Quote Originally Posted by Drew451 View Post
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....