What is the general consensus about 1. using the Weihrauch HW50S for small game ie: squirrels and smaller? and 2. how long can you keep the rifle cocked while hunting before it becomes detrimental to the power of the rifle? I'm looking for a rifle on the lighter side to carry on hunt/walks that won't make you cut the walk short because of weight. I don't like slings.
A couple of questions about springers.
- Thread starter Mcrafty1
- Start date
The HW50 is perfect for that. It's exactly what I use mine for and why I love it. Mine is 177. Grey squirrels and smaller I'm/ it's good for 45 yards. After that I don't trust myself.
As far as leaving it cocked, you can leave it cocked for several hours without detriment.
IMO it's the best Weihrauch for what you want to do. It's the Goldilocks Weihrauch.
As far as leaving it cocked, you can leave it cocked for several hours without detriment.
IMO it's the best Weihrauch for what you want to do. It's the Goldilocks Weihrauch.
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Thanks, that's the kind of info I was hoping to get. Between the quality and reputation of the Weihrauchs they are what appeals to me most and this particular on seems to meet my weight needs How ever I do think I'll go for the .22cal.
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I would strongly recommend that gun in .177 as well. The .22 is fine but the learning curve for both the shot curve and proper holds is quite a bit steeper than in .177
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my rule of thumb for leaving a springer cocked is
OK all long as you are holding it, but if you put it down, decock it FIRST
OK all long as you are holding it, but if you put it down, decock it FIRST
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When walking around I typically just semi cock the gun just enough to load a pellet and then close it up. Thats the part that takes the most time anyway. When the time comes to shoot it's just a matter of cocking the action and taking a shot. You're ready in a second.
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I don't own any .177 so maybe it would be better anyway, the larger calibers are getting expensive for plinking.
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.177 is nice and a bit underappreciated these days. I've got quite a few guns myself and well over half are in that caliber. It handles small game just fine as long as you and the gun do your parts.
That being said, I have the 50S and 35E in both .177 and .22 cal. The .177s are easier to shoot by a mile but the .22s I find to be extraordinarily fun too. Lobbing a shot down range at small targets is always good fun.
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The weight issue is because of shoulder problems, I have a problem holding anything much heavier than the 6lb range shooting of hand if I didn't have that problem I would go with the HW80 or HW90 but they are just too heavy for me now.
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If you can shoot with a peep sight or a red dot you can save a pound or so of carry weight.
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I agree with the comments above, but get good with the HW50S before you start shooting animals. FOR ME it was not the easiest springer to shoot accurately.
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I have a 22.cal 95 vortex now...way too heavy with the scope to shoot off hand and cumbersome to carry. and a .25 cal Striker 1000X I use the open sights with that is somewhat less than 7lbs. but the pellets, at least the better quality ones are too dang pricey to waste.
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Thanks, I see myself shooting a LOT more cans than animals, I'm not opposed to it but when you get to feeling mortal yourself it seems killing things isn't nearly as enjoyable as it was when I was younger. Squirrels take he11 when they overtake the wife bird feeders but other than that and a walk in the woods once in a while with my dog and popping a tree rat or two, I'm just as content plinking cans an such.
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The only downside to a peep is that the stock rides a bit high and are more meant for a scope. Almost all the HWs do and its a bit annoying tbh. Its not Weihrauchs fault though. Most people want scopes so thats how they build them these days.
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I guess I don't understand what you are saying? Why would a peep be any different than the open sights?
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I only have springers, no gas-piston guns, and I always shoot the gun up to three minutes at a maximum, after cocking it.
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I hunt small game often with my .177 hw50s and it is very effective out to 35-40 yards. Perfect size and weight for walking in the woods. Mine is tuned down to 10.5-11fpe. You can leave the gun cocked for many hours with no ill effects.
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That is, if the red dot can handle the two-way recoil of a springer. I personally don't know any other manufacturers that make red dots, that are springer rated, other than Gamo with their AD-30 and UTG/Leapers... Are there any other? Perhaps Leupold makes any?
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These guns don't fit my shoulder well even with the factory sights. I usually have to pull the gun way up into my shoulder to get a good cheek weld for them. I can't speak for the 50S but the 95 I shot with a peep was pretty awkward for me.
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