As a history buff, I would have to disagree with most choices, I would go by the correspondence of the significance of each character.So, without further ado, these would be my corresponding choices:G. Washington.- DIANA #1 (while the Lincoln Jeffries does precede the DIANA, the DIANA is German (as requested by the OP) AND it was produced in larger numbers that made airgunning available to the general "Public". In the same way that without Washington there is no America, without the DIANA 1 there would be no "generalized airgunning".T. Jefferson.- Aiding Madison in the Bill of Rights, and then drafting the Constitution, basically made the concept of Republicanism "gel/solidify".In this same way, the DIANA 24 (or 25, 26, 28, choose whichever is your favourite) set in stone the mainframe of the architecture of all the subsequent breakbarrels, from the DIANA 34 to the HW95, or the Walther's LG series. The different "detentes", reciprocating pistons, barrel block locks, etc etc etc, are all "accessories" to a general architecture.A. Lincoln.- While even he did not realize it, his greatest achievement was the Emancipation. In this sense, the DIANA 54 is what set us free from having to perform the "artillery hold". The GISS system also did away with recoil, BUT the truth is that for any given power level, the 54 action is more efficient than the Giss, and that is the real reason why it has never come back. Some may argue that the FWB300 or even the 250 are more worthy candidates, but given that they were "dead ends" I would still keep my vote for the DIANA 54T. Roosevelt.- The only angle I can think of putting Teddy in the Rushmore monument is because of its location and the great role that T. R. played in the establishment of the National Parks System (The Badlands included), as well as all the protection afforded through the Excise Tax system to the Natural Resources. So, in the sense of "getting wild", I would propose the DIANA 460, which is the one true magnum that is still shootable at 24-25 ft-lbs. T.R. was a firm believer in using "enough gun", even if it kicked hard (if you have ever tried the Winchester 0.405" you know what I am talking about) and so, to me that is the connection.Biased? For sure! Even writers have the right to their own opinions, ROFL!Asbestos suit on . . . let the flames begin!:-PHM
As a history buff, I would have to disagree with most choices, I would go by the correspondence of the significance of each character.So, without further ado, these would be my corresponding choices:G. Washington.- DIANA #1 (while the Lincoln Jeffries does precede the DIANA, the DIANA is German (as requested by the OP) AND it was produced in larger numbers that made airgunning available to the general "Public". In the same way that without Washington there is no America, without the DIANA 1 there would be no "generalized airgunning".T. Jefferson.- Aiding Madison in the Bill of Rights, and then drafting the Constitution, basically made the concept of Republicanism "gel/solidify".In this same way, the DIANA 24 (or 25, 26, 28, choose whichever is your favourite) set in stone the mainframe of the architecture of all the subsequent breakbarrels, from the DIANA 34 to the HW95, or the Walther's LG series. The different "detentes", reciprocating pistons, barrel block locks, etc etc etc, are all "accessories" to a general architecture.A. Lincoln.- While even he did not realize it, his greatest achievement was the Emancipation. In this sense, the DIANA 54 is what set us free from having to perform the "artillery hold". The GISS system also did away with recoil, BUT the truth is that for any given power level, the 54 action is more efficient than the Giss, and that is the real reason why it has never come back. Some may argue that the FWB300 or even the 250 are more worthy candidates, but given that they were "dead ends" I would still keep my vote for the DIANA 54T. Roosevelt.- The only angle I can think of putting Teddy in the Rushmore monument is because of its location and the great role that T. R. played in the establishment of the National Parks System (The Badlands included), as well as all the protection afforded through the Excise Tax system to the Natural Resources. So, in the sense of "getting wild", I would propose the DIANA 460, which is the one true magnum that is still shootable at 24-25 ft-lbs. T.R. was a firm believer in using "enough gun", even if it kicked hard (if you have ever tried the Winchester 0.405" you know what I am talking about) and so, to me that is the connection.Biased? For sure! Even writers have the right to their own opinions, ROFL!Asbestos suit on . . . let the flames begin!:-PHaving a couple of Winchester M 95 rifles in .405 Win. I do not find the recoil that bad. I have a couple of more lightweight Marlin 1895's including one of the ultralight Guide guns in 45-70 that make the .405 look mild. My .405's with a shotgun style buttplate are much more friendly than a much heavier 1886 Winchester takedown in 45-70 with a crescent buttplate, that thing plain hurts.HM
I defer to and quote from my 1971 ARH catalog. My four nominees are:Wischo 55N - POWER! described as possessing exceptional power (728 fps), extremely rugged construction, reliable, surprisingly smooth, manly, compact. It was a forerunner to the spring gun magnum mania craze.HW 35 - described as a luxury long range sporting arm that stands aloft above all others, famous for workmanship, extreme durability and extreme accuracy for a sporter.HW 55 - described as being famous for accuracy approaching the ultimate for an air arm at a reasonable price and beyond the average shooter's ability. Metal workmanship and finish is equivalent to or better than any air rifle made at any price, the trigger is satin smooth and the sighting system unsurpassed. It is a precision instrument designed for hair splitting accuracy. FWB 300 - The name is associated with the ultimate in design, workmanship and materials in the world of advanced arms. It is built to a standard, not a price. It's internal construction is the most advanced in the world and its trigger should suit the whims of the most discriminating sportsman. Parts are almost totally wear free.I own and am smitten with the last three (a 300S though, not a 300). I have never handled a 55-N but dreamed of owning one in my youth. It was THE magnum air gun of the day but by today's standards I would probably be disappointed with it in all respects.