The Diana 460 Magnum stands as a testament to German engineering in the world of high-powered spring-piston air rifles. This detailed review explores every aspect of this formidable underlever air rifle, from its power delivery to real-world accuracy testing, helping you make an informed decision about this premium offering from RWS Diana.
Design and Build Quality
Overall Construction
The 460 Magnum immediately impresses with its substantial presence. At 8 pounds, 6 ounces, this is unmistakably a full-sized adult air rifle. The German manufacturing heritage shows in every aspect of its construction, from the beautifully executed bluing on the metal parts to the precisely fitted hardwood stock. Currently, Diana 460 Magnum one of the best spring air rifles for the money.
Stock Features
The beech wood stock deserves special mention for its thoughtful design elements:
- A right-hand Monte Carlo configuration with raised cheekpiece
- Practical checkering patterns on both the forearm and pistol grip
- Ventilated rubber buttplate for recoil absorption
- Traditional sporter styling that balances aesthetics with functionality
Cocking Mechanism
The underlever design is a defining feature of the 460 Magnum. While the measured 47-pound cocking effort (higher than the advertised 36 pounds) might seem daunting, the underlever mechanism provides superior mechanical advantage compared to break-barrel designs. This makes the cocking sequence more manageable, though it’s still a substantial workout during extended shooting sessions.
Performance
Velocity and Power Testing
Chrony tests:
| Calibers | Pellets | FPS | FPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 | Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr | 890 | 25.16 |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr | 775 | 24.19 |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 749 | 19.8 |
| .22 | Gamo Raptor 9.9 Gr | 911 | 18.25 |
| .22 | H&N Sniper Light 14 gr | 825 | 21.16 |
| .22 | RWS Superdome 14.5 Gr | 815 | 21.39 |
| .22 | Beeman FTS Copper Plated 14.72 gr | 905 | 26.78 |
| .22 | RWS Hobby 11.9 gr | 897 | 21.27 |
| .22 | RWS Superpoint 14.5 Gr | 820 | 21.65 |
| .22 | RWS Super H Point 14.2 Gr | 801 | 20.24 |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 777 | 21.31 |
| .22 | Beeman Kodiak 21.14 Gr | 585 | 16.07 |
One of the most impressive aspects of the 460 Magnum is its exceptional velocity consistency. The extreme spread of just 4 FPS with both RWS Super H-Points and JSB Exact domes is remarkable for a spring-piston airgun, matching or exceeding the consistency of many regulated PCP rifles. This consistency translates directly to better accuracy potential and more predictable performance in the field. Moreover, the Diana 460 Magnum is one of the best air rifles for pest control.
Accuracy Testing
Accuracy tests:
| Calibers | Pellets | Distances | Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 | Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr | 20 yards | nickel size |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 30 yards | dime size |
| .22 | Predator Polymag 15.89 gr | 30 yards | 3/4" |
| .22 | Predator Polymag 15.89 gr | 50 yards | 1.5" |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr | 20 meters | dime size |
| .22 | RWS Super H Point 14.2 Gr | 60 yards | 1.5" |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 25 yards | quarter size |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 10 meters | one hole |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 25 meters | 0.5" |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 45 yards | 0.5" |
Technique Sensitivity
The testing revealed that the 460 Magnum is particularly sensitive to holding technique. Key findings include:
- Artillery hold is essential
- Single-point rest works better than palm rest
- Proper support point alignment is crucial
- Consistent follow-through required
- Groups can vary significantly based on hold technique
Shooting Characteristics
Trigger System
The T05/T06 trigger system is well-suited to both target shooting and hunting applications:
- Two-stage adjustable design
- 3.3-pound pull weight
- Minimal creep
- Clean break
- Good feedback
- Consistent let-off
Recoil and Report
- Noticeable recoil consistent with power level
- Minimal vibration compared to similar power spring guns
- Medium noise level (3 out of 5)
- Well-balanced feel during the shot cycle
Practical Applications
Hunting Capability
The 460 Magnum in .22 caliber is well-suited for hunting applications:
- Consistent 20+ ft-lbs energy output
- Excellent accuracy potential
- Good trigger control
- Sufficient power for small game and pest control
- No external power source required
Target Shooting
While primarily designed as a hunting rifle, the 460 Magnum can serve well for informal target shooting:
- Capable of excellent accuracy
- Good trigger characteristics
- Consistent velocity
- However, weight and cocking effort may become fatiguing during extended sessions
Scope Mounting and Sights
Iron Sights
- Blade and ramp front sight
- Micrometer adjustable rear sight
- Good quality and usable for close range
- Suitable backup to optical sights
Scope Mounting
- 11mm dovetail rail
- Significant scope adjustment required (21″ drop at 20 yards)
- Benefits from specialized Diana mounts
- Proper mounting essential for optimal accuracy
Maintenance and Care
Regular Maintenance
- Clean barrel periodically
- Check stock screws for tightness
- Minimal lubrication required
- Inspect cocking mechanism and linkage
- Monitor breech seal condition
Long-term Durability
- Quality construction suggests good longevity
- Robust mechanical design
- Minimal parts subject to wear
- Strong track record for Diana spring guns
Features:
- Underlever action
- 1100 FPS (.177), 900 FPS (.22)
- Loudness: 3 – medium
- Single shot
- Cocking effort: 36 lbs.
- Blade & ramp front sight
- Micrometer adjustable rear sight
- 11mm dovetail scope mount
- Two-stage, adjustable T06 trigger
- Rifled steel barrel
- Ventilated rubber buttplate
- 3.3-lb. trigger pull
- Automatic safety
- Spring piston power plant
- Hardwood stock
- Checkered forestock and grip
- Monte Carlo stock with raised right-hand cheek piece
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Conclusion
The Diana 460 Magnum represents a high-end offering in the spring-piston air rifle market. It delivers impressive power, exceptional consistency, and excellent accuracy potential when properly handled. The build quality and engineering reflect its German heritage, justifying its position in the premium segment.
For shooters willing to master its technique requirements and manage its physical demands, the 460 Magnum offers a compelling package that can serve equally well for hunting or precision shooting. The rifle’s consistency and accuracy potential are particular highlights, matching or exceeding many more expensive PCP rifles in these aspects.
While the cocking effort and weight might deter some shooters, these are reasonable trade-offs for the power and performance delivered. The rifle’s independence from external power sources and its all-weather capability make it a practical choice for serious airgunners.
The 460 Magnum stands as a testament to Diana’s engineering prowess, offering a compelling blend of power, accuracy, and consistency for the serious airgunner. While it demands respect and proper technique to achieve its full potential, it rewards the dedicated shooter with exceptional performance and reliability.
