I know Aloy is well versed but I would also appreciate any other comments.

I am in the market for a pellet rifle. My friend wants to sell me a Diana model 34 in .177. The price is right and the rifle is in excellent shape. It is about 15 years old and he bought it for his F-I-L. who only fired it at the odd rodent eating his vegetables. Anyone have any experience with this particular rifle? I know it isn't the top model but since I am only plinking I am looking for reasonable accuracy and solid reliability. I almost bought a Gamo but his deal came along unexpectedly.

dianas are a very nice rifle.

MacD, I started with a Diana Model 25, added a used Model 45 afterwards and I even bought a new Model 48. The Model 48 is the only one I regret. When you want that kind of power, go for the Model 52 which has a barrel that recoils. It's very difficult to hit anything with a 48 (unless you cut about 2 coils of the main spring).
As for your model 34, I cannot say anything about it. In our part of the world everyone seemed to have a 35.

When it's for plinking and the price is right: go ahead. It's a lot of fun and you'll never have to stop because you run out of compressed air. Shooting a springer adds something to your skills.
As for hunting: I still recommend the PCP in .22
it will have groupes halve the size even at double distances, but striking a match with a springer at 5 yards is also a challenge

Thanks Aloy. That match trick is now on my list of fun things to try. Hunting with a pellet rifle is not permitted here. I will be shooting paper and metal targets out to 50 yards. One of the rifles I considered was the Diana 350. I could find only one in Canada and the dealer wanted a few more $ than I was willing to pay. If the 34 makes me happy I will start looking further afield. I really like the looks of some of the BSA rifles.

MacD, one of the advantage of getting from a private party is you should be able to shoot it prior to purchase. How does it shoot? Did you like it?

Unfortunately he is 2500 km away so I can't try it out. I am checking to see if someone has one locally. All the reviews are really good so I am going to take the plunge.

MacD wrote:

Unfortunately he is 2500 km away so I can't try it out.

It is good that he is a friend then instead of someone you don't know. Please post some pictures when you get the rifle and tell us about your experience.

I use a Daisy Avanti 853 for trigger time indoors. The Diana shoots a bit faster than the 853 (900fps vs. 750 fps). the Diana is good to go for a starter sporter air rifle. Try a few different pellet brands. I like the Vogel flat head wadcutters or the Crossman wadcutters the best in the 853.