I have a Diana Model 45 that I bought new in 1988. It hasn't been shot enough to really break it in. Because of my age,65, and some health problems, I find it very hard to cock (40-42 lbs. effort.) I find numerous articles on the net about tuning springers up...is it possible to tune them down? I would like to get the cocking effort down in the low 20's and would be satisfied with a fps around 475-500. Would a weaker mainspring accomplish this or would it throw the whole system out of balance? Any tuners out there that have tried something similar?
Thanks,
Van
I don't know if you can get the cocking effort cut in half with a weaker
spring but I'm sure Jim Maccari will have a spring to help you. I read
you might be interested in selling your 45 for a easier to shoot gun.
Take a look at the IZH 61:
Not sure about a 20 lb cocking effort, but you should be able to get it down to 10fpe with a spring that is less-stiff and taking out all the pre-load.
"but I'll be needin' that gun, fer squirrels and such."
I have one with the funky copper panels in the forearm, neat gun. also have a diana 24c its a sweet little gun, not to hard to cock. the standard 24 must be real easy. IMHO the new IZH 61 (plastic breech etc..) is not as well made as the original model. You may still find a cz slavia 630 or 631 used (long barrels real easy to cock)
I would recommend privately emailing Marcelo who posts here and see what Marcelo has to say. You can do things which will improve the rifle's overall feel without massive energy losses or you can aim for a certain ballpark velocity/cocking effort combo.
Also, and I'm not saying this in any way other than its sometimes overlooked, that how a rifle is cocked can also make things harder or easier.
Hopefully Marcello will chime in and give us some insight into what can be done and what certain outcomes may be obtained.
Marcelo, if you'd be interested could you talk a little about your own 45 that you detuned to what was it...700fps? I forget. But that was one sweet sounding machine.
Don't get rid of that 45 Van. That is a real nice gun you have their. You should be able to get it to function just as you wish. Be patient and ask questions - that's what this forum is here for.
New spring, top guide, button the piston and give it a good lube and it will be smooth as butter and easy to cock. That gun has a nice trigger group in it - enjoy it.
"but I'll be needin' that gun, fer squirrels and such."
Van i really would hate to see you sell your rifle but i would really hate to see you not enjoy the sport of rifleing due to your health issues. Rws is bringing back thier 24 but i dont know what the spects are . There are other options . You might want to vist P.a. site if you have not already . They list the cocking efforts on most of thier rifles and there is also the pcp and co2 systems that might work for you. And i might as well get in deep trouble here and tell you to look at some of daisys avanti 10 meter world cup holder rifles like the 753 .Heres p.a. site http://www.pyramydair.com/site/articles/velocity/ Marvin
Van, I own a few 45's and they all have about the same cocking effort as the newer 34/36 models. An easier to cock break barrel would be the 24 or if you can find it a 20. An alternative would be the underlever 46's, but stay away from the Stutzen model, it's shorter and a bit harder to cock.
JM used to make a "soft" spring kit for the 45, 34/36, etc. which is a tune-down kit. Not sure if he still makes it he can make anything to order or if he wants to.
