I recently picked up an HW95 Field Pro, and an HW100 SK with a Leupold 3x9 'freedom' scope from AoA. Both in .22. Each has benefits, but here's my take.
I was surprised that the HW100 didn't have the same short stock and reservoir as the European carbines. The American FAC carbine is actually the full sized rifle with the full sized stock, just with the shorter 410mm barrel.. They do this because the FAC power levels require the bigger air reservoir to provide a decent shot count. I get around 42 shots at 27 foot pounds. So it isn't as light as the 12 foot pound English HW100 carbines.
The HW100 SK feels a little lighter than the HW95, it may be due to the light Leupold scope I ordered. It's taller than the 95, with a much thicker grip which makes it feel a little less handy, The HW95 Luxus stock is more streamlined as though somebody spent a lot of time removing extraneous material. The 95 is distinctly more comfortable in the hands, my friends and wife commented on this. The HW95 averages 15+ foot pounds with most pellets, the HW100 around 26 foot pounds. However, the 95 feels more powerful due to the strong recoil and cycle sounds. I really enjoy the HW95 cocking effort, it's not a big deal. But to be honest, my wife finds it really uncomfortable. My 14 year old daughter is entirely unable to cock it. They use my HW30, which they love. The HW95 qualifies for the old adage - separates men from boys... and girls. The same goes for the Hillman high pressure pump. Neither my daughter nor my wife have enough weight to fully cycle the pump. It's funny, I don't even notice it.
The HW 100 is quieter and more discreet than the HW95.. The stock is true walnut rather than stained beech, so it needs oil. It has the 14 shot mag. But it can't load the longer pellets like the Crosman Penetrator. For penetrating pellets I use Spitzkugels for the HW100 and Crosman Penetrators for the HW95. I have a Hillman pump for the HW100.
They're about the same accuracy within 20 yards, once you get used to the scopes and learn how to correcd for parallax. I recently took the HW95 out in the country and tried some longer shots. It is amazingly accurate, I was shooting the center out of daisy flowers at 60+ yards. The HW100 is deadly accurate at all ranges.
I LOVE both guns. I'm looking to order a titanium air reservoir from England for the HW100. It should drop the weight by a pound. I'm still considering adding straps but the idea of drilling holes in the stocks is not comfortable.
The HW95 is a visceral gun. The cocking effort, strong recoil, ability to shoot any pellet, and freedom from high pressure pumps makes it a wonderful experience. It's a great last ditch survival gun. The only problem is that it's a bit noisy. Rabbits will run. The HW100 is elegant, powerful, accurate and quiet. You just need a good hand pump. Both have a long history, especially in England. There are lots of upgrades and modification guides.
