We're the Diana airguns from the 80's ever issued in anything besides Beech stocks ? I have an '81 (model 36) that was refinished by previous owner. It doesn't look anything like typical Beech. It has beautiful figuring and none of the typical graininess of Beech. I've shown it to a couple woodworkers, and they can't say for sure what it is. Sure is pretty though !! It looks alot like a Walnut variety...... thanks.
Diana Early Diana springers
- Thread starter erock
- Start date
If you can post a couple pictures, somebody here will ID it.
The vast majority of Diana springer sporters since the 1950's have been beech, but a few walnut special editions came and went. For what it's worth, much modern beech stock wood is a quick-growing variety raised for the purpose; the close-grained old-growth stuff on older guns can be surprisingly nice.
These three 1960-ish model 50's are all beech - even the rare deluxe Match version at the bottom (lousy pic doesn't do 'em justice though!).
The vast majority of Diana springer sporters since the 1950's have been beech, but a few walnut special editions came and went. For what it's worth, much modern beech stock wood is a quick-growing variety raised for the purpose; the close-grained old-growth stuff on older guns can be surprisingly nice.
These three 1960-ish model 50's are all beech - even the rare deluxe Match version at the bottom (lousy pic doesn't do 'em justice though!).
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Here are pics. It's pretty overcast today, so I don't know if the figuring will show up sufficiently. I didn't realize that some walnut issues were offered. That's pretty cool !
Upvote 0
that is Beech
so the difference is walnut is an open grain wood whereas beech is a close grain wood
nice beech needs a second look but are in this case
it is walnut would never look like that
so the difference is walnut is an open grain wood whereas beech is a close grain wood
nice beech needs a second look but are in this case
it is walnut would never look like that
Upvote 0
Mike
I am glad you posted about the grain differences in walnut vs beech wood because I never understood how people knewwood type.
I am glad you posted about the grain differences in walnut vs beech wood because I never understood how people knewwood type.
Upvote 0
Hardwood trees typically have water/nutrient channels that run outward from the heartwood. On most species they are very small, but in beech (and oak), they clump together into "medullary rays" that form visible flakes of contrasting color in the figuring, more or less perpendicular to the grain. They can vary quite a bit - and be attractive in their own right - but will always be present somewhere on a beech stock.
And FWIW, since they radiate from the center, they also telegraph where the stock blank lay when the trunk was sliced.
And FWIW, since they radiate from the center, they also telegraph where the stock blank lay when the trunk was sliced.
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Oddly enough, the most expensive in the history of Diana, the Diana 30 has always been and is produced only in beech; for that kind of money, the stock could have been made of walnut. https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=19895603#img
Upvote 0
Knowing woods is like knowing anything else: You need to study.Many people think something is Walnut when it is not just because it has a Walnut stain.
I love wood, took many woodshop courses.Made the mistake of trying to make a Maple stock, like Maple is hard.Anyhow,wood can be hard to identify without some training.Also grain patterns,also know what parts of the tree have the best figure.
A lot of Walnut here in Northern California,used to have one of the best places to get wood and rough stocks for making rifle stocks,Calico.Wood,one of my favorite things.BTW another hard to get wood is the good Mahogany.
Fact, 30 or so years ago, the Japanese invested in rare and hard-to-get woods from around the world; it was a money-making investment for them; I hated the Baboons lost much of their forest,yes, some from fires.I pity the Baboon,I always related to them
I love wood, took many woodshop courses.Made the mistake of trying to make a Maple stock, like Maple is hard.Anyhow,wood can be hard to identify without some training.Also grain patterns,also know what parts of the tree have the best figure.
A lot of Walnut here in Northern California,used to have one of the best places to get wood and rough stocks for making rifle stocks,Calico.Wood,one of my favorite things.BTW another hard to get wood is the good Mahogany.
Fact, 30 or so years ago, the Japanese invested in rare and hard-to-get woods from around the world; it was a money-making investment for them; I hated the Baboons lost much of their forest,yes, some from fires.I pity the Baboon,I always related to them
Upvote 0
I would guess that the post-war model 30, which is a ball-shooter with a built-in rounds counter, is mostly used at various fairgrounds and other public venues. Beech is a stronger and harder so may be preferred for that rather abusive environment.
The pre-war model 30 was a completely different gun, an underlever tap-loading single-shot military trainer. Those did have walnut stocks.
Upvote 0
Thanks! That rifle may be the luckiest auction-site find of my life, to make a long story short.That D50 in the bottom photo absolutely oozes Diana vintage classic, Mike! SOOO COOL!
It's a US import by Stoeger's of New York, who in the late 50's/early 60's sold the Diana 35 and 50, exclusively in .22 cal, under their "Peerless" brand. This is the earlier of two versions of the 50M. It has extensive checkering, both machine and hand-cut; and the cheekpiece sticks waaaaay out there - created by laminating on a second piece of wood.
Last edited:
Upvote 0