Old Guns on a New Spring Day

[MOSOSODBOB]

Spring is here in the Pacific Northwest (USA). I am now able to use some of my plinking toys in my backyard.

The one on the right was from my Army days, mid 1980s, while stationed in West Germany. It is a Weihrauch HW 35 Luftgewehr Kal. 4,5 mm (.177). German spec, only 7.5Joule, so it was not very powerful, compared to the export models at average of 16 joules. It was kept in storage and came out occasionally only to be used for indoor practice. As an aside, this gun was one of my first real “bb guns”. The trigger even to this date, is one of the better ones in my line up of target guns. It is superbly accurate. it just can’t kill critters.

The other gun is a beast in comparison. It is the RWS Mod 54. It is also in .177 cal, but rated at least 16 joule/12fpe. Once I put a chronograph on it, I may find it may have higher energy than 12fpe. It is a recent acquisition. The gun was purchased used but in fine shape. I installed a SWFA scope that can focus down to 6 yards on it. I am planning to use this rifles to shoot Field Target matches at my club later in the year. Will need to learn more from doing the game to see what equipment I really need.

I am having challenges getting my Weihrauch to shoot point of aim using sights mounted on the receiver. Now am aware of barrel doops and bent barrels. Not sure yet how to diagnose if that is the cause of not with my gun. I am not able to use both scopes or perp sights when mounted on the receiver rails. No issue using the factory open sights on the barrel. Both my Beeman receiver sights and a cheapo BSA scope will not adjust low enough for me at 10 meters and 21 yards. Shoots around 2 inches too high. I have another SWFA scope with Warne 11mm dove tail rings on the Weihrauch now and will test it later and see if this better scope and mounting system will work. I am using stuff I had on 22s to see if they will work on my airguns.

Still validating my gear and testing the equipment for functionality. Learning more each day. Hope to learn more about service, maintenance, and modifications to these fine guns…

Appreciate all the shared knowledge I am seeing on this board

 

[survivor45]

Hello neighbor.
Those are some nice looking rifles.
Have you considered getting adjustable scope rings ? Like FX No limits or Eagle Vision

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

Hello neighbor.
Those are some nice looking rifles.
Have you considered getting adjustable scope rings ? Like FX No limits or Eagle Vision

Not yet… just using what I have on hand to see what works or not… I have a bit of extra stuff from my centerfire and rimfire guns to dink around with… I have a spare set of 30mm burris with the + or - 20 moa inserts that I will use if I can’t get enough adjustments with the SWFA 12X… but will need a weaver or picatinny base to match up with the 11mm rail…

planning to shoot the Hunter class so once it is dialed in, I will use the generous range of reticle scale to hit at the different distances…just getting it to zero at 20 yard or so is not working right now

we have a very good group of airgunners at my home club and locally for me to network with and will bring my guns in to the next match and see what theses experienced folks can offer up… just been homebound due to a recent surgery

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

Hello neighbor.
Those are some nice looking rifles.
Have you considered getting adjustable scope rings ? Like FX No limits or Eagle Vision

Any Field Target matches up in your area? I belong to TRRC and we have a very good airgun range and host FT and BR matches. Looking for NRL22 venues too… see you on the range…

 

[survivor45]

Where is your home club ?
I live in Kent

 

[survivor45]

I just plink and pest in my back yard.

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

Where is your home club ?
I live in Kent

Tacoma Rifle and Revolver Club, located in the City of University Place… on Chamber’s Creek Road. I had served as a member of the board of directors and ran the pistol program there… we are one of the oldest club in WA… been said we were shooting matches there before there was a State… not too far for you to drive down on I5 to shoot our matches… just deal with the jam up in Federal Way and Fife

Info on our club’s web page. http://tacomarifle.org/

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

The rear iron or a diopter rear sight is really what the 35 is designed for. I have a diopter on mine. I love it. You already have one with a scope and the 35 is not a fast or far shooter so I would go with the classic diopter sight. The drop in the stock is quite extreme for a scope. The Anschutz or 11mm Weihrauch diopter fits right on.

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

The rear iron or a diopter rear sight is really what the 35 is designed for. I have a diopter on mine. I love it. You already have one with a scope and the 35 is not a fast or far shooter so I would go with the classic diopter sight. The drop in the stock is quite extreme for a scope. The Anschutz or 11mm Weihrauch diopter fits right on.View attachment 346775

I have an older Redfield Olympic with an adaptor from my Anschutz 54 SB rifle … will try that if my scope won’t work… may just keep that rifle at 7.5 joules and use it as a 10 meter paper puncher as is was originally made…

Regarging your rifle:

I see the different stock and sling attachment points… is that “standard “ for the “E” variant? You know where I can order the parts… I still have slings from Germany with the narrow European swivel fit. If my HW35 becomes a FT gun, will want a sling. I may just shoot iron sights if scopes are too much hassle to work right…

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

The rear iron or a diopter rear sight is really what the 35 is designed for. I have a diopter on mine. I love it. You already have one with a scope and the 35 is not a fast or far shooter so I would go with the classic diopter sight. The drop in the stock is quite extreme for a scope. The Anschutz or 11mm Weihrauch diopter fits right on.View attachment 346775

I have a Beeman, Lyman 48 look alike, but made to mount on ⅜ or 11mm rails… used that and still shot 2-3 inches high at 21 yards and 10m

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

I have an older Redfield Olympic with an adaptor from my Anschutz 54 SB rifle … will try that if my scope won’t work… may just keep that rifle at 7.5 joules and use it as a 10 meter paper puncher as is was originally made…

Regarging your rifle:

I see the different stock and sling attachment points… is that “standard “ for the “E” variant? You know where I can order the parts… I still have slings from Germany with the narrow European swivel fit. If my HW35 becomes a FT gun, will want a sling. I may just shoot iron sights if scopes are too much hassle to work right…

If you try it with the diopter, keeping it as is, you’ll never look back. I’m sure someone here has a set of swivels removed from a 35 that they would part with. Put out an ad for some. Mine is the current 35E I just got last year. The E comes in Walnut with the swivels.

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

I have a Beeman, Lyman 48 look alike, but made to mount on ⅜ or 11mm rails… used that and still shot 2-3 inches high at 21 yards and 10m

The 35 is notorious for barrel droop. Mine has it also. Without an adjustable mount you will not achieve what you want out of it.

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

If you try it with the diopter, keeping it as is, you’ll never look back. I’m sure someone here has a set of swivels removed from a 35 that they would part with. Put out an ad for some. Mine is the current 35E I just got last year. The E comes in Walnut with the swivels.

Should I not brother with a new spring kit and just leave it at the German spec of 6 fpe? I got other guns for pest control

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

Shooting a 10 yard target gun with a diopter reminds me of my Red Ryder days. I could hit a can off the fence at unbelievable distances by dropping in the bb. My eyes were better back then but my gun is better now.

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

Should I not brother with a new spring kit and just leave it at the German spec of 6 fpe? I got other guns for pest control

That’s what I would do. It’s a classic. It has its own place. Why make it something it’s not?

 

[JP806TX]

Tacoma Rifle and Revolver Club, located in the City of University Place… on Chamber’s Creek Road. I had served as a member of the board of directors and ran the pistol program there… we are one of the oldest club in WA… been said we were shooting matches there before there was a State… not too far for you to drive down on I5 to shoot our matches… just deal with the jam up in Federal Way and Fife

Info on our club’s web page. http://tacomarifle.org/

Hi Bob
I started shooting FT out of TRRC about 21-22 years ago.
I assumed the FT club is still active, since you are posting about it.

I was looking at the photos of the FT facility on TRRC's website. LOL...looked like the same photos I saw 18-15 years ago? (frozen in time)

Do you guys still shoot the Sasquash target?
and
the upside down bat target ( the bat had red battery powered LED for eyes) the bat swings up when hit. I think the match director used to mount the bat upside down inside a 55 gallon drum barrel and the face plate was painted black. Your reticle sometimes melts into the background if you did not have an illuminated scope.

Those were good memories and good times.

 

[cjtamu]

I’m with BoG on the 35. Its a classic as is. And you have a more than capable rig with the Diana 54. There’s a lot of tweaking that can and should be done on the 54/56 platform to maximize its potential. The 56 platform is the same mechanically. I’ll post links to some great write ups in a bit.

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

Shooting a 10 yard target gun with a diopter reminds me of my Red Ryder days. I could hit a can off the fence at unbelievable distances by dropping in the bb. My eyes were better back then but my gun is better now.

Hi Bob
I started shooting FT out of TRRC about 21-22 years ago.
I assumed the FT club is still active, since you are posting about it.

I was looking at the photos of the FT facility on TRRC's website. LOL...looked like the same photos I saw 18-15 years ago? (frozen in time)

Do you guys still shoot the Sasquash target?
and
the upside down bat target ( the bat had red battery powered LED for eyes) the bat swings up when hit. I think the match director used to mount the bat upside down inside a 55 gallon drum barrel and the face plate was painted black. Your reticle sometimes melts into the background if you did not have an illuminated scope.

Those were good memories and good times.

JD Dodge did an outstanding job getting the air gun program in place… RIP… we will likely name the range after him. If you haven’t shot at TRR recently, you will not recognize the place… covered firing points, benches… I am a HP shooter who went to shoot pistol… just getting started in air guns… been shooting the N50 matches using my Anschutz alongside the airguns guys with the fancy gear… you probably know Jim Benson and his corgie

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

I’m with BoG on the 35. Its a classic as is. And you have a more than capable rig with the Diana 54. There’s a lot of tweaking that can and should be done on the 54/56 platform to maximize its potential. The 56 platform is the same mechanically. I’ll post links to some great write ups in a bit.

Looking forward to it… thanks

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

Hi Bob
I started shooting FT out of TRRC about 21-22 years ago.
I assumed the FT club is still active, since you are posting about it.

I was looking at the photos of the FT facility on TRRC's website. LOL...looked like the same photos I saw 18-15 years ago? (frozen in time)

Do you guys still shoot the Sasquash target?
and
the upside down bat target ( the bat had red battery powered LED for eyes) the bat swings up when hit. I think the match director used to mount the bat upside down inside a 55 gallon drum barrel and the face plate was painted black. Your reticle sometimes melts into the background if you did not have an illuminated scope.

Those were good memories and good times.

Yes… partner with Capital City for the matches… good weather months at TRRC and winter indoor matches down in Little Rock