When showing off my new toys to a friend after Christmas he mentioned that he had an old air rifle that he bought used on a trip to Mexico about 15-20 years ago. He went into another room and came back carrying a Diana model 35, in quite nice condition. On inspection I found the date codes, revealing that it was made in september of 1974. I put some silicone oil into the chamber to soften up the leather seal and put a half dozen pellets through it the next day.
It really should be torn down, cleaned up, and refreshed. I need some help getting it in tip top shape for him:
It needs a vertical adjustment screw for the rear sight, it is a larger thread than that on my 350M, is the part available?
I plan to replace the spring and piston seal. I can make a new leather seal, but can I adapt a synthetic seal? Does Maccari or anyone else have a mainspring that will fit, ie. what are the measurements, or is an oem one available from umarex?
The breech seal was flat and rock hard but I will replace that.
What are the tricks for putting that 3 ball bearing trigger group back together?
The wood of the stock is in very good condition. The finish has become hazy etc. so I will refinish the stock for him. There is almost no rust at all on the rifle, it is a real find. I told him if he wasn't interested in it I would buy it from him and restore it for myself (like I need another AG)! He is excited about getting this classic up and going though so that he can shoot with me, and then hand it down to his son someday.
Dragon
