Recommended Springer: Hatsan 135 .30?

[Tomek]

I’m looking for a springer for mainly having fun destroying things, with some occasional hunting. I would probably not shoot it farther than 25 yards, maybe occasionally 50. I cannot shoot very often, maybe 2 or 3 times a week maximum, and then only for 15-25 minutes. My budget is $200, and I don’t want the hassle of a pcp. 

I was thinking to get a Hatsan 135 in .30. I know that .30 is an expensive round and the gun does not shoot very fast, but I would only shoot it at close range and not very often (so the cost of rounds is not a big deal). I can use my brother’s mod 95 in .22 for longer distances and more accurate shooting, as well as plinking. I like the idea of a big bore springer, and the cocking weight I can deal with. I know it’s not the most accurate or fast gun out there, but that is not would I would use it for.

My questions: 

1) Is the 135 a good gun? To those that have it, how does it feel shooting it?

2) Are there better choices out there for my purposes?

3) What would be the largest game you could take with this gun, at up to 25 yards?

Thanks,

Tomek

 

[brian_null]

Welcome, friend!

I happen to own one of these and have shot it quite a bit. First off, the gun is well made and has a bit of weight to it. As far as better choices, that would be a matter of opinion unless you're wanting .30 cal. There are no other .30 cal break barrels from any other company except the 2 versions from Hatsan (wood vs synthetic stock)

I could easily see this gun taking game such as skunks, opossums and maybe even a bit bigger at 25yds. It is a lot of fun to shoot but yes, you'll get a work-out.

The trigger can be polished and adjusted quite easily and will provide you with a nice feel. I hope this has helped. 

 

[Tomek]

Helped a lot, thanks!

 

[jland48]

I recently purchased a 135 in 25cal. I have shot about 300 rounds through it while periodically cleaning the oil out of the barrel and waiting for all the oil to be shot out it. Just when it looks like it might be settling down another batch of oil dirties the barrel. I heard it took a while for these to start shooting decent groups and I ran upon a sale and decided to give it a try. The gun is a little heavy to carry and cock but nothing you can't get used to. It appears to be a very quality arm with good metal finish and nice stock. I chose the .25 because I wanted more projectile speed than 550fps. I am shooting light pellets so that I can use the open sights. Heavier ammo requires you to rise the rear sight too far. If you decide to purchase this gun and you are patient enough to ride out the flow of oil from the barrel you could end up ok.