How in the World to Fix This? Diana 48

[Bad News Beeman]

Recently came into a beater of a Diana Model 48 that aside from some cosmetic issues, is functionally intact. I'm in the process of resurrecting it, but one issue is giving me reason for pause. The front cone-shaped plastic barrel tube cover has shattered at some point in the past.





Never seen this before! I'd like to swap it out, but have no idea how to go about removing the part. Any ideas GTA?

[Toxylon]

I would first try to tap the stub out via the action screw housing, carefully. That failing, I would drill and tap / glue a makeshift puller into the stub.

The broken part: "front cover" costs all of about 4 USD, at least in Omps2.

[Motorhead]

As I recall the front plastic "Cone" is strictly cosmetic ?  Outside of looks I'm thinking it has no effect on action securely bedding into stock ?

[Roadworthy]

Umarex USA may have that part in stock.  Shipping is considerably less than from Italy.  TW Chambers in the UK is another option.

[Bad News Beeman]

I was able to find the piece today from Darrell on Ebay for $7. Only toss up is how to replace.

I'll try tapping out the cover via the nut which doesn't seem to be bolted down onto the anything. Will need to remove the front sight base as well.

[cjtamu]

Holy cow. Never even paid attention to how that part was attached because I had no idea such a thing was even possible! I’m going to look at my 52 tomorrow. Remember seeing a comment from Hector a few months back that the plastic piece was for barrel harmonics/vibration dampening, so it does have a purpose other than cosmetics. Will see if I can find it.

[Robert 5mm]

See attached PDf exploded parts diagram
parts 11 and 12 - front cover and screw

[tjk]

From your pictures Dan, and the diagram Robert posted, It looks like a friction fit to me. You may try to carefully place the action in a bench vice or something to hold the action in place and use a slide hammer to remove the stud. Or just mix a batch of JB Weld and have at it. Add a little black spray paint and go with it!!!!

[cjtamu]

Found what I was looking for. What Hector said is that the 3 part barrel assembly (core, thin liner, and outer sheath) was developed to dampen the 48’s barrel vibration at high power. Not sure if the plastic cone is part of the vibration dampening or maybe just cosmetic like Motörhead said. Maybe Hector will stop by and let us know.

[HectorMedina]

Yes, Chris.
The three part assembly deadens the relatively slim (15.2 mm's) barrel's vibrations a bit.

The piece in question is just slid into place. PERHAPS someone decided they knew better and glued the piece in place, then someone tried to take it out and the result is what we see.

Since it is plastic, I would recommend making a chisel out of a brass/bronze bar and just chisel the parts in bits and pieces, then clean the whole area with acetone to ensure no glue remains, and then lightly oil the metal to avoid corrosion, then install all parts as per diagram. The remains of the piece really have no value, so just chisel them out.

HTH, Keep us posted!





HM