When I was getting ready to move into my house several years ago, I had a lot of ground squirrels around. The land had been wild, dense scrub oak before the area for the house was graded. I didn't know a thing about air rifles - & actually still don't. I went online & decided on a RWS 48 in .177 cal. from the place in Arizona that sells them. I zeroed it in at about 90 ft. on the top of my table saw using sand bags. It's deadly accurate & seems to have a very flat trajectory. The first day I used it, I killed off about a dozen ground squirrels. After that for about six months, I'd kill one every few weeks or so. Now I have almost no ground squirrels living within range and the rifle hardly ever gets used except for a little target shooting once in a while.

We bought it new in Germany in 1968 so at least 47 years old .

Thanks she's in great shape for her age and has sentimental value because my dad bought it for me from the gun shop his dad used to frequent. Mine is not a side-cocker it's the type that the barrel folds to set the spring mechanism. Definitely way over built for an air rifle but I guess that's why it has lasted this long.

I just love guns that have soul. It doesn't matter if it's a .177 air gun, WWI 1911, or a 44-90 Hi-Wall. Nobody can tell you a gun has soul, you just know it when you see it. Purchased by your father 47 years ago on a trip to see your last living grandfather…That rifle has got it.

I don't think the new AR's or "black guns" will ever have it, no matter how old they (we) get.

P.S. I think the Diana side-cockers came about in the early 80's.

"...Diana side-cockers..."
.
When I bought my Diana I recall that the side-cockers had a bit more poop to them. (?)
.
I'll ask again...how often do you guys clean your air barrels?
.
Merry Christmas, all...and don't be afraid to say it.

I really don't want to sidetrack the original post but we're already there. My grandfather ( my fathers father ) was a sniper in the German army. My dad told me he was a fantastic marksman. I have from my grandfather a Mauser single shot .22 cal bolt action rifle that is damn near mint condition and I have no idea how old it is. I still have the original wooden gun case for it that is lined with German newspapers !!! Now that I think of it I'll have to see what the date is on those papers. You can just feel the hand made craftsmanship that went into it I'm going to have to fire some rounds through her also and tip a beer to my ancestry :D

My M 48 side cocker is the most powerful spring piston gun I own. Yes, they have a bit more poop.

I never clean my air rifles. Ever. I've got well over 10,000 rounds through many of them, some likely several times that, and I have yet to clean one. They don't lead, and there is no powder fouling, so what would we be "cleaning"?

Oh, and a big "plus one" on Craig's observations on guns with "soul". They either have it or they don't, some shooters appreciate it, some don't. I just wish some of them could talk, like Opa's single shot Mauser .22 bolt gun. Imagine what it could tell you...

Jeff you are spot on I can't imagine all that my grandfathers Mauser has been through and has seen. The stories it could tell ! I still remember walking into that gun shop in Germany back in 1968 I was 10 years old and my eyes must have been the size of saucers. I was so proud walking into that shop holding my dads hand as we walked into this new world to me. The sights/smells I would hold onto for my lifetime. I think my dad was actually looking for a .22 but " settled " for the Diana and I'm glad that he did. The newer/younger generation might not " get it " when it comes to guns with souls but I sure do and cherish the moments.