Choice help (weihrauch analysis paralysis)

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L4z4r0s

L4z4r0s

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Feb 10, 2020
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Athens, Greece
Hello everyone!!

I currently have an umarex/browning x-blade springer. While it is a nice rifle, I would like to upgrade to something better and thus I'm saving up in order to make the new purchase sometime in the near future.



I was looking at weihrauch since they are readily available around here and everyone praises them for their quality, durability, accuracy and longevity.



My only problem is which one to choose!

Currently I'm looking at 3 rifles: 



1) Hw35e: the fact that this rifle has been around since the 1950s really shows not only how desirable it is but also how well it is made. I like the true walnut stock, the short stroke mechanism and the robust barrel lock that it has.



2) Hw80: the European version of the Beeman R1 which is a move powerful redesigned version of the hw 35. I like the high power output and the extremely robust construction.



3) Hw95: I like the more sophisticated stock of the luxus version with the extensive checkering that it has. The action is also extremely well made. 



I personally don't have any experience with either of these rifles and thus I seek input and opinions on them.



I want to use the rifle for plinking, target shooting and the occasional pest control in family property.



I will mostly use it off hand rather than bench shooting (however bench shooting will is not completely out of question).

Caliber can be either .177 or .22 since both are pretty popular around here (with .177 having a slight edge).

So, any suggestions/preferences and why?



Thanks in advance!!! :)


 
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Depends on what you want to use it for.

Hunting at further distances? .22 maybe 

Targets only & close range? .177 maybe 

I have taken birds at 68-80 with iron sights on a .177 48 using 10.5's so it's not like .177 can't go far. 
It's really all about personal choices.

Are your fingers getting older? Do you hunt or shoot in cold weather? You definitely might want .22 if either is the case. Can't really feel if a .177 is forward or not in cold. 


.22's make bigger holes in target paper. Much easier to see if target shooting.

I'm mainly a target, paper puncher, plinker, pester last & least. Just some observations I've made through the years.
 
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Depends on what you want to use it for.

Hunting at further distances? .22 maybe 

Targets only & close range? .177 maybe 

I have taken birds at 68-80 with iron sights on a .177 48 using 10.5's so it's not like .177 can't go far. 
It's really all about personal choices.

Are your fingers getting older? Do you hunt or shoot in cold weather? You definitely might want .22 if either is the case. Can't really feel if a .177 is forward or not in cold. 


.22's make bigger holes in target paper. Much easier to see if target shooting.

I'm mainly a target, paper puncher, plinker, pester last & least. Just some observations I've made through the years.
Click to expand...

Thought of getting the rifle in .22 since I already have a .177. Main problem is, which of these rifles? Choices choices :D
 
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I PM'd you. In that story of who got me into airguns I didn't touch caliber but I will here.

If I had it to do over again. I would go with .20 & .25 in pellets for springers.

Just because .20 JSB dies are newest and covers .177 & .22. 
My .25 RWS 52 is a top shooter I'll never part with. I could literally put 5 under a quarter at 75 with iron sights and most likely all day with a scope. That puppy loves H&N FTT 20.14 on up to 25.43 Kings but H&N are best from her. 


For you, why not a .22? If you have a .177 you will definitely be able to see where a heavier pellet (JSB 15.89 or the better 18.13) bucks wind nicely, hits hard, easier to load by touch alone, & makes more visible holes on paper. That's a huge plus if mainly a paper puncher like myself.
 
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Just my opinion and I don't shoot offhand much at all so definitely consider that. Plus I was a strong young man so heavy rifles didn't bother me.

I don't know your situation completely but if a .22, my first choice would be a tuned R1 from John Thomas, Mike Ellis, Scott Blair, Motorhead Scott, or verifiable tuned used from a reputable member here.

My second choice would definitely be a 95 if .22

A HW35E would be great in .177 or .20. It would be okay in .22 but only with lighter pellets like CPHP, RWS Wadcutters, GTO 11.75 grainers, etc. I wouldn't ask it to push the 15.89's or 18.13's.

Then again I don't know your most sought after distance for targets or pests.
 
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Thumper or anyone else, let's go over what he should look out for when buying a HW .22 barrel.

OP is able to get a HW at a local dealer near him. I'm pointing out that most HW .22's like 5.53 & chokes can also be overly tight, in need of relief. I don't want him to waste time or money.

I'm pointing it all out as his heart is set on targets. Not much fun getting a airgun that needs work. Kind of why I always recommend the professional tuners.
 
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Hello everyone!!

I currently have an umarex/browning x-blade springer. While it is a nice rifle, I would like to upgrade to something better and thus I'm saving up in order to make the new purchase sometime in the near future.



I was looking at weihrauch since they are readily available around here and everyone praises them for their quality, durability, accuracy and longevity.



My only problem is which one to choose!

Currently I'm looking at 3 rifles: 



1) Hw35e: the fact that this rifle has been around since the 1950s really shows not only how desirable it is but also how well it is made. I like the true walnut stock, the short stroke mechanism and the robust barrel lock that it has.



2) Hw80: the European version of the Beeman R1 which is a move powerful redesigned version of the hw 35. I like the high power output and the extremely robust construction.



3) Hw95: I like the more sophisticated stock of the luxus version with the extensive checkering that it has. The action is also extremely well made. 



I personally don't have any experience with either of these rifles and thus I seek input and opinions on them.



I want to use the rifle for plinking, target shooting and the occasional pest control in family property.



I will mostly use it off hand rather than bench shooting (however bench shooting will is not completely out of question).

Caliber can be either .177 or .22 since both are pretty popular around here (with .177 having a slight edge).

So, any suggestions/preferences and why?



Thanks in advance!!! :)

Click to expand...

Considering shot placement and penetrating is what its all about don't overlook the .177. Flatter trajectory and just as effective as the .22. Both will do the job. 
 
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Hello everyone!!

I currently have an umarex/browning x-blade springer. While it is a nice rifle, I would like to upgrade to something better and thus I'm saving up in order to make the new purchase sometime in the near future.



I was looking at weihrauch since they are readily available around here and everyone praises them for their quality, durability, accuracy and longevity.



My only problem is which one to choose!

Currently I'm looking at 3 rifles: 



1) Hw35e: the fact that this rifle has been around since the 1950s really shows not only how desirable it is but also how well it is made. I like the true walnut stock, the short stroke mechanism and the robust barrel lock that it has.



2) Hw80: the European version of the Beeman R1 which is a move powerful redesigned version of the hw 35. I like the high power output and the extremely robust construction.



3) Hw95: I like the more sophisticated stock of the luxus version with the extensive checkering that it has. The action is also extremely well made. 



I personally don't have any experience with either of these rifles and thus I seek input and opinions on them.



I want to use the rifle for plinking, target shooting and the occasional pest control in family property.



I will mostly use it off hand rather than bench shooting (however bench shooting will is not completely out of question).

Caliber can be either .177 or .22 since both are pretty popular around here (with .177 having a slight edge).

So, any suggestions/preferences and why?



Thanks in advance!!! :)

Click to expand...

Considering shot placement and penetrating is what its all about don't overlook the .177. Flatter trajectory and just as effective as the .22. Both will do the job.
Click to expand...

.177 is a bit more common around here. Thought of getting a .22 just for variety and/or see the difference. Thing is, which rifle of the three?
 
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HW/Beeman rifles are the best break barrel piston guns made IMO. Whatever you choose will give you years of service and you can pass it down to your heirs. I have owned the R7(HW30), R9(HW95), R8(HW50) and a HW97 all in .177 caliber. The R7 is a neat compact rifle that is easy to cock, lightweight, and perfect for plinking. It has only about 6 fpe energy, but so what. The R9 and the HW 97 share the same powerplant. I sold my HW97 because it was too heavy, but it is exquisitely made. I bought my R8 in 1983 and is a beautiful rifle but not too powerful. Because of it's desirability, I sold it to a friend that is a collector and will take good care of it. Good luck making your choice. You may want to get more than one. Currently, I still have the R7 and R9, and wouldn't be able to decide which to keep. For plinking, the R7 wins, I think.
 
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How much energy do you want or need?? All those rifles are excellent but here is the real differences...HW35 is a great lite weight plinking rifle, smooth firing, accurate, but limited to 12 fps. The HW95 nice middle of the road rifle, more power than the 35 slightly heavier better for longer distances. Then the R1 or HW80, highest power of the 3, great shooter in .22, can put out close to 20 fpe if needed. Get the carbine barrel in the R1 as it can be a very long rifle with the std barrel. So....for casual plinking and target shooting the 35 is great but I qould stay with .177 due to 12 ft lb, to get a little more power and reach the 95 is a good one, can be good in either caliber, if you need higher power and a longer reach for varmits then the HW80 in .22 is the top choice. Have owned and tuned all of these fine rifles when I was in the business. Only you can make the decision as to qhich one will be best for yourself, good luck!!
 
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Like a few others here, I have experience with all three of your potential choices. One thing not yet mentioned is that the hw80 and the hw35 both use a larger 30mm compression chamber, whereas the hw95 has a 26mm compression chamber. I much prefer the shot cycle of the 26mm design. IMHO, the 30mm chamber just feels too snappy and harsh. The hw95 is an excellent all-round workhorse spring gun that can do most anything well and can be tuned to shoot accurately between 10fpe and 15fpe.

That said, if I could only have one Weihrauch springer (perish the thought), it would be an hw50 in .177.

Good luck choosing.

R
 
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My wife & I enjoy the HW95L .22 which was a replacement for a Benjamin Trail NP. The Weihrauch is a quality, accurate air rifle that is easy to maintain and will shoot MOS all day at 25 yards. We are both North of 80 and like to plink from the back deck. I had to replace the piston seal due to dieseling which was caused by over greasing/oiling by the factory and may have been due to the Covid-19 affecting the Weihrauch factory personnel where they had a few folks doing many other's jobs. JMHO

You would be very happy with the HW95 BUT I have no knowledge of the other rifles you mentioned. Good luck with whatever you choose.

My HW95L specs:

  1. HW95L .22 caliber pellet rifle S/N 2316xxx
  2. Hawke 4-16 x 44 mm IR, SF, compact scope S/N N19Bxx
  3. Hawke tactical medium rings
    [/LIST=1]

    Rifle/scope weigh:

    7.5 lbs = 120 oz Weihrauch HW95L rifle

    4.4 oz = Hawke Tactical 30 mm medium 2 piece rings

    21.9 oz = Hawke 4-16 x 44 mm SF, IR, compact scope

    Total = 146.3 oz which is 9 lbs 2.3 oz

    LOP = 14.25” trigger to center butt.

    My HW95L, (2018 built per S/N), measures 12 & .1875" (3/16”) from breech block to the end of the barrel threads with moderator/silencer removed. Total barrel length with moderator/silencer installed is 15 & .75" (3/4”) from end of breech to end of moderator/silencer. The threaded section of the barrel is .75”(3/4”) long.

    The tactical medium rings put the center line of the scope 1.5” above the .22 caliber bore.

    The .22 rifle is accurate using the H&N FTT 14.66 gr pellets with a 10 shot average of 716 FPS (5/21/2021), Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr at 617 FPS, 3/21/2021.

    Barrel length = 15.75” from end of moderator to end of breech block.

    Moderator is 6” long. Female threads start 2.25” in from beveled end of Moderator for .75” length of .50” threads.

    Rifle length = 41.875” from end of moderator to butt center.
 
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The HW80 is heavy, and harsh with the inefficient 30mm piston. It would be my last choice, in any caliber. 

The HW35E is more of a niche rifle. Old school cool. Shoots much nicer than the 80, but fairly underpowered for the penalty you take in it's weight. But its a real looker and I'm a sucker for traditional classy rifles. If you are fine with 12fpe in .177 and want something a little less mainstream, it would be a solid choice. 

The HW95 strikes the balance of weight, power, and shootability between all of them. The 26mm piston makes for a nicer firing cycle over the 30mm guns, and it's also more efficient at making better power with less recoil and a bonus of being lighter weight. It's certainly the "jack of all trades" of what we are considering here. 

As for myself, if I was going to accept the weight and high cost of the HW80, I would not think twice about just stepping up to an HW77K in .177. It will likely be more accurate than any of the above rifles, and easier to shoot consistently. They are the "universal airgun" in my opinion.

As for the .20 caliber, I wouldn't even entertain buying one. They cost more to buy, cost more to shoot, have fewer choices in pellets, and don't offer anything noticeable over the other calibers.

Personally, I have found the .22 Weihrauch barrels to be a crapshoot. The ones I've had were trash with very oversized bores and piss poor accuracy. At best, even the guys that have accurate ones seem to find that they are fairly pellet picky. If you already have any issues at all finding .22 pellets it's something to consider.

But, you will end up with a nice rifle regardless of which you choose. Just pick which one you feel will fit your needs best and enjoy it!
 
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The HW80 is heavy, and harsh with the inefficient 30mm piston. It would be my last choice, in any caliber. 

The HW35E is more of a niche rifle. Old school cool. Shoots much nicer than the 80, but fairly underpowered for the penalty you take in it's weight. But its a real looker and I'm a sucker for traditional classy rifles. If you are fine with 12fpe in .177 and want something a little less mainstream, it would be a solid choice. 

The HW95 strikes the balance of weight, power, and shootability between all of them. The 26mm piston makes for a nicer firing cycle over the 30mm guns, and it's also more efficient at making better power with less recoil and a bonus of being lighter weight. It's certainly the "jack of all trades" of what we are considering here. 

As for myself, if I was going to accept the weight and high cost of the HW80, I would not think twice about just stepping up to an HW77K in .177. It will likely be more accurate than any of the above rifles, and easier to shoot consistently. They are the "universal airgun" in my opinion.

As for the .20 caliber, I wouldn't even entertain buying one. They cost more to buy, cost more to shoot, have fewer choices in pellets, and don't offer anything noticeable over the other calibers.

Personally, I have found the .22 Weihrauch barrels to be a crapshoot. The ones I've had were trash with very oversized bores and piss poor accuracy. At best, even the guys that have accurate ones seem to find that they are fairly pellet picky. If you already have any issues at all finding .22 pellets it's something to consider.

But, you will end up with a nice rifle regardless of which you choose. Just pick which one you feel will fit your needs best and enjoy it!
Click to expand...

I see! How durable is the under lever mechanism on the Hw77? From what I have seen it is permanently riveted into place. 

I don't have any experience with it either. The hw97 is also close to the hw77 from what I understand. How do these compare to the others in terms of durability and longevity?

Pardon my ignorance, but these 2 rifles are more expensive that either the hw35 or the HW95 or the 80 ( not by a lot though).
 
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