As already noted, an awesome pistol that followed the famous model 65 (but - if you will forgive me for getting my history geek on - was also out-lived by the 65, which remained as FWB’s entry model for many years after the model 80 was replaced as FWB’s top “match” offering by CO2 and SSP models). The main changes in the 80 were a completely different trigger mechanism with a positionable blade and the balance weights.
Luckily for us, the critical perishable parts (spring, ring, buffer, breech seal) are the same on both pistols. A modified 65 was introduced about the same time as the 80 to further increase parts commonality (these later 65’s have a longer grip tang, and also share the angular front sight and wider rear sight with the 80).
An ingenious feature of the model 80 is that the three weights are made of different materials and weigh different amounts. You can get an amazing number of variations in the overall balance by switching them around, as well as by taking them on and off. That being said, the gun is rather heavy compared to most modern PCP match pistols, even with no weights aboard.
I’ve never owned an 80 but several 65’s have passed through here. When testing pellets you will notice that some are not only more accurate than others, but that some feel distinctly more “recoilless” than others due to variations in weight and fit (skirt size being particularly critical). It pays to hunt for one that both shoots well and gives good firing behavior. I concur that light pellets seem to generally work best. My 65’s like RWS Hobby, RWS R10 Pistol, and H&N Match Pistol for target work, while the Air Arms Falcons and its cousin the JSB Exact 7.3 are great for outdoor work at longer ranges.
