Used Diana's

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dalv

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Hanging out a my favorite small gun shop on Saturday - ended up putting a beautiful CZ 12 ga Bobwhite on layaway.
Anyway, he had a couple estate sale springers.
Both older - Model 34 Diana in nice shape and Model 52(?) sidecocker that was a beast.
Thinking about the 34 but I'm really a .22 guy - and I didn't look too hard at the 52 but it might be a .22. I did some research when I got home and see that it is a really nice gun (both are actually)
So question is = what should I look for when buying an old gun. Steve would probably let me shoot them if I wanted.
What is a fair price?
Airguns of Arizona has new 34 for $199 and Model 48 for $377 - I think a clone of the 52 if I have the model right.
When I go back for the CZ I figured I would make an offer if they are still there.
Are they rebuildable if needed?
Opinions welcome.
PS - I'm still shooting my BSA Meteor I bought 40 yrs ago :D
 
They can be rebuilt, but you would need some rather specialized tools. The main springs are under a significant amount of compression and in a powerful spring-piston they have enough stored energy to cause serious injury or death if they are assembled by someone who isn't aware of the danger.

There's no way to tell what the airguns are worth without knowing if they're functional. That said, in my opinion, the odds are pretty good that they won't need any work.

If it were me, I'd offer them a low enough price for both guns as a set that you'd be in decent shape even if one of them is totally nonfunctional and the other one needs some professional work.
 
Good thoughts - waiting for the CZ. Will let you know if i come home with either (or both!)
 
Update

Well guys, brought home the 34 ($100). Mounted a UTG droop comp scope mount and BSA 3x12 AO Airgun Scope.

Playing around in the barn - I finally got it zeroed in at 30' and shooting <dime size groups, so pretty happy with the deal.

Some issues I could use your help with:

1) UTG mount "20.7 upward compensation at 30 yds" is what I ordered - read somewhere that was the one to use and description is for the 34, but I had to shim the front ring up a lot to get it on target- it was shooting 1 foot high at 30'. With the shims I got it down.
2) Also shooting way left and I had to crank the turret all the way in (and then some) to get it on the bullseye. I'm thinking my shims on the front ring threw it off L/R although it does look centered in the ring.

So - did I order the wrong base? Thought it was made to avoid the shims.
Any suggestions welcome. Even though way out of adjustment it is hitting very nice, just would feel better not having the scope so far out. BTW I also ordered and installed new Hawke 1 Low rings.

Next Subject: Tuning -
I googled tuning the 34 and got a couple sites: Network 54, Springgunning, Spiralsol, Airgun One, etc. but haven't really found a comprehensive posting on tearing down, polishing up, tuning, replacing seals, etc of the 34. Several guys offer the service ($200-300) but I like to tinker and would like to do it myself. Often YouTube has videos on similar projects but not finding it there either.
Can you send me a link, or even a publication I can purchase on the inner workings of the 34 and what I can do to tune.

I probably should heed the saying "ain't broke - don't fix it" but smoothing out the trigger and cleaning up the cocking mechanism shouldn't hurt...should it?

Thanks for any help, suggestions, warnings, etc. you can provide.

Dalv
 
I own both models

The 52 is awsome! ,22cal and a super long range rifle!
My Model 36 is actually a 34 but with a nicer stock and sights, A ,22 and is it ever powerful! Not quite up tp the 52 power but plenty good for wvwrything.
Tuning is a viable option but neither of mine are tuned. just properly lubed,
Diana's are guns you pass down generations. they're that GOOD!
ZVP
 
If you want to tune it yourself it's very easy (imo). gimme your email and I'll send you a guide which was written for Crosman, but most things are the same.
Good price btw!
 
Can you turn it around and still mount it on the gun?
Click to expand...
JohnKS - I looked at that as it seems that would work but the instructions show it mounted they way I have it - the stop is in front to stop the mount from moving back from the recoil. I think the pitch I have (20.7) is too much for my gun. I made some adjustments and got the scope back in order and shooting dead on. Probably didn't need the mount but oh well..

Chevota - will send PM - thanks very much for the link, look forward to tuning it, although it amazes me how accurate it is now - granted only shooting at 30' but it is consistently bullseye.
I'll do a little searching as I see the trigger has a couple adjustment screws just forward of the trigger -thinking it might be overtravel and reset. I would like to smooth it out a little and whatever else is recommended.

Yeah, it's the best $100 I spent in a long time! And I don't have to drive to the range to shoot it! Fun to plink in my barn while the weather is nasty.

Appreciate the help.
Dalv
 
ZVP said:
The 52 is awsome! ,22cal and a super long range rifle!
My Model 36 is actually a 34 but with a nicer stock and sights, A ,22 and is it ever powerful! Not quite up tp the 52 power but plenty good for wvwrything.
Tuning is a viable option but neither of mine are tuned. just properly lubed,
Diana's are guns you pass down generations. they're that GOOD!
ZVP
Click to expand...
I am pretty sure a 52 is a 48 with a walnut stock only difference
 
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