Diana 5G Surprise!

[miltoncaniff]

I just got a Diana 5G pistol in excellent condition. Shoots very well at 410-420 fps. But I got a surprise! As I squeezed a shot off the end cap launched at my face! For a split second I thought I was going to get a mug full of spring! To my relief I did not. This appears to be just a decorative cap. If so, why make it look like a knob? If it serves a purpose other than covering The mainspring bearing, spring guide and spring I can't see it. Any thoughts? Is it just secured by friction?

Christopher

 

[Bruce54]

I have the same pistol and it does the same thing. Cheap piece on an otherwise decent little pistol. Try wedging a piece of flat toothpick in there as you put it back on. Basically is a dust cap to protect internals. I can't shoot mine anymore as my eyes can't focus on sights anymore. Looking to sell it.

 

[miltoncaniff]

Well, another surprise. Even though the pistol is in like new condition, it stopped shooting. Pellet won't even clear the barrel. It seems to me that if these pistols have not had the seals replaced they are destined to fail. Is it worth sending in to get fixed or will this just keep happening? Spend money, shoot pistol, pistol fails and spend money again! 

 

[MDriskill]

As Bruce54 said, yeah the end cap is just friction fit, the innards are held in by the big crosspin which the cap conceals. Try shimming or maybe a light contact glue, like good old rubber cement from school days.

Does your gun have a date on it (tiny numbers on left rear receiver)? It may be an older one that has nylon seals, those do give up the ghost at some point. Newer guns have greatly improved seals that basically last forever. It’s a well-made airgun and you won’t regret getting it fixed.

Also check the breech seal, those stiffen and flatten over time. It’s a simple O-ring but may have some shims under it from the factory.

 

[miltoncaniff]

I put a little electricians tape inside the cap and got a snug fit. Problem solved!

I did not find the tiny numbers for a date. But it does say made in West Germany. So, made before 1991?

 

[Motorman]

Milton, I've rebuilt two of the three 5G's that I have. I'm no great shakes as an airgun smith, but you will need a decent spring compressor. I very much like my 5G's...well worth fixing!



Motorman

St. Louis, MO