I have a Benjamin multi pump 177 that I got when I was 10 or so. And recently picked up a Daisy 853 from the cmp. With that said I’m ready to play with another caliber.
Upvote 0
Best Weihrauch for a first time springer shooter?
- Thread starter swampfoxoutdoors
- Start date
If I had to use a springer, I would use a Hatsan 135 in 22 or 25 cal, a RWS 350 in 22 cal or a Xisco B28 in 22 cal (Chinese clone of the RWS 350). There are others in same power range. These 3 guns are heavy, heavy cocking and takes a lot of practice to shoot well expecially the RWS 350 and Xisco B28. Headshots only and at very close range (guessing 20 yards or less) but I would only shoot a medium to small one. I have the RWS 350 and after a lot of practice, getting good groups. As others have said, a PCP is better but if I ever go hunting for them, I would use a 22 rimfire or shotgun with # 6 or bigger shot and buy a good springer for smaller game and target practice like the HW 50. I agree with others that I would go to a higher powered springer like the R9 if I wanted 22 cal. A cheaper option but still good is a RWS 34. I guess if you are in a neighborhood, the powerful air rifle makes sense. Note a powerful springer is generally more quieter than a high powered PCP if you shoot the heavy pellets. I never shot a raccoon but have seem them die pretty quick from a 22 rimfire. I do not want to be near a wounded pissed off large raccoon.
Upvote 0
I had looked at the Hatsan guns and seen where some guys had reported gas ram failure on them. They have some that I’d like to try specifically that 30cal springer but want to get my feet wet with something of high quality and known performance/pedigree.
Upvote 0
They use to make a spring version. Maybe you could find a used one. I would go used anyway with any airgun you buy due to your budget, especially if seller is a collector and takes care of his airguns. I would not want a 30 cal for racoons due to low velocity and would choose the 25 cal. Same energy. However as I said, I never killed a racoon with an air rifle so maybe the 30 cal would work at close range. Best of luck.
Upvote 0
In 22 the HW95 is about the lowest power Weihrauch I'd recommend. The HW97 makes the same power but is much heavier about a pound and half if memory serves me right. From a bench the weight isn't much hindrance if you keep your sessions short. A 22 HW95 will smoke a racoon inside 30 yards with a good head shot.
As for a R1 they're heavy and more hold sensitive than the HW95 (R9). Stay away from the R10, it has a serious design flaw. Many of the well used copies will already be damaged beyond repair. The HW95 (R9) is a much better gun.
Upvote 0
Mine went flat.. shot ot one evening put it up grabbed it to shoot the next morning and pftttt. Lucky i did not spend the day digging a stuck pellet out of the barrel..lol. Well it was good wile it lasted i guess is all left to say about it..
Upvote 0
This dude shoots rockchucks (west coast groundhogs) with a tx200 .22 tuned to 14 foot pounds. He claims to have taken over 300 with the gun. Accuracy and proper shot placement is the key for whatever you choose. Air rifle hunting is like bow hunting you are only poking a hole in the quarry. Know your distances and know the anatomy.
Upvote 0
The whole raccoon game requirement isn’t that big of a deal. Just thinking of small game I’ve seen on the game camera.
Rabbit would probably be the largest I’d shoot at. Anything bigger and id grab a real gun.
Rabbit would probably be the largest I’d shoot at. Anything bigger and id grab a real gun.
Upvote 0
I think if I was getting a basic best bang for the buck hunting springer for rabbits, birds and squirrels and similar size game, I would get a RWS 34; used if possible and put some money into the optics.
Upvote 0
For the uses you describe, in .22, and Weihrauch I’d go HW95 hands down. Little longer and a little heavier than the HW50 but good deal more speed and power in .22. Coons are a tough ask but great for other small game.
Upvote 0
I’m keeping a tally on recommendations.
The HW95 & 50 are at the top of the list.
For some reason the 35E is the most visually appealing to me. Just looks retro which I like.
The HW95 & 50 are at the top of the list.
For some reason the 35E is the most visually appealing to me. Just looks retro which I like.
Upvote 0
The 35E is amazing and if you're looking for a pretty gun absolutely go for it.
Here's the problem with the 35E. They're so pretty you don't use them. I have two that are basically safe queens. I break them out occasionally to shoot from a bench or for some indoor 10m but they never see the woods.
Upvote 0
I get it. I have a few rifles and shoguns like that.
In all honesty they will most likely never been taken to the woods. As I barely get time to take any of my other guns to the woods. Lol
This is what has be excited to tinker with air guns is the ability to shoot off the front porch and not bother anyone. I have an actual range at my house but sometimes it’s muddy or so just don’t want to drag everything out just to get some trigger time. So having the ability to shoot off the front porch will be fun.
Upvote 0
35E IS beautiful and it’s definitely retro. By far the prettiest of the current HW IMO. But, that wasn’t what you asked LOL. If you like the look and you’re mostly going to sit on the porch and shoot targets it’s a great choice. And plenty capable on small critters. I’d go .177 though.
Upvote 0
Best one I can think of is the HW97KT in 22. Capable of 15-16FPE. straight barrel with underlever cocking. Capable of taking a coon if close enough.
Upvote 0
I cannot think of a Weihrauch that has plastic on it. The closest thing to it would be the ones that have a pot metal end (receiver) cap. And most of it is inside the receiver. Just the very end is visible. That would be the HW-30,50,85,95,98. I’m not crazy about this piece but it does reduce weight and really does not effect overall quality. The rest of the Weihrauch line are the cream of the crop, with the magnificent blued, solid steel, machined, receiver cap. I think if you were staring down at a table with the HW-35,50,95 on it, with everything you’ve said, you would choose the HW35E. Provided you didn’t mind the extra weight.
I would suggest that you first choose the gun, then ask about the best caliber for that specific model. After all these decisions are made you can ask what pellets do most use with this model and caliber. These questions will save you time, money and aggravation.
I would suggest that you first choose the gun, then ask about the best caliber for that specific model. After all these decisions are made you can ask what pellets do most use with this model and caliber. These questions will save you time, money and aggravation.
Last edited:
Upvote 0
HW50 .22 is my choice for a first timer's gun. Its easy to cock, tack driver accurate and relatively easy to work on. I own a couple of HWs (30 and 50) as well as RWS and AA TX200. For ease of shooting the 50 is my go to for targets and small game. It likes the HN Field Target Trophy 14.66Gr in 5.54mm size. That is the most accurate pellet I've found for my gun. It shoots those pellets at about 560 FPS and 10ft lbs. I've tuned it with an ARH spring and de-twanged it with a delrin sleeve. Its one sweet shooter.
HTH
HTH
Upvote 0
I've got a .177 50S with a 3x9 AO Bug Buster up top, and it's a great all purpose rifle. Light and trim, relatively quiet, incredibly accurate. 40yd tree rat headshots are easy, and on a good day soda cans out to 80yds are no problem.
Upvote 0
Ha - I hear ya. But they are also made with a basic beech stock. And it's pretty easy to find used guns (or spare stocks), if you prefer the "pre-dinged" approach, LOL.
In all seriousness, if you are seriously considering the HW 35, read this post. It's the most thoughtful description of this iconic air rifle's pluses and minuses I've ever seen.
Some HW35e Thoughts (So As Not To Hijack Another Thread) - Airguns & Guns Forum
Some HW35e Thoughts (So As Not To Hijack Another Thread), Air guns, Airgun Forum
www.gatewaytoairguns.org
The darn 35 is eternal (this one is from 1966)...and has always been pretty, to my eye anyhow.
Last edited:
Upvote 0