If you are looking for a bolt action 22 LR that feels a bit more modern than the classic wooden rimfires of old, the Diana R22 is a compelling option. Made in Germany and imported by Blue Line, this rifle tries to bridge the gap between a budget plinker and a precision trainer.
Overview
The Diana R22 is a bolt action, magazine fed rimfire rifle that immediately stands out due to its carbon fiber wrapped barrel and tactical styling. I picked this one up for around $280 at Bullseye North, which is a fantastic price for the features included. It feels remarkably solid for a rifle in this price bracket, avoiding the “toy-like” feel that some entry-level polymer 22s suffer from.
Specifications
- Action: Bolt action
- Caliber: 22 LR
- Barrel: Carbon fiber tensioned, threaded muzzle (includes protector)
- Trigger Pull: Averaged between 2 lbs 15 oz and 3 lbs 5 oz in my testing
- Weight: 5.8lbs
- Magazine: Detachable box magazine
- Optic Mount: Aluminum Picatinny rail
Usability
There is a lot to like about how this rifle handles. The stock is a standout feature for me. While it is clearly plastic, the shape is excellent. It features a thick palm swell and a wide forend that feels sturdy in the hand. It also includes steel sling swivels and a small Picatinny segment at the front for a bipod, which is a nice touch for a budget rifle.
The bolt throw is exceptionally low. This is a huge win for hunters because it provides massive clearance for your scope. You won’t be barking your knuckles on the ocular bell when you are trying to cycle the action quickly. The bolt itself arrived heavily greased from the factory and runs quite smoothly.
However, we have to talk about the safety. To put it bluntly, the manual safety is terrible. It is confusing and unintuitive. You have to ensure it clicks into a specific forward position to be safe, and then you flick it to the rear to fire. During my testing, I found it stiff and potentially frustrating for a new shooter.
Note: the barrel is NOT carbon wrapped like it looks. Instead, the carbon fiber is a tube that slides over the barrel to tension it.
The trigger is a bit of a mixed bag. The pull weight is great, breaking consistently around 3 lbs with a very crisp feel. However, the actual trigger blade is a stamped piece of steel with fairly sharp edges. It feels a bit “cheap” on the finger, even if the internal mechanics perform well.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
Because this is a somewhat niche German import, the aftermarket support is not going to rival a Ruger 10/22 or a CZ 457.
- Muzzle Devices: The barrel is threaded, so you can easily add a muzzle brake or a linear compensator.
- Trigger Tuning: There appears to be an adjustment screw accessible through the top of the action that may allow for spring tension changes, though most users will find the factory 3 lb pull sufficient.
- Magazines: Note that these are not cross-compatible with ISSC SPA magazines (even though they looked the part), so you will need to stick with proprietary Diana R22 mags.
Competitors
The R22 sits in a crowded segment. It competes directly with:
- Savage Mark II: Usually cheaper but feels much more “old school” and often has a rougher action.
- Ruger American Rimfire: Offers better aftermarket support and better magazines, but lacks the carbon fiber aesthetic and the ultra-low bolt throw.
- CZ 457: Significantly more expensive, but offers world-class accuracy and better ergonomics.
Conclusion
The Diana R22 is a lot of rifle for under $300. If you can get past the poorly designed safety and the somewhat sharp trigger blade, you are getting a reliable, solid-feeling rifle with a great stock and an excellent bolt design. It’s a great choice for a farm gun or a budget-friendly precision trainer for a young shooter.
