Diana Model 20 Youth Part 1

The Diana Model 20 is a junior air gun produced before WWII.

I picked up this Diana Model 20 a couple of years ago from a popular gun auction site; no one else placed a bid so the prize was mine.  Even though I really did not care for quarter stock guns at the time the little model 20 is different enough to pique my interest.


A little history
The model number “20” is another designation that Diana has used for multiple airguns; first was the pre-WWI model 20 which was made from around 1907 until 1911, according to the Blue Book of Airguns. The particular model 20 is the second version and was made from 1913 until about 1940. Both model 20’s were nickel-plated, “tinplate” airguns; the most noticeable differences are that the original 20 had square-ended forks and three rivets attaching the stock instead of the rounded forks and two rivets of the second variant. The Blue Book lists the gun as the model “20 Youth” to distinguish it from the much later and completely different “Model 20 Adult.”

So what exactly was the Diana Model 20?  It is a simple but well made break barrel airgun that definitely falls into the “youth” category, and that is how it was marketed back in the day.  The only caliber option was .177/4.5mm with a  smooth bore, presumably to keep costs down; no rifled version was offered.  Diana’s period literature mentions very good grouping at 6 to 8 meters and at that range the lack of rifling is not a problem.

Nice logo but no model number!

There is no model number on this gun - just the Diana name and Goddess logo, but the model 20 looks like nothing else that Diana produced at the time.


A really small gun
The model 20 is 34.25” (87cm) long with a 14.25” (36cm) barrel; the length of pull is 12.5 inches, or 32cm and the weight is only 2.75 pounds (1.25kg) so it is definitely kid-sized. Compared to a modern Daisy Red Ryder the Model 20 is about an inch shorter but weighs a half-pound more. At only 7/8” thick (2.25cm) the walnut quarter stock reinforces this impression.

The underside of the stock is stamped with the date “1.31” (January, 1931) where the wrist meets the metal of the action and the stock is completely smooth – no checking or grooves to be found.

Made in January, 1931.

One area that Diana did not skimp on is the metal finish; other than the sights and the trigger all of the metalwork has a high-quality nickel finish.  This airgun is almost 90 years old and the only wear in the finish is on the cocking arm, and that is constantly handled.  Even the plating on the barrel has not been worn through.  For the less outgoing shooters Diana did offer the 20 with a traditional blued finish on special order.

 The fixed sights are definitely not adult-friendly; the rear sight in particular is next to useless for anyone with less than  perfect vision.  In the early 1930’s the rear sight was moved to a more conventional location on the breech block and made adjustable for elevation.  Without using an EyePal peep sight aid the rear sight is very fuzzy and I get bad vertical stringing.


The fixed sights require good eyesight!

As was mentioned above, the model 20 was only sold as a smooth bore.  The soda straw barrel is made of brass and is held within a folded-metal housing to give it a proper appearance.  This same setup was used on the models 15, 16 and 22 well into the 1980’s and is completely serviceable.  Since the barrel is smooth brass it won’t rust and should not need cleaning for many, many years.


The barrel is a brass tube in an outer jacket.

The receiver is a bit complicated for a low-priced kid’s gun.  Where most airguns use a solid wall receiver with machined forks added the 20’s receiver is actually multiple parts.  The outer “jacket” was formed from sheet steel; you can see where it is wrapped around the barrel forks above.

Complex construction for a kid's gun! 

The actual compression tube is a thin-wall cylinder within the receiver and the whole assembly is tightly crimped together by a strap on the underside of the front part of the receiver.  The split in the outer jacket is visible with the trigger guard removed.

The next time we will take a look at the power and accuracy of this old Diana 20 Youth airgun.


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