I have spent many hours researching the Hatsan Jet on various air gun websites, independent posts and Youtube videos (most of these are positive since these guys are either clueless or have something to sell).
In the past week, Midway USA had the Hatsan Jets on clearance (Jet 1 177/25 for $136 and Jet 2 177/22 for $178).
Those lowered prices triggered even more research, and still the same crappy shot strings and acceptable short range (15-25 yards) accuracy.
Every time I have an itch for a Hatsan Jet I seem to buy a different air gun, like my second Umarex Notos or a Gamo Arrow.
This is my conclusion
The shot string is really bad (2 consistent magazines at most), and the accuracy seems pretty bad (especially in .177) or if you shoot past 20 yards.
Many people will cut and recrown their barrels to improve their poor accuracy, still the limit is about 20-25 yards.
Overall performance is much worse than the Umarex Notos or even the 13-14 year old Benjamin Marauder pistol (my PROD with a BStaley mod would be vastly better than the Jet).
After all my research, the main thing I like about the Jet are its cool looks,.
But I will not buy anything (or marry anyone) based on looks
Update
I caved and bought a Hatsan jet 2 in .177 from MidwayUSA (about $160 shipped).
To my surprise it is not bad.
The acceptable accuracy (3/4-1 inch at 18-20 yards) is the main weak point.
Ergonomics are really good.
Trigger is very good.
Even the shot string is good after doing some mods.
With my .177 Jet 2 I have managed to get 6 magazines (48 shots) with 7.5-8 grain pellets in the 740-780 FPS range from 250 bar to 130 bar.
These are the mods:
-removed the 2 hammer spring preload washers
-added 1 M3 nut as preload to the valve spring
-placed 1 washer on the valve stem where the valve spring sits
This washer will restrict the air flowing into the barrel, and also acts as valve spring preload.
Initially the washer was restricting most air and got velocities in the 400 FPS range.
I ground the washer outer diameter a little to allow more air to pass.
In the past week, Midway USA had the Hatsan Jets on clearance (Jet 1 177/25 for $136 and Jet 2 177/22 for $178).
Those lowered prices triggered even more research, and still the same crappy shot strings and acceptable short range (15-25 yards) accuracy.
Every time I have an itch for a Hatsan Jet I seem to buy a different air gun, like my second Umarex Notos or a Gamo Arrow.
This is my conclusion
The shot string is really bad (2 consistent magazines at most), and the accuracy seems pretty bad (especially in .177) or if you shoot past 20 yards.
Many people will cut and recrown their barrels to improve their poor accuracy, still the limit is about 20-25 yards.
Overall performance is much worse than the Umarex Notos or even the 13-14 year old Benjamin Marauder pistol (my PROD with a BStaley mod would be vastly better than the Jet).
After all my research, the main thing I like about the Jet are its cool looks,.
But I will not buy anything (or marry anyone) based on looks
Update
I caved and bought a Hatsan jet 2 in .177 from MidwayUSA (about $160 shipped).
To my surprise it is not bad.
The acceptable accuracy (3/4-1 inch at 18-20 yards) is the main weak point.
Ergonomics are really good.
Trigger is very good.
Even the shot string is good after doing some mods.
With my .177 Jet 2 I have managed to get 6 magazines (48 shots) with 7.5-8 grain pellets in the 740-780 FPS range from 250 bar to 130 bar.
These are the mods:
-removed the 2 hammer spring preload washers
-added 1 M3 nut as preload to the valve spring
-placed 1 washer on the valve stem where the valve spring sits
This washer will restrict the air flowing into the barrel, and also acts as valve spring preload.
Initially the washer was restricting most air and got velocities in the 400 FPS range.
I ground the washer outer diameter a little to allow more air to pass.
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