by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
This report covers:
- My HW35
- Hannusch display
- Early BSA Airsporter
- A missed deal
- HW85
- USFT
- Vulcan
- Other guns
- Summary
I made part 1 of the report on the Malvern airgun show about the 3 new products I saw. I did that because I’ve never seen 3 entirely new products at an airgun show before. I have plans to test each of these for you, because I think they’re all very important to the future of airguns.
Today, I want to tell you about the regular things that went on at this show. I will talk about the guns I saw and shot and some of the people I got to meet and know. Because Malvern is a small show, it does give you a chance to meet and talk to people. I had more people introduce themselves and tell me they read this blog or watched American Airgunner than at any other show I’ve attended. That’s nice, and I think it indicates that the airgun community here in the United States is beginning to open up. People are no longer surprised by what modern airguns can do.
My HW35
But Malvern had lots of vintage airguns, too, and today I want to talk about them. The first one was the HW35 that I bought at the Findlay show a couple weeks before, and Dennis Quackenbush was kind enough to bring it to Malvern. It had been some time since I’d seen this rifle, but it still looked as good as I remembered.
Ironically, there were 3 other HW35 Luxus rifles for sale at Malvern! I’ve gone several years without seeing a single one (the 35 Luxus, I mean), and now there were 4 at the same show. I’m not showing a picture of it today because I plan to start reporting on it Monday. There will be plenty of pictures then.
Another vintage rifle I’ve been watching for about 2 years is a very clean BSF S54 Bayern Deluxe that Larry Hannusch has been showing. I started trying to negotiate with him at last year’s Texas Airgun show and we finally reached an agreement at Malvern. I’m glad, too, because neither of us wanted this beautiful example of a vintage target rifle to endure the dangers of commercial shipping from his house to mine.
I bought this beautiful BSF S54 Deluxe at Malvern and will test it for you in the future.
Of course, I’ll review this rifle for you in detail. But we still have a lot of other reports to cover first.
Hannusch display
Speaking of Larry, he usually brings something nice and old to these shows. This year it was a case of pneumatic air pistols from the early 1800s. Rather than just tell you about them, I shot a short video.
Early BSA Airsporter
After my report on the Don Robinson BSA Airsporter, one of our blog readers was kind enough to bring his early Airsporter rifle to Malvern to show me. His rifle is so early that the loading tap opens automatically when the cocking lever is pulled down. BSA did that on the very early guns, but stopped after a short time. So, any gun you see that does it that way has to be an early one.
A nice, early BSA Airsporter showed up at my table.
A missed deal
While I was sitting at my table on Friday, a man came by carrying a scoped breakbarrel. When I learned it was an HW 50S I became interested. The man was asking a reasonable price, I thought. If I had the money, I would have tried to buy it, but I was in negotiations on the BSF at the time, so I had to let it walk. As luck would have it, the man at the table behind me bought the rifle for less than the asking price.
This is how all airgun shows work. People walk around with guns for sale and deals are made in both directions over the tables. Often the people walking around are trying to raise the cash to buy something else at the show, so there are bargains to be had.
HW85
The missed deal started another deal of which I would become an integral part. On the table of the guy who bought the 50S lay an HW85 — a breakbarrel spring rifle that was also called the Beeman R10. It was the first rifle Weihrauch made after they purchased the BSF company and combined the parts for their guns into the Weihrauch lineup.
The HW85 is an upgraded BSF S70 fitted with a Rekord trigger. There’s a lot more to it than just that, but that’s the essence of the gun. Beeman called the R10 the “son of the R1” because it produced R1 velocities in a much slimmer, lighter spring gun. There was just one problem. The R10/HW85 buzzed like a jar of angry hornets! And, while the R1 could be tuned to deliver even higher velocities, the R10 came out of the box maxed out.
I overhead the owner telling someone that this was the smoothest spring rifle he’d ever shot — he just wasn’t shooting it very much. I’ve heard things like that so many times that I give them no credit. When David Enoch purchased the rifle (David’s table was next to the table of guy who owned the HW85 and also behind mine) and David said something similar, I listened. David knows airguns; and if he thinks something is smooth, then it is.
I asked David if I could take it out back to the range and he agreed. That’s when I shot the one of smoothest spring rifles I have ever experienced.
David’s brother, Bryan, did the tune. Come to find out Bryan has tuned a number of spring guns and is known for how smooth he makes them. He buttons the piston front and rear, he makes new spring guides front and rear — he even buttons the cocking linkage so you cannot feel the movement as the barrel is broken!
Bryan Enoch holds the HW85 he tuned. It’s so smooth that it shoots like an R7.
Bryan tuned the rifle years ago and sold it to someone in the southeast. The guy his brother bought it from got it from the original owner, although why anyone would let go of a gun like that is beyond me. Maybe it came from an estate?
When I returned to my table, it took only a brief time to make up my mind. I made a deal to have Bryan tune a rifle for me. Nobody builds their own hot rod when Carrol Shelby is in town! I’ve shot spring rifles tuned by Paul Watts and Ivan Hancock and this one is fully their equal.
We initially decided Bryan would tune my new HW35, which is why I was so surprised to find that it was already shooting very smooth. It’s so smooth that it would be a shame to do anything to it. Whether it’s been tuned or is just a very smooth airgun from the factory remains to be seen, but I now have Bryan scheduled to tune my Beeman R1. That’s right — THE R1. The one I wrote the book about. The one I said at the end of the book would someday get the ideal tune. Well, I’ve found that tune!
What’s in it for you is that Bryan will take pictures as he goes, and I’ll blog the tune. And if you attend the Texas Airgun Show on Saturday, August 29, I’ll let you shoot the rifle — assuming it’s finished by then.
USFT
I mentioned in part 1 that Malvern was a small show. Yet there were things here that you seldom see at big shows. On one table sat a scoped USFT rifle that was offered for the very reasonable price of $2,200.
The USFT field target rifle from Mac-1 Airguns is a purpose-built competition air rifle. You don’t see them for sale at shows that often.
I’ve seen USFT rifles for sale at airgun shows in the past, but not often. This one was set up and ready to go for any aspiring field target shooter.
Vulcan
On the same table as the USFT sat a strange-looking bullpup rifle called a Vulcan. It’s made in the Czech Republic, and the .22-caliber version I saw was producing 30 foot-pounds. The owner said anyone could shoot it, so I availed myself of the opportunity and took it out back to the range.
I have several things to say about shooting the Vulcan. First, it’s very powerful. The small gun actually recoiled when it was fired. Second, it wasn’t difficult to hold. Third, the gun is silenced very well. It did make some noise, but nothing like 30 foot-pounds would suggest.
And, finally, I was warned that the trigger was very light. It was! Light and crisp. How they do that in a bullpup is beyond me, but this trigger is as nice as any PCP trigger I’ve tested. All in all, the Vulcan is a sweet little hunting carbine!
The Vulcan bullpup proved to be light, compact, powerful and a delight to shoot. It was so addictive it was like eating peanuts.
Other guns
Of course, there were plenty of other vintage and modern guns in the hall. Byran Enoch displayed a nice IZH 61 with steel breech that so many of you want to get. It wasn’t cheap, but it was very complete with extra metal clips.
I already mentioned seeing 3 HW35 Luxus rifles for sale. But there was American iron for sale, as well. On one table sat a gorgeous Sheridan Blue Streak with a Williams peep sight. My impression was that this rifle has the rocker safety, but I can’t see the rocker in the picture I took. It may be an earlier thumb-safety Sheridan.
Over the years, I have seen several Blue and Silver Streaks with gorgeous figured walnut stocks. I even owned one. You get that when thousands of board feet of walnut are cut each year to stock one of America’s most popular multi-pumps. But I never saw one with dark figured walnut until this one.
This Sheridan Blue Streak has a gorgeous piece of figured walnut for a stock.
The good news here (I hope) is that I think one of our own readers got this gun. I didn’t watch the transaction, but I believe I saw Jerry Cupples (yes, the pellet gauge man) stalking this rifle, and I think he pulled the trigger — both figuratively and literally. I certainly hope so! That rifle is a gem, and I hope it stayed in the family — if only with an extended cousin.
Then there was the inevitable table that had everything I wanted — all tagged Not For Sale. Of course, they weren’t for sale! If I owned them, they wouldn’t be for sale, either!
On that table was a small multi-pump I have never seen before. There are no markings on the gun and we made several guesses as to where it might have been made. I guessed the Philippines, the owner guessed China and the man he bought it from had guessed Indonesia. Regardless of where it was made, the workmanship is nice and even — and the gun is in new condition. Find another one!
Compare the length of the mystery pump gun to the Benjamin 392 below. It’s just half as long!
The other guns on this table were all beauties. Only one had a pricetag, and that was a Daisy wire stock reproduction BB gun. I chanced to photograph a young man as he was putting it back on the table.
That’s what you want to see! This is the only way airguns will continue.
Summary
Malvern is a quiet show. The tables are few, but they’re loaded with the kind of stuff that gets people to drive 1,000 miles just to see it. There’s enough time at this show to meet and talk to people and to try out those guns you have a hankering for.
At the show’s end, there was a big door prize drawing and show organizer, Seth Rowland, thanked the companies who were so generous — AirForce Airguns, BKL, Daisy, Umarex USA, Mike Melick (who not only donated a door prize, he also bought it back from the winner in a raffle and donated the money to the show). If I forgot anybody, my apologies. Seth also thanked Pyramyd AIR for all the help they’ve given his show in years past.
Sorry this blog didn’t publish at midnight. I mistakenly wrote the time as 10:01 instead of 00:01. My bad!
Edith
That’s OK Edith!I went to bed early last night after a full day of bicycle riding and shooting and only got up an hour ago.
one of my buddies picked up his first new airgunblog in over 30 years yesterday with the intention to turn it into a hobby! His pick was a gun I’ve been watching for about a year now the Berman KodiakX2.After the first day shooting it’s coming along very nicely!
It took some convincing but I.Talked him into putting on the .22 barrel and took 3 different types of pellets which was a good thing because the CPHP’s were too tight but we found one that’s keeping’em on a family size Pork&bean can at20 yds offhand and we’ll be going to stock him up on pellets today. 🙂
Reb
First comment! While I prefer to purchase guns new so I know what I’m getting, I spent many a Saturday morning garage sale-ing with my late father and enjoy your stories of rare finds and great deals!
You gave me the itch with this comment! But I’ll have to hold out for a ride with more than2 wheels.Before I try to drag back any guns….next weekend’s only a week away.
Good morning, Tom I swapped a pelletgage as part of the price! It all happened as dealers were packing up Saturday. The 1968 Sheridan has a very pretty stock, and I have been (im)patiently waiting for my Pyramyd shipment of .20 cal pellets to arrive. I have always wanted one of these. David Enoch had a pretty nice one, too. I totally agree about the small but friendly tone of the show.
A 4H event was going on at the fairgrounds the same day. It offered us some interesting scenes of youngsters with their show-ready animals, and a chance to buy a grilled cheeseburger at lunch!
One transaction I witnessed was also worth describing. As I sat near the GoAG (Godfather of Airguns) table, a young man about 12 with his dad came up and studied the items on the table, while Tom was talking to David Enoch. He had a few greenbacks in his hand, and he saw a neat multitool pocketknife in a box (Daisy?). I tapped Tom on the shoulder, and watched as the polite boy unrolled a $10 bill (the price marked). Seeing Tom give the boy back a five and patiently tell him the history of this knife as the new owner beamed was almost worth the trip!
No, I don’t think the internet will ever recreate these in-person transactions! I know that young man will remember buying the knife a long time.
JerryC:
I wish I had a chance to attend the show. I would have loved to got that Blue Streak. But maybe it was a good thing that I had another commitment. I’m sure everyone has heard one of the jokes with the punch line “… and the funeral is Friday” after the husband says something inappropriate. My wife has threatened to beat me over the head with the next airgun I purchase.
Jim
JerryC,
I forgot about that young man. He had such a serious look on his face.
He didn’t negotiate, so I decided to do it for him.
B.B.
He did. It was no lesson on negotiation but he was happy. I once saw Mike Melick gift a rifle to a young man under similar circumstances. I think both you and Mike are kind hearted guys 🙂
Thanks for sharing that experience! I must admit it got me a little misty so much so I couldn’t see wel enough to type and decided to hold off til later.
It sure looked like it was a great show! BTW, the Sheridan does have a rocker safety. I can see it in the photo. I have one like it but of course the wood isn’t as good. Mine was bought new in 1968.
Mike
I see the rocker safety too. I recently bought this Sheridan. Mine was made in 1963. The wood is not quite as pretty as this one but it is very nice and in mint condition.
G&G
I meant to say “this model Sheridan”. I didn’t mean this particular gun of course.
G&G
Bryan Enoch is one of the many good guys in airgunning. I sent Bryan an older HW50 for free several years ago. Looking forward to his contribution to the blog on tuning the fabled R1.
kevin
Thank You Kevin for reminding me about that rifle. Sweet old early HW50. Pre Rekord trigger. I’ve been blessed, many times over and yes, Kevin sure blessed me with a nice rifle.
Thank You!
Bryan Enoch
BB
Thanks for the interesting article regarding the gun show. I live walking distance from the Southtown Expo Center in Salt Lake City. There are probably 6 gun shows (or more) each year. I’ve never attended a single show. That will change. After reading your article, I’m gonna walk over to the next gun show and try it out. My guess that airguns will be hard to find but that is the fun of the hunt.
Off topic. I wanted to share some information I got directly from AirForce regarding maintaining the hand pumps. The manual says to occasionally lube the inner chamber with Parker Super O-Lube. I contacted AirForce and asked how often occasionally meant. Last night I received an email from AirForce. They said when a ring of lubricant on the inner chamber developes at the bottom of the chamber, the chamber should be wiped clean around the base (including the ring of lubricant), and to relube the chamber with the Parker Super O-Lube. The ring of lube at the base of the chamber is the Indicater when to wipe clean and relube. Lastly, don’t use the Parker O-Lube. It’s a different lube and I believe is petroleum based. Use the Super O-Lube (part #884-2).
I thought this is good information to share with the owners of AirForce or Benjamin hand pumps. I didn’t know where else to share this information other than here????
Spidey,
That’s fine information about the pumps. And you are correct that the Benjamin and AirForce pumps share the same parentage.
B.B.
B.B.,
Thanks for this part 2 of your report. I love reading your reports on airgun shows. It might be that of all of your reports, these are the ones that bring the biggest smile to my face.
For example, your photo of the young boy gently returning the Daisy replica to the table reminded me of the video for Rocket Shot Target Systems with the very little boy shooting a BB gun for the very first time, with his proud pop encouraging him. Every time the little guy giggled, I’ll bet I giggled, too.
And JerryC, thank you for that wonderful story about the little boy buying Tom’s multi-tool pocket knife. You are no doubt right, Jerry. That simple act of kindness and encouragement by Tom will stay with that boy as he grows up. I know because I have similar childhood memories that will never leave me.
Tom, was that one of your old hobo knives?
Michael
Off topic – BB, since you mentioned Mike Mellick from Flying Dragon I was wondering if you have an opinion on the XS650 which he helped design, and if you had ever tested one? (Especially one with the super tune he offers)
Skip,
What is an XS650? Is it his $100 PCP? Because that I bought and did test for Shotgun News. It works wonderfully.
B.B.
It’s the XS650C, a dual cartridge co2 rifle, wood furniture, single shot with an available bulk feature. It goes for $120 and Mike will do 2 levels of tuning to it. It looks pretty good and the other blogs seem to like it except for an occasional seal leak.
Skip,
Nope. I missed that one.
B.B.
Sorry to confuse the issue-the one you tested is a Flying Dragon modification of the original co2 gun, and is without warranty or upgrades. The original is co2. looks exactly the (same except for the fill point) but has 2 levels of tune.
B.B., and Skip,
I believe that is a Chinese made replica of the Crosman Model 160, the second version with the excellent, adjustable trigger. It can be purchased in a number of online places with the traditional 2 Powerlets or with an array of different sized paintball CO2 tanks and has a receiver that is grooved for the use of optics..
Michael
I was the owner of the above mentioned HW “Super85”. The reason i parted with this work of art is i recently moved into an apartment and don’t get to shoot much. Someone should be enjoying the rifle and i’m glad it wnt home with the builder’s brother.
Bill,
Could I get you to send me the info you had on the HW85?
Thanks
David Enoch
Bill E.,
Thank you for commenting. I didn’t know you read this blog. I remember you saying that you didn’t shoot it anymore, but nothing beyond that.
I had a deal cooking with Larry Hannusch or I would have talked to you about that rifle, too. But now I have Bryan tuning my R1. Woo-hoo!
B.B.
Thank You Tom for the article on that HW85 Super. Super because the tune turned out so well. I was sad to see Bill have to let it go, but sure was honored when by you’re nice words about how smooth it was, and then my own brother, David, running back to buy it after he had shot it. He said he wanted one of my nicest tuned rifles, and yes, he got a great one.
It will be an honor to tune the R1 for you, and what a story. I bought an old R1 years ago, and my first purchase to Airguns Express was your Beeman R1 Book, and a breech seal. After reading that book cover to cover, I contacted Jim Macarri, and ordered a spring and seal and Jim gave me some tips as starting point in making my own guides. Well…it’s been a long road of learning but to now be able to tune your R1 that the book was based on is a true honor. Wow…I can hardly wait. Thank You!
Bryan Enoch
The HW85 is to the HW95 what the HW97 is to the HW77, ie an open sighted version, with a (Bavarian, and non Minelli) stock to match and no barrel weighting…….until the very end of the assembly line the actions could be put in either…….I would take and 85 or 77 over their less traditional siblings all day long.
Both rifles remain in the listings because the Germans are more likely, with their lower power restrictions, to use open sights.
TBH the BSF heritage of the HW85 does need a bit of a scratch at the surface, it’s an adage, and one I’ve used….however….no part…that is NO part of the BSF breakbarrels fit….none, zilch, zero…the barrel, trigger assy, stock screws, safety mechanism trigger guard, sights, action mounting bolts, butt pad……are all HW35 or 80 compliant part numbers, the piston assy, is it’s own part number….doesn’t fit a BSF, not even the piston seal…cocking arm also differs.
I’m wondering if this isn’t an urban myth unless someone can point out any mechanical compliance
Dom,
Okay, here goes. Look at the 85’s cylinder. The scope base is external — just like the BSF 70/60/55. On other Weihrauch rifles up to that point they cut the dovetails into the tube, but the 85 tube was too thin.
The parts don’t interchange because they were reworked from the originals.
Weihrauch did thread the end cap into the spring tube, but when they revised the design (when the spring tubes ran out) the HW 95 (Beeman R9) got an insert inside the tube, held in with tabs. That insert is what contained the Rekord trigger. The HW 85 spring tube was too thin to thread, so they made the change.
That is the story the way it was told to me. Here in the U.S. the first air rifle to use BSF spring tubes was the Marksman model 70. When Beeman came out with the R10, the Marksman model 70 went away.
B.B.
But that 85 will have a Record trigger, at least I’ve never seen one without it (can’t miss that multi leaf BSF trigger!)
The 85 is still on the books, all part numbers ally with the 95….I don’t quite buy it, why change all stock mounting threads and screws for the same as HW35….and move the mounting screws to boot, then alter the transfer port size, and change the breech block to the same size as the early 35 and 55
Strikes me as harder going than making a new tube for a well established airgun maker.
The part number is, and was, dependent on lengths, calibres etc as the 95 and 80
Scratches head
Dom,
You are right, the 85 has the Rekord. So did the Marksman model 70 I mentioned. There was a lot of talk about that when the gun was being sold. A non-Beeman gun with a Rekord trigger. A great way to same a lot of money.
Then the R10 came out and the Marksman 70 went away.
I don’t know if what I said is correct, or even partly correct. All I know is it was what I was told at the time.
B.B.
I’ve always accepted it as a truism, but they are so dimensionally different in all the little bits it makes less sense to me now.
The HW80 needing “blueprints” from Bob Beeman always makes me wonder too mind…I mean how hard can it have been to communicate “we’d like a HW35 with a 25mm longer stroke and no barrel lock”
I’m no draightsman but I could probably have altered the existing cylinder blueprints enough myself
I find it difficult to conceptualise Beeman slaving over the draughtsmans board bothering to draw up the existing trigger, safety, piston, breech block etc…unless he was desperately short of tasks.
Cynic in me old age, but mythology builds up.
I’ve just bought a Diana 38…and there’s an accepted wisdom, and written by respectable gurus, that they were a barrel/scope matched version hoping to make inroads to the early FT market.
Not quite buying that either 🙂
Dom,
On the HW 80 being designed by CAD, I can shed some light on that. I have spoken several times to the man who did the deign work. Epperson Epps is his name, if my memory serves me, and he used to attend the airgun show in Little Rock, Arkansas (forerunner of Malvern). He told me about working for Robert Beeman on that project.
At first Robert tried to get Weihrauch to enlarge the HW77. This Robert told me. They ended up with an 11 lb. rifle that no one would shoot and decided they needed to go in a different direction.
Robert wondered why the HW 35 couldn’t be more powerful and he and Epps discovered it was due to the short piston stroke. So they lengthened the stroke to 80mm, keeping the piston the same size as the 35 and the R1.HW80 was born.
We know all this today partly because of the work that was done on the 80 and later from the Chinese who took piston strokes to extremes to make their mega-magnum rifles.
B.B.
It always smelt like a slightly cock and bull story dreamt up by Herr Weihrauch and Bob Beeman to better sell funny named foreign rifles to a patriotic market.
It still tastes a bit funny needing CAD to add a bit of length to a 35, the old sausage eaters are pretty capable in matters engineering, at least I assume the Doodlebug that flattened my Gran’s house had been well constructed
But then we haven’t trusted you lot since Lease Lend
🙂
Got a HIpac on order today, I probably oughtta wait for the next few days to be sure I get my next installment on my back pay or let another1st roll around before I order a pump but I’m going into the darkness one step atta time.
Reb
You should have gotten the HPA adapter that use the 5 ounce bottle as I believe you will be disappointed with a hipac if you plan on running over 2000 psi. I could never get mine to seal above 2200 psi max and is why I now have disco tubes in their place that use a disco fill fitting at the front and have an much thicker adapter end made out of aluminum.
I have not got them completely put together as of yet but I am certain there will be no leaks as there are two o ring at either end and one solid 16 inch tube and the other is 14 inch aluminum disco tubes.
BD
I got tired of having to keep the co2 carts on hand and after weighing the options decided to do it.
Now I gotta get a pump and am weighing options again. I don’t really think I’ll Be pumping too high as it appears my weight has levelled off @ 130#
Reb
Sorry I did not get back to you sooner as I have been out of town since Saturday and just got home tonight at 8pm.
If you just got the one hipac without any extensions then you should good to fill with a hand pump and if you only go to 2000 psi even with one extension it should not leak. just lube the o ring with some silicone grease very liberally. I use fishing reel silicone grease from wally world and it does very well on o rings.
BD
Some wonderful stories here and some great air rifles changing hands from proud owner to proud owner. Tomorrow there is a gun show in NYS at the Orange County Fairgrounds. I heard Kevin Hull is supposed to be there. My quandary is I don’t really need or want to buy another airgun just now and if I go, I probably will buy something. What a dilemma to be in.
So Kevin, if you’re reading this blog, seduce me with a great rifle or air gun you will have on sale that I won’t be able to pass up and force me to make the trip.
Fred DPRoNJ
Hi guys guestion.is it possible to used a disco valve on a crosman 400
BB,
Speaking of shows, I am hoping that I will have enough change in my pocket to make going to the Hickory, NC show worth my while. I have been having serious DT’s since the Roanoke show died. Perhaps if I get a couple of my airgun projects done in time, I might even need some space there.
Do you think you might make that show?
RR,
Not this year. Maybe next year. The Texas airgun show will be my last show for 2015.
B.B.
The HW85 might have to be added to my short list, although it would have to be an used one as the new ones have those despicable glowy thingy sights.
With a power range between the HW35 and the HW80, it just might be a nice fit for the break barrel I desire.
RR,
I have a hw85 .177. Its almost as accurate as my fwb 300s. If youre used to a hw80/beeman r1, youll be suprised how light it is. Its a very accurate rifle, but it cannot be compared to the hw80. The 80 is on top of the pile. If your thinking about buying the 85/95, then you might as well buy the 80/r1. The hw80 has a much more pleasant firing cycle, has enough weight for offhand shooting, doesnt rotate or jump while being fired… just a pleasant nug into your shoulder. And the build quality. …. well…. its a more solid build rifle. The accuracy of the 20fp hw80 is phenomenal. At an offhand Olympic 10m match, fitted with a matchgrade diopter, its capable of 116/117 points from a total of 120 points. Out shooting the +2000 euro pcp rifles with a 20fp breakbarrel, or with a 39 year old fwb 300s. .. thats a great feeling.
I find the 80 easier to shoot than the 85.
The hw 85 shines with a .177 barrel. The hw 80 is a dream in .22.
BB knows my hw80, and he has seen what its capable of. Im not promoting or bragging. … its the truth.
If you already have a powerful breakbarrel, dont buy the hw85, but get that 35e.
DJ,
I do not at this time own a break barrel. I am interested in having a .22 sproinger that is capable of taking small game out to 50 yards. The HW35 was at the top of my short list because it is capable of such and it is a mighty fine looking air rifle with a walnut stock. The TX200 MKIII dressed in walnut is up there also. Though they are not dressed in walnut, the Walther LJV and LGU are under consideration because they are awesome shooters and still look nice. If the new Diana 340 N-TEC Luxus will perform, it is to be given serious consideration also.
I want a sproinger that not only performs well, but looks good while it is doing it. I am absolutely disgusted with the fact that the American air rifle manufacturers are so clueless. They think everybody out here wants an air rifle that looks like a Mattelomatic. They need to take a minute and take a real look around and see that there are quite a few of us out here and are willing to spend a lot of money to own something like a Daystate or a Weihrauch or FWB. They are missing out on some seriously big bucks and building Wally World specials. They can do both.
I am not a happy camper because although there are air rifle companies over here that are capable of competing with what Europe has to offer, they just don’t get it. OK fine, I will spend my money in Europe.
RR, have a look at the AA prosport too. Its one of the most gorgeous rifles out there.
50meters is quite a distance for an airgun. It can be done, sure. But keep in mind that there’s more to it than accurate power. Sometimes the less powerful rifles deliver better accuracy at longer distances. If I were you, go for a 12fp/16 joules rifle.
DJ,
I am not ruling out a “low powered” sproinger. As a matter of fact, all of those I have mentioned with the exception of the Diana are not considered magnum air rifles, but can do quite well out at 50 yards. Yes, the Prosport is very nice and I would not rule it out.
I do not care if it develops only 6 FPE as long as it will place shot after shot in a bushy tailed tree rat’s head at range, although I think I would want a little bit more than that. It does not take much to kill a small critter if you can hit it in the right spot.
RR,
For 6fpe, then Id definitely choose either the 35 or 30s.
DJ,
Actually, I have that power range covered quite well with an AirForce Edge and a FWB300S. I also have a Talon SS for as high as I care to go. I would like to be in the 12-16 FPE range with the sproinger. I want enough power to hurl a 14-16 grain pellet with accuracy out to 50 yards. I choose that range because I can then shoot any small critter I choose in my front yard without leaving the porch. After that it is all forest.
I am aware that there are more accurate air rifles available, but the HW35E does it with class.
One more to add to your list is the Diana 52 (or 48). The one I have in .22 cal. is pure poison on game. I used it on a Fox last year……….they work.
Mike
Mike,
I have considered them, but I am at the moment leaning more towards a break barrel. When the time comes, if I happen upon a good deal on one… We’ll see.
BB and all,
I am looking for a little info about my Daisy 99. On the stock there is a triangular shield sticker that says “US JUNIOR C of C Official Model”?
RR,
Daisy and the Junior Chamber of Commerce ran the world BB gun Championships in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Daisy model 99 was the first model “sanctioned” (a loose term, as any BB gun could compete at that time, I believe) for the match. Daisy sold it as a special target set.
Then Daisy came out with the model 299 — a variation about which I know very little — other than it had a shot tube that could be removed. Coaches began exchanging shot tubes, searching for the tightest ones that their kids could win with.
Daisy decided to do something about that and came out with the model 499 that today is the only BB gun used in the match. I suppose others could be used, but they wouldn’t stand a chance.
B.B.
BB,
Cool. The stock also has a place for a plaque, but it is missing.
Tom’s comments about Bryan Enoch’s tunes in the HW85 section is right on. Bryan tuned my HW50s including the trigger. It is a completely different rifle and when I purchase another one it will be shipped directly to Bryan!
Tom,
I was the gray bearded fat guy walking around with the big camera… This was my 1st airgun show and was a bit overwhelmed with all the “new” sensory input — So great to meet all these folks at such a friendly, down-home venue! (I did lots more listening & watching than talking so as not to reveal my ignorance.)
As I responded then, I do wish to make it to the Texas show based upon your recommendation. I was about to ask you there at your table about your blog post on the FWB124 rebuild & who you might suggest as a tuner for mine that I bought from Beeman in 1980, but got sidetracked. I had it with me in the car. Another missed opportunity? Does Bryan Enoch work on these, too?
Wesley,
Welcome to the blog.
If Bryan does tune 124s, he’s the guy I would recommend doing the job.
B.B.
Hi Wessley,
Thank You for inquiring about my tune services. You can reach me via email. bryanenoch at sbcglobal dot net and we’ll be able to talk at length about your gun and what I can do for you.
Bryan
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