Recommendation on a tier 1 springer

[Raden1942]

Hey guys I am looking into buying a family heirloom springer. I have tuned many wally world springers and always give them away. It's time to get a permanent edition to my stable. I have been looking in to options and while I believe FWB is probably the best it's also probably out of my financial ability. I have been looking at hw97, diana 54 or 56 and of coarse the tx200. I plan on tuning them myself or having it professionally tuned. If I get the TX or the 97 I would get them in 177 and tune for 12fpe but if I got the 54 I would just smooth it out and keep it powerful due to the recoil eliminating receiver. I believe the TX has the best stock but any info on why you would choose one over the other would be great. Also if you guys know what kind of finish the TX uses on the stock it would help me out. I'm hoping it's an oil like boiled linseed or something like that. I find poly finishes look great for a bit but are a huge pain to restain years down the road. Thanks ahead of time you guys really have helped me grow as an airgunner these last few years. 

 

[baranjhn]

I’d get either a TX200 or HW97. I think the TX is easier to tune but HW’s Rekord trigger is very nice.

 

[Springrrrr]

Both the TX and 97 are easy to tune and even with good factory triggers, they can be made better by taking the triggers down and polishing all moving parts. It makes a world of difference.

You can put a sleeve around the springs to calm them down or buy a Vortek kit for each to really add some flavor.

 

[Glenroiland]

Don't have the TX, but my 97 is, by far, my most enjoyable paper puncher. Right out of the box it was a laser and had a "tame" shooting cycle. I literally had a tight one hole 5 shot group at 20 yards the first time I shot that gun. The fit and finish is fantastic and I always smile when I shoot that gun.



Problem for me is its "too nice" for me to drag it out in the field. My asp20 and d48 mostly fill that role. I got the blonde (r9 from blackpaw) expecting to also shoot that hunting, but that gun also is "too nice" for hunting.....even scoped it with a March thus decreasing my hunting prospects.



My vote, go 97 but to be fair I've never handled a tx200 and its on my list....

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

Your first choice is the FWB. They’re not that heavy or powerful. Then you get into much heavier and more powerful choices. I would suggest something in the middle. The HW35E. Beautiful 70 year old classic, with a gorgeous checked Walnut stock. Weihrauch’s best build quality. Locking barrel makes it as rigid as the fixed. Much lighter. Would be fun to tune and has great potential for enough power. It’s got the “heirloom “ look. $366 and in stock in .177 at Krale. $55 shipping and no tax. About 3 days shipping door to door.

 

[beerthief]

I have the HW97k and had it professionally tuned to 11.6 FPE , wonderful shooter . 

That said i am ordering a lefty walnut TX200 today today because i read all the reviews and a lot of HFT friends have had and won Field Target matches with TX200's and HW77's

Good luck , Stan

 

[seangabrell]

I apologize in advance for the long winded post to come. I have no experience with the air king, so I can’t talk on that. Having multiple 97’s and TX’s I can give my opinion on those. For me, if you want .177 in sub 12 my vote goes to the TX. I’ve had my .177 97 at sub 12 and was not at all happy with the shot cycle. Right now it’s at about 13 1/2 and she’s in a happy place. I prefer shooting the TX in .177 over the 97. Personally I think the TX’s are a “nicer” looking rifle. The walnut stocks and blueing is stunning. Not at all taking away from HW, but AA’s edges them out in looks. I wouldn’t rule out the TX or 97 in larger calibers. Both are capable of shooting very nicely in the 15-17fpe range. If I could only keep one airgun in my collection it would be the 97 in .20 caliber. Again, only my opinion. 


I would recommend shooting these rifles before you purchase to see what feels good for you. I know for most that’s not an option, maybe see if any other AG’ers are in your area and set up a day at the range. Good luck 

 

[JamesD.]

I PM'd you on some of my tuned ones Raden. I'm going to edit here for public sake.

Edit: If I had started with a .20, I would never have had a reason for .177 or .22.

A .20 & a .25 would have been just great. But since I have a bunch of .177, .22, .25, I never had a .20. Knowing what I know now a .20 is best between .177 & .22, especially since JSB 15.89 .20 

 

[MBG]

HW98 in .20 or HW 97 in .20

 

[crowski]

 In my opinion I don’t think you can go wrong with either the 97 or 200. The Diana’s I have a few, can’t get past the plastic parts. Quality?

I can’t help you out with internals yet, but I’ll tell you what I’ve experienced.

Appearance wise the TX wins hands down, don’t like the Lillie’s engraving though. 
I find loading the 97 a win by a land slide.

The TX’s I find feel the best to hold.

‘Both guns are deadly accurate.

Your going to lose some sleep. Good luck. Crow 

I 

 

[AirShot]

I agree with eerything Crowski said....might add the TX is much easier to work on, but has more barrel weight than the 97. For me personally the TX stock fits like a glove, you should really try both and see which is more comfortable!!!!! If you want power, the 54 in .22 cal is a powerhouse and shoots well with the sliding rail, but yes the quality lacks on those. I cant stress enough to try each one b4 you buy. I have owned and shot all, but find the TX suits me best, you need to find out for yourself!!!

 

[Nico5999]

I shot a .20 Beeman R10 that was tuned by Russ Best for years. It was my favorite rifle forever and I shot the piss out of it. I would have absolutely no qualms about recommending any HW products. Had an HW97 for a bit and I found the stock less than ideal in terms of shape. But, I'm a southpaw so the cheekpiece wasn't raised on the left side.

But, after I got my lefty TX200 (in 2019 I believe), that's the one that I reach for. Even before I tuned it, the shot cycle was just great. Accuracy was top notch. Fit and finish are definitely heirloom quality. As has been stated here, cosmetically, the AA takes the cake. The TX200 is also significantly easier to work on than pretty much any springer out there. I threw a TbT Short Stroke kit in mine and it is fantastic. Tony Leach Kits 22mm kits are supposed to be top notch. If you're looking to tune, I would hit him up.

Loved the TX so much I tracked down a Pro Elite as my primary break barrel.

Good luck on your hunt. 

 

[M63Ural]

The only ones I have experience with are a FWB Sporter under lever and a HW 55. Both are AWESOME. Buying new I would be partial to the HW, a 35 or a 97. That's me, personally I favor the HW35, why? I'm old, and kinda old school, and the 35 has had a super long run. Looks like a heirloom. If it shoots anything like Dad's 55, it's a keeper.

My $.02

Jim

 

[JW652]

For an all'round, do everything rifle that will last your lifetime and be passed around to the next generation - an HW-90 fits all your criteria. It is ready to go out of the box (except for barrel cleaning), and requires virtually no tuning or maintenance.

If you must have a platform that you can self-tune, the TX is perfect. 

 

[JW652]

Double post.

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

For about the the price of a TX200 in Walnut another option is the HW97 composite and a Custom Stock LTD. Then you have the composite stock for the woods and the custom stock for target.

 

[boscoebrea]

I have them...the TX200 ,more finely finished with better and lighter hold..harder to load.

HW 97 black thumb hole in .22 easier to load...I am glad I have it in.22

I also have a English Tomahawk....rare indeed,but great choice in .22-25.

I am now saving my money=no more air-guns,and with that saving going to buy custom stocks for my keepers.

Will pm you and see if we can get together so you can try them out..

 

[JamesD.]

Raden,

Because I trust you as a Christian & AG brother, any of my springers YOU want to try? Just pay shipping & promise to return. If you buy any obviously no return shipping needed. 
Please don't anyone else pop up & ask unless I really know you. 
I'm in the middle of moving & the only time I shoot as of now is for 300yrd sub 1" groups on weekends with my (2) .2573" Scandalous rifles.

Why is it called Scandalous? Oh man. Here's the article

https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2012/03/lasso-2012/
And please don't flag this as irrelevant as I know the OP Raden. Buddy I know you loved that .25 Condor. Now imagine that on Yotes & pigs at 300!!!!

YOU SURE YOU WANT A SPRINGER? Lol.


Bowman sent 20 out of 19 through a 1" Ram silhouette that day in winds. 257420 cast 72's. Not swaged. I'm trying swaged for now.



. It went up against at least 10 .308's that day and kicked the ever loving snot out of 30+ contenders. John Bowman built these especially for me. 2 Lilja barrels but I like the 26" 1:14 Bull Lilja more than the 32" 1:10 skinny. 
Prices are $2200 with 2 Lilja's right now. TJ liners drop the price significantly.

Anyone who wants Bowman's # for custom orders just PM me. 
Ask him about the baby turtle at 183 yards he was challenged to shot off a log. Off hand. 

 

[djna]

Really all guns mentioned are great guns, you’d be happy with any of them. I love my HW97’s, got one in .177 & in .22, both are accurate and well made. I don’t have a Tx200, but I do have a AA Pro Sport, to compare to the HW rifles, & it is finished nicer (Blueing and Stock) than the HW’s I own. Unless your getting a custom stock made, the Air Arms will have a nicer Stock from the Factory. Here’s picture of My AA Pro Sport LH - this is one of mine I’ll be passing down one day. 

 

[JamesD.]

Really all guns mentioned are great guns, you’d be happy with any of them. I love my HW97’s, got one in .177 & in .22, both are accurate and well made. I don’t have a Tx200, but I do have a AA Pro Sport, to compare to the HW rifles, & it is finished nicer (Blueing and Stock) than the HW’s I own. Unless your getting a custom stock made, the Air Arms will have a nicer Stock from the Factory. Here’s picture of My AA Pro Sport LH - this is one of mine I’ll be passing down one day. 

Nice. Pre fish scale, which I do like; but the older tiger stripped stocks use to be pretty common. That one has some nice figure. 
Yeah newbies wouldn't know but Theoben, Daystate, Air Arms all use to use amazing Walnut for "stock" stocks. Ones would be near show piece's today.