by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
This Hy Score 816 is a Diana model 6 recoilless target pistol. This is the photo from the auction.
This report covers:
- RWS Hobby
- Qiang Yuan Training pellets
- Trigger improved
- Sig Match Ballistic Alloy
- Cocking effort
- Trigger pull
- I goofed on the trigger
- Summary
Today we look at the velocity of my new/old Diana model 6 target pistol. There was a lot of interest in this gun last Friday — more than I expected. I really do feel fortunate to have acquired it. Now that I’ve learned that a reseal could cost over $200 with shipping, I really hope this one is doing okay! Let’s find out together.
RWS Hobby
First up is the lead lightweight, the RWS Hobby wadcutter. These are often the fastest lead pellets in an airgun, though my Diana model 5 actually shot a heavier target pellet faster. Let’s see what this pistol does.
Hobbys average 426 from this pistol. That’s faster than I imagined, and it’s right where the Blue Book of Airguns says it should be. This pistol seems to be in top condition. The spread went from 420 to 431 f.p.s., a difference of 11 f.p.s. At the average velocity the Hobby produced 2.82 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Qiang Yuan Training pellets
Next to be tested was the Chinese Qiang Yuan Training pellet. In my Diana model 5 pistol these pellets averaged 406 f.p.s. In this one they average 413 f.p.s. The spread went from a low of 401 to a high of 422 f.p.s. That’s a 21 f.p.s. separation. At the average velocity this pellet produces 3.11 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Trigger improved
Remember I said the trigger on this pistol was mushy? Well, it has improved with use. In this test I got a definite separation of stage one and two. I can now hold at stage two and wait for the release. The stage 2 release is still vague, but it’s better than it was. I guess the old girl just needed to be used a bit!
Sig Match Ballistic Alloy
The last pellet I tested was the Sig Match Ballistic Alloy target pellet that shot that group I showed you last Friday. These weigh 5.25-grains, so they will be faster than lead. The average was 514 f.p.s. and the spread went from 508 to 526 f.p.s. That’s a difference of 18 f.p.s. We have already seen what this pellet can do at 10 meters, and I am tempted to try them again in the accuracy test.
Cocking effort
The pistol cocks with 29 lbs. of energy. I have tested other target pistols from this era and 29 lbs. is about in the middle. The Walther LP III takes 34 lbs. As I recall the Walther LP 53 requires 23 lbs. but it is not as powerful. As best I can recall, my Diana model 10 cocked at more than 35 lbs. of effort.
Trigger pull
I told you that the trigger was set way too light when I got the gun. I screwed the one trigger adjustment screw in several turns until I got a two-stage pull. That pull has cleared up with shooting. I now can pull through stage one and hold on stage two until the sights are perfectly aligned. That’s the way a 10 meter target pistol trigger is supposed to work.
And how heavy is stage two? Exactly 1.1 pounds. That’s as close to 500 grams (498.95) as I can get. And, if I competed with the pistol, the trigger would be tested before every match.
I goofed on the trigger
When I reported in Part 1 that the pistol had a single trigger adjustment screw I wondered why it wasn’t exactly the same as the screws on a Diana 72 target rifle. The model 72 is just a model 6 pistol in a rifle stock. They share most parts.
On the Diana 72 youth target rifle the trigger mechanism had to be relocated with an extension mechanism to allow for a rifle forearm. The adjustment screws (arrow) are located in the same place as on the pistol — the trigger blade is just located in a different place because the rifle has a trigger extension to compensate for the forearm. I didn’t adjust them any further because I had them where I wanted them.
The triggerguard has to be removed to see both trigger adjustment screws on the model 6 pistol. They are the same as on the model 72 target rifle.
Summary
Boy, did I luck out on this one! I got a model 6 pistol in tip-top condition for very little money. I didn’t know it at the time I bought the gun but it looks like a reseal would cost over $200, with shipping both ways.
That’s it for today. I have a fully functional Diana model 6 pistol that’s performing at the top of its rating. It will be a pleasure to test the accuracy.
B.B.,
Glad you got the trigger where you want it. 1# sounds very nice.
On the seals, you suspected that it had the seals that dry rot over time. Is it possible for the gun to have not been shot much, the seal is still fragile (but) will come apart with more shooting? (OR) If it has the old fragile seal,.. failure would be definite and swift and occur by now? Perhaps it was resealed at one time? Perhaps it has the improved, newer (original) factory seal? It seems a bit of a crap shoot when getting something from this time frame in history.
Good Day to one and all,…… Chris
Chris,
It can be a crap shoot. Quite often a sale ad will state whether it has been resealed. It also depends on whether the seller has a reputation to uphold. Being such a small community, word can get around pretty quick. Sometimes you take your chances.
Chris,
The old seals will dry rot whether or not they are used. The only way to exacerbate it is to oil them. The new seals don’t need oil, so either way, I’m not oiling.
B.B.
B.B.,
In a nut shell,… what is involved in the timing of a GISS system? 1 adjustment? 2? Shims? Measurements?
Chris
Chris,
Getting two pistons on one toothed wheel with the teeth in the right position.
B.B.
BB,
Maybe those who are trying to build bullpup triggers should look at the Diana 72. It is a bullpup trigger in reverse.
Yeah, this old gal just needed someone to get her warmed up so she could us what she could do.
B.B.,
For a minute there I had thought you had taken the stock off. I was wondering why the trigger was set so far back when I read the description again and that you had reused the photo of the Diana 72. I’ve been thinking about the front sight and the best reason I can think up is that the front sight size was determined by the size of the 10 meter target from the shooter’s point of view. If they utilized their stock rifle front sights the diameter would not allow use of the hooded front sight for precise aiming. You should be able to determine if my thinking is right when you shoot this at a 10 meter pistol target for part 3.
I’m thinking this was recently resealed prior to the sale and just needs use to get the trigger and other moving parts to move smoothly.
Siraniko
B.B.,
Off Topic: Is there a report of yours that details the process of replacing an old, crumbling leather breech seal with a new synthetic one? I removed the old, crumbling seal with a chopstick I whittled into a tiny chisel, and I have a synthetic seal that fits perfectly in diameter but is a bit too tall.
My plan is to trim its height to fit, but should I use some sort of adhesive once I install it permanently?
Thanks in advance,
Michael
Michael,
No adhesive is needed if the o-ring fits.
It should stand proud of the breech. Read this:
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2008/04/shimming-a-diana-breech-seal/
B.B.
B.B.
Great report and great gun! In the picture of the Diana 72, it looks like it is chromed or the blueing has worn off?
Love to see what the accuracy is in the hands of a good shooter.
I still do not understand why nobody uses the Giss system today!??!
-Yogi
Yogi,
I would guess that complexity and cost of manufacture would be pretty high for the Giss system.
With the high precision pistols and rifles all being PCP powered I guess that there is no longer a need for anything like that.
Still have to admire the engineering that went into the Gliss design.
Hank
B.B.
Your Model 6 sounds to be a real gem – congrats on that find!!
I was thinking about the problem of the synthetic seal deteriorating. It is not reasonable to expect them to last forever but could it be that petroleum based lubricants (and high temperatures during firing) promote damage to the seal?
Don’t know how long the original seals usually lasted in the FWB 124 but the one in mine was good for about 30 years. When I couldn’t get “Silicone Chamber Oil” (it was always out of stock) I contacted Dow Corning and they recommended one of their food-grade silicon oils. I got a liter and would add a couple of drops to the chamber every time I opened a new can of pellets. Wonder it that made a difference.
Sounds like you intend on keeping that Model 6. 🙂 If you can’t find the front sight insert you prefer you could glue a rectangle of metal to the tapered post to square it up. I would use a piece of that black “banding strap” and some CA to fix it in place. Touch up the metal edges with a black Sharpie and it would be good to go. If you decide to go back to the original sight post the CA joint can be broken by heating it with a lighter. Just a thought.
Happy Monday!!
Hank
BB,
Well, since you have decided to keep this one, you should send the 10 to me. That is the one I would prefer to have residing at RRHFWA anyway.
RR,
I sold both 10s years ago at airgun shows. 🙁
B.B.
BB,
Oh man! ;(
BB
Good that the velocity is up to par on your pistol.
And since I’m more of a rifle shooter than a pistol shooter. I would have to go for the 72 over the pistol.
Off topic.
The blog of another well known airgun company located in the SW has an article by Stephen Archer comparing the Fortitude to the Gauntlet.
BB,
Another off topic. The hard plastic buttplate on the Fortitude, is it removable? With it being slick, replacing it with a soft one would be desirable I would think.
RR,
Nope. It’s molded into the butt.
B.B.
RR,
Large LimbSaver butt pad works (like a dream) and adds 1″ LOP.
Chris
Chris,
My next choice.
RR,
If you are saying that you are getting the Fortitude,…. for sure?,…. then I think you will not be disappointed. I am not sure what the trigger is,.. but if it is like the Maximus,… it can be made scary light, with a stop and with a “first stage” reduction in travel. If it is a M-rod take off, then there is options.
Unfortunately, the right only bolt makes it a no-go for me. They should have thought about that in my humble opinion. After having a side-lever,… nothing else compares.
Chris
Chris
Chris,
I will be surprised if I do not get the Fortitude. All in all it is a tricked out Discovery. There are many mods and aftermarket parts for it, plus I have a couple of ideas for it myself. Though I am left handed I have always shot right handed so that is not a biggy for me.
It fits the category I have been looking to fill for some time.
RR,
Sounds good. Even if it is the Maximus trigger,…. simple home mods. are easy. Two 4-40 screws, some clean and re-lube, a V spring tweak and a ball point spring,…… and you are good to go. Very easy in and out. All trigger mechs. should be as easy to access.
I find myself being a bit more cautious with (adding on) as very soon you have the price of a nicer gun tied up into a lesser priced one (or at least lesser priced,.. at the start).
By the way,…. I just got this sling at Walmart for 7$ on clearance,…..
https://limbsaver.com/products/kodiak-air-firearm-sling
Very nice. Very grippy on the shoulder. The “handle” can be moved up and down the sling with a quick release. Very nice. Perfect. The sling adjusts as normal. (Highly) recommend for a woods walker.
Chris
Chris,
With the multi-shot, regulator and shroud most of the major mods are done. A plinker/hunter that weighs under six pounds is awesome. I know straight out of the box it is not where I will want it, but like I said it has potential. It would be very difficult to take something like a Marauder and trim it down to this. I can buy a new LW barrel for $112 and machine it to fit. That is about the most expensive mod. Changing out striker springs, transfer ports, trigger parts, etc. is not bad at all and can work wonders.
I myself have been looking at those very slings at Wally World. Good grab!
RR,
The adjustable handle is the cat’s meow. Very secure and nice to carry. The pad is super grippy on any cloth. For someone that shoulder carries a rifle, it is 100% worth the price of 26$, if I recall correct. Shackles included, which is not always the case.
I agree with the light weight. I am not sure that it is worth all that extra work and cost though. It may be just fine as is,… plus the added, easy to do trigger mods.. Each to their own.
Chris
Chris,
Oh, I agree. Just like the mods I have done to my Edge, I take it as it is and then if I feel I need to change something like the trigger I do it and shoot it like that for awhile.
I will probably be going by Wally World this weekend.
BB:
I ran into this guy a couple years ago. He makes front sight inserts. Maybe he can help?
Lee Shaver
P.O. Box 570
404 East 17th St.
Lamar, MO 64759
(803) 628-5326
Hope it works out!
Motorman
St. Louis, MO
Motorman,
Thanks,
B.B.
B.B.
These folks also make sight insets: http://www.distantthunderbpcr.com
They do a good job too!
-Y
Yogi,
Thanks. I bookmarked them.
B.B.