If you were to choose between the HW 97K or an HW 77 or 77K, which would it be? Near as I can tell, they both have the same powerplant but the 77 has a longer barrel without the fauxny moderator and comes with iron sights.
HW/Weihrauch 77 or 97??
- Thread starter jps2486
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For a new rifle a 97. The only difference with a 77 is it comes with iron sights. Unfortunately those aren't comfortablely usable for most people because the latest generation of 77s have too high a comb. The newer stocks are geared for scope use.
Since the irons are useless on the 77, you might as buy a 97 unless you're willing to buy an older 77 or a custom stock for a new 77.
Since the irons are useless on the 77, you might as buy a 97 unless you're willing to buy an older 77 or a custom stock for a new 77.
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I have several of both. Can’t really go wrong with either. Just shot a 77 special yesterday. Jacking the long barrel is a treat. I have a 77 .20 on order at AoA. As I get older the long barrel makes more sense to me.
I like the looks of the 97 better. Good luck. Crow
I like the looks of the 97 better. Good luck. Crow
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You get irons with the 77 . If you bust a scope the 77 can still be enjoyed shooting on irons the 97 yoh wish it could waiting for a new scope .
I think 77 looks better ..
Anyway if the 77 and 97 was side by side and i had to choose it's the 77 all day . Like said its not stranded to a optic to go shoot it ..
I think 77 looks better ..
Anyway if the 77 and 97 was side by side and i had to choose it's the 77 all day . Like said its not stranded to a optic to go shoot it ..
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Easy choice and had both, absolutely choose the 97 hands down. After having optics, rarely use irons unless needing a backup ... which hasn't happened. Based on my own observations, I suspect the 97 has bigger sales numbers too. For those with the 77's, what were the popular modifications done and what did that end up looking like? 
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I've had both and prefer the 97K, the stock works better for a scope. I don't shoot irons anymore so that's not a consideration for me, but may be for you.
If I bought a new 97K today, it would be the blue laminate or the new walnut they offer.
If I bought a new 97K today, it would be the blue laminate or the new walnut they offer.
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If you bust a scope, open the drawer and get another one, or borrow one off a gun that your not using. It takes less than a week for Element warranty.
Here's the 97 with the Crowns scope.
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I guessIf you bust a scope, open the drawer and get another one, or borrow one off a gun that your not using. It takes less than a week for Element warranty.
Here's the 97 with the Crowns scope.
View attachment 530939
..lol.I just prefer a gun i can shoot on its own not having to spend on it to be able to . That 97 cant ..
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I have a 97 in a custom stock and tuned very smooth . I have a 77 long tuned fairly smooth = i am moving the custom stock to the 77 long .
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I also have a custom left-handed stock 77 and a black 97. I got a custom lefty stock for the 97, but I haven't put it on yet.I like both; truthfully, I think the lefty 77 was a gift to me,I had to have it.
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It would be the 97’s if I had to pick between them. I have a few97’s already & don’t shoot much open sights anymore , and I do prefer the looks of the 97 to the 77. Not saying I wont ever own a 77 though lol
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"If you bust a scope, open the drawer and get another one, or borrow one off a gun that your not using".If you bust a scope, open the drawer and get another one, or borrow one off a gun that your not using. It takes less than a week for Element warranty.
Here's the 97 with the Crowns scope.
View attachment 530939
Same here, open sights are useless to me..lol.
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What rings are those? Blue on blue nice. Adjustable too may need some.If you bust a scope, open the drawer and get another one, or borrow one off a gun that your not using. It takes less than a week for Element warranty.
Here's the 97 with the Crowns scope.
View attachment 530939
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I may have made a thread here about these I'll have to go check. Or just say it again .
These are modified West Hunter rings.
I had ordered two sets thinking they were MOA adjustable then I found out they were only hight adjustable. I sanded the groves off of the sides of the scope mount insert, leaving the grooves in the rail mount, converting them to MOA adjustable.
So they're a bit of a pain, but they look great and have a sufficient rail grip to hold solid without a pin. I started to add a pin but it wasn't slipping so I never did.
They come with 30 mm to 1" inserts that can be handy to have in your parts drawer.
Actually it looks like West Hunter has made that subject obsolete, unless someone already has the old ones that need converting.
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I am biased. The 77 can do everything a 97 can, but the 97 can’t do this:
If you’re tall, go for a 77 long. If you’re walking the woods, get the 77k.
If you’re never going to use irons then just get the 97. Easy peasy.
If you’re tall, go for a 77 long. If you’re walking the woods, get the 77k.
If you’re never going to use irons then just get the 97. Easy peasy.
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If your going to scope it I would go 97 for sure, nicer looking gun to me as well. I do have a 77k laminate which does look pretty nice and shoots great, and I am using the open sights but it's so accurate really deserves a scope.
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The 97 synthetic is actually a very good stock. I'd have no problems using one if it weren't a thumbhole.
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