Scope recommendations for old Diana 34?

[ratatatat]

First, I want to thank all of you that responded to my first post on this forum. What a great bunch of folks. I just bought an old Diana 34 springer (made on 03/94) that is in excellent condition. Now I'm looking for a scope as the one that came with it is non-functional due to a broken front glass. I'm new to airguns so I'm not sure which would be the best scope and mount setup for this rifle. I mainly plan to shoot small game (birds and squirrels) out of tree branches at ranges no more than 25-50 yards. I don't mind paying for quality but I don't want to pay for more scope than I need on this old rifle. Your advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Robert in Tennessee

 

[shawnlyndy]

A nice UTG 3x9 32-40AO would fit the bill. They have held up on multiple of my Springers just under 100 bucks

 

[Deerstalker]

You may want to check out this model with an IR.

AIRMAX 30 SF COMPACT 4-16x44

https://www.airgundepot.com/hawke-30-sf-compact-ir-4-16x44-airmax-ill-amx.html

 

[Odoyle]

A nice UTG 3x9 32-40AO would fit the bill. They have held up on multiple of my Springers just under 100 bucks

If this is true then the Centerpoints may do fine as well as they share many common parts.

If not then buy the Vortex Crossfire2 BDC with adjustable objective or a Leupold VX Freedom EFR.

 

[ratatatat]

Thanks! And what about a scope mount?

 

[Odoyle]

UTG droop compensating mount and Picatinny rings. Or BKL 1 piece 11mm droop compensating mount. Possibly the cheaper RWS lockdown mount but the other 2 should be more guaranteed for gripping power.

 

[Deerstalker]

Thanks! And what about a scope mount?

https://us.hawkeoptics.com/match-mount-30mm-2-piece-9-11mm-medium.html

 

[ratatatat]

The original base attached to the rifle has woefully little purchase area. Is there perhaps a quality aftermarket base available?

 

[Deerstalker]

Looks similar to my new HW95L. The rings clamp to the 11 mm grove just fine.

 

[shambozzie]

• 
  This is my setup cheap setup. Refurb 34, $35 cv life 6-24. Clear to 16x. I shoot 1.5 spinners @ 70 yds.only 34 with blue butt pad. Shoot jsb 8.4 @ 930. Very accurate.

 

[Odoyle]

• 
  This is my setup cheap setup. Refurb 34, $35 cv life 6-24. Clear to 16x. I shoot 1.5 spinners @ 70 yds.only 34 with blue butt pad. Shoot jsb 8.4 @ 930. Very accurate.

That's the illuminated crossbow reticle $45 15 yard focus scope? Never realized it was magnum Springer rated.

 

[shambozzie]

• 
  This is my setup cheap setup. Refurb 34, $35 cv life 6-24. Clear to 16x. I shoot 1.5 spinners @ 70 yds.only 34 with blue butt pad. Shoot jsb 8.4 @ 930. Very accurate.

That's the illuminated crossbow reticle $45 15 yard focus scope? Never realized it was magnum Springer rated.

They are sold under several names. Same as the Aoe brand recommended by Joe Rhea as the best scope under $50 bucks. 5 tins of jsb 8.4 and no problem.

 

[crosman2016]

• 
  This is my setup cheap setup. Refurb 34, $35 cv life 6-24. Clear to 16x. I shoot 1.5 spinners @ 70 yds.only 34 with blue butt pad. Shoot jsb 8.4 @ 930. Very accurate.

Looks pretty good to me! Sounds like it shoots pretty well.

 

[shambozzie]

• 
  This is my setup cheap setup. Refurb 34, $35 cv life 6-24. Clear to 16x. I shoot 1.5 spinners @ 70 yds.only 34 with blue butt pad. Shoot jsb 8.4 @ 930. Very accurate.

Looks pretty good to me! Sounds like it shoots pretty well.

Crosman2016. The cheapo 34 setup make my better springers hollow uncle. It rocks spinners 70+ yds on a good day 

 

[Odoyle]

Have you ever tried a side focus Centerpoint scope on a magnum Springer? 

 

[GoldenStateAIRGUNer]

This UTG has performed flawlessly and has been on a Sig ASP20 and M34.

https://www.airgundepot.com/leapers-utg-3-9x40ao-true-hunter-scope.html

 

[RacineJohn]

I had a UTG 3-9 on mine with a one piece mount, and it worked great. I just took it off to put it on the 430L, but I second the others who mentioned it. I freely admit that there are better scopes. However, UTGs have a reputation for durability on springers and are a lot of scope for the money.

Have fun shooting! My Diana 34 is very 'hold sensitive'... (Meaning its really hard to shoot well!) But it is loads of fun and has taught me a lot. I hope you have a great time with your as well. 

 

[ratatatat]

Thanks again for all the good advice. I ended up going with these.

 

[SteveV]

I like Bushnell 1" scopes, have a 4-12 Trophy on the Panther, the UTG suggestions are spot on as well.

A 5-15 Bushnell Legend is also a great one, these come up used every once in a while. Nice clear glass with a simple mil dot reticle.

 

[ratatatat]

 

Well, here is my new setup on the old Diana and a target I just shot at 25 yds offhand. I am impressed with the accuracy! The only drawback is the weight, but hey, I can deal with that.