Diana, a manufacturer of superior airguns since 1892, is known for its products’ dependability and precision. The Stormrider might not be their first PCP, but it’s the most cost-effective option. The Stormrider is a no-frills, entry-level PCP that is a top contender due to its combination of repeating shots and unique features.
After giving the 200 BAR (2900 psi) cylinder a good charge, it can fire bullets at velocities of 1,050 fps (.177) and 900 fps (.22). A separate single-shot tray is also provided for those who prefer to fire only a single round. Furthermore, it has fully adjustable open sights and an 11mm dovetail for installing your own optics.
Note – Topairguns.net earns a small commision when you buy the products by going through our affiliate links. Learn More.
Contents
Diana Stormrider Air Rifle Features
- PCP
- Bolt action
- Synthetic Stock
- Integrated muzzle brake moderator
- Max. fill pressure: 2900 psi
- Air tube volume: 100cc
- Adjustable trigger
- Adjustable rear sight
- 11mm dovetail mount
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Diana |
| Caliber | .22, .177 |
| Velocity | 1050 fps (.177), 950fps (.22) |
| Muzzle energy | 20 fpe (.177), 26 fpe (.22) |
| Ammo Type | Pellets |
| Barrel Style | Rifled |
| Action | Bolt |
| Fire Mode | Repeater |
| Loudness | 2-Low-Medium |
| Gun Weight | 5.00 |
| Overall Length | 40.50 |
| Barrel Length | 19.00 |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 (.177), 7 (.22) |
| Mechanism | Pre-charged pneumatic |
| Safety | Manual |
| Rail | 11mm dovetail |
| Front Sights | Blade |
| Rear Sights | Adjustable for windage & elevation |
| Shots per Fill | 40 (.177), 30 (.22) |
| Trigger Adjustability | 0 |
| Trigger Action | 0 |
| Use | Small game hunting/target practice |
Diana Stormrider Air Rifle Details
Gun type
The compressed air used as a propellant makes this weapon a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) device. The projectile is released using the high pressure of compressed air. Diana Stormrider, both the original and the newer model, have a fill pressure of around 2900cc, or 200 BAR.
At that air pressure, the air rifle performs at its best. It’s important to realize that increasing the pressure will not improve performance. So, please don’t go crazy when filling up the gas tank. Although a hand pump can be used, most shooters today use a compressor or scuba tank to fill the tank, which is more convenient. It is effective, consumes little effort, and helps you save time. You can choose between.177 and.22 calibers for both the original Diana Stormrider and the newer model.
Stock
Diana Stormrider’s traditional wooden stock recreates the sensation of a real air rifle. The traditional Monte Carlo stock is available. This pellet gun has a cheekpiece that is significantly elevated on the left side for more comfortable shooting.
While it was designed with right-handed shooters in mind, this feature is ambidextrous in that it can be simply modified to accommodate left-handed users as well. The checkered patterns on the grip and forearm are simple lines scribed by the machine on the wood, but they look nice and are a fair value for the money. In addition, the checkered contour makes it simple to find a comfortable grip anywhere along its length. That’s how you’ll get a firm grip on the weapon. The Stormrider’s bolt action is light and simple to use.
The air gun comes equipped with a pressure gauge so that you can quickly monitor the amount of air in the tank. There is a small rubber pad built into the butt that helps improve grip and is almost invisible. I saw that the metal was blued and the breech was heavily powdered to increase its longevity. There are no real flaws in the wood, but it does not have the shine of a high-end wood stock air cannon.
Sight
An open sight, similar to the one we can see on top of the barrel band, is included with Diana Stormrider. But it doesn’t have any fibre-optic capabilities. You can change the height of the backsight to suit your needs. The rear sight can be adjusted for both windage and elevation using a flat-blade screwdriver. The Diana Stormrider’s barrel and breech are both grooved to accept an 11 mm dovetail ring.
Any scope you want can be quickly and simply attached. If you intend to mount a scope longer than 10 inches, you must remove the rear sight first. This is due to the fact that the breach is insufficient for a long scope and a rear sight. This modification is required when the barrel band is used as the front scope ring. But if the process seems too cumbersome, rest assured that we also have a solution for it.
The rear sight in this setup, in particular, does not alter the scope’s sight image, which is of paramount importance. You can replace the rear sight with any high-quality model and fine-tune its focus with no effort. However, the majority of such scopes with enhanced performance are bulky and cumbersome. The Stormrider’s design called for it to be portable and unobtrusive, therefore a bulky scope would defeat its intended function.
Cocking and loading
The cocking and loading procedure for Diana Stormrider are straightforward, albeit a little demanding. The cock when the bolt is opened can make it more difficult for the handle of the bolt to be pulled to the back rather than pushing it forward.
Moving the bolt forward is quite simple and the movement is simple and light. When you pull the bolt back you may notice it is difficult to grasp and small in size This can add to the difficulties.
It is filled in the normal manner, where you turn the cover’s top and insert the first pellets into the back of the skirt first. Then you insert the rest of the pellets into your nose first.
Quickness, precision, and strength
The dovetail ring on the barrel band is the place to put the scope ring if you’re using a large scope, and the front of the breech is another good option. To allay your fears, I assure you that disassembling the iron sights is not exactly a feat of genius. At the outset, you’ll notice a tiny Allen wrench, perhaps around 2 mm in diameter, with which you may easily open the front sight by removing a set screw. The flat blade I stated before is necessary for removing the backsight.
Three factors—velocity, speed, and accuracy—have the potential to render all the others unimportant in discussions of air guns. You can change your position, make some concessions, and feel much more at ease. However, the specifications of speed and precision are outside the scope of change.
So that you may get a good idea of what Diana Stormrider can do, we will show you the results of various tests we ran. It’s best to get into the process with an accurate mental image, as you may have certain needs or desires in mind for your air gun. Like other PCP air rifles, the muzzle velocity of a Diana Stormrider drops as the grain weight rises.
For the same reason, the muzzle force can be expected to grow. Seven pellets from five brands—Gamo Raptor, H&N, Crossman, JSB, and RWS—were used in this evaluation. The speed can be anything from 1068 to 883 feet per second, and the energy can be anywhere from 12 to 18 feet per pound.
Trigger
The trigger on the original Diana Stormrider only has one stage and is not adjustable, as I said at the outset. Unpredictability is the fundamental issue with one-stage triggers. You keep pushing the trigger, but you have no idea when it will finally detonate. You won’t need to stress about that because Stormrider has you covered.
You’ll be able to anticipate its behaviour, and pinpointing its breaking point will boost your efficiency and accuracy. Also, if safety is turned off, the trigger pull will be reduced, increasing the risk of unintentional firing. Similarly, the accuracy will be lower than that of a two-stage trigger.
First-generation models had a heavier trigger pull of 3 lb. 1 oz. when using metal blades. For the second generation, they included a two-stage trigger with a range of customization options. They are more reliable and safe due to their higher trigger pull. Also, the distance between the two stages is flexible. You can make fine-tuned adjustments to your aim after the initial pull, resulting in more precise shots.
Shootabiliity
As a matter of fact, the Diana Stormrider PCP air rifle is a joy to use. This is in part because the pistol is lightweight and compact in comparison to other PCP air guns. The UTG Bugbuster scope installed on the Diana Stormrider PCP air rifle tested by HAM added only about an ounce and a half to the overall weight.
On the other hand, the pull length is a generous 14.25 inches. The detachable magazine may be easily accessed from under the scope. Unless you have enormous fingers, loading the single-shot tray is likewise a breeze.
The bolt handle is really too short, which creates a problem with the way it’s held. The knob on the bolt handle is small in diameter, making it difficult to hold.
Maintenance
Diana Stormrider won’t ask anything from you. Simply pay attention to the basics and don’t abuse either the gun’s barrel, or other components of the gun.
Clean it using regular microfiber to get rid of fingerprints. Once in a time, you can apply air gun oil.
The fill probe must be covered, if not, due to dirt and dust it could cause obstructions, It could cause damage to the tank when they are inside when filling.
Diana Stormrider on pest control duty by americanairgunhunter
What is it that this weapon excels at?
Cost-effectiveness is another benefit of this gun. Its lightweight construction doesn’t sacrifice performance or precision. You may operate it comfortably with either hand. One shot tray and magazine are included in the package, and the sight is open. The model is sturdy because of its realistic wood stock appearance.
Where does this gun need to be better?
In comparison to muzzle-loading air rifles, the noise level of this firearm is relatively low. The magazine’s limited size is a problem. The first-generation trigger is fixed at one stage and cannot be adjusted. There is a lot of play in the rifle’s loading mechanism.
Conclusion
The high-quality German beech stock is the first thing that stands out. Both the grip and forend include checkering, and it’s a robust, ergonomic shape. The Stormrider is user-friendly for shooters of all ages thanks to its lightweight design and manageable weight of 5 pounds.
The ability to fire many shots in rapid succession is, without a doubt, the most useful function of this Diana. To use, load the rotating magazine and insert it into the breech, where it will be held in place by magnets. With a short flick of the bolt action, you may switch to a new cartridge, whether you’re shooting.177 or.22 calibers.