I really just wanted the HW80 with the .25 barrel, but impulse bid on the little tyke too. Ended up with both of them.
While cocking the 80 to test fire, it took extra effort to get it to latch, so I had a suspicion there was a spring kit in it. Also, there was some detonation when fired, so just shot it once. A little louder than a .22 short, and smoke filled the bore. Set that gun aside and test-fired the HW25L. OK...so this little thing is like a slice of pumpkin pie with Cool Whip. Sighted in at about 15yrds, not on paper, just center punching poplar leaves. LOL Hard to say, but this thing may replace the HW30 as the go-to backyard defender. The trigger is on the heavy side but breaks crisply. Not a fan of the fiber optic sights either, but other than that… a sweetheart.
Velocity test for the HW25L
JSB Exact RS .177.........7.33gr..............592fps..........5.71fpe
Stripped the HW80 and, sure enough, found a Vortek kit and two power washers installed, so that's a plus. Notice the grease on the front of the piston seal. That's the culprit causing the detonation. I ended up cleansing the tube with enamel reducer and removing one of the power washers. The piston fit a little tight in the bore, so also trimmed the seal OD while it was apart.
Initial results over chrony after reassembly_
Predator Polymag .25 ...........26gr............542fps.........16.96fpe
JSB Exact King .25 ...........25.39gr............539fps.........16.38fpe
Both these pellets and the JSB King Heavys fit unusually tight in the breech. Anyone else with a .25 notice that?
The numbers are lower than expected, but "wow," this thing sounds and feels like a force to be reckoned with. No sights yet, fresh out of scopes, just shooting into a tree stump at about 25 yards; sounds like a ball peen hammer smacking it.
Alternating between two springers on opposite ends of each spectrum is an interesting experience.
Guess I'll be looking for a good scope and mount.
While cocking the 80 to test fire, it took extra effort to get it to latch, so I had a suspicion there was a spring kit in it. Also, there was some detonation when fired, so just shot it once. A little louder than a .22 short, and smoke filled the bore. Set that gun aside and test-fired the HW25L. OK...so this little thing is like a slice of pumpkin pie with Cool Whip. Sighted in at about 15yrds, not on paper, just center punching poplar leaves. LOL Hard to say, but this thing may replace the HW30 as the go-to backyard defender. The trigger is on the heavy side but breaks crisply. Not a fan of the fiber optic sights either, but other than that… a sweetheart.
Velocity test for the HW25L
JSB Exact RS .177.........7.33gr..............592fps..........5.71fpe
Stripped the HW80 and, sure enough, found a Vortek kit and two power washers installed, so that's a plus. Notice the grease on the front of the piston seal. That's the culprit causing the detonation. I ended up cleansing the tube with enamel reducer and removing one of the power washers. The piston fit a little tight in the bore, so also trimmed the seal OD while it was apart.
Initial results over chrony after reassembly_
Predator Polymag .25 ...........26gr............542fps.........16.96fpe
JSB Exact King .25 ...........25.39gr............539fps.........16.38fpe
Both these pellets and the JSB King Heavys fit unusually tight in the breech. Anyone else with a .25 notice that?
The numbers are lower than expected, but "wow," this thing sounds and feels like a force to be reckoned with. No sights yet, fresh out of scopes, just shooting into a tree stump at about 25 yards; sounds like a ball peen hammer smacking it.
Alternating between two springers on opposite ends of each spectrum is an interesting experience.
Guess I'll be looking for a good scope and mount.
