Tuning Weihrauch HW97 Blued vs SS...question for longtime users

[peaceful_ruler]

I'm looking pretty hard at the HW97 Black Line. Does anyone have input on the "Stainless" versions...how has that held up? I understand that it is not actually SS but rather nickel-plated via electroplating. How is the long term durability of the nickel-plating vs the standard bluing?

 

[Raden1942]

Seems to me that the nickel plating would last longer but you can fix bluing way easier when it eventually fades. The bluing on them are very good but I don't own one so I can't say for sure which lasts longer. I have seen the bluing on them and its good. That's what I would go with if I was getting it to be a family heirloom. You can reblue it in an afternoon. 

 

[Long_Gun_Dallas]

I'll also second that the bluing on my HW is extremely good. Both in terms of aesthetics and resilience. 

 

[Raden1942]

Great gun BTW. If you really want it to shine send it to someone with a good reputation like motorhead to tune it. They really become a completely different animal when you smooth it out and dampen the twang. Its fine from factory but a good tune would make it elite.

 

[DualMagMike]

It's not stainless or nickel, STL is for stainless look. Most certainly if it were nickel they would advertise the heck out of that. Contact HW and ask them if you want a definite answer but they told me "it's coated stainless steel look" and nothing more.

 

[thumper]

I asked for clarification from Weihrauch a while back. I'll post their response:

"Dear Mr. Jones,

we refer to your e-mail of 03.06.2021 and thank you for your request.

The guns are nickle-plated and not sprayed. We hope you'll decide to purchase another gun out of our program.

Best regards

Weihrauch-Team"



So there ya go. Straight from the folks that make em. 

 

[bdzjlz]

I have both. Without going into detail, buy the blue version. You won’t be disappointed. Terrific rifles.

 

[TiredRooster]

The bluing on the HW97 is very nicely done. I have found it to be very pleasing to the eye and very durable as well.

 

[peaceful_ruler]

I have both. Without going into detail, buy the blue version. You won’t be disappointed. Terrific rifles.

By “blue” I assume you mean the blued version? Also, please go into detail.

 

[Uglyjohn]

I’ve always believed that a proper long gun is comprised of blued steel and walnut. As mentioned, the bluing process use by HW is very durable and to my eye, much more attractive. Uj

 

[crowski]

I absolutely love the looks. I just took delivery of one a few days ago .22. 

 I haven’t shot it, thumbholes are my favorite, I was under the Impression and told a coating as well. Anyway my buddy has a HW80 Black Stainless he’s had close to a decade and it looks mint. If you look after it it will be fine. Go with your gut. Crow 

 

[funkermunker]

I have the "stainless look" with the Beech thumbhole in .22 and have had no issues with the finish. I have other guns with standard finishes, albeit not Weihrauchs, but I figured when I croak, my kids would have something that is just slightly different than the norm with this one.

 

[funkermunker]

Weihrauch should make a stained black stock a'la the ASP20. I think it would look pretty cool paired with the "stainless look" hardware and would appease the wood lovers.

 

[crowski]

Funkermunker my buddy has a HW80 black stain stainless. He’s had it app. 6 yrs. It’s the rifle that got me addicted to this game 3 1/2 yrs. ago. Crow 

 

[funkermunker]

Nice!!!

 

[tae]

I have both. The stainless is harder to keep shiny vs the blued.