RWS 48 .177 or .22

[joaoglez]

Hi everyone! I am looking to buy a Diana Rws D48 Rifle. Based on your experiences, which caliber will be the best option to obtain the best accuracy with this model? .177 or .22

Thanks in advance for your comments

 

[AirShot]

In my opinion the 48/52 power plant is more effiecient in .22 cal where the power availible is better transfered into energy. .177 cal is ok but might be a little bit harsher on the firing cycle with all that power trying to push that smaller pellet. If you looking for power for pest control go with .22 but if precision long range target shooting is your preference then the .177 cal might be a better choice, however a tune forvthe 177 cal will be needed to smooth out the firing cycle. My two cents and I am sticking with it....lol

 

[DutchMike]

You see a lot of these in .177 (at least in Europe) cause that is the default cal for springuns, but almost everybody knowledgable agrees the D48/52 behave better and shoot better in .22

I would look for an 52 instead of a 48. Better looking, better feeling, better ergos. Just be bit patient finding one as they are no longer produced…

 

[Lewis]

My favorite in this platform is a .177 tuned to 12FPE. They become AMAZING and super easy to cock.

The 54/56 with the sled is well worth the extra cost if it's within budget.

 

[boscoebrea]

Have a stock 52 in .177 wish it were a .22.

 

[shambozzie]

My setup with ARH Grt spring. Accuracy very good. Pest starlings@ 75 yds. 

 

[SteveV]

Had the 48/52 in both calibers, preferred the 22, much smoother shot cycle.

The 52 stock is nicer,

but a Morgan adjustable recoil pad does a lot for the 48 -

 

[joaoglez]

By any chance has anyone tried the .20 cal?

 

[Glenroiland]

I prefer it in .22. Although the trajectory is "loopier", the shot cycle is smoother and it carries so much energy to the target. My T05 in .22 is one fantastic gun..

 

[DesertSilver]

Have a stock 52 in .177 wish it were a .22.

Same here. except mine is a 48 with 52 stock and yes, the 52 stock is so much better to shoot.

 

[bltefft]

i only have one in .22 and it shoots real good. i basically am a paper puncher and use a tripod rest.

 

[cjtamu]

Either caliber is good as you can see from above. Decide which you prefer. 10.3 gr pellets are good if you go .177. It’s a beast of a gun, heavy and a little hard to cock. Not for everyone, but some of us find out we really like it.

Edit: There are also 3 trigger variations when you go looking. T01 on older guns is a nice trigger and very adjustable. But harder to remove for replacing spring etc. T05 isn’t a terrible trigger but has very little built in adjustment. T06 is the newest trigger. Similar adjustability to the T01 but easier to work on the gun. All of these triggers work fine, but in case you have a choice there ya go.

 

[Harves]

I own a 52 / T01 trigger in .22 cal. Very accurate & smooth firing cycle. This rifle & a second 52 where purchased used. One from a local gun shop & 1 from Gunbroker. The last purchase came with a BSA scope & was $300.00. These are excellent, well made rifles & at the $300.00 price point a real value. If my current rifle wasn’t such a good shooter as is I would have it tuned.

 

[1BadDart]

I had a 48 in .22 and it was a hammer.

 

[Jlowe]

I've had both calibers. The last one I had was a T06 model in .177cal. I should have kept it as it shot well. I'm very tempted right now to buy one as well.

 

[JackMan1]

I have a D48T06 in .22 with the Diana zero recoil scope mount, highly recommended to absorb some of the scope weight in the recoil and to protect your scope. This is a beast of a gun. Heavy, especially with large scope. I also find it to be a tack driver off the bench up to 50-60 yards or off hand standing up to 40 yards using the artillery hold. The rifle is extremely hold sensitive and drops critters fast. Every barrel likes a different pellet for certain distances. I find the JSB exact 15.89g works best with my barrel.

I joined the 100+ yard club with this gun, shooting off a bench. Let's says the rabbit had a better day than I did. Amazing power transfer to target at such a long distance. I've tried slugs, 25g or bigger, and find them effective at 30-40 yards but then they loose their accuracy because slugs are like lobing mortar rounds due to their weight unless you are shooting PCP, then slug groups tighten.

Diana Bullseye Zero-Recoil Mount 1" Rings, Dovetail: Airguns of Arizona

 

[Sc0-]

Accuracy wise they are both the same, .177 is cheaper to feed than .22.. .22 is better for hunting.

.177 Model 48 T-01
.22 Model 52 T-06
.22 Model 54 T-06