HW/Weihrauch HW98 Pure Joy

I picked up an HW 98 a while back. It was in as-new condition, but it was twangy and bland. I installed a 12 FPE Tinbum kit and a Vortek VAC seal. Replaced the factory stock with a lefty Tyrolean, and tuned the trigger to a very clean break under a pound. I couldn't be happier. It looks, feels, and shoots like a different gun!

HW98 1.jpg
HW98 2.jpg


Shamelessly cherry-picked, 5-shot group at 30 yards.

Off bags
8.44 JSB 4.53 head size
800 FPS
12 FPE


IMG20250823093136.jpg
 
I picked up an HW 98 a while back. It was in as-new condition, but it was twangy and bland. I installed a 12 FPE Tinbum kit and a Vortek VAC seal. Replaced the factory stock with a lefty Tyrolean, and tuned the trigger to a very clean break under a pound. I couldn't be happier. It looks, feels, and shoots like a different gun!

View attachment 588432View attachment 588433

Shamelessly cherry-picked, 5-shot group at 30 yards.

Off bags
8.44 JSB 4.53 head size
800 FPS
12 FPE


View attachment 588434
Beautiful!..Thanks for sharing! John
 
I picked up an HW 98 a while back. It was in as-new condition, but it was twangy and bland. I installed a 12 FPE Tinbum kit and a Vortek VAC seal. Replaced the factory stock with a lefty Tyrolean, and tuned the trigger to a very clean break under a pound. I couldn't be happier. It looks, feels, and shoots like a different gun!

View attachment 588432View attachment 588433

Shamelessly cherry-picked, 5-shot group at 30 yards.

Off bags
8.44 JSB 4.53 head size
800 FPS
12 FPE


View attachment 588434
Nice stock and the whole set up, group is also good. I've been thinking of tuning my 98 down as well, just a matter of time.
 
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I’ve read a few times that the 98 action is the same as the 95. I’d like to know if there is any perceivable difference other than the barrel and stock. These do come up on the used market every once in a while but I’ve never pulled the trigger on one. Have an R9 that’s a great shooter. Any reason I should have one?

Oh ya , that’s a beautiful stock. Is it a custom stock from the UK?
 
I have to say I can blame Lewis for my new interest in springer rifles. I was taking a break from my table at the Midwest Airgun Show when I texted Lewis to say I purchased a HW50 from Mike Abernathy as Lewis kept telling me I need to get a springer. Well I was surprised at although I just shot it in my basement at around 10 yards I could do quite well with it. Well it cost him this beauty of a HW98. Thanks Lewis you are a great friend to trust me with it.

IMG_3484.jpeg IMG_3499.jpeg
 
I’ve read a few times that the 98 action is the same as the 95. I’d like to know if there is any perceivable difference other than the barrel and stock. These do come up on the used market every once in a while but I’ve never pulled the trigger on one. Have an R9 that’s a great shooter. Any reason I should have one?

Oh ya , that’s a beautiful stock. Is it a custom stock from the UK?
The 98 is a target rife the additional weight of the barrel and stock help absorb some of the recoil that can negatively affect accuracy. I have a 177 Hw95 that's at least as accurate as my 20 cal Hw98 and my 97 for that matter. On paper the accuracy of the 98 should be better than a 95 but not always. The 98s are great guns. If you want one buy one. just know there's no guarantee it'll shoot better than your R9 if it has an exceptional barrel like my 177 95. If you're serious about the ultimate accuracy from a 98 go for a 177. Weihrauch 177 barrels are dependably accurate and there's lots of ammo to find something it likes. If you mostly shoot past 30 yards go for a 20 cal. You'll only have three good dome pellets for that gun but their BC is better and it shows at 50+ yards.
 
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I picked up an HW 98 a while back. It was in as-new condition, but it was twangy and bland. I installed a 12 FPE Tinbum kit and a Vortek VAC seal. Replaced the factory stock with a lefty Tyrolean, and tuned the trigger to a very clean break under a pound. I couldn't be happier. It looks, feels, and shoots like a different gun!

View attachment 588432View attachment 588433

Shamelessly cherry-picked, 5-shot group at 30 yards.

Off bags
8.44 JSB 4.53 head size
800 FPS
12 FPE


View attachment 588434
I want that... As a lefty myself, I'm smitten.
 
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I have to say I can blame Lewis for my new interest in springer rifles. I was taking a break from my table at the Midwest Airgun Show when I texted Lewis to say I purchased a HW50 from Mike Abernathy as Lewis kept telling me I need to get a springer. Well I was surprised at although I just shot it in my basement at around 10 yards I could do quite well with it. Well it cost him this beauty of a HW98. Thanks Lewis you are a great friend to trust me with it.
When you get your first springer from the legendary Mike Abernathy, you are off to a great start!
I hope you enjoy it! 98's are great guns, and that one is a shooter. It is well off in your far more capable hands.
Can't wait to hear how you do with it once you get some trigger time!
 
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