yup sure does..I would still hold onto the cocking arm or put my elbow between the arm and stock when loading. A little awkward at first but better than loosing the end of your thumb or finger if it would fail.I have not heard of the bear trap failing on the mod.48 but mechanical things have done that before.I have a 48 in .177 cal. going on 5 years old and the only problem has been the spring at about 4k.rounds.mine really likes Beeman Ram Jets and Beeman F.T.S.pellets
Hope this helps, Gary
Hi there,
You are talking about the "ratchet" like holding mechanism that do not lets the breech run on the fingers.
This simple but great mechanism is the same with all side lever Dianas - 48 52 and 54 airking.
I have it in my 1994 model Diana 54. It never dissapointed me. I also didnt hear about any failure on others.
Anyway, it is good advise to load a pellet by only cocking the breech one click back, then releaving it forward gently. Only before shooting you fully cock the rifle and fire.
It also keep spring life longer.
Good luck, the 48 52 an 54 are all excellet rifles!.
Yariv