Other My HW97, from basic to Bombastic

[DualMagMike]

Got my first HW97 KT in the Blackline configuration but I was not happy with the hollow sound of the synthetic stock. I filled the buttstock, and it was better but still I wanted something different.

I got a second 97KT, this time with a wood stock, NICE! Wanted to add something of my own so I carved my own pistol grip cap and added a white line spacer. I did a lube tune, debur and polish, brass set back trigger, brass screw kit, trigger guard, safety button and cocking handle along the way. Did well with it and won a few local FT matches.

A bit later on I swapped out the 26mm piston for a 25 and added a Vortek kit... MUCH NICER! I then decided to replace the grip cap with my own rosewood and brass one.

Wanting yet another change I decided to put the 97 action into a laminate LP stock, added a scope riser and made another grip cap.

Bored about a week or so ago I decided to refinish the action, carbon fiber wrapped the scope and painted the sidewheel. Earlier in the year I swapped out the somewhat tired Vortek kit and replaced it with a Macarri spring, buttoned the piston and sliding breech and made my own guides. Here's the latest evolution of my 97.

 

[Struckat]

Nice. Can you elaborate on the piston swap? I am not sure I understand what you did there.

 

[DualMagMike]

Nice. Can you elaborate on the piston swap? I am not sure I understand what you did there.

The older 77/97's had a smaller diameter piston, I swapped out the larger modern piston for the smaller, lighter one to reduce recoil.

 

[Struckat]

Did you use buttons too?

 

[beerthief]

Got my first HW97 KT in the Blackline configuration but I was not happy with the hollow sound of the synthetic stock. I filled the buttstock, and it was better but still I wanted something different.

View attachment 550849

I got a second 97KT, this time with a wood stock, NICE! Wanted to add something of my own so I carved my own pistol grip cap and added a white line spacer. I did a lube tune, debur and polish, brass set back trigger, brass screw kit, safety button and cocking handle along the way. Did well with it and won a few local FT matches.

View attachment 550844

A bit later on I swapped out the 26mm piston for a 25 and added a Vortek kit... MUCH NICER! I then decided to replace the grip cap with my own rosewood and brass one.

View attachment 550845

Wanting yet another change I decided to put the 97 action into a laminate LP stock, added a scope riser and made another grip cap.

View attachment 550848

Bored about a week or so ago I decided to refinish the action, carbon fiber wrapped the scope and painted the sidewheel. Earlier in the year I swapped out the somewhat tired Vortek kit and replaced it with a Macarri spring, buttoned the piston and sliding breech and made my own guides. Here's the latest evolution of my 97.

View attachment 550847

just a few minor changes ? RIGHT! does that stock come in lefty ? nice customization

 

[JP806TX]

Got my first HW97 KT in the Blackline configuration but I was not happy with the hollow sound of the synthetic stock. I filled the buttstock, and it was better but still I wanted something different.

View attachment 550849

I got a second 97KT, this time with a wood stock, NICE! Wanted to add something of my own so I carved my own pistol grip cap and added a white line spacer. I did a lube tune, debur and polish, brass set back trigger, brass screw kit, safety button and cocking handle along the way. Did well with it and won a few local FT matches.

View attachment 550844

A bit later on I swapped out the 26mm piston for a 25 and added a Vortek kit... MUCH NICER! I then decided to replace the grip cap with my own rosewood and brass one.

View attachment 550845

Wanting yet another change I decided to put the 97 action into a laminate LP stock, added a scope riser and made another grip cap.

View attachment 550848

Bored about a week or so ago I decided to refinish the action, carbon fiber wrapped the scope and painted the sidewheel. Earlier in the year I swapped out the somewhat tired Vortek kit and replaced it with a Macarri spring, buttoned the piston and sliding breech and made my own guides. Here's the latest evolution of my 97.

View attachment 550847

I see WFTF in your future. One more scope upgrade ...and you are almost there.
It's ok too if you decide to stay in Hunter Piston (that's a nice rig). We need to spread the word.

 

[DualMagMike]

just a few minor changes ? RIGHT! does that stock come in lefty ? nice customization

The stocks should be ambi but the cheek riser knob may be a bit in the way for a lefty...

P.S. who said minor changes?

 

[DualMagMike]

I see WFTF in your future. One more scope upgrade ...and you are almost there.
It's ok too if you decide to stay in Hunter Piston (that's a nice rig). We need to spread the word.

No WFTF for me.

 

[kingfisher61]

Mike
You are the quintessential airgunner! Not only an unmatched collection, and a Champion Shooter, but a creative craftsman. A true Renaissance man if the ever was one!!! Beautiful work!

 

[Beeman22]

Mike
You are the quintessential airgunner! Nit only an unmatched collection, and a Champion Shooter, but a creative craftsman. A true Renaissance man if the ever was one!!! Beautiful work!

I'm with John on this one. Nicely done! Is the action cerakoted or something of that ilk?

 

[DualMagMike]

I'm with John on this one. Nicely done! Is the action cerakoted or something of that ilk?

Yes, Cerakote.

 

[DualMagMike]

Did you use buttons too?

Yes, Macarri old school buttons.

 

[bustachip]

Got my first HW97 KT in the Blackline configuration but I was not happy with the hollow sound of the synthetic stock. I filled the buttstock, and it was better but still I wanted something different.

View attachment 550849

I got a second 97KT, this time with a wood stock, NICE! Wanted to add something of my own so I carved my own pistol grip cap and added a white line spacer. I did a lube tune, debur and polish, brass set back trigger, brass screw kit, safety button and cocking handle along the way. Did well with it and won a few local FT matches.

View attachment 550844

A bit later on I swapped out the 26mm piston for a 25 and added a Vortek kit... MUCH NICER! I then decided to replace the grip cap with my own rosewood and brass one.

View attachment 550845

Wanting yet another change I decided to put the 97 action into a laminate LP stock, added a scope riser and made another grip cap.

View attachment 550848

Bored about a week or so ago I decided to refinish the action, carbon fiber wrapped the scope and painted the sidewheel. Earlier in the year I swapped out the somewhat tired Vortek kit and replaced it with a Macarri spring, buttoned the piston and sliding breech and made my own guides. Here's the latest evolution of my 97.

View attachment 550847

Very nice work on those, and thinking outside the box on the last one.

 

[crowski]

DualMagMike, your evolution of this thumbhole is to die for. Thanks for sharing. Crow

 

[bdzjlz]

Got my first HW97 KT in the Blackline configuration but I was not happy with the hollow sound of the synthetic stock. I filled the buttstock, and it was better but still I wanted something different.

View attachment 550849

I got a second 97KT, this time with a wood stock, NICE! Wanted to add something of my own so I carved my own pistol grip cap and added a white line spacer. I did a lube tune, debur and polish, brass set back trigger, brass screw kit, trigger guard, safety button and cocking handle along the way. Did well with it and won a few local FT matches.

View attachment 550844

A bit later on I swapped out the 26mm piston for a 25 and added a Vortek kit... MUCH NICER! I then decided to replace the grip cap with my own rosewood and brass one.

View attachment 550845

Wanting yet another change I decided to put the 97 action into a laminate LP stock, added a scope riser and made another grip cap.

View attachment 550848

Bored about a week or so ago I decided to refinish the action, carbon fiber wrapped the scope and painted the sidewheel. Earlier in the year I swapped out the somewhat tired Vortek kit and replaced it with a Macarri spring, buttoned the piston and sliding breech and made my own guides. Here's the latest evolution of my 97.

View attachment 550847

Beautifully done.

 

[Temesvar]

The older 77/97's had a smaller diameter piston, I swapped out the larger modern piston for the smaller, lighter one to reduce recoil.

You can buy or make a 26 mm piston lighter. What speed do you get with a 25mm piston?

 

[DualMagMike]

You can buy or make a 26 mm piston lighter. What speed do you get with a 25mm piston?

Why would I bother buying or making a 26mm lighter when I had a 25mm to use...

 

[Temesvar]

Why would I bother buying or making a 26mm lighter when I had a 25mm to use..

Why would I bother buying or making a 26mm lighter when I had a 25mm to use...

Absolutely! Question was why get a 25 mm piston and compression chamber when you can just make a 26 mm piston lighter. 1 mm smaller piston is not much lighter, unless, is skirt less

 

[DualMagMike]

Absolutely! Question was why get a 25 mm piston and compression chamber when you can just make a 26 mm piston lighter. 1 mm smaller piston is not much lighter, unless, is skirt less

Answer is why have to buy a lathe, have the know how or pay someone to make or buy a lightened piston when I already had the 25. Do you know what the weight difference is between the 2 or had the experience to shoot the 2 different size pistons in the same rifle?

The weight of a 26mm Weihrauch piston is generally heavier than that of a 25mm piston due to the larger diameter. However, specific weight measurements are not provided in the available sources. Generally, the 25mm piston is considered to offer a better firing cycle compared to the 26mm piston, which may affect performance but does not directly relate to weight. (not my quote, found on a web search)

 

[kingfisher61]

Answer is why have to buy a lathe, have the know how or pay someone to make or buy a lightened piston when I already had the 25. Do you know what the weight difference is between the 2 or had the experience to shoot the 2 different size pistons in the same rifle?

The weight of a 26mm Weihrauch piston is generally heavier than that of a 25mm piston due to the larger diameter. However, specific weight measurements are not provided in the available sources. Generally, the 25mm piston is considered to offer a better firing cycle compared to the 26mm piston, which may affect performance but does not directly relate to weight. (not my quote, found on a web search)

Mike
Patience is a Virtue! You certainly are!!