scope for RWS M54

[pkjeetesh]

Dear Sirs

Could anyone recommend a suitable scope for my RWS M54.

This gun I came to know, is a scope breaker, is that true?

The gun is too powerful to shoot with at small ranges. Im just not able to properly sight in with the iron sights at 80M+. Please help!

Regards

P K Jeetesh...From Hyderabad...new to Air gunning...

[TenX]

I thought the RWS M54 is a recoil-less rifle... never thought it to be a scope-breaker

[HydNawab]

Dear Jeetesh,

It is better if you dont use a scope on the Diana 54.The scope rail is on the mechanism and everytime you fire it, the movement of the mechanism will either break the scope as you mentioned or it will shift the mounts from their original position.

I would recommend that you shoot it with open sights.

Cheers

Ashar

[pkjeetesh]

thks...Ashar...looks like what you are saying is right....by the way did you post a thread on Target point , Hyderabad....tell me more about these fellas...Ashar...

[ai]

In my experience with springers, Model-54 happened to be the most accommodating. A Simmons 4-16X50 Pro-hunter (non-airgun) worked fine, as did another Simmons 3-10X40. I believe the recoil damping on Mod-54 helps the scope.

[Mack The Knife]

Bushnell Trophy 4-12x40 AO

[pkjeetesh]

Thanks for replying Mack The Knife and Ai......Im trying out a Tasco 4 x 40 pronghorn scope right now...its fixed to the gun now and I havent shot with it as yet...not too sure if this scope is airgun rated...any ideas....here in Hyderabad we have absolute rip off arms dealers.. they are quoting INR15000 for a Simmons scope...the Tasco I got for INR4500 with twin mounts..reason im taking the risk...

[Broommaster2000]

I thought the RWS M54 is a recoil-less rifle... never thought it to be a scope-breaker

The RWS M54/Diana 54 Airking uses a Recoil solution based comparable to the FWB300 models. The Action slides trough the stock.

It's probably the worst scope killer around, therefore it should be noted that a Scope should be selected with great care. I've read reports where even Dampa mounts didn't work well.

Strange enough, I hear different stories from different people about scopes on this particular rifle. Some people don't even use a Dampa, and have an El Cheapo scope on it without any gizmos.

One of my tips is to go for a few used 4 X 32 scopes, or maybe 6 X 40 with a good set of mounts.

[ai]

Thanks for replying Mack The Knife and Ai......Im trying out a Tasco 4 x 40 pronghorn scope right now...its fixed to the gun now and I havent shot with it as yet...not too sure if this scope is airgun rated...any ideas....here in Hyderabad we have absolute rip off arms dealers.. they are quoting INR15000 for a Simmons scope...the Tasco I got for INR4500 with twin mounts..reason im taking the risk...

If you haven't fired a shot till reading this, I suggest you keep it that way, or that will probably be a loss of Rs4500/-. Tasco scopes are not airgun rated, though once upon a time, they made some good scopes (I have seen one Tasco World Class 8X on a SLR Theoben Springer- its fine). Simmons scopes can be worth that much- depends on which model it is. They did make some Airgun scopes a few years back.

If you must go for a cheaper scope, go for the rock bottom ones- 4X20 types. Example would be the new Walther 4X20 or 3-7X20mm. Reason- they are light, so will move with the gun, whereas the inertia of rest of heavier scopes makes them tend to stay, and not move with the recoil, stressing the internals, and breaking something. I have used the 3-7X Walther on an equivalent of Mod-35; a Nikko Sterling 4X20 on a BSA Mercury, and seen other 4X20s work fine. There is a fake Diana scope around- I cant say about the quality, but it may work judging by the principle above. If you wish, I can hunt for something in Mumbai and send it- Should be Rs1500/- or so (abroad, its much cheaper).

[shahid]

No non air rifle rated scope will work. Tasco proghorn is a rifle scope not Air rifle. Use what rusty has suggested. I have Bushnell trophy on my Diana 68 and 35 and it shoots great.

[tirths]

I know Tasco Golden Antler works well.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/tasco-3-9x44-titan.html

[ai]

In case there is problem in acquiring a scope, the Diana Magnum scope could also be considered. A member 'Babu' has it on M54, but how well it is working will need to be found out from him. This scope is available from Gunmark Armoury for about Rs.7000/-

After posting earlier, I recalled my first scope was a Weaver 4X20 TV view, mounted on a Tommy airgun. It worked. I cannot agree fully with the statement that 'no non airgun rated scope will work'. I have used the M54 for 2-3 years (must be 2-3000 shots at least), and my Simmons 4-12X50 Pro Hunter was okay. The present user is using a Simmons 3-10X40 Pro Hunter, and there is no problem. At one time, Simmons was officially recommended by Theoben (I don't recall if that was only for the Simmons airgun scopes, or all of them). Having said this, an airgun rated scope will obviously stand better chance of surviving! And having said that, bear in mind that I have had airgun rated scopes (Trophy, Deben/Hawke) fail! Confused?

I must mention why I am so keenly intersted in this topic. When I got my first HW90, I was unaware of the fact that airguns require special scopes. So I broke a couple of reticles before finding out on the internet. Then the Deben/Hawke came and failed. Over several months, I eventually decided to go for a U.S.Optics ST10 (about $1000/-) and asked the boss (John Williams) who confirmed that there won't be any problems. Since the scope was to be made on order with focus down to 10 yards, before going ahead, I acquired a Trophy 6-18X40 (the one on the HW90 on sale in the sale section), which was okay, and meanwhile Mr. Williams died tragically in a mobike crash. Shortly thereafter, I learnt about PCP airguns, and that they don't need any special scopes. Over time, I got the PCP, and won't need the springers again or worry about scopes.

I wouldn't want anyone to go through the problems I faced, but while I can share my experiences, unfortunately, I don't have a final answer. So try the best airgun rated scope you can manage to acquire, and we hope it works.

[Broommaster2000]

Isn't finding the right scope part of the fun? Off course, after breaking a shed load of scopes, you'd be trying something different.

Say "Ai", how about a fixed zoom, and maybe AO with Sportsmatch/Hawke mounts screwed on really tight? Because in a lot of situations, I've seen scopes taking a helluva lot of beating on some serious Airguns, and some of the budget models seem to hold out much better.

By the way, Springers for the win! They're real work horse, for the people who like to get their, in stead of those clinical PCP's and CO2 rifles that are made, what's the fun in that.

I must guessing that the power of a PCP, and overal looks are a big part of the PCP fun. (I want an FX Typhoon, or a BSA Scorpion Rifle t-10)

[pkjeetesh]

thanks a lot for replying gentlemen...but too late.....in my earnestness, I test fired the gun yesterday afternoon and the Tasco scope came back at my face complete with mounts and all even before I could sight in..one consolation...the reticles seem okay...I've ordered for one of Gunmarks' magnum rifles...might as well try the Tasco on this Indian make even though it isnt airgun rated.....Ai..the Rs1500 scope that you mentioned...I'd be interested...will definitely go for either Bushnell or Simmons later...
while on the subject....can any one tell me how long the main spring of the M54 lasts....im a little paranoid bt this spring business...and should something happen to the spring...what best can be done here in India.....

[ai]

Isn't finding the right scope part of the fun? Off course, after breaking a shed load of scopes, you'd be trying something different.

Say "Ai", how about a fixed zoom, and maybe AO with Sportsmatch/Hawke mounts screwed on really tight? Because in a lot of situations, I've seen scopes taking a helluva lot of beating on some serious Airguns, and some of the budget models seem to hold out much better.

By the way, Springers for the win! They're real work horse, for the people who like to get their, in stead of those clinical PCP's and CO2 rifles that are made, what's the fun in that.

I must guessing that the power of a PCP, and overal looks are a big part of the PCP fun. (I want an FX Typhoon, or a BSA Scorpion Rifle t-10)

A fixed power scope is supposed to be sturdier due to less parts inside, but I am unaware of any except Leapers/Accushot. There is one by MTC at 10X, but it is expensive GBP150/- and 10X is a lot as a fixed power.

If a chance has to be taken, I guess it should be with Airgun rated scopes, or light 20mm scopes as mentioned. Breaking scopes is not fun- as it is, they are hard to acquire!

Fun in PCPs- whenever you visit Mumbai or Chandigarh, you and others at IFG are very welcome to try out what I have, as well as some of the best Iced Tea you can find that I make! Mine has recoil, but AFTER the pellet leaves the muzzle. By the way, I have the HW90 back for resale, and can't shoot it now despite 32 years of shooting springers- so if you love springers faithfully, don't try PCP's or that'll be a divorce from springers!

I had thought of the T-10, but when I saw it- beleive me- it is ugly (the Synthetic one- don't know it non-synthetic is available). It has an air Tube, not bottle reservoir, so less shots per fill, low power. It is unregulated- see the BSA Superten I have in sale section with the links.

FX- consider the Gladiator and Monsoon as well.

thanks a lot for replying gentlemen...but too late.....in my earnestness, I test fired the gun yesterday afternoon and the Tasco scope came back at my face complete with mounts and all even before I could sight in..one consolation...the reticles seem okay...I've ordered for one of Gunmarks' magnum rifles...might as well try the Tasco on this Indian make even though it isnt airgun rated.....Ai..the Rs1500 scope that you mentioned...I'd be interested...will definitely go for either Bushnell or Simmons later...
while on the subject....can any one tell me how long the main spring of the M54 lasts....im a little paranoid bt this spring business...and should something happen to the spring...what best can be done here in India.....

If the scope moved on the gun, it wouldn't have broken. My suggestion- save it for a non-recoiling gun or put it on sale. You will need a 'scope stop/arrestor or a mount with the same to prevent the scope from sliding back with recoil.

Pl PM me you phone number- I am at the gunshops on Wednesday and will check out and call you from there. These scopes come with the rings free, but you may need a Diana scope stop (I used some epoxy adhesive on my guns to prevent scope creep).

Mainspring lasts quite a while- nothing to worry about. Nothing will happen to it unless you leave the rifle cocked for extended periods- better to cock when you are ready to shoot. Replacements are available easily- Diana original at about Rs1500/-; John Knibbs at Rs2000-2500/-- these will give more power, and brochure says they won't spoil even if you leave the refle cocked (I won't try that though!). Installation can be done easily- just ensure the person replacing uses the spring chamber holder (am forgetting the correct name for it- pics are there in this website) and does not pinch the spring tube/chamber.