Diana 45

[Drew451]

FWB made 60,000 or more Sports. They aren't that rare.

They are just very nice. Despite their flaws.

I agree that in terms of factory springer offerings in the 11-15 ft/lbs bracket, the best of the older guns (BSF 55, 60, 70; HW77, 80, 85; FWB Sport; Webley Omega, Tomahawk, Longbow; BSA Superstar, AA TX Mk1/2; Diana 34 series, 45) are as good and in some respects (fit and finish, for one) as anything you can buy now.

A class selection. It's a pity that Diana, HW and AA are the only ones from that list offering top springers now. You are totally right to include the Superstar. I shot one for the first time in well over 20 years last week and was very impressed.
I missed the top end Webley breakbarrels but may pick one up someday. And I'm almost ashamed to say I've never had a FWB Sport either. They just didn't capture my imagination somehow.

[buttloaves]

Whats the bore and stroke of the 45?

[jonnyone]

Whats the bore and stroke of the 45?

In all the times.I've been inside mine I still don't know lol. But I'm guessing bore is 28mm as this seems common through the larger Diana guns. Stroke- really not too sure on that. I'd be interested to know that one myself as I suspect that whilst it might have been longish compared to similar guns back in the day, I think in modern terms and certainly amongst other current Diana's it is relatively short. Barryg is usually the one good on that information and he's never around where needed
Dave

[Barryg]

In all the times.I've been inside mine I still don't know lol. But I'm guessing bore is 28mm as this seems common through the larger Diana guns. Stroke- really not too sure on that. I'd be interested to know that one myself as I suspect that whilst it might have been longish compared to similar guns back in the day, I think in modern terms and certainly amongst other current Diana's it is relatively short. Barryg is usually the one good on that information and he's never around where needed
Dave

Hi Dave I got your message
I'm not really a big fan of the old Diana's
I have had a 34 and a 45 at the same time and compared both with each other, although my 34 is the old Firebird version and seems the same quality as the 45.
The 34 has about 10 mm longer stroke and the same 28 mm bore as the 45 and the same TP.
Because of the shorter stroke on the 45 it will take a bit longer spring, so don't fit the spring in your 34 without removing coils
IMO the 38 was and perhaps still is the best of It's class

[jonnyone]

Hi Dave I got your message
I'm not really a big fan of the old Diana's
I have had a 34 and a 45 at the same time and compared both with each other, although my 34 is the old Firebird version and seems the same quality as the 45.
The 34 has about 10 mm longer stroke and the same 28 mm bore as the 45 and the same TP.
Because of the shorter stroke on the 45 it will take a bit longer spring, so don't fit the spring in your 34 without removing coils
IMO the 38 was and perhaps still is the best of It's class

Thanks for your input Barry. Appreciated as always.
I thought that the stroke on a 34 was a fair bit longer than 10mm but I'll take your word on it as I haven't checked.
I'm convinced the 45 is sweeter shooting than the 34 but that's maybe because I want it to be sweeter. Both good guns in any event.
And there was me thinking you were a fan of Diana's "end of".
Dave

[Gerry B]

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all these posts .

I was recently given a very nice clean Diana RWS mod 45 in 22 . Marked 1988 .

I was impressed , its a very comfortable rifle to shoot, bear in mind that 6 months ago I sold my HW 95 , just never ever felt that it was a good rifle.
Spread a group a bit too erratically for my liking .
I didn't do any tuning or any thing , just the normal checking , tried 3 scopes, no difference .
I have over the years found rifles you just get on with and others that never ever feel as good as they should.

I played about with the Diana , trying various pellets , open sights .

I don't have a chrono any more , so no idea of power .

But shooting paper at 25 yards , I was shocked how good it grouped with Air Arms pellets ( 5.52 ? ) , compared to my big selection from almost every maker .

As I'm no longer shooting any competition , its going to make a great plinker / fun gun in my retirement .

I have a real tatty old BSA Supersport , that is also a great plinker, ok , its a bit tired , but perfect for playing about out to 25 yards .
Now that I have a lovely rifle, the Diana , I'll get around to fixing up the Supersport and the Mark 1 Meteor .

[Drew451]

Yes, the 45 has its fans on here. I'm glad yours is performing well and you are enjoying it. 1988 is late for the earlier model forty five. Is it the Version with the cheekpiece, stamped checkering on the pistol grip.?

[Geezer]

A class selection. It's a pity that Diana, HW and AA are the only ones from that list offering top springers now. You are totally right to include the Superstar. I shot one for the first time in well over 20 years last week and was very impressed.
I missed the top end Webley breakbarrels but may pick one up someday. And I'm almost ashamed to say I've never had a FWB Sport either. They just didn't capture my imagination somehow.

You should give the Webleys and the FWB a go. If I was forced to own one break barrel, it would be one of those - probably the Longbow. Though I'd miss the BSFs, Supersport (I meant Supersport!), Xocet, and Anschutz 335.

I ought to really like the HW85, but somehow it doesn't appeal in the same way. Bloody good gun, though.

[Drew451]

You should give the Webleys and the FWB a go. If I was forced to own one break barrel, it would be one of those - probably the Longbow. Though I'd miss the BSFs, Supersport (I meant Supersport!), Xocet, and Anschutz 335.

I ought to really like the HW85, but somehow it doesn't appeal in the same way. Bloody good gun, though.

Well the trouble is I'd probably like them and have to accumulate a few.
I did mean Superstar! Don't tell me I'll have to try the Supersport as well now. A slippery slope into BSA collecting..

[Geezer]

Well the trouble is I'd probably like them and have to accumulate a few.
I did mean Superstar! Don't tell me I'll have to try the Supersport as well now. A slippery slope into BSA collecting..

I was trying to stay on b/bs. Though I know I mentioned the TXs. Supersport gets mixed views. Personally I like it.

Under and side levers would include the Superstar (good to great), HW77/97 (great), and any number of Dianas, Airsporter models, sidelevers AAs, and other stuff.