Your perfect sporting breakbarrel?

[Pro7dave]

As it stands a lightly fettled 98, with a well sorted trigger would do just nicely I think.

[evert]

As it stands a lightly fettled 98, with a well sorted trigger would do just nicely I think.

My HW95 has a steel barrel sleeve, so quite close to a 98.
I have tried a lot of different springs, piston weights and piston seals, but somehow never get along with the rifle in the long run.
New setups tend to feel good, but after some shooting I go back to other guns.

A 95/98 with a shortstroke piston, that could be something!

[Pro7dave]

My HW95 has a steel barrel sleeve, so quite close to a 98.
I have tried a lot of different springs, piston weights and piston seals, but somehow never get along with the rifle in the long run.
New setups tend to feel good, but after some shooting I go back to other guns.

A 95/98 with a shortstroke piston, that could be something!

I had a 98 with a stock spring, custom guides and shortstroke and one of Luke Jolly s trigger setups. It was a fantastic thing to shoot. I'm gonna get another and do exactly the same I think.

[tinbum]

I had a 98 with a stock spring, custom guides and shortstroke and one of Luke Jolly s trigger setups. It was a fantastic thing to shoot. I'm gonna get another and do exactly the same I think.

I don't think I've had a 98? I was tempted when the lam stock one came out, but it was beaucoup cash!

[averageplinker]

I don't think I've had a 98? I was tempted when the lam stock one came out, but it was beaucoup cash!

Tinners, why not pick up an HW98 barrel and shroud to try out on an HW95? I have one which will first be tried on an HW80 and then maybe on the HW85!
Rich.

[Drew451]

I've always had the Diana Mod 34 series well ahead both the early HW85 and the later HW 85/95. I think the 34 is as well made (if less deluxe) but has finer manners and far better handling in a lighter package. The later 34 Premium is probably the best of the breed, although an early 36/38 is up there as well.
For me, somehow, the 85/95 doesn't quite add up to the sum of its parts. Certainly, usefully lighter than an 80 but they do not handle well for some reason I can't explain. All the ingredients would seem to be there but they lie uncomfortably slab-like in my hands are relatively unwieldy, even in carbine form. They have significantly more muzzle flip than a Diana 34 or even an HW35 or 50. I would rate both of its older stablemates above the 85/95 as unfashionable as that sounds.

[Geezer]

I've always had the Diana Mod 34 series well ahead both the early HW85 and the later HW 85/95. I think the 34 is as well made (if less deluxe) but has finer manners and far better handling in a lighter package. The later 34 Premium is probably the best of the breed, although an early 36/38 is up there as well.
For me, somehow, the 85/95 doesn't quite add up to the sum of its parts. Certainly, usefully lighter than an 80 but they do not handle well for some reason I can't explain. All the ingredients would seem to be there but they lie uncomfortably slab-like in my hands are relatively unwieldy, even in carbine form. They have significantly more muzzle flip than a Diana 34 or even an HW35 or 50. I would rate both of its older stablemates above the 85/95 as unfashionable as that sounds.

My views entirely. The 85/95 ought to be like an FWB Sport with a better trigger, safety catch, and breech lock up. What’s not to like?

But the balance, stock fit, and handling is just wrong. Really wrong. And I can’t explain why, either.

I do wonder if a CS walnut stock, shorter barrel (my 85 is a full-length rifle) and the right muzzle weight or suppressor might transform it into a brilliant rifle....

[maximus]

I've always had the Diana Mod 34 series well ahead both the early HW85 and the later HW 85/95. I think the 34 is as well made (if less deluxe) but has finer manners and far better handling in a lighter package. The later 34 Premium is probably the best of the breed, although an early 36/38 is up there as well.
For me, somehow, the 85/95 doesn't quite add up to the sum of its parts. Certainly, usefully lighter than an 80 but they do not handle well for some reason I can't explain. All the ingredients would seem to be there but they lie uncomfortably slab-like in my hands are relatively unwieldy, even in carbine form. They have significantly more muzzle flip than a Diana 34 or even an HW35 or 50. I would rate both of its older stablemates above the 85/95 as unfashionable as that sounds.

I agree with this! Also like the 280, not overly long even in full length guise and very pointable.

[Pro7dave]

I don't think I've had a 98? I was tempted when the lam stock one came out, but it was beaucoup cash!

It was your innards in it bud. It was absolutely spot on. I think I gave 300 for the standard rifle. I like the nose heavy feel. To be fair I used it that much I sold my all singing all dancing tuned to buggery 97.

[evert]

Getting closer, but with an underlever
Just put the HW77 stock on the new-to-me 97k, and this thing really gets my attention. Time will tell if it is just the thrill of something new or if this really is what I'm looking for.

On the other hand, the Mk3 meteor with a cut down supersport barrel is proving itself to be both accurate and lightweight, with very light recoil and enough power for enjoyable plinking...