For the last couple of years, I have been shooting an Air Arms TX200 in .177 as an introduction to springers. Actually getting bored shooting my PCPs, I have found that I really enjoy trying to get the spring rifles dialed in to shoot at a very consistent and high level of performance. Additionally, they are more fun to shoot within the confines of my 18 yard indoor range.
Over the last several weeks I noticed a Weihrauch HW97K .22 on sale by one of our forum members. Needing another rifle like a hole-in-my-head, I debated for weeks the purchase of this firearm until finally I couldn't stand it any more and made the member an offer. Negotiations began and shortly two fools came to agreement. On Wednesday the rifle arrived.
Yesterday afternoon, I equipped it with Sports Match fully adjustable mounts and 30 mm rings, then mounted a Hawke 8-32x56 SF30 Airmax scope on top of it. I used the JSB Exact Jumbo Express 14.35 Grain pellet to sight the rifle in. Then I proceeded to shoot two 10 shot groups for each of 10 different .22 pellets I had in my vault collection.
A few general observations before I report on groups and accuracy:
Over the last several weeks I noticed a Weihrauch HW97K .22 on sale by one of our forum members. Needing another rifle like a hole-in-my-head, I debated for weeks the purchase of this firearm until finally I couldn't stand it any more and made the member an offer. Negotiations began and shortly two fools came to agreement. On Wednesday the rifle arrived.
Yesterday afternoon, I equipped it with Sports Match fully adjustable mounts and 30 mm rings, then mounted a Hawke 8-32x56 SF30 Airmax scope on top of it. I used the JSB Exact Jumbo Express 14.35 Grain pellet to sight the rifle in. Then I proceeded to shoot two 10 shot groups for each of 10 different .22 pellets I had in my vault collection.
A few general observations before I report on groups and accuracy:
- The AGN forum member, Mr. Parker, was very fair and professional to deal with. The rifle came in perfectly packaged and shipped, on-time, and as advertised. He had previously installed a Vortek PG2 Sho Kit in the rifle and indicated that it should perform in the +/- 14.5 ft lb range.
- The rifle is not quite on the level of a TX200. The finish is not as pure and excellent.
- The cocking stroke is significantly shorter on the HW97.
- The HW97 is easier to load because of the much larger port opening
- I like the way the under lever secures on the HW97 much better than the TX200
- The trigger on the HW97 is great but I don't have any complaint about the TX200 trigger either
- It seems to shoot very smooth.
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Now for the accuracy testing comments supported by the photos found below:
Before shooting each of the 10 shot groups, I shot each different pellet for a reticle POI hold as compared to the initial JSB 14.35 gr pellet tried.
The chrono readings indicated are from the muzzle +/- two feet.
- The Falcon Accuracy Plus pellets that shoot absolutely 1 hole groups in my my Air Arms PCP rifles would barely hold a 4" group at 18 yards. I couldn't get them to shoot well enough to even test them.
- The best pair of groups was a total surprise, the H&N Sport Baracuda Match 21.14 Gr. averaging only 574 FPS but still producing 15.5 ft lbs
- The second best pair of groups resulted from the H& N Sport Field, Target, Trophy 14.66 Gr, averaging 672 FPS, resulting in 14.70 ft lbs
- The third best pair of groups came from the JSB Exact Jumbo Express 14.35, averaging 659 FPS, resulting in 13.8 ft lbs
- Fourth was somewhat of a surprise. It was the Predator Polymag Short 15.89 Gr. The average muzzle velocity was 655 FPS, resulting in 15.1 ft lbs
- Fifth was the JBS Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 Gr at an average speed of 616 FPS, resulting in a muzzle energy of 15.13 ft lbs.
The other five didn't shoot consistently enough to be worthy of mention but can be viewed in the photos as found below. This rifle certainly has a pellet preference. It seems that the pellets that fit tightly into the breech port shot the best. The ones that fit loosely seem to shoot loose groups.
For a guy that has shot literally tens of thousands of pellets over the last two decades, it still amazes me how a particular rifle can shoot one or two pellet brands/types nearly perfect, while taking a different and highly reputed high quality pellet brand/type and shoot them more like a shotgun.
After it warms-up and conditions become more conducive outside, I will report back with 50 yard performances on the best five performing pellets.
I have also attached a photo of the rifle and scope for your viewing pleasure.
Perhaps in some small way the information shown below can be of assistance to some of you.
