Used Diana 34 questions

[Lymon]

I picked up a used Diana 34 T 05 last Friday. It is in great shape and looks like it has been rarely fired. The sights are a bit rough for my old eyes to see clearly, but look like they are easily replaceable. Are the fiber optic sights from the new T 06 version an option? Is there a better idea? I really don't need a scope, because I just informally shoot my air guns in the back yard for fun at paper or misc targets (cans etc.).

Also, the cocking on this thing seems way harder than the advertised 33 lbs. I was thinking that I was just out of shape, but my son, who does manual labor every day and works out, had a hard time cocking it too. The major problem seems to be getting past the detente that keeps the barrel in place. Is there a trick to this? I also got about 2000 pellets with it, minus about 200. Is there a break in period for these that the original owner might not not have exceeded? Are we just weak? There is no binding or odd noises when cocking. Thanks.

[Mark 611]

I'm not sure about the T06 sights if they'll fit the T05 gun, I don't know why they wouldn't but I'm not 100% if they will, but as far as the cocking most spring guns require a light slap toward the top end of the barrel to open them, but  I have seen where the the barrel block bolt is to tight, if the gun is unused in new condition they can be a little stiff until broken in, you can put some lube on the ball detente {grease} and try to use a liquid lube in the fork area to help ease the break in do that and shoot it awhile and see if that helps and if not you my need to losen up the barrel block bolt a little, JMO

[Lambchops]

To break the barrel, it requires a light slap to the muzzle. If you just try to muscle it, you'll end up getting frustrated and find out it's "dang" near impossible.

[Ballistik_.20]

To break the barrel, it requires a light slap to the muzzle. If you just try to muscle it, you'll end up getting frustrated and find out it's "dang" near impossible.

^this

congrats on the find!

[stevemag]

i checked with rws/umerex about getting the new sights and trigger for my old 34. they will sell them for, if i remember right , about $175.  i think the sights were about $50-$75. i didnt do it and sold the old 34 . its in a better place. i just got a red dot from browning . works great with no eye  glasses . i dont know if it will stand up to a springer though.

[RedFeather]

Lots of break barrels have tight detents or lockups.  Hopefully, yours will work in over time but tight is a good thing.  Ask over on the Dianawerk about sights replacement.  Might be someone has taken their fiber optic sights off preferring the old style and has a set laying around or wants to swap.  Funny you mention this.  I just had cataract surgery with a distance prescription (far sighted) and tried my iron sights last night.  The excellent Diana (and other) sights are not blurry except for my Norica Storm which has a very small fiber optic front sight.  Couldn't see that one before, now it's the only one I can see.  The fiber optics should do it for you.  Just don't do like I did and use something like a fluorescent orange targdot with a fluorescent orange front sight, LOL!

http://www.network54.com/Forum/184474/

PS - Mention was made of upgrading a T05 trigger to a T06.  It is possible but requires a new piston.  I think that is why Umarex charges so much and, to be honest, it's not worth the effort, in my opinion.  These aren't 10M target rifles.

[JimL911]

The barrels with fiber optic sights have a flat spot on the end to keep them from rotating.
You could paint the sights with something like: http://www.brightsights.com/index.shtml
The 34 is an easy gun to work on. Build a spring compressor and tear it down and home tune and re-lube it with moly. This will make it easier to cock. Dropping a spring kit will also help smooth it out.