N/A I think I've reached a tipping point...

[Teep]

At 78 I am starting to reach a point where spring piston rifle are not going to work for me much longer. The HW97k is only a five shot rifle before I really struggle to cock it and I can feel the pain in my shoulder and elbow on the first cock. Even my little R7 starts hurting my shoulder and elbow after only 25 shots. I've decided to get rid of the HW97k but the R7 will stay as the grandson loves it. I also have an AirForce TalonSS but the ergonomics puts to much strain on my old neck so it must go. Guess I will be looking for another PCP.

 

[wgd]

I hear you, I can see that day of reckoning is quickly coming my way. Good luck whatever you choose.

 

[Moog]

Maybe a single stroke pneumatic would be the ticket.
Easier to cock than a break barrel.

 

[coastal drifter]

I recently purchased a Wildcat .22 it has a soft touch stock is 6lbs and will shoot 1/2 inch groups at 50 yards all day long. I also bought a vortex 2moa red dot for it keeping it light. its minute of squirrel out to 50 and extremely easy to hit 1inch spinners @ 30 yards. it will send 18gr pellets 880fps and give me 54 shots on reg one fill. first pic is red dot 2nd one is an athlon 1-6x24

 

[extradrygin2001]

What if you tune the 97 to around 10 ftlbs? The cocking effort should be significantly less

 

[bustachip]

At 78 I am starting to reach a point where spring piston rifle are not going to work for me much longer. The HW97k is only a five shot rifle before I really struggle to cock it and I can feel the pain in my shoulder and elbow on the first cock. Even my little R7 starts hurting my shoulder and elbow after only 25 shots. I've decided to get rid of the HW97k but the R7 will stay as the grandson loves it. I also have an AirForce TalonSS but the ergonomics puts to much strain on my old neck so it must go. Guess I will be looking for another PCP.

The 97 can be tuned down to 10 FPE as mentioned below, that would make it much easier. Another thing to try is cocking underhanded instead of overhanded, this way your bicep will pulling the load and saving your shoulder. Pulling and keeping your elbow close to your body, I do this with my prosport which is pretty stout to cock.

 

[Firewalker]

At 78 I am starting to reach a point where spring piston rifle are not going to work for me much longer. The HW97k is only a five shot rifle before I really struggle to cock it and I can feel the pain in my shoulder and elbow on the first cock. Even my little R7 starts hurting my shoulder and elbow after only 25 shots. I've decided to get rid of the HW97k but the R7 will stay as the grandson loves it. I also have an AirForce TalonSS but the ergonomics puts to much strain on my old neck so it must go. Guess I will be looking for another PCP.

May I suggest a Notos? Very accurate, not expensive, not very air hungry, Troy (Tango Sierra here on AGN) has Big Sky mags you will LOVE.

 

[Teep]

What if you tune the 97 to around 10 ftlbs? The cocking effort should be significantly less

The 97 has other issues for me, it's heavy and my old fingers really struggle to put those tiny pellets in the barrel. It is one rifle I will really miss though.

 

[Vincent10]

Another option might be the Daisy Avanti 753s target rifle. I competed in 10M sporter class with one back in high school. A very accurate rifle and mine had a wooden stock. Although it's lower powered some clubs use them for silhouette. The underlever pump shouldn't take much more effort than a HW30/R7.

 

[KWK]

The 97 has other issues for me, it's heavy and my old fingers really struggle to put those tiny pellets in the barrel. It is one rifle I will really miss though.

Try shooting an FWB 124 if you can. They make decent power and are very easy to cock and load.

 

[KWK]

I've seen some guys cock stronger spring guns with two hands while seated. Have you tried that? Maybe it works for you. I hope so.

 

[Simplemann]

This is why I enjoy the multi pumps. I'm on the smaller size and not an olympic weight lifter and I have no problem pumping a Crosman up to 10 pumps if I want to. CO2 is another way to continue shooting without putting strain on any joints. I'm not 78, I'm just a kid at 63 but I see holding on to multi pumps for quite a while God willing..

 

[Mycapt65]

I'm sorry for your situation. Its something I'm not looking forward to. Its inevitable, unless one dies young. Which is worse.

I'm glad you're saving the R7 for the grandson. That's a fine heirloom rifle IMO. If you already have the pcp support equipment, I think your plan to sell the 97 and get a different pcp is a good one. I'd recommend posting a thread on the pcp section looking for a suitable rifle. I'm sure they'll be plenty of good recommendations there. You might even be able to work out a good trade there.
Best wishes
Ron

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

I’m having similar issues also. My 97 has sat idle for several years now. I recently picked up a JTS Airacuda from AOA in 22 caliber. The 22 caliber pellets are easier for my arthritic fingers to get ahold of. Also picked up a inexpensive compressor. The Airacuda and compressor combined, was under $500. Incredibly accurate rifle. I’m shooting more again.

 

[Toxylon]

.22 (and .25) cal pellets are vastly easier / more fumble-free to load than the tiny .177 cals. That would be one avenue to explore, definitely.

 

[Duckfish]

At 78 I am starting to reach a point where spring piston rifle are not going to work for me much longer. The HW97k is only a five shot rifle before I really struggle to cock it and I can feel the pain in my shoulder and elbow on the first cock. Even my little R7 starts hurting my shoulder and elbow after only 25 shots. I've decided to get rid of the HW97k but the R7 will stay as the grandson loves it. I also have an AirForce TalonSS but the ergonomics puts to much strain on my old neck so it must go. Guess I will be looking for another PCP.

Sounds about right.

How much dough you want to blow, Moe?

 

[.20calguy]

The 97 has other issues for me, it's heavy and my old fingers really struggle to put those tiny pellets in the barrel. It is one rifle I will really miss though.

It is heavy but I can speed shoot it on the bench.
I cock and hold it with my left hand then grab a pellet with my right finger and thumb and put it straight in then seat it with my thumb. It was tougher while walking and shooting.

 

[.20calguy]

This is why I enjoy the multi pumps. I'm on the smaller size and not an olympic weight lifter and I have no problem pumping a Crosman up to 10 pumps if I want to. CO2 is another way to continue shooting without putting strain on any joints. I'm not 78, I'm just a kid at 63 but I see holding on to multi pumps for quite a while God willing..

It's way easier to cock a 97 than it is to put a full hunting load in a pumper that just barley makes the 97's power.

 

[Teep]

I've done some reading and looking and think either a Wildcat Compact or a Maverick Compact might make a good addition. I would really like to handle them to see how well the feel in the hand.

 

[Teep]

Sounds about right.

How much dough you want to blow, Moe?

Not worried about the money, just want a good shooter for hunting small game and doing some plinking with the grandsons.