Busted Bear Trap Bolt - Diana Model 48

[Bad News Beeman]

We all know the signs of an abused Model 48, the characteristic bent or busted pull rod. An easy enough fix if you have the replacement part or a hydraulic press. But what about the symptoms of a traumatically abused rifle? I give you a busted bear trap bolt...

I recently picked up this Diana that was diagnosed with a broken rod, and only that. It wasn't until I received the rifle, installed a replacement rod and cocked back the compression tube that I noticed the bear trap was riding too high and could be slid forward and back. Upon removal of the action from the stock, the source of the problem became clear; the top half of the bolt through which the bear trap pivots was sheared clean off. This rifle must have had a sudden discharge whereby the compression tube was released and slammed into the bear trap, destroying the pull rod and bolt in the process.

In trying to repair this damage, its quickly become evident that this part is as rare as hens teeth. Does the community here have any possible leads on where I could source a replacement? All the usual suspects either don't carry or are sold out...

 

[DeanB]

Did you try overseas? Might take part to a machine shop and have them make one as a last resort might be worth it if you got gun cheap enough.

 

[cjtamu]

Might post on GTA if you haven’t already. Bunch of folks there who are long time Diana shooters. As well as Hector Medina. I’ve never seen that happen. Which is probably why the part is so rare.

 

[Bad News Beeman]

Might post on GTA if you haven’t already. Bunch of folks there who are long time Diana shooters. As well as Hector Medina. I’ve never seen that happen. Which is probably why the part is so rare.

I reached out to Hector who is a saint and is able to order direct from the factory. Unfortunately, with cost of shipping and all the nonsense caused by the land war, it would be $50 to bring that bolt stateside. That's a little spicier than expected for such small piece. I may end up going that route if push comes to shove, but I'd like to try sourcing more locally if at all possible.

 

[beerthief]

just a question not a suggestion : can you shoot without the beartrap while you wait for the part ?

 

[DesertSilver]

A machine shop would probably charge that much or more to make one unless you can find someone on AGN or GTA to make it.

 

[Bad News Beeman]

just a question not a suggestion : can you shoot without the beartrap while you wait for the part ?

Yes the rifle can be shot without that part, but its a little nerve wracking sticking my thumb into the breach without a fail safe should the sear unexpectedly disengage.

I had that happen recently with a Chinese B7, which has no bear trap device to speak of. Luckily my fingers were nowhere near the breach when that compression tube closed home.

That's a much less powerful rifle but the force was still great enough to cause all sorts of problems like a bending the lever which had to be replaced in order for the gun to operate correctly.

From that scary experience alone, I've been doubly cautious about retaining my digits.

 

[jkingrph]

I reached out to Hector who is a saint and is able to order direct from the factory. Unfortunately, with cost of shipping and all the nonsense caused by the land war, it would be $50 to bring that bolt stateside. That's a little spicier than expected for such small piece. I may end up going that route if push comes to shove, but I'd like to try sourcing more locally if at all possible.

Tell me about ridiculous prices. We had a broken control knob on a Whirlpool dryer. Ordered one after a lot of research from Whirlpool, $38 and change and just under $20 for shipping for a little piece of plastic. And I thought car dealers were awful on parts!

 

[cjtamu]

Yes the rifle can be shot without that part, but its a little nerve wracking sticking my thumb into the breach without a fail safe should the sear unexpectedly disengage.

I had that happen recently with a Chinese B7, which has no bear trap device to speak of. Luckily my fingers were nowhere near the breach when that compression tube closed home.

That's a much less powerful rifle but the force was still great enough to cause all sorts of problems like a bending the lever which had to be replaced in order for the gun to operate correctly.

From that scary experience alone, I've been doubly cautious about retaining my digits.

Yep. There’s a guy on GTA who lost one. And I already have only 9 so I keep an arm on the lever when loading HW97 or Diana 52.

 

[Bad News Beeman]

Yep. There’s a guy on GTA who lost one. And I already have only 9 so I keep an arm on the lever when loading HW97 or Diana 52.

Right. I spoke with a fella that lost his to an RS2, or one of the cheapo Beemo's. Showed me the gory pictures and everything, pretty horrendous stuff.

 

[boscoebrea]

isn't that a pivot pen with threads? If so why not try to get one at handyman store,auto shop .I went to a tractor parts supplier to get some parts for an air rifle before,and when you get a knowledgable person behind the counter it becomes a good thing......then if it is a non treaded pen it is easy thing to thread it....of course I am talking about gear-head stuff.....anyhow Thank you for letting me interject that question.

 

[Joes41]

Hey man, did you find one yet? I have two I bought at a show some years back for I believe 15 bucks each. I'd part with one if you want.

 

[Bad News Beeman]

Hey man, did you find one yet? I have two I bought at a show some years back for I believe 15 bucks each. I'd part with one if you want.

Hey Joes41! Thanks so much for the generous offer, I think Umarex may have come to my rescue and is sending over a replacement this week.

 

[Brubaker Arms]

Hey man, did you find one yet? I have two I bought at a show some years back for I believe 15 bucks each. I'd part with one if you want.

Jose, is your offer still valid? I am interested in purchasing 2, if you have them available. If not, I'll take one!

 

[Joes41]

Jose, is your offer still valid? I am interested in purchasing 2, if you have them available. If not, I'll take one!

Only have one now and keeping it. Sorry. Reach out to umerex for one

 

[Deadeye Dick]

The Diana 48 is known to be really robust. Somebody had to have really abused that poor thing.
Maybe forcing it shut without releasing the bear trap? Had a little Brother that didn't know his own strength and snapped head bolts off of a small block Chevy before he realized what he was doing.

 

[Treefrog]

You might contact one of your local welding shops. Those pieces can be TIG welded back together. It would be a little tedious, but it's doable.

J~

 

[Bad News Beeman]

Hey guys! Thanks for reviving this thread, I'd forgotten to leave an update post.

Managed to source the bolt and swapped it in. Got a properly working bear trap now:

 

[Brubaker Arms]

Only have one now and keeping it. Sorry. Reach out to umerex for one

The part didn't come up when I searched for it on their website, but I will give them a call. Thank you!

 

[Brubaker Arms]

Hey guys! Thanks for reviving this thread, I'd forgotten to leave an update post.

Managed to source the bolt and swapped it in. Got a properly working bear trap now:

May I please ask your a link for the part? I have a Diana who has exactly the same symptoms, and I can't find the part. It didn't show up on the Umarex website when I looked it up. Did you find it in the online store and added it to your cart, or did you call them?
Thank you.