Diana/Original 35 Super Question.

[Drew451]

I've pondered this more than once: what was the point of the Super series? Or more correctly: what was the point of offering regular and Super versions of the 35, 27 etc?

[jonnyone]

I've pondered this more than once: what was the point of the Super series? Or more correctly: what was the point of offering regular and Super versions of the 35, 27 etc?

Hmmm. Tricky one that. I'm no.marketing guru but it does beg the question does it make financial sense to offer what are basically the same model gun alongside each other in the manufacturer's range? I'm not uber familiar with the 35 or the 27 but would guess that the S series has better cosmetically pleasing lines? Only by seeing the prices of each back in.the day could one make a judgement as to whether the extra you were paying for was worth it?
But is there more to this? In doing a little research other evening I stumbled on a thread possibly from right here that seems to suggest that in respect of the 35 at least its possible that it had a different piston set up on the S variant quite likely with a view to higher power output. If I recall BSA achieved the same by giving a nicer stock n stronger mainspring on the Super Meteor model.
I would certainly be interested if someone in the know could throw some light on any possible differences in.the action??
Dave

[Drew451]

Hmmm. Tricky one that. I'm no.marketing guru but it does beg the question does it make financial sense to offer what are basically the same model gun alongside each other in the manufacturer's range? I'm not uber familiar with the 35 or the 27 but would guess that the S series has better cosmetically pleasing lines? Only by seeing the prices of each back in.the day could one make a judgement as to whether the extra you were paying for was worth it?
But is there more to this? In doing a little research other evening I stumbled on a thread possibly from right here that seems to suggest that in respect of the 35 at least its possible that it had a different piston set up on the S variant quite likely with a view to higher power output. If I recall BSA achieved the same by giving a nicer stock n stronger mainspring on the Super Meteor model.
I would certainly be interested if someone in the know could throw some light on any possible differences in.the action??
Dave

I have never had either apart but I know Chambers list different pistons for 35 and 35S, the 35 item having a part no and that of the S being N/A. To me, the piston rod on the S looks shorter, which may give thst gun a slightly longer stroke.

[Geezer]

I've pondered this more than once: what was the point of the Super series? Or more correctly: what was the point of offering regular and Super versions of the 35, 27 etc?

They are odd aren’t they? I think they came out in 1977, so only a year before the 45, which was much more on the late 70s and 80s zeitgeist for high power at all costs.

I have always assumed the idea was entry-level budget target rifles aimed at the big German 10M match market, sized for kids (25DS), youths (27S) and adults/big adolescents (35S) - all running at German sub-7.5J power.

I strongly suspect that the regular and S models competed heavily against each other, to the detriment of M&G’s bottom line.

Accepting my German 10M hypothesis, i’m not sure what “better” entry-level rifles were eating into Diana sales that would make the S guns a good idea. The stock 27 has a good case as being a near-perfect lightweight mid-power plinker, barn gun, or base target air rifle, especially in the 70s. The 27S (I have one) isn’t so much better as different.

The Webley/BSA/HW/everyone else model of making the same gun in standard and fancy stock deluxe models is a much better business model than making mechanically different variants of the same action at the same level of finish.

[Drew451]

They are odd aren’t they? I think they came out in 1977, so only a year before the 45, which was much more on the late 70s and 80s zeitgeist for high power at all costs.

I have always assumed the idea was entry-level budget target rifles aimed at the big German 10M match market, sized for kids (25DS), youths (27S) and adults/big adolescents (35S) - all running at German sub-7.5J power.

I strongly suspect that the regular and S models competed heavily against each other, to the detriment of M&G’s bottom line.

Accepting my German 10M hypothesis, i’m not sure what “better” entry-level rifles were eating into Diana sales that would make the S guns a good idea. The stock 27 has a good case as being a near-perfect lightweight mid-power plinker, barn gun, or base target air rifle, especially in the 70s. The 27S (I have one) isn’t so much better as different.

The Webley/BSA/HW/everyone else model of making the same gun in standard and fancy stock deluxe models is a much better business model than making mechanically different variants of the same action at the same level of finish.

They certainly do have the look of the 70s match guns and lend themselves to off hand shooting very well. They must have been one of the earliest angular/ slab sides mainstream springers of that period before others followed suit.
The regular 27 is near perfect in my opinion, but its a tad too small, esp. in the area of the pistol grip for average sized adult hands. The 27S must be an improvement in this regard or looks to be.
Walters book says 1973 for the introduction date of the 35S but thst it didn't appear in Britain in any numbers until, I think, 1977. Mine is a '77 as are the majority (a handful) I've seen are '77's. Not sure when the S series died.
Super owners: let us know your dates.

[landymick]

The 35S was still around with the 45 in 1980 for the Anniversary model.

[jonnyone]

The 35S was still around with the 45 in 1980 for the Anniversary model.

Yep and there was of course the 35 jubilee/anniversary also. Heard they were not introduced over here so any here are likely imported with the F in pentagon logo. But same decals n medallions set in stocks as 45.

[johnbaz]

I have a Gecado mod35, The stock and sightss are different to my normal Original mod45..

The Gecado was pristine when I bought it, The stock had been refinished by Custom stocks of Sheffield, Unfortunately I was searching for a rifle in the gunroom and lined up several along the wall when they slid over!! (It's not perfect any more )








The Original mod35..



The Gecado is .177, the Original is .22 (I think!)..


John

[jonnyone]

Reading this thread a few weeks back got me thinking of the gap in my Diana collection. The two guns I admired from Diana from my youth was the 45 and the 35 and more specifically the 35s. Ive got a few 45s now but not a 35.

On impulse I contacted a gun shop down Brighton way and was soon.parting with some hard earned in exchange for a 35s.
Having spent a week at the Royal Welsh show it was only this morning that I could pick the gun up from my local gun shop.

I have to say what a cracking well made gun they are. The bluing is excellent and would put many modern guns to shame. There is not a hint of plastic anywhere and the stock is well designed and is clearly the inspiration for the RWS 45. I like the fact that the cocking slot is kept short due to the articulated cocking link. Cocking the gun requires minimal effort and is smooth and silent and not at all graunchy. The latch up of the trigger was so smooth and silent I held the barrel as I couldn't hear any sound of the piston engaging the trigger. Firing the gun you get a solid thump, but with soft recoil and no spring twang. Something sadly missing in most modern factory fresh guns.

This one is dated 08 82 and I think its late in.production. I'm surprised by the arc rotation of the barrel when cocking. I honestly thought it had a shorter stroke than it has. Power is average between 9-10 depending on pellets, but I'm not overly keen to up the power at the expense of smoothness. But I'd say it wont break into too much of a sweat up around 11.

Very impressed with the gun and I have to say after all these years of hankering after one it appears to be all I anticipated it would be. I've not taken it to test for accuracy but I suspect I won't be disappointed there either if the right pellet is arrived at.
Another classic to go in the rack and accompany me on a future squirrel hunt methinks.
Dave

[Drew451]

Im very pleased you got your hands on a good 35S, Dave. Sounds like a good, tidy example youve got. I agree with you on all counts and if its putting out a good, consistant 10 fpe with accuracy to match, it will hit the button, I bet.
1982 is later than most but i think they run on in very small numbers for a few more years. Most seem to be mid to late 70s.
Id be interested to hear more on your 35S as you put it through its paces.