The prewar Diana 35 DRP was basically a larger, more powerful version of the 27. Also with the lovely double pull trigger and walnut stock.
See them together here:
Diana 27 bottom, 35 middle
The prewar Diana 35 DRP was basically a larger, more powerful version of the 27. Also with the lovely double pull trigger and walnut stock.
See them together here:
Diana 27 bottom, 35 middle
Vintage Airguns Gallery
..Above link posted with permission from Gareth W-B
In British slang an anorak is a person who has a very strong interest in niche subjects.
Not as well know but the FLX XX is probably as nice a prewar break barrel as you will find. The last rifle in the group of 3 in the Gallery is mine and the machining and bluing is as good as it gets.
https://forum.vintageairgunsgallery....-xx-air-rifle/
Haenel Mod II break barrel. I got one. Very well made
Haenel for me too!
My missus has a Diana 27 that is very accurate:
https://youtu.be/889pWxlysQY?si=Ossm2Q3CsV18J9dO
I'm a big fan of my 1920's Millita, although it took some fettling to get it shooting really well:
https://youtu.be/qgBp0hVuNHU?si=0rCw_L4m-5tajB-2
I would be interested in adding a Heanel one day.
That FLZ is gorgeous, don't think I've ever seen one for sale.
Cheers,
Matt
Webley Service for me - well the barrel is used as a cocking lever!
I also used to own a lovely Ansonia Millita type with a gorgeous stock.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...xjMg2oi5ynX70d
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...XdNkBB39PPQEdT
John
Currently looking for Baikal Makarov pistols with the following prefixes to the serial number: 98, T01, T09, T21, T22
Prefer boxed or cased but will consider loose examples too.
My vote goes to the Britannia. I've owned several. They're compact, powerful, accurate, beautifully balanced, easy to work on, and they have two power settings and a rock-solid breech latch that automatically adjusts for wear. IMHO, it's the Mary Poppins of pre-war break barrels -- practically perfect in every way.
I am lucky to have obtained a Britannia over here in the US. It is a very unique rifle but not sure perfect in every way? If perfect I think the in stock spring system would have carried on into modern airguns? Its profile is not really graceful? The quality of it finish is not comparable to the bluing that was developed after WW1: mirror blued finishes there.
The balance to me is totally centered in the stock and the lack of a forearm a bit annoying and odd looking?
Last edited by 45flint; 28-03-2024 at 11:58 AM.
I said it's PRACTICALLY perfect in every way, i.e., almost. Regardless, you're entitled to your opinion, Steve, as am I, and I couldn't disagree more. IMHO the Britannia has very graceful lines. But then again, you also don't care for the look of the Webley Service, which I think has one of the most beautiful and iconic profiles ever.
Regarding modern airguns not copying the design of the Britannia, I wonder that all the time. I wish some company would. I'd love a solid, modern, compact, light, easy to wield, high-powered springer inspired by the Britannia design!
The quality of finish is a trivial matter. And considering minty Britannias aren't common, I doubt either of us can declare with certainty how good or bad the original finish was when new, or if it varied in quality over its production run.
Lastly, I find the heavy yet compact design makes it a quicker, more natural pointer than a lot of modern break barrels. As far as accuracy tests go, Matt's video says it all:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHiTVootIcQ
Best pre war break barrel.........probably Diana 27 or 35, maybe one of the larger Haenels, but it's not an easy question as everyone has their own values when it comes to characteristics & features. Ask the question today about modern break barrel springers & you are likely to geat a selection of suggestions. Asking the question about pre war ones will likely get fewer suggestions as there are/ were probably fewer to choose from.
If I had to choose one I think I'd pick a model 35.
Last edited by trajectory; 29-03-2024 at 01:14 PM.