Made in small numbers between 1989 – 1998 this was a side lever bolt action 10m match ssp.
I am not sure when the MK2 version was introduced but I have seen MK2 serial numbers 4805,4875 and 5490. The Mk1 serial numbers I have seen are 1826, 2559B, 3277.
I am guessing that the change took place between 3277 and 4805. Of course with these numbers you can guess that Diana used this sequence on other models in it’s range. Have no idea why the ‘B’ is included in the serial number on the rifle shown.
It’s often stated that the rifle is overly complicated and can suffer with problems with the cocking linkage. Yes it is complicated compared to say a Walther LG210 or a FWB 601 and I would say not a rifle for the mechanically un sympathetic.
The problem is with the cocking linkage in that it uses double cogs and a toothed ratchet and once it has been started on the cocking stroke, it must be completed. If you try and close it half way through the stroke, you will, if you use force strip the teeth off the cogs and that’s game over. Use it as intended and keep it greased and it works fine. The owners manual makes specific reference to this.
I have in my collection both examples and have compared them to see what difference there are.
1. Mk2 has a updated cocking handle that uses a catch much like a FWB 600 series. On the MK1 there is a blued sleeve over the stainless compression lever that must be pulled back about 6mm to release the lever. Now if you brace the butt in your groin area and hold the rifle in your left hand and operate the cocking lever with your right the sliding sleeve falls easily to hand and is a joy to use.
2. The stock on the Mk2 has no cut out for the sleeve of the Mk1 cylinder.
A Mk2 action will fit a Mk1 stock, but not the other way round without modification.
3. The Mk2 rear sight unit uses a larger light receptor. Both are stamped ‘100’
4. The Mk2 has a shorter length barrel shroud making the overall length shorter by 38mm. The stocks and actions are the same size.
5. The Mk2 weighs 5.1kg compared to the MK1 at 4.8kg for comparison I weighed my Arnie 2002 with walnut stock and that came in at 4.8kg
6. The Mk2 uses a slightly modified cocking linkage albeit that it functions exactly the same.
7. On both stocks the plastic cover on the base of the grips hides the strengthener that has been inserted.
The design of the loading bolt does mean that a scope or other sighting device can be added without recourse to unusual mounting blocks.
An unusual and delightful 10m ssp match rifle that can hold its own against the usual suspects from Walther,FWB, Anschutz and has a trigger that is better than the competition when properly adjusted. There was also a left handed stock option,but I have never seen a left handed action. A set of sight riser blocks was also offered as an accessory.
Album pics:
https://flic.kr/s/aHskGC4bYo
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DSC01734 by
Mark Davis, on Flickr[/IMG]