Hi All,
I've got an old Diana model 25 that I traded for awhile back (traded a model 40 that was pounding scopes to death) and I've recently dusted it off and started shooting it again. What a great little gun! I was wondering how old it is? Seems like they've been making them for quite some time, is there any way to date it?

Also, my wife has taken quite a liking to it as the size is right (she is 5' 2") and its not too hard to cock. However, with no scope rail it makes mounting optics or a peep sight pretty difficult and I don't want to modify such a great little old gun so I was hoping y'all could suggest some comparable springers. I'm looking for something with a scope rail that is small, light, accurate, and preferably with an adjustable trigger. Velocity is of no concern as it will only be used for punching paper (and the occasional can) in our backyard range. It seems like most of the "youth" guns these days are pretty cheaply made...

Thanks!
Bruce

I have a older diana model 24 (177cal.)that does have a scope rail and is probably similar to the 25. I can't remember when I got it but bought it new. Its also easy to cock and not alot of speed. Mine shoots well with nice groups.

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews71491.html

Mine was made in 1980 or 1981, can't remember. The date code should be on the left side near the rear of the receiver. Some older Dianas do not have the date code, not sure when this started. From what I have seen this gun was made for a long time and in a few different versions. Some of the earlier ones were Belgian Dianas. The later ones, from the 70's on look like a mini Diana 27. Same style stock with the rounded pistol grip and red pimple on the heel.

Here is a crummy pic, it's the top gun:




As the other poster stated the Diana 24 would likely fit your needs well. Used ones come up for sale pretty often and usually go for around 150 dollars.If you want to stay vintage you can't go wrong with the Diana 27.


HTH,

Brian

But those, being Winchester, tend to demand a premium. They did have scope rails, although rather on the slender side. You could always go with an R7 or HW equivalent. The Diana 27 is an exceptionally nice gun. A bit bigger and a tad heavier than the 25 but not so hard to cock and with a good adjustable trigger. Look for around $200 for a really nice one. (Winchester model is the 427.) On the 27's, though, you will have to rejuvenate the pistol seal with some silicone oil as they are leather and most owners (or their heirs and assigns) have let them dry out through neglect.

Thanks for all the great responses! I checked the date on mine, 11/71, it's older than me! (I figured as much...) I'll have to look for some of the other models suggested.... I am thrilled that my wife has started shooting with me but I have to admit the 25 is such a fun, cute, easy shooting little gun I wish I got to shoot it a bit more

As far as the seal goes, is it leather? I have no idea how it was treated by the previous owner so perhaps it's dried out? The gun seems to be shooting alright but I don't have anything to gauge it against so perhaps its not?

Bruce no doubt it is a leather seal. To "refresh" use pure silicone oil that can be found in hobby shops used for R/C car shocks. Use the lightest weight you can find, no more than 15wt. Put a few drops (not too much!) in the transfer port and work the barrel back and forth a few times without engaging the sear. Then let it sit muzzle up overnight.
A little white smoke or funky smell afterwards is normal. Shooting some heavy pellets can help, but it will work itself in time just by shooting. The 25 is a small powerplant so use regular weight pellets (7-7.9 grain) for best results.
You also might want to run a few dry patches down the barrel to grab any oil that was expelled from the transfer port when firing. Use the citrus based "Goo Gone" product for barrel cleaing. Regular firearm solvents will not be kind to seals.
If the gun still feels anemic you can repeat the process. Worst case is it won't bounce back and a new seal will have to be made.
These are great little guns and well worth preserving and shooting.
In .177 the gun is rated at 525fps and the .22/380fps. My .177 is right there with 7.9gr pellets. Without a chrony there is no way to measure the exact speed.
My 25 is also designated my "wife's gun" should she ever decide to shoot with me. Until then, I will continue to exercise the seal to keep it fresh.

Good luck,

Brian

PS feel free to e-mail if you want more help.

I've been told by well respected tuners to use Neatsfoot oil on leather
seals. I've been putting it on my older guns and it works great.

Paul.