RWS Diana 52 - tuning update...

[Hellequin]

Thanks for the replies gents, and Maximus that's one tidy looking rifle you have!

I think longer term I'm going to aim for some serious work on this rifle, probably a 22mm conversion done by Tony Leach as that work is beyond my skill & tool set.

I'd probably have preferred one in .177 if I'm honest but these 'Ultra Carbine' models don't seem to come up very often so I was just happy to get one in good condition.

I've just bought an LGU in .177 which is pretty clinical for a springer, but I much prefer the looks, balance and character of my 52. They're just bloody cool.

[jonnyone]

Thanks for the replies gents, and Maximus that's one tidy looking rifle you have!

I think longer term I'm going to aim for some serious work on this rifle, probably a 22mm conversion done by Tony Leach as that work is beyond my skill & tool set.

I'd probably have preferred one in .177 if I'm honest but these 'Ultra Carbine' models don't seem to come up very often so I was just happy to get one in good condition.

I've just bought an LGU in .177 which is pretty clinical for a springer, but I much prefer the looks, balance and character of my 52. They're just bloody cool.

Morning Bob. I should also have said in my post above that your account of your tuning project was very informative. These guns are very.much worth the effort and I think they are the Cinderella of the extensive Diana range of guns.
I recall the ultra carbine being sold off very competitively last going off and were real.bargains. Not sure they got produced in .177 though? With the carbine barrel they would definitely need to.be tweaked to get the best of them, but again, more than worth the effort.
I too have read of the amazing conversion Tony has done on these guns and others and can imagine they transform them. Stepping up a gear, I would guess his work to the 54/56 series guns would make them sublime and in my books would make any gun converted that way to be the ultimate progression of a springer action.
Would be good to hear.more feedback as to how you are getting along with your new shooting companion.
Dave

[Squirrelking]

I have a 22mm Tony Leach conversion on my .177, lovely it certainly is. My problem is the lead in on my barrel is well out meaning I can't seat the pellets properly, looks like the only option is rebarreling (ouch!) unless someone has the tools and expertise to sort it as is.

Not to worry though, I have another in .22 on its way so will swap the mod over and see what happens.

Also agree that blue seals are the way to go, SWS sell them and regularly get new stock in so if you did want to do a T06 conversion then you shouldn't have too long to wait. Both mine are T01 though so I've been lucky in that regard.

[Hellequin]

Morning Bob. I should also have said in my post above that your account of your tuning project was very informative. These guns are very.much worth the effort and I think they are the Cinderella of the extensive Diana range of guns.
I recall the ultra carbine being sold off very competitively last going off and were real.bargains. Not sure they got produced in .177 though? With the carbine barrel they would definitely need to.be tweaked to get the best of them, but again, more than worth the effort.
I too have read of the amazing conversion Tony has done on these guns and others and can imagine they transform them. Stepping up a gear, I would guess his work to the 54/56 series guns would make them sublime and in my books would make any gun converted that way to be the ultimate progression of a springer action.
Would be good to hear.more feedback as to how you are getting along with your new shooting companion.
Dave

Thanks Dave and you're right that the 'ultra' carbines were sold off at cheaper prices but in .22 cal; I think Tony mentions that too in one of his blogs.

For me the really short barrel does add to the good looks (I know some folk think these sidelever rifles are ugly no matter what) regardless of any extra issues performance wise. I've always liked them & fancied one but never owned one until this came along. If I have any more done to it or tweak it further myself I'll certainly put another update on here and, I keep meaning to and haven't yet but I really must get along to a boinger bash next year, so I'll bring it along if I finally make it to one...

[Phil Russell]

A very nice read, thank you.
I note the original TP was 2mm but you removed 'the plug' to reveal the 4mm. Then the high power issues set in.
I wonder: could you not have tinkered with the TP to get what you wanted ... maybe trying 3mm or 2.5mm etc? I am sure there must be a good reason ....
Interestingly my daughter has a 52 at about 11.5 and it is really quite pleasant. I do not know the TP size but can say that we have never changed it.
Maybe way off topic but I had a 'Chuntsman' ... Chinese version of the Huntsman Mk2 ... that had consistency and low output issues. The TP was quite small (sorry can't remember now, maybe 2.6mm?) so I experimented with ports of different diameter ... they were simple delrin, drop in units easily made on the mini lathe. I seem to recall that 3.5mm went hot and I settled eventually on maybe 3mm for a nice consistent 11ftlb.
Cheers, Phil

[Hellequin]

A very nice read, thank you.
I note the original TP was 2mm but you removed 'the plug' to reveal the 4mm. Then the high power issues set in.
I wonder: could you not have tinkered with the TP to get what you wanted ... maybe trying 3mm or 2.5mm etc? I am sure there must be a good reason ....
Interestingly my daughter has a 52 at about 11.5 and it is really quite pleasant. I do not know the TP size but can say that we have never changed it.
Maybe way off topic but I had a 'Chuntsman' ... Chinese version of the Huntsman Mk2 ... that had consistency and low output issues. The TP was quite small (sorry can't remember now, maybe 2.6mm?) so I experimented with ports of different diameter ... they were simple delrin, drop in units easily made on the mini lathe. I seem to recall that 3.5mm went hot and I settled eventually on maybe 3mm for a nice consistent 11ftlb.
Cheers, Phil

Hi Phil, yes the TP restrictor probably could have been taken out to 3mm but it is a REALLY thin piece of metal which sits behind the breech seal. Apparently TR Robb does one at 3mm but I've not been able to order it (or find it specifically) via his website and nor have I got hold of him on the phone, so I gave up!

As said earlier, I think I'll shoot it as it is for a while then likely send it to Tony Leach for 'the works' doing.

All the best

[Squirrelking]

IIRC the blue ones from SportsWaffen are 3.5mm, there is only one size now. If I remember tomorrow I'll measure my spare for you when I'm up the loft.

[Phil Russell]

Hi Phil, yes the TP restrictor probably could have been taken out to 3mm but it is a REALLY thin piece of metal which sits behind the breech seal. Apparently TR Robb does one at 3mm but I've not been able to order it (or find it specifically) via his website and nor have I got hold of him on the phone, so I gave up!

As said earlier, I think I'll shoot it as it is for a while then likely send it to Tony Leach for 'the works' doing.

All the best

Seems like a good enough reason. I had imagined the TP plug to be more substantial.
Good luck with it.
Cheers, Phil