Hi All, What type of mount and scope do I need to use on a Diana 52? I tried mounting a 6-28x50, but it's too long and blocks the loading port / breech. Ty!
Diana Scope and mount for Diana Mod 48/52
- Thread starter Peghead
- Start date
Sidelever Dianas are hard on scopes and mounts. The most surefire way to scope 'em is to get an accurized Diana ZR mount from Hector Medina. This spring-loaded mount enables you to use most any scope, but isn't repeatable enough as is, hence the accurization (which can be done at home, as well).
Outside of that, I'd spring for a Sportsmatch Dampa mount and a springer-rated scope. Hawke Airmaxes are popular but options are all around. Leopolds are light and tough, and light scopes typically last better on springers - less mass to throw around and break things. Light scopes also don't make already heavy guns unneccessarily burdensome.
A lot depends on the power / tune level of the gun. On a well-behaving specimen, there's more room for alternatives in scopes and mounts.
I still have the eyes to shoot my sidelever Dianas with iron sights, out to maximum distances (I'm good at estimating elevation). That is by far the most foolproof, dependable, trouble-free, lightweight, and affordable way to go about it. Most people's mileage varies, though.
Outside of that, I'd spring for a Sportsmatch Dampa mount and a springer-rated scope. Hawke Airmaxes are popular but options are all around. Leopolds are light and tough, and light scopes typically last better on springers - less mass to throw around and break things. Light scopes also don't make already heavy guns unneccessarily burdensome.
A lot depends on the power / tune level of the gun. On a well-behaving specimen, there's more room for alternatives in scopes and mounts.
I still have the eyes to shoot my sidelever Dianas with iron sights, out to maximum distances (I'm good at estimating elevation). That is by far the most foolproof, dependable, trouble-free, lightweight, and affordable way to go about it. Most people's mileage varies, though.
Upvote 0
Can you show us a picture of what you mean by your scope blocking the loading port/beech.
I own two RWS 54 (almost the same dimension as a 48). I've mounted a Bushnell 8-32 on it (a very long scope ). I do not have problem loading.
Here's an example of a "long" scope. Picture grabbed off the net. There's no problem loading because your load from the side not directly on top of the breech. Your view may be slightly obscured by the bell of the scope. but if you shift your head sideways or tilt the gun a bit sideways...it's easy to see to load.
My TX with a Sightron 10-50x scope mounted, most newer shooters would complain the scope bell was obscuring the loading port (and it is). But with practice (even with big fat fingers) it's fairly easy to load by feel 99.9% of the time. If I want to see the loading port to load, I just tilt my head or the gun a bit sideways.
If you want to use your long 6-28X scope, add a riser or a high mount. That way, there's more space under the scope for you to load. But this options may introduce more/different recoil forces to your scope.
I agree with posting #2. +1 for short, light Leupold and Hawke scopes. Vortex diamondback is another one I've used. No matter what you do, protect your scope. Invest in a recoil absorbing mount. Either a Dampa mount or a ZR mount to protect your scope.
RWS does make a one piece mount that will fit your 52 (their lock down scope mount). Unfortunately, this mount offers no recoil protection.
Be careful with those shallow scope stops on your 52, it's easy to deform/elongate those holes if you don't mount your scope correctly. I usually just hang the scope stops pin in front of the rifle's raised scope rail instead of using the two scope stop holes.
If this is your first springer, the 52 has a fairly steep learning curve. You just encountered one with the scope and scope mounting issues. I would find someone local who shoots springers and can help you with your rifle. The next learning curve is mastering how to hold the 52 and you trigger control to enjoy the accuracy of these rifles.
I own two RWS 54 (almost the same dimension as a 48). I've mounted a Bushnell 8-32 on it (a very long scope ). I do not have problem loading.
Here's an example of a "long" scope. Picture grabbed off the net. There's no problem loading because your load from the side not directly on top of the breech. Your view may be slightly obscured by the bell of the scope. but if you shift your head sideways or tilt the gun a bit sideways...it's easy to see to load.
My TX with a Sightron 10-50x scope mounted, most newer shooters would complain the scope bell was obscuring the loading port (and it is). But with practice (even with big fat fingers) it's fairly easy to load by feel 99.9% of the time. If I want to see the loading port to load, I just tilt my head or the gun a bit sideways.
If you want to use your long 6-28X scope, add a riser or a high mount. That way, there's more space under the scope for you to load. But this options may introduce more/different recoil forces to your scope.
I agree with posting #2. +1 for short, light Leupold and Hawke scopes. Vortex diamondback is another one I've used. No matter what you do, protect your scope. Invest in a recoil absorbing mount. Either a Dampa mount or a ZR mount to protect your scope.
RWS does make a one piece mount that will fit your 52 (their lock down scope mount). Unfortunately, this mount offers no recoil protection.
Be careful with those shallow scope stops on your 52, it's easy to deform/elongate those holes if you don't mount your scope correctly. I usually just hang the scope stops pin in front of the rifle's raised scope rail instead of using the two scope stop holes.
If this is your first springer, the 52 has a fairly steep learning curve. You just encountered one with the scope and scope mounting issues. I would find someone local who shoots springers and can help you with your rifle. The next learning curve is mastering how to hold the 52 and you trigger control to enjoy the accuracy of these rifles.
Last edited:
Upvote 0
I still have eyes as well, but still kinda hard to hit a1" circle at 50 yards without a scope. Maybe I'll just keep it unscoped. Should be effective enough to 30 yards.
Upvote 0
Here's a photo and you can see the scope is almost completely covering the loading port even though it's all the way back against the back ring. I realize I need higher rings as well. Was going to go with a one piece mount. Still have to use a small scope though.
Upvote 0
so i looked up the scope at Ohhunt site the scope is worth 45 bucks
first off heavy recoiling air rifle and heavy scopes do not get along and this scope weighs over 22 ozs
now back to the scope
let's assume the scope is well made at the price of 45 bucks, the chances of it lasting long on a 52 could be very short
so, now you have heavy cheap scope on a hard hitting air rifle and top that off it fits so poorly you can load the pellet
now the fact is the 48-52-54 rifle need and droop mount and that is where i would start and that will take you to Weaver-picatinny rings
i would look for a scope that is much shorter something in the Leaper line up but that is up to you
it is just the wrong scope mounts and rings will not solve the problem a new scope would but do your homework not all scopes are rated for spring air rifle use
first off heavy recoiling air rifle and heavy scopes do not get along and this scope weighs over 22 ozs
now back to the scope
let's assume the scope is well made at the price of 45 bucks, the chances of it lasting long on a 52 could be very short
so, now you have heavy cheap scope on a hard hitting air rifle and top that off it fits so poorly you can load the pellet
now the fact is the 48-52-54 rifle need and droop mount and that is where i would start and that will take you to Weaver-picatinny rings
i would look for a scope that is much shorter something in the Leaper line up but that is up to you
it is just the wrong scope mounts and rings will not solve the problem a new scope would but do your homework not all scopes are rated for spring air rifle use
Upvote 0
Thanks for the advice. I tried using the scope because I only paid $20 for it new. If it's anything like my CVLife scopes it should hold up. I've had them on my 22fpe .177 gas piston and another 18 FPe .177 for about two years now without issue. I was looking at the UTG DN460 mount. But it's too long so I'll mount it on my PCP and swap scopes.
Upvote 0