Loading port for HW97

[Bigjohn]

I am interested in buying a HW97 but am concerned about the size of the loading port. I have large hands and have found it very difficult to load my TX200. I am hoping that someone here with large hands has experience with the difference in loading the TX200 and the HW97 if there is any. I love shooting my TX200 but the hassle of loading pellets takes the fun out of the shooting outing.

 

[c_m_shooter]

The problem I had loading the TX200 was that I couldn't see to load it under the scope. My HW97 I don't have a problem because I can see the chamber from the left side while loading with my right hand.

 

[nced]

Decades ago when I bought a HW77k the reason it was bought was the "open loading port" vs the "half closed loading port of the TX200" which made it easier for me to blindly load the pellet into the leade........

 

[walter3rd]

The 97 has a bigger opening than the 200

 

[Lewis]

Another difference is that the 97 has the barrel positioned in the upper portion of the port instead of the center of the compression tube. Depending on your loading style this can be an advantage or a disadvantage. For me it is a definite plus.

 

[Beeman22]

I have both and the 97/77 is much easier to load because the opening goes all the way from left side of the stock to the right side. The TX is only open on the right side. I really like the way my TX shoots, but just like the OP said, the loading drives me nuts compared to the HW97. 

 

[walter3rd]

97 all the way....

 

[SlowTurtle]

The larger port was the deciding factor in getting the 97 over the TX. My fat old and arthritic fingers just couldn't wrangle the pellets into the 200.

 

[28gauge]

I have medium hands and find loading my TX200 difficult as well. I'm sure pellets get distorted occasionally in the process that can affect accuracy. While I'm not a hunter, I would not choose this difficult loader for that purpose. While not as easy as a break barrel, the HW 97 is no problem. I agree with others the chamber/barrel is higher in the port.

 

[Gear_Junkie]

I have owned both and agree with everyone else. The 97 is SIGNIFICANTLY easier to load than the TX200. With the large loading port, I could cock the rifle with my right hand, load a pellet with my left hand, and then with my right hand still on the cocking arm (kept it there as a precaution) close up the rifle - a nice quick cycle. With the TX200, I have to cock the rifle with my right hand, switch to my left hand holding the cocking arm (again, for safety), load with my right hand, move my right hand back to the cocking lever, use my left hand to release the bear trap, and then return the cocking lever. It's a pain compared to the 97.

 

[ghoststalker]

I have a 97 and relatively big hands. I don’t have a huge problem loading it, but many times it in the dark and do fumble a little. In the day light it’s not to bad. 

 

[donwalk]

I have an AA ProSport, RWS 54 and a Diana 52...

the ProSport is the primary reason I chose to stick with open sight or red/green dot sights on the 54 and 52...the ProSport does not come fitted with open sight and is not easily loaded with Hawke sidewinder 30mm tube scope in place.

 

[T-Higgs]

JoeWayneRhea had a FWB 300s milled so the loading area was larger and easier work. I suppose you could have a local machine shop do that to a TX? It did not cost him much if I remember correctly. 

 

[bowtieguy66]

I had the same concerns when i was looking for a underlever. It was between HW and TX, the bigger port seemed obvious, but was still undecided cause a lot of folks had their ports nearly or completely covered with scopes. The 97 was out if stock, so AOA gave me a higher priced 77 for the same price. I purchased a compact 4-12x44 scope so it wouldn't be near the port. The loading isn't any problem with my big fingers, as much as the little .177 pellets and rolling them ti be put in the port, plenty of room. And like anything, the more you do it.