Bought a new Mod 125 .25 cal much slower than advertised

[Ike the GSD]

My new Hatsan Mod 125 .25 cal arrived a couple of days ago and I've shot about 75 pellets through it so far and it's accurate but the power is a lot less than I expected, it's still powerful but nowhere near the claims the factory makes. This rifle using the JSB Match 25.39 grain pellets shoots 690-696 fps, whats weird is Hatsan's webite claims this rifle can shoot up to 850 fps with lead pellets, but the box says 750 fps? They're claiming up to 34 ft lbs and I can't see this rifle reaching that level of power with any pellet regardless of weight. Right now it's making about 27 ft lbs which is quite powerful, I've never owned a .25 caliber air rifle before and I'm impressed with the thump this thing has and it shoots through 3/4" hard yellow pine pallet boards at 30 yards like butter LOL It whollups the steel lollipop spinners like you wouldn't believe and I'm having a lot of fun with it. As long as there's nothing wrong with the rifle I'm happy with it👍

[Back_Roads]

 Seems a bit slow, spring or vortex ? I have one in spring IIR 750 ish to be it's speed, I have replaced a seal and polished the partson mine some years ago, I can run a few over the crony later to confirm.  Accuracy might be easier to achieve with the slight power reduction

[Mark 611]

I would give a little more break-in time and make sure your getting good CHRONY number, Barck Roads what weight pellet are you shooting to get the 750fps? 

[Back_Roads]

I would give a little more break-in time and make sure your getting good CHRONY number, Barck Roads what weight pellet are you shooting to get the 750fps? 

Air Arms 25.39 is its prefered pellet.

[Mark 611]

Thanks, I was just wanting to know for comparison, I have also been looking at these rifles! 

[splitbeing]

My sniper was getting high 20s fpe and did fine when I had it. Gave it to a friend when thinning the herd. He's got a nice property for shooting and some ghogs bugging him. Not sure he's gotten good enough with the 125 sniper to take them yet though.

Anywhoo, your numbers seem ok to me. To get 30+ fpe is gonna take just the right pellet and maybe some diesling unless you do a full tune onnthe gun for power.

High twenties is plenty of fpe for nearly anything in acvuracy range.  Hmmm... unless you are thinking slugs....

[Madd Hatter]

What altitude are you at? Altitude affects springer power.

[Ike the GSD]

What altitude are you at? Altitude affects springer power.

I live in southern Michigan so whatever altitude that is LOL

[Ike the GSD]

My sniper was getting high 20s fpe and did fine when I had it. Gave it to a friend when thinning the herd. He's got a nice property for shooting and some ghogs bugging him. Not sure he's gotten good enough with the 125 sniper to take them yet though.

Anywhoo, your numbers seem ok to me. To get 30+ fpe is gonna take just the right pellet and maybe some diesling unless you do a full tune onnthe gun for power.

High twenties is plenty of fpe for nearly anything in acvuracy range.  Hmmm... unless you are thinking slugs....

I'm pretty happy with it as is, I just was confused with the different velocity claims? It made me wonder if the rifle was performing correctly but after hearing from you guys looks like everything is ok Thanks for the reply splitbeing👍

[Back_Roads]

I would give a little more break-in time and make sure your getting good CHRONY number, Barck Roads what weight pellet are you shooting to get the 750fps? 

Air Arms 25.39 is its prefered pellet.

OK cold bore shot was 731 fps.

[Back_Roads]

What altitude are you at? Altitude affects springer power.

I live in southern Michigan so whatever altitude that is LOL

Might be similar to WI 700- 950 ft typical elevations here.

[A.K.A. Tommy Boy]

Hi Wes.

I have several brands and weights of .25 cal pellets, about 40 lbs worth in a large ammo box.
With the current lead pellets readily on the market, I get the highest velocity and flattest trajectory with .25 cal. H&N 20.06 gr. Field Target Trophy domed pellets.
They work well for me in my .25 cal. break barrel rifles.

I also have small horde of the obsolete Hatsan Vortex Supreme 19.91 gr. domed pellets.
They are my absolute favorite for hunting but they are hard too find now days

750 fps is about the max speed that a standard .25 cal. 125 will get with the lightest weight lead pellets.
I have never tried the Predator GTO 16.5 gr. lead free pellets but some folks really like them for hunting.

.25 cal. H&N Field Target Trophy = > https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.pyramydair.com/product/h-n-field-target-trophy-25-cal-20-06-grains-domed-200ct%3Fp%3D32%26srsltid%3DAfmBOoqwym3r5S5kf2k6rgL8-RtKe45biTTFJKUvffmsbb0JFH6ql2vY&ved=2ahUKEwid7vWl05CIAxVitokEHacfA1YQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3v1CazbiA42g4QiEWD5obn


.25 cal. Vortex Supreme 19.91 Domed pellets. (This place still has them)
Be Advised -  I have Never Ordered anything from this place and don't if they are a reputable business or not.
> https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.outdoority.com/pellets-bbs-ammo/27484-hatsanvortexsupremepellets-25-1991g-200.html&ved=2ahUKEwj4juK93pCIAxVIM9AFHfeQNgQQFnoECA0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw17jTtSOhk4YWqTDZOpIA0o


Best Wishes - Tom

[Ike the GSD]

I would give a little more break-in time and make sure your getting good CHRONY number, Barck Roads what weight pellet are you shooting to get the 750fps? 

Air Arms 25.39 is its prefered pellet.

OK cold bore shot was 731 fps.

Ok, so I'm not that far off, maybe I'll gain a few fps once she's broken in?

[Ike the GSD]

Hi Wes.

I have several brands and weights of .25 cal pellets, about 40 lbs worth in a large ammo box.
With the current lead pellets readily on the market, I get the highest velocity and flattest trajectory with .25 cal. H&N 20.06 gr. Field Target Trophy domed pellets.
They work well for me in my .25 cal. break barrel rifles.

I also have small horde of the obsolete Hatsan Vortex Supreme 19.91 gr. domed pellets.
They are my absolute favorite for hunting but they are hard too find now days

750 fps is about the max speed that a standard .25 cal. 125 will get with the lightest weight lead pellets.
I have never tried the Predator GTO 16.5 gr. lead free pellets but some folks really like them for hunting.

.25 cal. H&N Field Target Trophy = > https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.pyramydair.com/product/h-n-field-target-trophy-25-cal-20-06-grains-domed-200ct%3Fp%3D32%26srsltid%3DAfmBOoqwym3r5S5kf2k6rgL8-RtKe45biTTFJKUvffmsbb0JFH6ql2vY&ved=2ahUKEwid7vWl05CIAxVitokEHacfA1YQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3v1CazbiA42g4QiEWD5obn


.25 cal. Vortex Supreme 19.91 Domed pellets. (This place still has them)
Be Advised -  I have Never Ordered anything from this place and don't if they are a reputable business or not.
> https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.outdoority.com/pellets-bbs-ammo/27484-hatsanvortexsupremepellets-25-1991g-200.html&ved=2ahUKEwj4juK93pCIAxVIM9AFHfeQNgQQFnoECA0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw17jTtSOhk4YWqTDZOpIA0o


Best Wishes - Tom

Thanks Tom, I'll have to try the lighter pellets to see what they get👍 I'm hoping I'll gain a little velocity once the rifle is broken in.

[Ike the GSD]

I want to thank everyone for your replies, I'll keep you posted on my results. I sent in a ticket to hatsan just to clear up what velocity the rifle is supposed to get (750 vs 850) but the rifle is functioning fine and it likes the JSB pellets so I'm just going to keep shooting it. Mark told me to take the rifle out of the stock to lube the spring, but the way the stock is made you can see the entire underside where the spring is located and it's got plenty of grease on it👍

One thing I'd like to mention is how well balanced the rifle is, much better than my Diana 350, as many of you know the 350 is very front heavy, not so with the Mod 125 the balance point is much further back and it makes the rifle much easier to hold off hand. The two rifles without a scope weigh within two ounces of one another Mod 125 8.4 lbs Diana 350 8.6 lbs

[Back_Roads]

Hi Wes.

I have several brands and weights of .25 cal pellets, about 40 lbs worth in a large ammo box.
With the current lead pellets readily on the market, I get the highest velocity and flattest trajectory with .25 cal. H&N 20.06 gr. Field Target Trophy domed pellets.
They work well for me in my .25 cal. break barrel rifles.

I also have small horde of the obsolete Hatsan Vortex Supreme 19.91 gr. domed pellets.
They are my absolute favorite for hunting but they are hard too find now days

750 fps is about the max speed that a standard .25 cal. 125 will get with the lightest weight lead pellets.
I have never tried the Predator GTO 16.5 gr. lead free pellets but some folks really like them for hunting.

.25 cal. H&N Field Target Trophy = > https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.pyramydair.com/product/h-n-field-target-trophy-25-cal-20-06-grains-domed-200ct%3Fp%3D32%26srsltid%3DAfmBOoqwym3r5S5kf2k6rgL8-RtKe45biTTFJKUvffmsbb0JFH6ql2vY&ved=2ahUKEwid7vWl05CIAxVitokEHacfA1YQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3v1CazbiA42g4QiEWD5obn


.25 cal. Vortex Supreme 19.91 Domed pellets. (This place still has them)
Be Advised -  I have Never Ordered anything from this place and don't if they are a reputable business or not.
> https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.outdoority.com/pellets-bbs-ammo/27484-hatsanvortexsupremepellets-25-1991g-200.html&ved=2ahUKEwj4juK93pCIAxVIM9AFHfeQNgQQFnoECA0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw17jTtSOhk4YWqTDZOpIA0o


Best Wishes - Tom

I ran a scam check on outdoority.com, they have poor ratings. https://www.scamadviser.com/check-website/outdoority.com

[A.K.A. Tommy Boy]

Hi Wes.

I have several brands and weights of .25 cal pellets, about 40 lbs worth in a large ammo box.
With the current lead pellets readily on the market, I get the highest velocity and flattest trajectory with .25 cal. H&N 20.06 gr. Field Target Trophy domed pellets.
They work well for me in my .25 cal. break barrel rifles.

I also have small horde of the obsolete Hatsan Vortex Supreme 19.91 gr. domed pellets.
They are my absolute favorite for hunting but they are hard too find now days

750 fps is about the max speed that a standard .25 cal. 125 will get with the lightest weight lead pellets.
I have never tried the Predator GTO 16.5 gr. lead free pellets but some folks really like them for hunting.

.25 cal. H&N Field Target Trophy = > https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.pyramydair.com/product/h-n-field-target-trophy-25-cal-20-06-grains-domed-200ct%3Fp%3D32%26srsltid%3DAfmBOoqwym3r5S5kf2k6rgL8-RtKe45biTTFJKUvffmsbb0JFH6ql2vY&ved=2ahUKEwid7vWl05CIAxVitokEHacfA1YQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3v1CazbiA42g4QiEWD5obn


.25 cal. Vortex Supreme 19.91 Domed pellets. (This place still has them)
Be Advised -  I have Never Ordered anything from this place and don't if they are a reputable business or not.
> https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.outdoority.com/pellets-bbs-ammo/27484-hatsanvortexsupremepellets-25-1991g-200.html&ved=2ahUKEwj4juK93pCIAxVIM9AFHfeQNgQQFnoECA0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw17jTtSOhk4YWqTDZOpIA0o


Best Wishes - Tom

I ran a scam check on outdoority.com, they have poor ratings. https://www.scamadviser.com/check-website/outdoority.com

Wow...I thank you..... James !

There is so many scam operations now days.

It looks like they are a place to definitely... stay away from.


Best Wishes - Tom

I won't be placing an order from them..ever.

[Blowpipe Sam]

My mod 125 in .25 caliber shoots about 27 FPE and my .22 caliber mod 125 shoots about 24 FPE.  These seem to be pretty reasonable "real world" velocities for mod 125's.  My .25 caliber mod 135 makes just over 30 FPE.  Yes the mod 125 can be tuned to shoot 30 FPE.  Or at least some people claim it can.  But do you want to shoot a 30 FPE mod 125?  I know that both of mine are very accurate and quite pleasant to shoot but wringing 30 FPE out of these guns is going to make them real beasts to shoot.  If the gun is accurate at 27 FPE I would be very happy with it.  If you need more puissance get a mod 135 in .25 caliber.

[Ike the GSD]

My mod 125 in .25 caliber shoots about 27 FPE and my .22 caliber mod 125 shoots about 24 FPE.  These seem to be pretty reasonable "real world" velocities for mod 125's.  My .25 caliber mod 135 makes just over 30 FPE.  Yes the mod 125 can be tuned to shoot 30 FPE.  Or at least some people claim it can.  But do you want to shoot a 30 FPE mod 125?  I know that both of mine are very accurate and quite pleasant to shoot but wringing 30 FPE out of these guns is going to make them real beasts to shoot.  If the gun is accurate at 27 FPE I would be very happy with it.  If you need more puissance get a mod 135 in .25 caliber.

I agree totally, I was just confused at the two different claimed max velocities, this thing shoots great and it has a lot of power as is, last night I shot through three milk jugs full of water at 30 yards and the pellet SLAMMED into the metal backstop behind them 👀 LOL This rifle is very similar in recoil to my Diana 350, I think at 30 ft lbs it would be unpleasant to shoot. Like my Dad says "You can't have your cake and eat it too" LOL! Overall I like this rifle, I hate saying too much until I've had it a while but if things stay as they are now, it's going to make a good addition to my larger varmint arsenal👍

[mikeyb]

Some old results I had logged in 2019. Will revive that rifle for a fresh Fall feeding.

THAT rifle was shooting exceptionally HARSH when I received it but responded VERY WELL to simple tune-up and a better spring guide.

The results for FPE were for the listed pellet AT 30'.
That's energy near target NOT muzzle. I estimate no more than +1 FPE at the muzzle.

I'm at ~500' altitude so that should not be a significant factor.

IME Hatsan rifle spring tolerances and bore dimensions VARY A LOT contributing to a large variation in muzzle energy performance.

Best performance will depend on a specific pellet that best fits your specific bore (lead,rifling,choke,crown).

I've posted similar before but currently my opinion is that Hatsan should be rating the Mod125 rifles as follows...

177    25 +/-10% fpe (~23-28 fpe)
22   29 +/-10% fpe (~25-31 fpe)
25   31 +/-10% fpe (~28-34 fpe)

As a semi-retired engineer these are the kinds of performance specs "I want to see".

Flying porkers and unicorns aside, I still think these Hatsan rifles are the LEAST over-rated and are the BEST VALUE air rifles currently available. NOT best quality, NOT best performance, simply best value for the money... BUT ONLY if the buyer is willing to put in some tuning/repair effort.

*****
Edit:

Spring piston rifles are "fixed ENERGY" devices. Pellet velocity will vary greatly depending on pellet mass (AND FIT!). This type of rifle should be rated for muzzle ENERGY and NOT muzzle velocity. Sadly that's too technical for the average buyer. Also, all their competition uses MAX VELOCITY for marketing leverage so they must at least TRY to play on the same field.

Hatsan barrels do vary even on the exact same Model. Whatever pellet one rifle "likes best" can easily vary for every rifle.
*****