

First, PA continues to be the only place I buy air guns. The customer service has been A1 for a long time and continues be, which is hard to find anywhere these days. A review mentioned that the rear sight needs adjusted almost all the way to the right. Even so, it still produces pin point accuracy to where I am shooting 12 gram C02 cartridges at 30 yards, open sights, consistently, sitting on 5gal bucket. But it is probably something Diana should address. Some may find it a little heavy, but if you add the sling and adjust it properly, because its a side mount you can create a 3 point hold using your rest hand, shoulder and your elbow to push out on the sling creating a tight hold that takes the weight off. This rifle is a dream to shoot and hard to put down. It is a great tribute to the Mauser K98k that was the work horse of WWII and one of the finest rifles ever made. It is the Mercedes E class at the C class price. Buy a few thousand pellets from PA, you are going to need them!

WOW! Ich liebe mein gewehr! WOW! Fraulein Mauser WOW!!! (google it) Its slim perfect lines present a beautiful, powerful, elegant presence that is only topped by its dependable, accurate, and hard hitting performance from its flawless workmanship and quality that only German engineering can produce at this level. First shot-20 yds.-sitting on 5 gal. bucket-no bench-BULLSEYE! After 400 rounds of .22 cal. JSB 15.89gr. Exact domed pellets, in temps between 40 and 60 degree F, it repeatedly hits the bulls eye from 20-50 yds. with power. Only 1 minor sight adjustment made This rifle announces it presence with a distinguishing crack rather than a twang, and immediately lets you know its sending some power down range. When I am shooting this rifle I feel guilty like I should be wearing a M36 Wehrmacht Infanterie uniform, as the rifle will make you feel like you have the WW2 legend in your hands. It is one of the best overall rifles available today, and in time may prove itself to be the best!

This is the wish list section so here goes. This rifle needs a bolt. Because of the excellent design with the chamber, you could almost make it a working bolt too. Instead of the bolt working the action it could use a short stroke to operate a dust cover over the action to keep out rain, snow, ice and dirt. Yes I know it would add one more step to load the rifle, but the realism it would add would complete this otherwise as close to perfect design as you can get in a replica air rifle. If not, a stationary bolt would work too to help complete the realistic look of its legendary original. Some may think the bolt would just get in the way, but I don't think. As easy as this rifle is to cock and load, I don't think it would interfere at all. IMO. Its my wish list..:) If Diana adds a bolt, I will be purchasing another K98 instantly!

The action of the cocking lever and chamber is smooth and the cocking effort feels much less than what it is due to the excellent design. The K98 may feel heavy and muzzle heavy to some but the weight contributes to the overall balance of the rifle and with the smooth T06 trigger the rifle produces remarkable and repeatable accuracy. With a 98k sling attached, which is a side mount and not bottom mount, you can adjust the sling to create a 3 point hold with your elbow being the 3rd point while holding the rifle tight to your shoulder. This takes the weight off the support hand, and makes a very steady hold. Because of the weight and balance the rifle is not particularly hold sensitive. This is German engineering at its best. It is the Mercedes E class at the C class price. This is the most enjoyable, dependable, accurate rifle I own and have a hard time putting it down. My best advice to you is when you order this rifle from Pyramyd Air, you better order several thousand pellets too!

Size and configuration was easy to use and shoot.

Scope stop for the wiliams peep sight would help.

With in 3 days of purchase and about 70 pellets my K98's Mouse Trap Failed to lock up. It also came with a small crack in the wooden stock near the mouse trap. I sen't in a picture and information to have a RMA number sent to me for return. It worked wonderfully up until it failed with a puff of air and some noise. It was a brand new item and I was happy to purchase it. I was very sorry to see it fail, but, now waiting to return it before trying any new item. It has been about now six days since I notified them on 12/30/16. I am hopeful for a fast response. Mr. Rich Penstein Order #6089898

I was immediately attracted to the looks and the all metal and wood design. The sights and all fitments are in fact metal but I believe the trigger guard is made of some type of polymer. I had already decided on installing a Williams FP-AG-TK peep sight, it is a perfect match for this rifle. The sight fits great and compliments the overall look of the rifle. I selected a .22 caliber version of this rifle to make maximum use of the magnum springer power plant installed. All shooting / sighting mentioned was done offhand with Air Arms field diabolo pellets because of their medium-ish weight. The muzzle heavy design is excellent for offhand shooting and helps keep the muzzle from drifting. The rifle has a very long flat spot, in that it will stay on the bullseye from 30yards out to 45yards without dropping. Powerwise this thing is a hammer. It will consistently blow through both sides of aluminum cans without knocking them over at 45 yards. (Had to switch to steel soup cans).

I know I'm being picky but I would have liked a metal trigger guard. This is the "things I would change" section after all.

When the rifle is cocked, the safety can be switched off and back on with the little lever without having to re-cock the rifle. A standard reproduction Mauser sling will fit on this rifle perfectly. Williams peep sights FP-AG-TK and FP-GR-TK will fit this rifle as well as the ones without the target knobs (-TK). Personally I find that the peep sight makes it easier for older eyes to acquire the "front sight picture". It is a heavy rifle,(almost 10 lbs.) which I like, and in my opinion speaks to the quality of the gun, but some may find this off-putting. Cocking seems easy for a magnum springer and loading the .22 cal. pellets, even with the rear sight overhang, was not hard. This rifle is very accurate, powerful and good looking. (IMHO). It is not just a great air rifle but at this price point, I think it is a best buy air rifle.

This gun is awesome!! The TO6 trigger is absolutely amazing. This rifle really looks and feels like a k98, it shoots very accurately and will shoot most pellets well but it seems to like JSB jumbo heavy 18,23 g, the action is very smooth. I like this much more than I liked my Diana mod 48 and that's saying alot!!!

Really nothing to change this thing is very well made.

Get a good scope and rings that will handle this rifle I bought a Centerpoint 3-9x32 which came with rings that have a stop screw in the ring. This rifle is front heavy but will balance out once u mount a scope on it. This rifle with a k98 sling on it and a scope just looks awesome.

Out of the box ran one dry patch through the bore and started shooting a new tin of crossman premier hp. I am really impressed with the accuracy, smoothness, trigger, balance. Doesn't seem to be hold sensitive and likes every pellet ive tried . After I get 500 shots in it , I plan to scope it and find out what it really likes. But for offhand open sight practice its the best I have found yet.

The safety has no positive detents and just slides back and forth. Would like to see a gas spring option .

I shoot black powder muzzle loaders, they are heavy with a weight forward balance . The K 98 has the same characteristics Making it perfect for offhand practice.