Newbie with RWS Diana 48 question

[mikkelstuff]

As a newbie, I bought a RWS Diana 48/52 off ebay on the cheap. This air rifle clearly has had no care for some time but looks fine for the price. Hopefully a cleanup will be adequate.

I do notice that the side lever will not stay tight against the barrel. Is there a spring clip missing or some other issue with this?

[HPP-Mechanic]

do a quick search; I remember reading that the stroke length needs to be adjusted.

[Roadworthy]

The cocking arm - the part you use to cock the gun - pulls a rod.  The rod is threaded at one end so it's adjustable.  When properly adjusted it holds the arm against the rifle by going into and over center situation.  You will need to remove an e clip and a pin to free the rod to adjust it.  The rod does have a plastic sheath over it.  Aside from that minor detail you could have a broken spring, a bad piston seal, or a bad breech seal.  All will affect the shooting and all are readily available but do take disassembly of the gun.  The gun will probably have a T01 trigger which is rather a nice trigger if properly set up.  Clean the barrel and see how it shoots.  It's a great gun.

[mikkelstuff]

Thanks for the information. Exactly what I need to know for now.

Clark

[mikkelstuff]

I'm thinking I'll need to have this air rifle disassembled and refurbished. I have watched the youtube video for the RWS Diana 48 and think it a bit daunting. So, any recommendations for refurbish facilities? I thought I saw a place on this website for recommendations - good or bad - but that may have been only for pellets, patches, etc.

[Roadworthy]

You need to identify your expectations and whether you want to try doing things yourself and how far you're comfortable going with the project.  You may want the barrel cleaned, a thorough cleaning, or a complete tune.  I'd put Hector Medina at the top of the heap for Diana tunes - he shoots them competitively and is a very professional tuner.  You can reach him through this site as hectormedina.  Motorhead on this site tunes assorted European airguns as does John in PA.  You could even contact Mike Melick at Flying Dragon Air Rifles.  He does some tunes.  I'm not sure that's the whole list, maybe only the high points.  If you've got some mechanical ability and a spring compressor you can get a lot of help here on this site.  Many of us (including me) have spent time inside the side lever Diana family.

[Madd Hatter]

Roadworthy helped me install a tune kit in my 35 year old Diana 48. He told me how to disassemble and reassemble mine. I had never worked on a springer or any other airgun before but had worked on PB.

[Tater]

Moved to the German Gate.