Topi Kuusinen (Login topi_k) from IP address 84.249.209.204
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Hi all,
I recently bought a second-hand Diana 75 that I've enjoyed a lot. I did not get a manual with it.
Today, as I was shooting with it, the cocking lever slipped from my hand as I had cocked the gun, so I pulled the lever back again to be able to load a pellet into the barrel.
A mistake. Now, the lever is stuck where it is - it won't move forwards, with the breech open. I haven't tried to force it.
So, is there a way to release the pressure of the spring myself so that the lever is released or should I take the gun to a specialist?
I've downloaded the Diana 75 service manual but it does not help as all operations begin with an unloaded gun, with the spring released, and this is just what I can't do.
I presume the 75 is a sidelever like my 54. Doesn't matter too much as I am guessing that the lever is held back by the bear trap mechanism and thus won't move forward. If this is so, you will have to take off the stock and gently insert a screwdriver into the underneath of the bear trap. Be very careful AND you MUST hold the lever very firmly back as you trip off the bear trap as the lever will spring closed. You need only release it a little - once this is done recock firmly and the gun should cock properly and the bear trap will automatically release allowing the lever to fully close.
When loading a pellet don't fully pull the lever all the way back - engage the piston into the bear trap a far enough distance back to get a pellet in comfortably (always hold the lever when doing this in case the trap slips - you will lose your finger!). Once the pellet is in - fully pull the lever open to cock the gun - as above the trap will release and the lever will close.
Alan, thanks for the information - the 75 is really a side-lever rifle so I'll have a go at your suggestion. In the meantime, I've contacted the Diana factory and they felt something is probably broken inside the mechanism.
Lewis, the lever is stuck at the rearmost position.
I haven't been very active with this since I managed to buy a nice used Diana 100 so I can keep on plinking. However, the 75 is too nice a gun to keep lying around broken for ever.