Pre War Diana Airgun Group Photos

DRP group, Model-27, Model-35 and Model-45.

Three versions of the Diana Model-30.

Thanks to Kurt for these pics.

1930s underlevers - Model-26, Model-45 and Model-58.

Diana Model-45 and Webley Mk.3.

Here are some pics of a late 1930s Diana model 45 DRP and a Webley Mk3. The Diana 45 was copied by Webley as a post-War replacement for its Mk2 Service rifle, which had not proved profitable. Although essentially a rifle with its design origins in the pre-WW1 Lincoln Jeffries and BSA tap-loading underlevers, the Mk3 proved remarkably long-lasting. It was still being made in the mid-1970s.

Webley first proposed to use the Diana 45 as the basis for its flagship sporting air rifle in November 1943. After the War ended, Webley attempted to buy the Diana plant but Webley's £10,000 bid was declined and the Diana plant bought by Millard Brothers. Webley started building the Mk3 in 1947.

The Mk3 pictured is not the first pattern, which faithfully reproduced Diana's double pull trigger. This Mk3 dates to around 1960 and has an optional Parker Hale 16M peep sight fitted too.

There are quite a few differences between the two rifles, the most significant being that Webley placed the loading tap on the right hand side of the breech. But the similarities are obvious.

Diana Model-26 with Haenel Model-V Junior and others.

Here are some comparison pics of a 1930s Diana youth model 26 alongside its close contemporary rival, the Haenel mod V Junior (which was also sold with a drum repeater), plus a break barrel Diana mod 27 and its big brother, the mod 45.

First are the Haenel mod V Jr pics, which show the Diana to have been somewhat more solidly made. (The mod V Jr stock has been reprofiled and has a non-standard rubber butt plate). The pricing of these two models was very similar, at around 32 Reichsmarks. But the Diana has finer detailing, a much superior rear sight and lacks the pressed steel cocking lever of the Haenel, which is quite 'agricultural' by comparison!

Diana mod 26 vs. Haenel mod V Jr:

Here's a couple of pics of the mod 26 against its break barrel counterpart, the Diana mod 27. You can see how much longer the mod 27 cylinder is.

Here is a single pic of the mod 26 up against its big brother, the mod 45. The larger one is very much a man's gun.

Group of Dianas Model-50s (plus one Model-35B).

With thanks to Mike for this pic.

Model-58 x2, Model-45, Model-26 Underlevers.

With thanks to Frank.

The top rifle is a 1st series model 58, the second rifle is a 3rd series DRP model 58, then models 45 DRP and 26. With thanks to Frank for this pic.

Diana underlevers (models 26, 45, 58 series 2) 

With thanks to Peter.