I have a .177 caliber HW80 purchased new last fall with the old style stock just before the 80SL came out. So mechanically it's the same as the SL.
Its just a great shooter. Very accurate. Yes it is hold sensitive, but no more then my HW77K. It is not tuned just stock and has no spring buzz after a few tins of pellets. Is it harsh? Well I'm pretty new to shooting springers, so yes it has more recoil, obviously, then the HW77 and HW35. I shoot a 30-06 for elk and deer, so I don't think the 80 is harsh at all ;-)
It will shoot 1/4 inch groups at 25 yds. with Baracuda Match and Baracuda FT's in 4.50 head size. Flat shooting and hard hitting was what I was after and it does that. From 25 to 35 yds is about a 1/2" drop with the 9.57gr Baracuda FT's. Those shoot at 914 fps and and 17.76 fpe. Smacks tree rats really well.
I use a SWFA SS 12x42 scope with a 1 piece Sportsmatch 30mm mount medium height. I think a 1 piece Sportsmatch mount is the best setup for this gun.
It does have a bit of a crack to it. Does it need a moderator, maybe for urban backyards with close pesky neighbors. The action seems louder then the report of the pellet to me.
I like the weight of the gun too so I am somewhat of an outlier in this group. It is steady to shoot offhand unlike the HW50 I've owned in the past.
I would look at the HW80SLK if your in the market for a new 80. That carbine looks really nice to me.
It's the first air rifle I pick up when heading out to shoot.
Cheers
