HW/Weihrauch HW Comparison

[DualMagMike]

Do you have any in your beautiful collection Mike?

I have two, I got them mainly because they are both quite rare and iconic at the same time. Since most of my rifles (by far) don't have breech locks I find them "fiddly". Not unusable but inconvenient and since they are the oddity and not the norm I sometimes forget to release the mechanism.

Beeman marked, single side safety 35TH

RDB NR1 chrome

 

[.20calguy]

Well from reading this thread, it's obvious the only real answer is to buy them all and decide for yourself, LOL! In all seriousness...the whole Weihrauch line is excellently designed and built, each with its own niche.

I do love the HW 35, but I hasten to add that I am more a collector than a day-to-day shooter. Top power, long-range target shooting, hunting, etc. are not top priorities. I admire the 35's long history, very German old-school styling, build quality, accuracy, and great-handling walnut stocks. And it's kind of a company history in a nutshell; the number of variations and evolutionary changes since it was born in the early 1950's is astonishing. I have a friend who has collected 30+ different ones.

My current trio...the old Export, with its slightly ridiculous 22-inch barrel, is one of the most beautiful things I own:
View attachment 527405

View attachment 527406

This excellent thread from another forum has many great detail comments on the HW 35, beginning with the most incisive philosophical assessment of it I have ever seen - worth a read.

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

Do you polish your stocks, or did they come shinny?
Mine has a pretty porous matt, but nice finish.

 

[.20calguy]

I have two, I got them mainly because they are both quite rare and iconic at the same time. Since most of my rifles (by far) don't have breech locks I find them "fiddly". Not unusable but inconvenient and since they are the oddity and not the norm I sometimes forget to release the mechanism.

Beeman marked, single side safety 35TH
View attachment 527477

RDB NR1 chrome
View attachment 527478

Wow, I figured you would have something special in there.

 

[Mycapt65]

I don't think you would like it! It's a very specific purpose made gun. Strap it up, throw it over your shoulder, and head into the woods....

except it's too pretty heavy for that.

You couldn't pay me to lug that thing into the woods. My modern Hw50 is two whole pounds lighter, just as powerful, just as accurate, points and shoulders better for me. For the same weight I could carry a 95 with 25% more power.

The 35 is a classic well built rifle that has romanced lots of fans. But if you look at it in a purely utilitarian way it's got nothing on a modern Hw50. Well that's not true. The 35 is easier to cock. Personally I'll take the stiffer cocking over manipulating the extra two pounds.

 

[Sqwirl57]

except it's too pretty heavy for that.

You couldn't pay me to lug that thing into the woods. My modern Hw50 is two whole pounds lighter, just as powerful, just as accurate, points and shoulders better for me. For the same weight I could carry a 95 with 25% more power.

The 35 is a classic well built rifle that has romanced lots of fans. But if you look at it in a purely utilitarian way it's got nothing on a modern Hw50. Well that's not true. The 35 is easier to cock. Personally I'll take the stiffer cocking over manipulating the extra two pounds.

Too heavy seems like a stretch. It's only 0.3lbs/4.8oz heavier than an HW95 which is pretty frequently recommended as a hunting gun.

It's also possible that the extra 0.3lbs doesn't bother me because I'm used to lugging a 14lb 97K through the woods for 4hrs for FT matches. IdK

 

[JohnTaylor]

I understand.
I couldn't find anything written about the gun like you're saying. My interest in the rifle was peaked listening to folks on your side of the pond singing the guns praises.
I don't personally care about joules as long as it has the power at 75 yards to trip and reset the targets. It's a challenge for me to take a gun to its performance edge and perform well with it. The 35 meets that challenge and I have a difficult time putting it down. The value of one these airguns is it's entertainment value and I am quite entertained.
View attachment 527384

I love that rifle!…I will own one…thanks for sharing. John

 

[MDriskill]

Do you polish your stocks, or did they come shinny?
Mine has a pretty porous matt, but nice finish.

The older Export and Luxus are original factory finishes. I helped a friend buy the 1980 "EB" in the early 90's, which was cheap due to some water damage to the wood, so on that one you're looking at my 30-year-old Tru-Oil job. My friend is in poor health and recently gave me the gun back.

The lighting in my hobby room makes 'em look a bit glossier than they really are. And all three have a protective coat of Renaissance Wax, but this is very thin stuff and adds only a very slight extra gloss.

 

[SpiralGroove]

Those of you that own multiple HW rifles like the 35, 50, and 95, if you had your choice of one of those three, which would you choose? What's outstanding about the 35 that I should have one? I'm considering a 35 since I've heard so much about it. I already have a 30 and 95 and have had a 97.

Hey jps,
I know I'm late to the party and haven't read all the posts, but .......

I would say the HW50S and HW95 are better purpose guns than the HW35 or HW35E.
The HW50S wins from a manageability standpoint (and likely my favorite Weihrauch to shoot).
The HW95 has more power for shots up to 75 yards or so, not really a plinker as such (HW30S and HW50S).

That said, the HW35 or HW35E (I now own 4) is a much higher (quality) build gun and simply Beautiful . I also Love the retro look and locking/action.
However, from a pure functional standpoint - the gun is somewhat obsolete, but that's not the point .

 

[Mycapt65]

Too heavy seems like a stretch. It's only 0.3lbs/4.8oz heavier than an HW95 which is pretty frequently recommended as a hunting gun.

Right! 4.8 oz heavier than a 95 which has considerably more power. Hence why carry that much more weight with significantly less power. My comparison was to the modern 50 which has the same power and is a full 2lbs lighter. My 177 50 is the only air rifle I'll carry around. The rest stay on the porch. If I need more power than the 50, I have several rimfires that are over a pound lighter than my 50. I don't carry >9lb guns hunting.

Also from what I've seen the amount rifle carrying at FT matches isn't close to most of the hunting I know. Ymmv

 

[Sqwirl57]

Right! 4.8 oz heavier than a 95 which has considerably more power. Hence why carry that much more weight with significantly less power. My comparison was to the modern 50 which has the same power and is a full 2lbs lighter. My 177 50 is the only air rifle I'll carry around. The rest stay on the porch. If I need more power than the 50, I have several rimfires that are over a pound lighter than my 50. I don't carry >9lb guns hunting.

Also from what I've seen the amount rifle carrying at FT matches isn't close to most of the hunting I know. Ymmv

You're right about the FT thing. At best it's probably 1/3 of a mile with lots of breaks. Either way though, I just don't think "too heavy" is a fair thing to call it. The power part really doesn't matter IMO. There are dudes walking around the UK with sub 16J HW80s (which baffles me)

If you like the 50 more, you like the 50 more. I like the 50 too. Its a very handy little gun which brings me back to my original comment. There isn't anything that 35 is going to do that another Weihrauch can't or won't do better... aside from being pretty and unique. Oh, and it's good for irons shooting thanks to that long barrel and especially so with a diopter.

To each there own. There's a good reason why there are still so many options in the HW lineup these days.

 

[Beeman22]

Hey jps,
I know I'm late to the party and haven't read all the posts, but .......

I would say the HW50S and HW95 are better purpose guns than the HW35 or HW35E.
The HW50S wins from a manageability standpoint (and likely my favorite Weihrauch to shoot).
The HW95 has more power for shots up to 75 yards or so, not really a plinker as such (HW30S and HW50S).

That said, the HW35 or HW35E (I now own 4) is a much higher (quality) build gun and simply Beautiful . I also Love the retro look and locking/action.
However, from a pure functional standpoint - the gun is somewhat obsolete, but that's not the point .

Kirk, didn't you have three before selling the nickel one (which I should have bought) a few years back? Looking at your recent post on your new rack, it seems to have made its way back to you...and apparently brought a friend with it?

Also, 100% agree that it's a classy, well-built gun and that functionality isn't really the point. Which, when you think about it, applies to the majority of guns that a majority of us end up buying - I mean, let's be honest, we don't need most of what we....ok, who am I kidding, I feel like I need another HW35 just reading this thread! I would like to get one of the Bavarian-style stocks like the Luxus Mike D posted earlier and equip it with a vintage aperture sight, yes, that's the ticket...

 

[fishing43]

If you're looking for a good "irons only" break barrel, try to find either a "new" FWB Sport or an Anshutz 335 (Crosman 6500). Both have irons that blow the HW irons out of the water. The Sport is a snappy gun as well and does require at least a new guide to make them silky smooth, but they handle amazingly and stack pellets all day.total agreement on the fwb sport sights being above average. Jogged my memory that I still have one new in the box somewhere in the house .

 

[.20calguy]

except it's too pretty heavy for that.

You couldn't pay me to lug that thing into the woods. My modern Hw50 is two whole pounds lighter, just as powerful, just as accurate, points and shoulders better for me. For the same weight I could carry a 95 with 25% more power.

The 35 is a classic well built rifle that has romanced lots of fans. But if you look at it in a purely utilitarian way it's got nothing on a modern Hw50. Well that's not true. The 35 is easier to cock. Personally I'll take the stiffer cocking over manipulating the extra two pounds.

For me, the appeal of the rifle doesn't have anything to do with weight or power. It's the guns accuracy, elegance, heritage, and plain old enjoyment of use.

If i wanted a powerful, accurate, and lightweight rifle I have one of those too. Well it's light until you put its clip in it!
Next to it is the gun that has put more squirrels in the pot than any gun I own.

 

[Mycapt65]

For me, the appeal of the rifle doesn't have anything to do with weight or power. It's the guns accuracy, elegance, heritage, and plain old enjoyment of use.

View attachment 527624

If i wanted a powerful, accurate, and lightweight rifle I have one of those too. Well it's light until you put its clip in it!
Next to it is the gun that has put more squirrels in the pot than any gun I own.

View attachment 527626

I understand. I have ZERO practical use for the 77 I just bought but wanted it for the same reasons you like your 35. Which are all totally understandable. My point was from a purely utilitarian point of view the 35 is eclipsed by more modern models. I'm not telling people what they should like. That's up to them.

After working on and shooting a 35, they have no appeal to me because I put function before form. The only practical benefits a 35 has over my 50 is the 35 is easier to cock and had a longer sight radius. Most of us are older and put optics on the rifle so that's a wash in many cases. For me ease of cocking doesn't overcome the clunky barrel release and extra two lbs. Like I said if I'm going to shoot a 9 plus pound gun I'll shoot my easier to use and more powerful 95 family rifles.

Some people get upset when you don't like what they like. I get a rash of ship every time I give my opinion on the 35. That's because so many people love theirs and I'm happy they do. Just don't tell me they're for practical reasons.

 

[jccams]

I understand. I have ZERO practical use for the 77 I just bought but wanted it for the same reasons you like your 35. Which are all totally understandable. My point was from a purely utilitarian point of view the 35 is eclipsed by more modern models. I'm not telling people what they should like. That's up to them.

After working on and shooting a 35, they have no appeal to me because I put function before form. The only practical benefits a 35 has over my 50 is the 35 is easier to cock and had a longer sight radius. Most of us are older and put optics on the rifle so that's a wash in many cases. For me ease of cocking doesn't overcome the clunky barrel release and extra two lbs. Like I said if I'm going to shoot a 9 plus pound gun I'll shoot my easier to use and more powerful 95 family rifles.

Some people get upset when you don't like what they like. I get a rash of ship every time I give my opinion on the 35. That's because so many people love theirs and I'm happy they do. Just don't tell me they're for practical reasons.

I have a .177 and a .22 HW35E. I put a peep on the .177 and it is a fun gun to shoot, not my favorite by far. As others have said I love the looks of the 35E with the finger groove. My .22 is scoped as it had the barrel chopped and a moderator installed, also has the new style stock on it. Very accurate, but it is probably going up for sale, I'll keep the .177.

 

[.20calguy]

I understand. I have ZERO practical use for the 77 I just bought but wanted it for the same reasons you like your 35. Which are all totally understandable. My point was from a purely utilitarian point of view the 35 is eclipsed by more modern models. I'm not telling people what they should like. That's up to them.

After working on and shooting a 35, they have no appeal to me because I put function before form. The only practical benefits a 35 has over my 50 is the 35 is easier to cock and had a longer sight radius. Most of us are older and put optics on the rifle so that's a wash in many cases. For me ease of cocking doesn't overcome the clunky barrel release and extra two lbs. Like I said if I'm going to shoot a 9 plus pound gun I'll shoot my easier to use and more powerful 95 family rifles.

Some people get upset when you don't like what they like. I get a rash of ship every time I give my opinion on the 35. That's because so many people love theirs and I'm happy they do. Just don't tell me they're for practical reasons.

I can't think of any logical reason I like the dang thing Spock! It's irrational! Lol
I hope this not offensive, because I really like Spock and or Data.

Like you when I think about doing a Fox squirrel hunt, which is typicaly long range in trees, I think the Yellow Jacket is a practical pick for the job. I would only hope that mine would be the only yellow jackets I encounter. Lol

 

[jps2486]

Hey jps,
I know I'm late to the party and haven't read all the posts, but .......

I would say the HW50S and HW95 are better purpose guns than the HW35 or HW35E.
The HW50S wins from a manageability standpoint (and likely my favorite Weihrauch to shoot).
The HW95 has more power for shots up to 75 yards or so, not really a plinker as such (HW30S and HW50S).

That said, the HW35 or HW35E (I now own 4) is a much higher (quality) build gun and simply Beautiful . I also Love the retro look and locking/action.
However, from a pure functional standpoint - the gun is somewhat obsolete, but that's not the point .

I fully understand what you are saying. The HW35 caught my eye from a Youtube video done by a Brit comparing the HW99(50) to the HW35. He liked the 35 for many of the same reasons, plus it has a larger piston and shorter stroke. I thought this might result in a smoother shooting gun although less powerful.

My airgun life started in 1983 with a Beeman R8. It is/was a beautifully made rifle that shot so nicely although not too powerful. I bought every accessory Beeman sold for this including all kinds of spare parts. It was in perfect conditon and I sold the whole mess to a good friend and collector. I also have a Beeman R7 and it is just a smooth shooting rifle and great for plinking and shooting mice up to 50 yards. In many ways, I like it as well as the R8, so I bought a Corcoran stock for it. And yes, the HW95 is much more powerful and It would likely be my SHTF go to gun.

 

[Sqwirl57]

@fishing43 (Can't quote your comment for some reason)

That's a terrible place for the 2nd best break barrel of the decade to be

A new guide, TbT short stroked HW80 piston seal, and keep the full power spring should make you very happy. Alternatively, a Vortek seal, new guide, and a coil snipped off the factory spring should make you very happy too.

 

[Paddywonka]

Own 35, 50, & a pair of 30s. While the 35 is heavy it is the most accurate.

 

[Jaxjax]

I have been using rifles with a breach lock, such as IZH22, IZH38, Haenel 303, HW35 for 40 years , there is nothing good in this devices. Even with minimal shooting in such rifles, horizontal play of the barrel may appear, which is difficult to eliminate.

Care to explain how this would happen ? Can't wrap my head around it