Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

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Certus
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Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Certus » Fri May 31, 2013 4:59 pm

This is an absolutely true story that might come in handy next time you need to justify yet another air pistol purchase to your other half.

I attended the Bisley Phoenix meeting recently with the specific purpose of getting my eyes tested by the on-site specialist shooting optician who usually offers free eye tests over the Phoenix weekend.
While waiting for my appointment, I did the usual wander around the trade stands and was attracted to this nice pre-war Diana Mod 5 “Target” air pistol for sale on one of the stands. Now I don’t normally collect German air pistols but in my opinion the Mod 5 is a greatly underrated pistol and this one had a strong spring and sat nicely in the hand. After a brief moment of temptation I convinced myself that I didn't really need it and set off to keep my appointment with the optician.

After an initial examination the optician said it would have been nice to fine tune the prescription using an actual pistol. My mind immediately jumped to the Diana and I requested a pause in proceedings to allow me to remedy the lack of a pistol. After a bit of negotiating I returned to the opticians to complete the eye test.
I now await the supply of the finely tuned shooting glasses with an added bonus of getting my hands on another interesting air pistol.

This is the only air pistol I own that I can justifiably claim was procured on medical grounds !

Image

DIANA MOD 5 "TARGET".

Image

COCKED AND READY TO LOAD

Regards

Brian
Last edited by Certus on Sat Jun 01, 2013 8:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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pmh
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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by pmh » Fri May 31, 2013 5:12 pm

Amusing story indeed.

I have an Original Model 5, already posted a quick piece on this in the Air Pistol section, and they are very worthy pistols.

Kind regards,



Phil
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I now have so many airguns I've had to make a list, which is >>HERE<<
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Tank
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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Tank » Fri May 31, 2013 6:00 pm

I am reminded of this story:

A well to do chap had a keen interest in what we called "carpet Racing" - indoor scale model racing cars, remote controlled. The chap's wife positively hated the whole idea and he was berated often about his "childish" hobby. He reached an agreement that he could have one or two models as long as he kept them out of sight and never discussed his passion at any of their outings or parties.
Anyhow, as all things come to pass, the chap died and a couple of his colleagues contacted his widow regarding the "toy cars". She told them in no uncertain terms to come ver to the house and take the frightful things away. Somewhat subdued and not really relishing the idea they went to visit the widow, the conversation went like this:

We want to know what you want us to do with your late husbands model cars.

Oh do whatever you want - just get rid of the frightful things

What? ALL of them?

Yes, well of course, we agreed he could only have two at home and they are in his room.

Oh No, said the pair, we are talking about the thirty or so back in his office!!

The chap had kept to his word, he never had more than two cars at home but back at the office was another story altogether!
graham.
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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by micken » Fri May 31, 2013 8:56 pm

OK I'm now in two minds about either showing this to the wife, or not. Tank asked me in a previous thread about the number of Tau-7 pistols I own. I had a .22 already but was on the lookout for a .177 and also had a Drulov DU-10 at the back of my mind. About four weeks ago I walked into a local RFD and upon looking down into the pistol cabinet I saw a.177 Tau-7. I asked to have a look and asked how much it would cost me, and also mentioned my surprise at them having one in since I'm about the only person who would walk in and buy it.

"Oh, a guy came in with that and another one, so we did him a favour and took them both off his hands"

I enquired about the other one since it was not in the cabinet.

"Oh, it's a Drulov, must still be in the stock room"

I asked if it was a DU-10.

"Don't know, I'll have a look"

RFD returns with tan satchel, which I immediately know contains a DU-10, hands it to me and upon opening my thoughts are confirmed and I'm looking at a good condition gun with all the trimmings. I asked about the price and was given the same as for the Tau.

"How much for both?" I asked.

The price that came back was what you would expect on the forums for a good condition DU-10, so I walked out with two pistols and :D

So, back to the thread. Whilst I know that the pistols were a good investment with a resale value of up to twice the amount Ipaid, I nevertheless felt the need to keep the acquisition of two more guns quite low key for a while. Having just sold a Gamo Compact and a pcp rifle and agreed the purchase of a FAS 604 I'm wondering whether or not to open up a bit to the wife about my addiction. :think:

Hope to see some of you at the Melbourne Fayre.

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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Tank » Fri May 31, 2013 9:53 pm

I suppose really we are all different but I try very hard to maintain "balance" and that is all subjective.
My missus knows I have a cupboard full of airguns. But she knows the fridge is full of food too.
Balance. Very difficult to achieve, impossible to maintain.
graham.
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https://tamesidepistol.club/

Certus
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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Certus » Sat Jun 01, 2013 3:44 pm

Noticed there is a boxed Diana Mod 5 included in the June Holts London Auction.

I have attended quite a few of the Holts Auctions and have always had an enjoyable day out.

http://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/as ... &saletype=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards

Brian

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pmh
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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by pmh » Sat Jun 01, 2013 3:55 pm

Never thought of looking up a local auction house with air gun sales. There is one not too far away.

I shall have to make enquiries.

Kind regards,



Phil
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>>North Manchester Target Club<<

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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Tank » Sun Jun 09, 2013 8:15 am

On the subject of Gun Auctions, at what age does a firearm become an 'Antique'?
graham.
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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Certus » Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:47 am

Tank wrote:On the subject of Gun Auctions, at what age does a firearm become an 'Antique'?
Hi Graham,

Opinion seems to divided on the definition of "Vintage, "Classic", "Antique" etc but I have always believed anything over 100 yrs old to be "Antique".

Regards

Brian

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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Tank » Sun Jun 09, 2013 2:31 pm

Certus wrote:
Tank wrote:On the subject of Gun Auctions, at what age does a firearm become an 'Antique'?
Hi Graham,

Opinion seems to divided on the definition of "Vintage, "Classic", "Antique" etc but I have always believed anything over 100 yrs old to be "Antique".

Regards

Brian

Brian - I am right there with you, when I was a boy 1860/70 or so was "Antique" now, rather frighteningly, anything 1910 is Antique :shock:
I have decided that there exists the possibility that Antiques are getting younger?
graham.
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Certus
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Re: Shooting Glasses Update

Post by Certus » Thu Jul 04, 2013 2:58 pm

Hello,

The shooting glasses ordered at the Bisley Phoenix at the end of May finally arrived and have proved well worth the wait.

Although as mentioned in the earlier post I was obliged to buy a Diana Mod 5 Target pistol on the day in order to fine tune the prescription lens you can't really be sure how things will pan out until tested in normal range lighting.

Well, to say they were a success would be a massive understatement. I had been using a set of shooting frames without a lens but with an adjustable iris and even then things were still looking decidedly fuzzy.

The glasses are far more convenient and have given me the clear sight picture I remember from years ago.

Not cheap but well worth the cost if they help extend my preference for open sights for a few more years.

Regards

Brian

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pmh
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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by pmh » Thu Jul 04, 2013 5:57 pm

I have a set of Champions, but I do need to tweak my lens, as my eye has drifted.

However, I have the adjustable iris, and this does work very well. Not only does this sharpen all eyes, it is also noticeable when your head position changes.

Kind regards,



Phil
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I now have so many airguns I've had to make a list, which is >>HERE<<
>>North Manchester Target Club<<

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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Tank » Sun Jul 07, 2013 7:06 pm

I too have a set of Champion shooting frames and I would agree, the adjustable iris is invaluable. Well worth the extra cost.
graham.
I’m going off to go find myself. If I’m not back by the time I return, keep me here.
https://tamesidepistol.club/

Certus
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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Certus » Sun Jul 07, 2013 9:36 pm

Tank wrote:I too have a set of Champion shooting frames and I would agree, the adjustable iris is invaluable. Well worth the extra cost.
Hi Graham,

Although I do have a set of shooting frames with an adjustable iris and an eye shade I decided not get a prescription lens inserted. The reason tor this being that it's now just like putting on a pair of reading glasses rather the relative faffing around getting the shooting frame fitted and adjusted correctly.

still nice to have both options though.

Regards

Brian

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Re: Diana Mod 5 "Target" Air Pistol

Post by Tank » Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:45 am

I hear you Brian.
My problem though is my eyesight is getting bad with astigmatism:-( So the iris gives me back the clarity of the target as well as the crystal clear sight picture. Does take some getting used to though.
I had my frames fitted by my optician and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of using a shooting frame or shooting glasses to get the advice of a competent optician. Worth every penny!
graham.
I’m going off to go find myself. If I’m not back by the time I return, keep me here.
https://tamesidepistol.club/

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