Original 24 and smaller Diana's.

[jonnyone]

I sold alot of my smaller junior diana air rifles but I did keep one that appealed to me and less seen but never the less a well made model the original model 228 and I love it's size weight and how it shoots.

Most of the 45 models I still retain in fact had were between 78-83 stamped just a couple date stamped post 83.

I had Been going through them few months back to reduce somewhat but struggle to let any more go.

Still love them

So do I mate. I think it fair to say that anyone who takes an interest in the Diana threads has a soft spot for them. I always have had a focus on hunting power air rifles but these smaller Diana's are certainly catching my eye.
Without wishing to hijack Drew's fine thread here about the smaller Diana's I want to throw a question into the mix about Diana's in general including the smaller guns :
Taking account of all the different qualities of the marque and reflecting on the older (Original) Diana's and the modern crop of guns- which do you consider has the better quality feel to them? Old or modern?
I'll throw my three pence in. I think the older guns have more character and slightly better quality of finish than the modern Diana offerings. I'm not saying modern Diana's are poor. I'm just saying older guns had that little something extra.
And before I have to retreat to a bunker and take cover I think the same can be said of many other makes. Hw especially!
Dave

[Geezer]

So do I mate. I think it fair to say that anyone who takes an interest in the Diana threads has a soft spot for them. I always have had a focus on hunting power air rifles but these smaller Diana's are certainly catching my eye.
Without wishing to hijack Drew's fine thread here about the smaller Diana's I want to throw a question into the mix about Diana's in general including the smaller guns :
Taking account of all the different qualities of the marque and reflecting on the older (Original) Diana's and the modern crop of guns- which do you consider has the better quality feel to them? Old or modern?
I'll throw my three pence in. I think the older guns have more character and slightly better quality of finish than the modern Diana offerings. I'm not saying modern Diana's are poor. I'm just saying older guns had that little something extra.
And before I have to retreat to a bunker and take cover I think the same can be said of many other makes. Hw especially!
Dave

Old is nicer. Old may not be better, but is nicer.

My "little" Diana collection (from memory, I have not done a detailed inventory tonight ) includes:

LP5 wood,
LP5 grey plastic,
LP5G
LP6G x 2
LP6M x 2
LG24 (Webley)
LG25
LG25D
LG26/28
LG27S
LG34
LG35 (1950s)
LG35 (1970s)
LG36
LG45 (.20")
LG50 (1970s)
LG52
LG66

The Giss guns (6, 66) are awesome bit of kit and I must get a 10 and a 75.

For build/finish quality and historical charm, the wood grip 5 and the 1950s 35 are streets ahead of the rest. They don't shoot any better - sometimes less well - than the later guns. But if you like early Airsporters, or Webley Seniors or MkIIIs, then they are the Diana equivalent.

I would love a 1950s 50. Amazing build and finish. Of course, an HW77 has a far better shot cycle and much greater accuracy.

My oddball nomination for consideration is the 27S, which is uglier than the standard 27, but shoots excellently.

Which means I need a 25DS and a 35S to compare!

Sort of back on topic: I happily contend that the 25D and 27 (and the S models of both) are in contention with the obvious HWs as the best 7-9 ft/lbs "youth" springers ever made.

[Drew451]

That's quite a collection, Geezer. There must be few like it, anywhere. I must say that the "LG" / "LP" prefix adds a further touch of class or possibly anorak. I believe that older is better built and was better put out the door, so to speak. I don't think the brand is inferior to Weihrauch but generally speaking they are less deluxe/ hewn from solid if I can put it like that. But there are exceptions.

Here's my lot: 24, 34, 35, 35S, 45 x 4, RWS45, 50 x 2, 66, 75, 280

[peddy]

I've a little German 22, very well made and lovely trigger, surprisingly accurate at 10 yards. Think the 27 was probably the best?