HW/Weihrauch Dream field target gun
- Thread starter Iowa Airgunner
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I have looked at them.
And I am very interested. How do you go about getting one? Do I sent Thomas Or RAW an email and discuss what I am looking for and a budget and they build it?
And I am very interested. How do you go about getting one? Do I sent Thomas Or RAW an email and discuss what I am looking for and a budget and they build it?
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Looking again at a couple HFT 500s. There are a couple in the classifieds. I sent some PM messages. But there has not been any response. The one is completely modified. The other is in like new condition.
The modified has everything I want and is professionally tuned.
Now I am playing a waiting game.
A HFT 500 regulated with a LW barrel definitely qualifies as a dream gun.
The modified has everything I want and is professionally tuned.
Now I am playing a waiting game.
A HFT 500 regulated with a LW barrel definitely qualifies as a dream gun.
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Seriously can't go wrong with any of them... mind you a proper professional tune is well spent money usually $300. plus the shipping to and fro.
If you need quiet also then expect to add money for a moderator adapter. The after market stocks if desired will cost you another $450.00 plus but again you are building a dream gun. The AAS500XS or the HFT 500 are great but if shooting HFT <20 ftlbs you will do better with a S500XS. I personally would avoid the modified HFT 500 but that's my thinking.
Remember a used gun may need a complete reseal for reliability reasons... that's also involving shipping, gunsmithing and parts but very worthwhile.
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What a fantastic piece of art. I am just blown away by this gun. Not only is it my dream gun. It shoots real good. 
I am not a fan of 3D printed parts. Nothing wrong with them but I am an old school machinist and prefer metal. So I got a new 125mm Rowan engineering side wheel. I spent some time yesterday and set up the side wheel with the numbers out to 24 yards. That is all I have in my back yard.
Today I started to make a dope chart. I pumped up the 2800.
I tested this gun on the chronograph. It shoots 10.3 Diablo fields at 880 fps and has a standard deviation of like 1.
And a 300 cc air tube with the regulator so this was beyond satisfying. .
I started at 8 yards and guessed four dots down. BANG right on . Then three more into the same hole. It did this like nothing to the zero of 17 yards and held the zero out to 24 yards. I am not sure when the zero will end so I get to do more testing. But seriously every shot was spot on. The sad part is I will let this gun down in competition. No way I can shoot as good as this gun is capable of.
The only caveat is the scope . Absolutely nothing wrong with it. But I can see the advantage of a lighted reticule. The super fine etched crosshairs are difficult to see on a black background.
That and I am now ruined. No other airgun can compare.
I am not a fan of 3D printed parts. Nothing wrong with them but I am an old school machinist and prefer metal. So I got a new 125mm Rowan engineering side wheel. I spent some time yesterday and set up the side wheel with the numbers out to 24 yards. That is all I have in my back yard.
Today I started to make a dope chart. I pumped up the 2800.
I tested this gun on the chronograph. It shoots 10.3 Diablo fields at 880 fps and has a standard deviation of like 1.
And a 300 cc air tube with the regulator so this was beyond satisfying. .
I started at 8 yards and guessed four dots down. BANG right on . Then three more into the same hole. It did this like nothing to the zero of 17 yards and held the zero out to 24 yards. I am not sure when the zero will end so I get to do more testing. But seriously every shot was spot on. The sad part is I will let this gun down in competition. No way I can shoot as good as this gun is capable of.
The only caveat is the scope . Absolutely nothing wrong with it. But I can see the advantage of a lighted reticule. The super fine etched crosshairs are difficult to see on a black background.
That and I am now ruined. No other airgun can compare.
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I had a bit of an experience this week. Sunday night I was saying goodnight to my airgun . Just to tuck it in and read a bed time story. When I noticed it was empty. I tried to pump it up but it would not take or hold air. I cocked it and it pumped up . But when I pulled the trigger it lost the air and and and would not pump up. After some investigation air was coming from the bleed hole.
I disassembled everything over a two day period of testing and found the regulator seals are hard. I believe the regulator might have moved and exposed the bleed hole.
But after fully servicing the regulator . Air was coming out of the barrel . It had been all along I had to remove the stripper to feel it.
So I went in and found the piston dirty and hard. I cleaned everything and put silicone on the piston and ordered a new seal kit and piston to reseal the whole gun.
I’m actually really happy this all happened now. It’s winter and I have time to fix it all and then retune it.
It gives me a load of confidence knowing I can strip and repair things if something goes wrong.
It’s been holding air now for 20 hours.
I disassembled everything over a two day period of testing and found the regulator seals are hard. I believe the regulator might have moved and exposed the bleed hole.
But after fully servicing the regulator . Air was coming out of the barrel . It had been all along I had to remove the stripper to feel it.
So I went in and found the piston dirty and hard. I cleaned everything and put silicone on the piston and ordered a new seal kit and piston to reseal the whole gun.
I’m actually really happy this all happened now. It’s winter and I have time to fix it all and then retune it.
It gives me a load of confidence knowing I can strip and repair things if something goes wrong.
It’s been holding air now for 20 hours.
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Looks like I need a new valve block and piston. I can’t imagine how many shots it takes to ware out but the valve has a depression that apparently should not be there. And the piston is worn down.
It’s only about 100 dollars in parts to make it all brand new.
Air leaks out the barrel if I increase the spring pressure it will seal but then the power is down 200 fps. So I ordered parts from England.
One thing I learned. Doing repairs and tuning in a PCP with a hand pump sucks. Time for a compressor
It’s only about 100 dollars in parts to make it all brand new.
Air leaks out the barrel if I increase the spring pressure it will seal but then the power is down 200 fps. So I ordered parts from England.
One thing I learned. Doing repairs and tuning in a PCP with a hand pump sucks. Time for a compressor
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So I finally got this to seal up and shoot properly again.
I replaced the valve and the valve block. It took a bit of fiddling to get the new seal to hold air enough to pump up and full seal. And after doing so the gun shot 150 fps to slow. I think I might have gotten a 12 ft lb firing valve. I ordered S370H . But after putting the old valve in the new valve body it was back to shooting 850 fps with 10.3 gr pellets.
It is holding air and shooting like it was before.
This is 35 warm up shots with 3 groups of five in the 7-8mm size. All shot from 17 yards on a cold blustery morning. So I’m happy to have it fixed.
The best part is since I took the gun completely apart and while waiting for the new parts I was able to clean polish and lube everything inside the gun. This make me feel like it is mine.
I replaced the valve and the valve block. It took a bit of fiddling to get the new seal to hold air enough to pump up and full seal. And after doing so the gun shot 150 fps to slow. I think I might have gotten a 12 ft lb firing valve. I ordered S370H . But after putting the old valve in the new valve body it was back to shooting 850 fps with 10.3 gr pellets.
It is holding air and shooting like it was before.
This is 35 warm up shots with 3 groups of five in the 7-8mm size. All shot from 17 yards on a cold blustery morning. So I’m happy to have it fixed.
The best part is since I took the gun completely apart and while waiting for the new parts I was able to clean polish and lube everything inside the gun. This make me feel like it is mine.
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This is the new detachable scope wheel. It’s a Rowan engineering wheel with the 3-D Printed parts to make the separation. Very tight ,zero play but comes right off when I put it in the case.
I still need to make a pointer. And finish the proofing past 26 yards.
I still need to make a pointer. And finish the proofing past 26 yards.
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I found this document on how to install a Lane regulator in an HFT-500. This will increase the power to 20 ft lb from 12. This is only legal in the U.S.
Originally the rifle shot at 875 fps. After I replaced the valve block I did my best to get the rifle to shoot at 875 fps. But could only manage 845 and did not want to take the gun apart for the 100th time.
After I found this document I disassembled everything and documented it all. Then I reassembled according to the instructions. Fortunately for me all the work was done by a professional gunsmith. Not an auto mechanic tossing a bunch of parts together. So all I had to do was get it back. The regulator was set to 100 bar and I adjusted that to 125 bar.
I shot six shots and it was shooting 855 fps. This is in the range of 850 to 925 fps the Diablo pellets like. I reduced the pressure of the spring that holds the valve closed. And reassembled the gun. I shot ten shots and all were between 876-880 fps. This should be perfect. So now I can build a dope chart.
I want to see how many shots I’m getting. I may reduce the reg pressure to 110 bar if I can’t get 72 shots on the regulator.
drive.google.com
Originally the rifle shot at 875 fps. After I replaced the valve block I did my best to get the rifle to shoot at 875 fps. But could only manage 845 and did not want to take the gun apart for the 100th time.
After I found this document I disassembled everything and documented it all. Then I reassembled according to the instructions. Fortunately for me all the work was done by a professional gunsmith. Not an auto mechanic tossing a bunch of parts together. So all I had to do was get it back. The regulator was set to 100 bar and I adjusted that to 125 bar.
I shot six shots and it was shooting 855 fps. This is in the range of 850 to 925 fps the Diablo pellets like. I reduced the pressure of the spring that holds the valve closed. And reassembled the gun. I shot ten shots and all were between 876-880 fps. This should be perfect. So now I can build a dope chart.
I want to see how many shots I’m getting. I may reduce the reg pressure to 110 bar if I can’t get 72 shots on the regulator.
7. Air Arms Pro Fitting Instructions. copy.pdf
drive.google.com Upvote 0
I have both the S510 (.22) and the HW100 (.177 & .22) so I'll add my 2 cents.
When I first was looking for a PCP I was totally taken by the beauty of the S500 but the lack of a regulator was a concern.
I decided on the HW100 but the .22 was not available. With the lead time being so long so I opted for the .177 with the intent to upgrade to the .22.
Liked the HW100 so much that when the .22 became available I bought one and kept the .177. I've been very happy with them.
Fast forward 10 years and I finally got around to getting the S510 now that they come with a factory installed regulator. The S510 is a gorgeous airgun, well made and a pleasure to shoot.
That being said, I feel that the HW100 is a better airgun. Accuracy, quality, and trigger are pretty much equivalent between the two. IMHO, The Weihrauch magazine system is far better. The AA magazine seems to be an add-on the the S510, it's flimsy/delicate and a nuisance to load.
Ergonomics is a personal thing but I find the balance and feel of the HW100 to be better for me. The walnut stock fits me well (I'm average size - 5' 10", 180 pounds) where the weird cheek piece on the Air Arms walnut stock wouldn't work no matter what I tried. I ended up having to buy an adjustable laminated stock to be able to shoot the S510.
Don't think you would be disappointed with either PCP, they are both fine airguns. I'd strongly recommend, if at all possible, that you handle/try any airgun/scope combination before purchasing.
Just a note, the HW100 and S510 are of similar design vintage, with the S510 being based on older (12-15 year old?) technology. A lot has happened with airgun design in the past few years, you might want to look at some current models before making a decision. Daystate, FX, Feinwerkbau, and Rapid Air Works make some great airguns and there are many others that I'm not familiar with.
Specifically, the FWB field target rifles are outstanding (and expensive).
Good luck with your purchase!
Cheers!
When I first was looking for a PCP I was totally taken by the beauty of the S500 but the lack of a regulator was a concern.
I decided on the HW100 but the .22 was not available. With the lead time being so long so I opted for the .177 with the intent to upgrade to the .22.
Liked the HW100 so much that when the .22 became available I bought one and kept the .177. I've been very happy with them.
Fast forward 10 years and I finally got around to getting the S510 now that they come with a factory installed regulator. The S510 is a gorgeous airgun, well made and a pleasure to shoot.
That being said, I feel that the HW100 is a better airgun. Accuracy, quality, and trigger are pretty much equivalent between the two. IMHO, The Weihrauch magazine system is far better. The AA magazine seems to be an add-on the the S510, it's flimsy/delicate and a nuisance to load.
Ergonomics is a personal thing but I find the balance and feel of the HW100 to be better for me. The walnut stock fits me well (I'm average size - 5' 10", 180 pounds) where the weird cheek piece on the Air Arms walnut stock wouldn't work no matter what I tried. I ended up having to buy an adjustable laminated stock to be able to shoot the S510.
Don't think you would be disappointed with either PCP, they are both fine airguns. I'd strongly recommend, if at all possible, that you handle/try any airgun/scope combination before purchasing.
Just a note, the HW100 and S510 are of similar design vintage, with the S510 being based on older (12-15 year old?) technology. A lot has happened with airgun design in the past few years, you might want to look at some current models before making a decision. Daystate, FX, Feinwerkbau, and Rapid Air Works make some great airguns and there are many others that I'm not familiar with.
Specifically, the FWB field target rifles are outstanding (and expensive).
Good luck with your purchase!
Cheers!
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I was going to buy the s510 but the magazine loads from the left side and interferes with my side wheel. Plus I like the single shot . So I looked at the s500 and like the s510 it was unregulated.
The HFT-500 has a fantastic trigger and barrel. With the regulator and easy to adjust power I went with this custom HFT-500. I could not possibly do this level of work even if I could figure out what to buy. I’m thrilled with this rifle .
The HFT-500 has a fantastic trigger and barrel. With the regulator and easy to adjust power I went with this custom HFT-500. I could not possibly do this level of work even if I could figure out what to buy. I’m thrilled with this rifle .
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This is my very customized S500 in use. I bought the Ultimate Sporter stock before the HFT500 had been released. It has a Huma regulator and a bit more internal polishing/adjusting of factory bits. It will shoot 20fpe with great accuracy and a tight enough extreme spread to stay AFFTA legal.
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I really like the S500 and the s510. I need something to shoot extreme FT and was thinking about a 25 cal .
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AOA has a pre-owned RAW HM1000. I used to shoot one in HFT and have a lot of respect for that gun. They also have Daystate Wolverine Rs on sale for a great price. Have you checked the FT match results to see what top shooters use? Thomas, Red Wolf and RAW. If you want a RAW, contact its creator: Martin Rutterford at airguns-USA.com. He’ll build you one that works.
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This is what I have . It’s got everything I want. Lothar Walther barrel . Adjustable regulator shooting at 19 ft lb
Adjustable laminated stock with UTI rail. I like the scope but might upgrade to an illuminated one if needed. And the HFT -500 trigger is probably the only gun I own that I have never touched the adjustment screws.
Adjustable laminated stock with UTI rail. I like the scope but might upgrade to an illuminated one if needed. And the HFT -500 trigger is probably the only gun I own that I have never touched the adjustment screws.
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a very cool thing about the Air Arms S500 series is they can all "swap" stocks
pics are the HFT 500 <12 in an AERON chassis and the S500XS in a laminate stock, and the S500XS carbine in a GRS stock
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