I've always wanted a Diana 34, but did buy a 24 (.22) a couple of years ago to try with barn pigeons. The gun shoots under 500 fps, but I don't know by how much..I don't own a chronograph. lol It's deadly on barn pigeons though, and plenty accurate enough for that job. When testing pellets, I had my target set at 25 yards and you could get shots nearly touching on paper at that distance...so I consider it a very decent gun for pest control..and no pigeon I've set my sights on has lived to tell the tale.
Having mostly owned/shot .177 guns...I've learned that 22 just does a better job even if there isn't as much velocity involved. For my gun, I assume the velocity isn't there to open up hollow points so I use wadcutters to good effect. Hit with an audible/hollow "pop" sound and there isn't any part of a pigeon tough enough to stop the pellets I'm using. lol
I've just been using the pointed pellets in .177. That being said, I plan on transitioning to 22 as well. I will try the wad cutters.
Also I used to use Webley pistols for pigeons back in the days. I had a Webley hurricane and a buddy had the Tempest. Like the Tempest much better. Unfortunately my hurricane was stolen many years ago. A couple of days ago I just received two Webley Tempest pistols one in .177 and one in 22. I almost forgot how nice these are!! Both of these are older but made in England models. I'm thinking I might give them a try if I run into any pigeons inside the barn.
