When I first started my research and proper air gunning education, I really was leaning toward the R7, due to the lower price point, still excellent quality. As I understand the HW30 is very similar to the R7 as well. I'm a bit concerned about the size of the rifle. I'm 6'4", 220 lbs and have a 30" reach. Having never held one, I wasn't sure if it would be comfortable with my frame.
It's been a bit since I posted last on this, but I decided to get the HW30S for a backyard shooter, and the HW97K for my Field Target or competition shooting spring rifle. Both of them arrived today, but I haven't unpacked them yet. They both look like they made it through shipping in good shape though. I also got a Hawke Airmax SF 30 4-16x50 AMX IR scope with BKL 301 scope rings. Hopefully I'll be happy with the scope purchase. I admit I got it without knowing probably enough about Hawke scopes or scopes in general. I like how the reticle looks, and it seems to be made specifically for air rifles. We shall see I suppose. Hopefully no big buyers remorse there. I also got the sharp shooter pellet sampler to test in both rifles. I do have one question. Is there any design defects I should be aware of in their current models that need to be corrected before I start shooting these rifles? I'd hate to cause any unneeded damage to them after only just getting them, especially if there's simple fixes for these errors in design.Thanks for all you guys' inputAdam
Some HW 30's have a galling issue with the cocking slot, some are twangy. All springer benefit from a barrel cleaning, some have too much factory grease and a good cleaning is in order. If you are very handy, a trigger polishing make the Record trigger superb! Search the web or GTA and there are tons of instructions on how to do all this. Happy shooting...-Y
QuoteWhen I first started my research and proper air gunning education, I really was leaning toward the R7, due to the lower price point, still excellent quality. As I understand the HW30 is very similar to the R7 as well. I'm a bit concerned about the size of the rifle. I'm 6'4", 220 lbs and have a 30" reach. Having never held one, I wasn't sure if it would be comfortable with my frame. AdamIm 6'4" also, w/ 36-37" sleeve, and depending on how many Pie Eating contests I've recently won, hover around 275. I also have a couple of HW30's and just recently started exploring the idea of adding some length to the LOP. While waiting for an adjustable butt pad I have on order, I threw a Pachmayr mediun slip on recoil pad on one of the 30's and notice an immediate improvement in consistency. Its simply more comfortable. Which makes it much easier to consistently "get on the gun" in the same position, again and again. I'll concede a slip on butt pad is not the most elegant solution but, well worth the $15-20. IMO HTH
You jumped in with both feet! LOL Clean the bores with go gone or some other solvent just don't let any get in the compression chamber. Then just start shooting, they may diesel and twang a little at first, but they should settle in after awhile. Check the action screws periodically, they will loosen several times while the rifles are getting broken in. When you mount the scope on the 97, degrease the slots and mount with brake cleaner. Use locktite on the mounting bolts and the scope stop pin threads. The blueing will rust very quickly if you don't wipe the rifles down with oil after handling.
Just be aware that some users have reported that Ballistol can get under the newer HW finishes and create small cosmetic defects.As a precaution, I would keep Ballistol away from the stock.HTH
Quote from: HectorMedina on October 15, 2017, 08:23:50 PMJust be aware that some users have reported that Ballistol can get under the newer HW finishes and create small cosmetic defects.As a precaution, I would keep Ballistol away from the stock.HTHDefinitely a good thing to know. Any problems with Napier gun oil and the wood stocks?
Quote from: DirtyF9 on October 16, 2017, 10:05:38 PMQuote from: HectorMedina on October 15, 2017, 08:23:50 PMJust be aware that some users have reported that Ballistol can get under the newer HW finishes and create small cosmetic defects.As a precaution, I would keep Ballistol away from the stock.HTHDefinitely a good thing to know. Any problems with Napier gun oil and the wood stocks?Not that I know of, but in general metal oils should be kept away from wooden parts. If you ABSOLUTELY have to massage your wooden stock, then I would suggest a silicone or carnauba furniture grade wax.Carnauba wax can also be used for shining the metal parts and it actually does a better job of protecting against rust than most oils.HTH