Original Model 50 indentification

[Benelli B76]

Picked up a .177 Model 50 in amazing untouched condition. Dated 04 76 with rubber butt plate ,metal rear sight with matt finish, and front sight with interchangeable posts. I am confused with the different variants of these, can anybody identify this description and value it. Beautiful blueing like the first day it was purchased.

Thanks, Baz

[Drew451]

Picked up a .177 Model 50 in amazing untouched condition. Dated 04 76 with rubber butt plate ,metal rear sight with matt finish, and front sight with interchangeable posts. I am confused with the different variants of these, can anybody identify this description and value it. Beautiful blueing like the first day it was purchased.

Thanks, Baz

Does it have the sleek schnabel forend or the larger, more angular stock? The 50 changed in or around that year. Just known as a Model 50 by this point.
A good 50 will change hands for around £150-£180 privately and I’ve seen some in dealers for around £250 or more. There are several on the more famous gun sales sites. Yours sounds way above good though.

[Geezer]

IIRC, the plastic rear sight was on the 1969-76 ones with the earlier, nicer, stock.

The metal rear sight was on the 1976 and onward ones with the more angular stock.

So it sounds like you have an early example of the late-70s/early 80s type.

[Benelli B76]

Does it have the sleek schnabel forend or the larger, more angular stock? The 50 changed in or around that year. Just known as a Model 50 by this point.
A good 50 will change hands for around £150-£180 privately and I’ve seen some in dealers for around £250 or more. There are several on the more famous gun sales sites. Yours sounds way above good though.

Thanks Drew, a picture tells a thousand words...

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[mdunn]

hi looks good, i have 1 i'v had 44 years it has a bakelite butt pad, no scope rail and no s/number that i can find.Its a .22 i never use it but won't sell it. atb mick

[Drew451]

Very nice. I was leaning towards Geezers viewpoint from your description but that is the earlier model. I think there was some overlap in models around that year.
Possibly earlier actions still around by the time later stocks coming in. I have one of each type, both dated 07 74. Identical actions in different stocks.

[Geezer]

Very nice. I was leaning towards Geezers viewpoint from your description but that is the earlier model. I think there was some overlap in models around that year.
Possibly earlier actions still around by the time later stocks coming in. I have one of each type, both dated 07 74. Identical actions in different stocks.

Clearly, as with most makers, there were some “transitional” models with a mix of old and new features.

My guess (guess) would be that Diana decided to introduce the metal sight with the new stock, but still used up their inventory of earlier stocks with it for a little while. The plastic sight was still being used into the 80s on the 5 and 6 pistols and the 25 rifle, so there would have been no imperative to keep using it on the 50.

I’ve only had one 50, a post-76 square stock model and TBH I’ve not been that impressed with it. On the other hand, 70s Airsporters are pretty unimpressive too, and the Webley Mark III was out of production in 75, so there wasn’t much competition.

[Benelli B76]

I am already selling this on and I still don't know what all the different marks are. Whats a T01 ?

Baz

[jonnyone]

Picked up a .177 Model 50 in amazing untouched condition. Dated 04 76 with rubber butt plate ,metal rear sight with matt finish, and front sight with interchangeable posts. I am confused with the different variants of these, can anybody identify this description and value it. Beautiful blueing like the first day it was purchased.

Thanks, Baz

Many of these old guns exude quality far and above those of modern guns. I had the same delight when looking over the 35s I picked up start of the week.
Dave

[mrto]

I have one in about the same condition as Benelli's it's nice to look at,but performance wise the 50 was always lacking,unfortunately.

[Drew451]

I have one in about the same condition as Benelli's it's nice to look at,but performance wise the 50 was always lacking,unfortunately.

50s are usually good and accurate guns but never the most powerful.