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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Guns And Related Accessories Review Gates => Air Gun Review Gate => Topic started by: bmwm3smg on December 29, 2012, 10:57:47 PM

Title: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: bmwm3smg on December 29, 2012, 10:57:47 PM
(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07387_zps1522c1c3.jpg)

Hatsan BT65SB .25

 :D :D :D :D out of 5

     This gun is built like a tank! With my current set up it weighs somewhere between 12-13 pounds. The trigger is very sensitive to adjustments and should fit most shooters when lightened a little bit relative to its out of box setting. The JSB Exact Kings 25.4 grain are the only pellets I have tried so far in the .25 cal because every review I have found of this rifle shows the Kings as the prefered pellet. The stock is very nice, the rubber inserts make for a very nice gripping surface. The iron sites (plastic sites, ironic) are very nice and both the front and rear portions are removable. The automatic safety is very reliable and is very effective, pics below (can't see the safety mech very well). Once it is broken in everything functions perfectly on the rifle. With the hammer spring backed out all the way, the gun shooting at around 870 fps with JSB Kings, and the trigger adjusted a little lighter than stock I am averaging better than half inch 5 shot groups at 40 yards (not counting my last shot that I always pull in excitement). :D ???

     The gun cocks verrrrry hard when you first get it, and is easy to double load if you let the bolt slip while cocking. The gun does have an anti-double feed mechanism, but does not seem to work reliably until the rifle is broken in. The metal disc that the hammer strikes to open the valve, and the two srews by the side bolt mechanism, both need to be loctited to prevent them from loosening. The gun is verrrry loud and is threaded for various useful devices, ;) but if you loosen the hammer spring all the way the gun will be fairly backyard friendly in my opinion. Loosening the hammer spring all the way will launch the JSB Exact Kings (25.4 grain) at 870 fps vs around 990 at stock hammer spring adjustment. Each caliber is set at the same power level, meaning in 177, 22, and 25 each gun will use about 40 bar of air per 10 shots making the 177 virtually useless unless you use Eun Jin pellets, a regulator, or some other way to make better use of all the guns air. Do not buy the 177 unless you plan on doing one of these things, or settling for so-so accuracy.

     When cocking this gun brand new, place your thumb at the rear of the receiver while cocking to get a good grip, and be sure to pull the bolt all the way back so that you are sure it is cocked. If you slip and the bolt goes back forward, continue cycling the bolt forward to load the pellet, if the gun will not fire (like mine wouldn't) pull the bolt back again, lock it in place, remove the magazine, cycle the bolt forwards again without the magazine, and the gun should cycle correctly. Going about this situation in the wrong way will cause a double load, I had the misfortune of doing this and I pushed the pellets back through the barrel just to watch them fly into the bolt probe and into the internals of the rifle, eventually they fell out somewhere. This tendency of the rifle to misfeed only occured problem during the break in period, now everything works flawlessly. The rifle's power is adjustable by removing the stock, loosening the grub screw that holds the hammer adjustment screw in palce, loosening the hammer screw for less power and tightening it for more power, and then tightening the grub screw back in for the gun to fire. I am not sure if this voids the factory warranty, proceed at your own risk. Please note that loosening the hammer spring on this rifle does not seem to produce a higher shot count, all lowering the tension on the hammer spring does is lower velocities, lower the ideal fill pressure, and lower report at the muzzle. I'm sure I missed something here, in the future I intend to add another review once  I have installed a Lothar Walther barrel, a Hatsan air stripper, and an Altaros regulator.

Current shot string with hammer spring on lowest setting:

1 859.3    about 133 bar
2 864.5
3 872.7
4 872.6
5 875.1-H
6 873.5
7 871.5
8 873.5
9 873.6
10 868.0
11 868.6
12 862.5
13 857.6-L   about 95 bar

Average: 868.7
ES: 17.5
13 shots within 2%

Pics of three 5 shot groups at 40 yards, 8) all with my standard pulled fifth shot. >:(

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07392_zps87fba228.jpg)

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07395_zps828c5b64.jpg)

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07397_zpsf3b6b7e6.jpg)

Thanks,

Lester

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07388_zps5a3b5b9d.jpg)

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07389_zpse7103883.jpg)

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07390_zps58a49724.jpg)

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07391_zps18a36ddf.jpg)

(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b634/bmwm3smg7/DSC07398_zpsac30d2c4.jpg)

Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: bmwm3smg on December 30, 2012, 08:14:48 AM
Can't get my pictures to post, to big, any help? Edit: alright, thanks jonnyboy, will add the pictures in when time permits. ;)

Thanks,

Lester
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: Machine Gun on January 06, 2013, 02:59:58 PM
Search is definitely your friend! I was just going to post and ask if anyone owns or can provide info on this beast. I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on this (25 cal) for weeks now but wanted to know if anyone had any experience with it. I guess my questions have been answered. Anything more you can add? What pellets does it seem to like best, etc. Thank you.
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: bmwm3smg on January 06, 2013, 05:00:41 PM
Search is definitely your friend! I was just going to post and ask if anyone owns or can provide info on this beast. I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on this (25 cal) for weeks now but wanted to know if anyone had any experience with it. I guess my questions have been answered. Anything more you can add? What pellets does it seem to like best, etc. Thank you.

I've put about 3000 rounds through it and it broke a day or so after I posted this review, the rifle would not cock. I belief what appears to be the HDD (hammer debounce device) is what is causing the problem. When I took the piece out of the rifle it functions as it should, but appears to use more air (correct me on this if I am wrong) and does not provide spring pressure to the first stage of the trigger pull (I actually like this). The black lever piece pointing to the front of the rifle from the trigger is the piece I removed (and the spring). I will either try to get the manufacturer to fix it, or send it to a tuner to have them fix and tune it for me. I will hopefully have the rifle fixed soon, but may wait and use it how it is for a little while longer seeing as it still shoots well and it's cold outside and I don't want to shoot in the cold much anyway. I WOULD recommend getting it tuned, based on my recent mishaps with the rifle and seeing that it does break in a little rough. A trigger tune seems to be a good option based on the feedback i've gotten from other members on the forum. I have only used the JSB Exact Kings 25.4 grain and hope to get 18 regulated shots once I add the regulator at between 850 and 940 fps. Also, if you order from snipperdan in Canada, you may be able to get the gun with the Lothar Walther Barrel option preinstalled for $110 (although you will have to install the full power valve stem (not allowed in Canada without a license) on your own (check out canadian airgun forum for details)). From now on I think I will get all my guns tuned when I get them so that I won't have to deal with the problems that can creep up while breaking in a rifle. On a positive note, this rifle definitely shoots better than me.

Thanks,

Lester
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: Machine Gun on January 07, 2013, 01:21:46 PM
Maybe you tinkered a tad too much.  :-)

Oh well, it's probably the best way to learn. Good luck with it.
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: bmwm3smg on January 07, 2013, 03:47:16 PM
Maybe you tinkered a tad too much.  :-)

Oh well, it's probably the best way to learn. Good luck with it.

Maybe, but it is still shootin well for me!  ;) I may try to fix it myself in a little while, I think that the gun may just not like how tight I had the hammer spring adjusted. We shall see how it goes!?

Thanks,

Lester
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: mrmaggie2006 on February 08, 2013, 04:41:42 PM
.25 Cal. BT65 Observations:

a. Very HEAVY w/Scope and tripod  (12.7 lbs.), shoulder numbing when carried for hours hunting, but.... many-many dead tree rats and rabbits. A tack driver supreme. Buy a good sling, dump the one supplied w/Gun.

b. Very accurate w/ JSB Kings, H&N Excite Coppa-Spitzkugels, and EunJin Domes. Weird, but @ 200 bar fill,  if you shoot first mag w/EunJin domes, and 2 & 3rd mags w/ JSB kings, all groups stay very tight. If shooting all JSB's, the second mag  will group the tightest. (2) ALTAROS regulators on order. Am anxious for delivery.

c. Predator Polymags cause mag jams, but shoot well if loaded one at a time. Ditto EunJin 43.2 Grains Pointed (Don't even try these in a mag, the mag won't fit in gun). Semi accurate w/Benjamin domes

d. Polished bore (30 Strokes) w / J&B bore polish & mop @ 10 mags shot. Whoosh - way tighter groups.
Should have done this out of the box.
 
e.  @ 200 bar fill, first 2-3 shots not so good. If sighting in, don't change scope clicks until 4th shot. If filled to 190bar,  this does not happen. When hunting, fill to 190 bar.

f. Will knock down a 227 lb. hog @ 72 Yds., one shot, w/EunJin domes.

g. Eats lots of air. 2nd air cylinder in pocket for hunting a must. (6 accurate mag loads)

h. Makes purty holes in tree rats, rabbits; coyote (120 yds), and starlings. Tried a sparrow head shot w/35.8 Grain EunJin @ 25 yds. Got a clean hit, but the head disappeared  for some reason.

i. Sighted UTG 4-16x44 AO SWAT AccuShot Rifle Scope @ 30 Yds w/chair-gun pro data. Chairgun pro data rocks for this gun if your crony is calibrated. Can't beat scope for the $'s.

j. De-bur magazines prior to using - lots of shavings/burrs on machined cuts. This may be a cause of fliers posted on other sites. I (Gently) wash and lube all pellets (Ti-Flow TFE), and really don't have many fliers.

LOVE this gun.... A Keeper, and...  the DayState Huntsman XL .22. Both just killer products.

Cheers
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: jettaglikop on April 01, 2013, 09:25:13 PM
I just picked up the following from PA...

I'm glad I ran across this thread, certainly some good info that will help me get my new Hatsan shootin' like a laser!

(1) Hatsan BT65 SB PCP Air Rifle, Black, 0.25" (6.35mm), Synthetic, Black /AMBIDEXTROUS   PY-2780-5447     

(1) Carbon Fiber Tank, 4500 psi, 88 cu ft   PY-A-350   

(1) UTG 4-16x44 AO SWAT AccuShot Rifle Scope, EZ-TAP, Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle, 1/4 MOA, 30mm Tube    PY-A-3900     

(1) UTG New Gen 80mm Add-On SWAT Wheel, For AccuShot SWAT Scopes   PY-A-4513     

(1) Leapers Accushot 1-Pc Mount w/30mm Rings, Medium, 3/8" Dovetail   PY-A-828     

(1) UTG Folding Metal Bipod, Quick-Detach, Rubber-Armored, Panning, Telescoping Legs   PY-A-4313     

(4) JSB Match Diabolo Exact King .25 Cal, 25.4 Grains, Domed, 150ct, 6.35 mm   PY-P-721     
   
(2) H&N Baracuda .25 Cal, 31.02 Grains, Round Nose, 200ct, 6.35 mm   PY-P-19   

(2) Benjamin .25 Cal, 27.8 Grains, Domed, 200ct   PY-P-808
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: the1stkim on April 02, 2013, 01:41:41 AM
Nice review! My rifle is still full power, but I just added an LDC and it is much more friendly to the neighbors. I'll try and polish the barrel soon. I initially started with the benjamin domes and I thought they were awesome for accuracy all though after going through and inspecting a whole tin. I found the skirts on about 16 of the damaged. I am now using jsb's  and some 43g cast. This rifle shoots hard! I'm ordering a chrony as we speek.
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: jettaglikop on April 02, 2013, 10:50:51 AM
Nice review! My rifle is still full power, but I just added an LDC and it is much more friendly to the neighbors. I'll try and polish the barrel soon. I initially started with the benjamin domes and I thought they were awesome for accuracy all though after going through and inspecting a whole tin. I found the skirts on about 16 of the damaged. I am now using jsb's  and some 43g cast. This rifle shoots hard! I'm ordering a chrony as we speek.

Which LDC did you go with?

I ordered up one from Neil Clague after reading about how loud the BT65 is on full power.
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: the1stkim on April 02, 2013, 10:19:38 PM
I have the TKO. It makes a difference.  And catches the lead dust. What is the Clague made out of? Does anyone know of an app that records db over 100. I'd like to find one.
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: jettaglikop on April 03, 2013, 07:28:40 AM
I have the TKO. It makes a difference.  And catches the lead dust. What is the Clague made out of? Does anyone know of an app that records db over 100. I'd like to find one.

Aluminum, Carbon Fiber or Titanium--> http://petersoncorner.com/clague/products.htm (http://petersoncorner.com/clague/products.htm)
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: jdski2003 on April 03, 2013, 04:09:31 PM
I too have a HATSAN, only a BT65 in walnut and .22.  had it about a year now, very sturdy and powerful. And heavy and noisy, but at this power level to be expected.  Very well designed. Great value for what you get. And I don't expect Turkey to bet blown up near term, so parts should be available.
I expect delivery of my DS AirRanger .22 today...can wait to run these two head to head.
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: mrmaggie2006 on May 03, 2013, 05:27:04 PM
I installed the Hatsan air stripper and found it to increase accuracy.

Tested BT (@ 75 yards) with and without air stripper / 10 mags each, pellets washed and Tri-Flow lubed. JSB .25 Caliber - 25.4 grain, refilled tank (200 bar) every third mag [27 shots w/air cylinder regulator]. Cleaned barrel (Dry Patch) after removing air stripper. All air stripper groups noticeably tighter than without stripper.

The regulators for the air cylinders evened out the chrony readings and eliminated the 200 bar fill "first shots not so good" syndrome. A little expensive, but worth the price for long term for accuracy gained.

I don't have an LDC and wonder if anyone has tried side by side testing the BT's accuracy naked, with air stripper, and with LDC?

Cheers
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: the1stkim on May 03, 2013, 05:41:39 PM
At the distances that I have been shooting at I'm not sure its possible to get any more accurate with the air stripper. It didnt make too much of a difference though as it was shooting dimes at 25.
Title: Re: Hatsan BT65 .25
Post by: Ernesthimself on March 02, 2014, 02:47:31 PM
Hello everyone and Bmwm3smg

I see this is a old post, BUT I found it very informative and I am learning more about my BT65.

Thank you for taking the time to add your review on the Hatsan!

Ernest