I been down a so called "rabbit hole" due largely to this group and the need to carry on about weihrauch, and in particular the hw30. What seems like more posts about this rifle here than any other in the traditional/spring category. Watched numerous youtube reviews, read more on AoA, PA, etc. Came across 1 that caught my eye. 4 panel checkering with no grooves, the deluxe model with walnut stained beech wood, and the older stock design in right handed configuration.
I bought it 2nd hand advertised as purchased from AoA in 2000, and stored but never so much as cracked the barrel or shot even once. Came with original box, papers, and sight inserts all intact. Among the paper was a cert from AoA that it was tested for 20 rds. At 20 yards. Upon receiving the rifle today, I believe all of this.
Someone asked on here recently if getting a rifle tested means they will clean the barrel.
I would sat no, this is the first patch, and I needed a dozen more to see a clean 1.
Initial impressions were excellent. Fit, finish of components, weight/balance, quality of bluing, and feel of checkering in hand.
Things I liked. The sights, with interchangeable front inserts, and rear notch pattern are brilliant. Quite frankly I am surprised this isn't mentioned more often.
The trigger, nice feel of both stages right out of the box. I did adjust it about a half turn in to really get it feeling right for me.
The feel and placement of the safety are excellent, and intuitive after a few shots.
The cocking stroke and shot cycle are both easy and smooth (no twang)...much more than I had anticipated even after all the reading done here. Zero dieseling from the first shot I believe confirms the testing was done, and it was cleared out during the 20 shots at AoA.
The fps numbers not being inflated by the manufacturer was nice too. After testing 3 different pellets, and about 60 shots messing with sights, and trigger adjustment, I ran some chrony numbers. Excite 7.4g wadcutters for 5 shots between 673, and 681 for an overall spread of 8 fps. Fpe around 7.6.
Accuracy, once pellets selected (not pellet picky, but these were the best), and sights Dialed in. Offhand at 10 m.
Things that were less desirable.
Unlike most stuff I have where when the safety is engaged, you pull and hit a wall to realize you left it on. This with the safety on the trigger still travels, but does not have 2 stages, and doesn't fire. So the first time it happened I stayed on target as the trigger moved but nothing happened...not a huge deal.
The adjustments on the sights. Elevation is marked in a number sequence and easy to know which way to turn. Windage has no markings, unlike most rifles which indicate right or left with an arrow to inform which direction for correction on target. Again not big complaint.
There is a chance I paid too much given that it is 2nd hand. Given the condition, the stock styling, overall quality, and enjoyment of shooting I would pay it again.
I did not need this rifle, but am glad I have it. I shall leave credit or blame in your hands for the lack of money in my wallet today.