Diana 35 replacement spring?

[MDriskill]

I recently picked up a nice model 35 that seems to be way oversprung. Can anyone recommend a good replacement for the original mainspring?

For a while, Diana actually sold the model 34 spring for this purpose, but noted it had to be cut down (34 is much harder shooting than the 35, and has a longer receiver.) Just wondered if anyone had found something nearer to the OEM spec.

Thanks in advance...

[caudie]

I don't know the OEM specs for the 35, but since it is close to the 34 spring you might look at the UK-Universal Spring that ARH has.  I have 2 of these springs in Ruger Airhawk's that work quite well at around 9 - 11+ Fpe.  The 35, being a shorter receiver should add some.  The ID is a little less than a 34 spring and fits the Airhawk rear guide better.  I have spaced up one to shoot around 11.5 FPE but I like it better at around 10 for my basement range.

Specs:  ID .556, Wire .120, Coils 29

[Roadworthy]

If you still have the original spring measure the original wire diameter and count the number of coils.  Of course coil diameters will also be a concern.  The 34 does have far more power than the 35 being about the same level as its clone the Ruger Air Hawk.  You probably want something more in line with the Diana 430 or perhaps the 240.  My Diana 34 uses 33 turns of 0.124" wire - or perhaps 0.123".  It appears my 430L originally had 31 turns of the same size wire.  It is a 12 fpe rifle.You could try Air Rifle Headquarters for their 640T spring but at 0.120" wire you'll have far less than original power.  My guess would be about 8 fpe.

[caudie]

Here's a post from  tapatalk forum that might help

   " The OEM mainspring for the Diana 35 was 38 coils .118" wire .800" OD.
    Most Diana distributors only stock the 33 coil .128" wire mainspring for the 34 et al.
    This spring will fit but results in a less smooth firing cycle.

I own a Diana 35, model 1981, and came from factory with a spring very similar to the spring that carry the 34-36-38. I´ve changed it to a V- mach spring, shorter than the original, but harder. The power incresed, but, as you well say, the firing cycle is not as sweet as some older 35 that I´ve tried.

Diana sent to me these specifications for the 35 model:

273 mm lenght 2,9 mm 34 coils 35 model
300 mm length 3,2 mm 34 coils 35 model"

[caudie]

Here's a post from GTA member that might help.  Looks like it may be the best spring if it's an older 27.  I looked at the Merlin XL spring at ARH before and didn't realize it listed the Diana 27.

"
Offline cvasquez

Re: Diana 27 spring and seal replacement.
« Reply #9 on: July 05, 2021, 10:39:10 AM »

    Quote

My D27 original spring dimensions--38 coils, .112 wire, .750 OD,.510 ID 10 inch length,seal is 25mm, and spring guide 4.25 x .5"  .  Has SS washer .020 thick. Stacked--4.218"
Piston 262grams (9.25 oz) with seal, 6.5" long without seal. Piston seal OD-.980"

Main Compression tube out of round by .006" and tapers .003-.006 tighter going inside. (sunnen Hone evens this up.

Vortek Spring -.113" wire,.8.5" length, 730 OD, 28 coil ,top hat delrin 3/8" nipple 3/16" head thickness total length 9/16" .

Mine did upper 600s with a jsb 7.87 express. JMs Merlin XL spring will also work beautifully. (square wire)"

[caudie]

Disregard my last post.  I got off the Diana 35 and jumped on the Diana 27 somehow.  Sorry about that!

[MDriskill]

THANKS everyone! Great info and much appreciated.

Ed - I have a couple model 35's, but a much more sizable crop of model 27's here, so that is doubly valuable info all around. I remember when Mr. Vasquez was working on that model 27, so am happy you found that info.

By the way, a friend pointed out that Vortek now offers customized springs on a more or less off-the-shelf basis. He has a variety of diameters and wire sizes, but you specify the number of coils, and whether you want flattened/polished or open ends (the latter intended for tuners to modify on their own).

[Artie]

The Merlin square wire spring JM offers is a very nice spring. Jim would probably guide you to the best spring if you emailed him. He has replied to my past questions.

[caudie]

Thanks Mike.  While I was looking I saw the picture you posted on Air Gun Warriors of your 27's (from 1929 to 1979) - Very nice collection.  Glad I could help.

[HectorMedina]

Mike;

I would start from the Titan #6 if I wanted a low powered gun.
From the Titan #1 if I wanted a full power.
Both will need to be cut and fitted.

Keep us posted!



HM

[Yogi]

The Merlin square wire spring JM offers is a very nice spring. Jim would probably guide you to the best spring if you emailed him. He has replied to my past questions.

I was under the impression that the square diameter springs fatigued more easily.  This was from a UK post.  Never had any experience myself with them.
So second hand info...

-Y

[MDriskill]

I very much appreciate everyone's input here.

I reckon my next step, before I buy any new bits, is to strip the old fellow and see what spring is in there now!