After more than 10 years after its introduction, the DIANA 460 has already become a "Classic".
No other gun displays the power, the accuracy and the elegance of this svelte lady.
22-24 ft-lbs yields are the norm, and accuracies well within minute of rabbit ;-) at 70 yards are not uncommon.
So, when a friend asked me to take a look into her gun because the cocking linkage had failed, and then she decided to take the opportunity to have the gun set-up for iron sights I was more than intrigued.
As things go these days, we had to wait for over 4 months to get the spare parts to repair the gun (on warranty from DIANA), but in the end they came and we got the repair done swiftly.
We took advantage of installing a custom guide made for the OEM springs.
OEM DIANA springs are reasonably good. They are powerful and consistent. But the molded guides leave something to be desired. A guide turned to the proper dimensions will quell the spring's longitudinal vibrations, and reduce the twang and the buzz.
Normally I would not tackle a "partial" tune, but since this was really a "repair", it really was not a problem to be flexible.
Once the guide was installed and checked, the gun was chronoed at almost 23 ft-lbs with the JSB Exact Jumbo (15.89 grs in 5.52 mm's). No twang, no buzz.
And once the uniformity of the MV's was established (SD's of 3 and 4 fps), we proceeded to change the front sight for something more useful with a peep.
No other gun displays the power, the accuracy and the elegance of this svelte lady.
22-24 ft-lbs yields are the norm, and accuracies well within minute of rabbit ;-) at 70 yards are not uncommon.
So, when a friend asked me to take a look into her gun because the cocking linkage had failed, and then she decided to take the opportunity to have the gun set-up for iron sights I was more than intrigued.
As things go these days, we had to wait for over 4 months to get the spare parts to repair the gun (on warranty from DIANA), but in the end they came and we got the repair done swiftly.
We took advantage of installing a custom guide made for the OEM springs.
OEM DIANA springs are reasonably good. They are powerful and consistent. But the molded guides leave something to be desired. A guide turned to the proper dimensions will quell the spring's longitudinal vibrations, and reduce the twang and the buzz.
Normally I would not tackle a "partial" tune, but since this was really a "repair", it really was not a problem to be flexible.
Once the guide was installed and checked, the gun was chronoed at almost 23 ft-lbs with the JSB Exact Jumbo (15.89 grs in 5.52 mm's). No twang, no buzz.
And once the uniformity of the MV's was established (SD's of 3 and 4 fps), we proceeded to change the front sight for something more useful with a peep.
We looked at different options for the front sight, from the very "field" Firesight, to the Lyman Olympic.
In the end, we decided to use the Firesight.
In the end, we decided to use the Firesight.
We eliminated the large, flat "blade" and cut a cross-dovetail for a Williams Firesight
Then we drifted the front sight in (always right to left).
Then we drifted the front sight in (always right to left).
We had settled on the system months ago, left to right:
Williams GR base, Int'l to Williams adapter made by Gehman, then the Sinclair / AOS Microsight, and then the Gehman Iris adjustable "stop".
It is worthy of note that the AG base is too high for this application and to keep a very low LOS, corresponding to the OEM design of the stock.
Williams GR base, Int'l to Williams adapter made by Gehman, then the Sinclair / AOS Microsight, and then the Gehman Iris adjustable "stop".
It is worthy of note that the AG base is too high for this application and to keep a very low LOS, corresponding to the OEM design of the stock.
The thumbscrew replaces the locking screw and makes it easy to keep the sight set. Even though it is a Williams part, it has to be cut as the original thread length is too much.
In this picture you can see how the bridge can come as low as the base itself. This allows a bit forward mounting and the use of the DIANA OEM rear sight recoil arresting screw (the original use and design of that screw from 50 years ago).
Typical offhand 5 shot groups at 10 meters
We will tackle putting sling swivels (Pachmayr Flush) and then the gun will be off to its owner.
Really interesting guns, these 460's.
Keep well and shoot straight!
HM
Really interesting guns, these 460's.
Keep well and shoot straight!
HM
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