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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Bargain Gate => Topic started by: avator on June 20, 2015, 10:23:12 AM

Title: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: avator on June 20, 2015, 10:23:12 AM
Ok, I know it was posted for $48 but now Midway has the Ruger Airhawk for $44.50.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/568452/ruger-air-hawk-air-rifle-177-caliber-pellet-wood-stock-blue-barrel-factory-reconditioned?cm_vc=ProductFinding (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/568452/ruger-air-hawk-air-rifle-177-caliber-pellet-wood-stock-blue-barrel-factory-reconditioned?cm_vc=ProductFinding)
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: TooJung2Die on June 20, 2015, 11:12:21 AM
Too good to pass up. I need another hole in the head so I ordered one.

I really like the Air Hawk despite the problems it had. First thing to do as soon as it arrives is take it apart and inspect everything. I was shooting mine this week when it went "clank" instead of going "thunk". Thought the spring broke. I found the Vortek Black seal came off the piston. Those black seals are much softer than the red ones and maybe this is why they don't sell them anymore. The welding job I did on the piston head cracked as a result. I welded the loose head again and used a Vortek Red seal this time. The stock Air Hawk main spring was corkscrewed and looking soft. I had a stock Diana 34 spring and guide left over from the Vortek PG2 upgrade so it's in the Air Hawk now. Lubed everything with Ultimox grease and Krytox oil.

This is how you can get an air rifle that approaches the performance of a Diana 34 for less than 1/3 the cost. Just be willing to do some work on the air rifle.

Jon
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: avator on June 20, 2015, 11:16:25 AM
Too good to pass up. I need another hole in the head so I ordered one.

I really like the Air Hawk despite the problems it had. First thing to do as soon as it arrives is take it apart and inspect everything. I was shooting mine this week when it went "clank" instead of going "thunk". I found the Vortek Black seal came off the piston. Those black seals are much softer than the red ones and maybe this is why they don't sell them anymore. The welding job I did on the piston head cracked as a result. I welded the loose head again and used a Vortek Red seal this time. The stock Air Hawk main spring was corkscrewed and looking soft. I had a stock Diana 34 spring left over from the Vortek PG2 upgrade so it's in the Air Hawk now.

This is how you can get an air rifle that approaches the performance of Diana 34 for less than 1/3 the cost. Just be willing to do some work on the air rifle.

Jon
Jon.. Get with Mike at FD and get one of his delrin top hats and do the reverse piston sleeve mod... you'll be amazed. Chop about 4 coils off that spring and detune it. Makes an awesome 25 - 30 yds pester.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: TooJung2Die on June 20, 2015, 11:30:45 AM
Jon.. Get with Mike at FD and get one of his delrin top hats and do the reverse piston sleeve mod... you'll be amazed. Chop about 4 coils off that spring and detune it. Makes an awesome 25 - 30 yds pester.

You know, I did everything suggested to the Air Hawk except that. I didn't see the need because there is no twang at all. Maybe this next Air Hawk will get the "poor man's PG2" mod. Why chop the spring? Making room for the top hat? After a year it's gonna get soft and I might wish I had the coils back.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: avator on June 20, 2015, 11:39:34 AM
We had a couple airhawks and I did the reverse sleeve mod. they smoothed out so nice but they were just too much for Betty Lou to cock repeatedly. she was good for about 20 shots and she went for another gun. i ended up getting rid of them. for Christmas last year she and I bought each other a full tune XS-25 from Mike. He detuned her for ease in cocking effort. after owning these 2 XS-25s, I wish I would have kept the airhawks and done the same to them.  Speed and power do not always add up to accuracy. In my opinion, a smooth cocking, not so hold sensitive, accurate springer slinging 10.5 ultra mags at mid 700fps is pure fun. Open sights even make the experience better for us
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: Be Ready on June 20, 2015, 08:12:34 PM
Mine showed up..... Stock have a bunch of scratches  :o
I ordered this rifle just for the wood stock and now I have a project to refinish it. Wanted a wooden stock for my Ruger BHE . After shooting both and I know there the same. My Elite is a much better rifle JMO.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: avator on June 20, 2015, 10:15:52 PM
Mine showed up..... Stock have a bunch of scratches  :o
I ordered this rifle just for the wood stock and now I have a project to refinish it. Wanted a wooden stock for my Ruger BHE . After shooting both and I know there the same. My Elite is a much better rifle JMO.
I think I would contact them and ask if this was normal... wouldn't hurt and you might even end up with a spare stock to play with.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: D14Jeff on June 20, 2015, 10:54:19 PM
$57.69 delivered , lowest price i've seen for a wood stocked 34 "clone" . add a quality spring , seal , lube from ARH/Vortek/Ultimox , deburr/clean things while it's apart , add soda bottle sleeve , MM's 2nd trigger screw mod and it should be a decent C-note shooter .

great find avator :)
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: 19Sheridan57 on June 21, 2015, 08:50:46 AM
I would contact them, too. I have not had any problems with them not standing behind their products.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: Be Ready on June 21, 2015, 10:51:31 AM
I guess a call couldn't hurt, but being a refurbished gun I'm not going to hold my breathe. I've had good luck in the past.... Just not this time.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: bmb on June 21, 2015, 04:37:56 PM
Tracking says mine should be here tomorrow. A lot of your comments have me worried though. I was hoping for a "beater" gun to have some fun with. However if it's a pos, what fun is that? Should I be expecting that the gun will fail on me? I know it was cheap but if its junk it's worth nothing. Does anyone have one that has not been worked on but still shoots good?
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: TooJung2Die on June 21, 2015, 05:05:52 PM
Tracking says mine should be here tomorrow. A lot of your comments have me worried though. I was hoping for a "beater" gun to have some fun with. However if it's a pos, what fun is that? Should I be expecting that the gun will fail on me? I know it was cheap but if its junk it's worth nothing. Does anyone have one that has not been worked on but still shoots good?

It's factory refurbished so it has been worked on to some extent. Any major flaws will have been corrected (hopefully). I think you have a better chance with a factory refurb than new. Both of the new ones I got needed to be worked on. I have hope for the refurb that's on it's way to me. I'll probably take the best of both guns and make one. The other I'll give away.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: avator on June 21, 2015, 09:36:37 PM
i don't think a scratched stock makes a gun junk.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: lefteyeshot on June 21, 2015, 11:26:56 PM
Ordered mine last Saturday and it came Tuesday. $48+shpg+$3 for UPS=$65. It looks like a new gun. Not a scratch on it, wood or meta. Same day I ordered a refurb. Winchester 1100 with a 3-9x32 Prowerline off Amazon $79.95 shipped. It had a couple of little scratches. Shot'em Saturday

Out of the box with the trigger screw in all the way trigger pull averaged 2lbs 12oz. Almost no first stage. I was in a hurry testing these guns ,date night. Peak w/c 8.6 grs avg. 961fps, Hobbies 7grs 1024, Crosman alloy 4 grs 1230 and 1212, only shot two, RWS Super Mags w/c 9.3grs 858. With open sights Super Mags 3 shot group 25 yds, 1".  Gun's fine as is. I'll take the sights off, add a barrel weight and scope it.

The Winchester1100's trigger avg. 5 lbs. but nice. Once it quit dieseling pushed Peak w/c 8.6 grs avg. 973fps, Hobbies 7 grs 1006 fps, alloys 1027 and 1099, Super Mags 9.3 grs 853fps. three shot group at 25 yds 1.5" with open sights. I'll do it the same as the Airhawk and scope it.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: DanD on June 22, 2015, 10:25:07 AM
Fine. I just ordered one. I have a refurb Blackhawk Elite. I put a JM seal in it, and the power plant is smooth strong, but the barrel is loose in the middle and has poor accuracy. I don't really love the Elite's black tactical look and feel, either, so if this Airhwawk has a good barrel, I should be able to put something decent together between the two of them. I just hope I don't end up with two problem rifles.
Funny thing, too-  I added a tin of RWS basic pellets, and the shipping lowered from $13.19 to $12.74.
Have fun!
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: TooJung2Die on June 22, 2015, 10:52:44 AM
Speed and power do not always add up to accuracy. In my opinion, a smooth cocking, not so hold sensitive, accurate springer slinging 10.5 ultra mags at mid 700fps is pure fun.
You are absolutely right. With the Diana spring in the Air Hawk the recoil is noticeably harsher. No twang but there is a distinct kick it didn't have before. There are too many really bad wild fliers now. I used to be able to keep ten shots within 3/4" at 25 yards with most going through one hole the size of a dime. Now I get half the shots outside the 3/4" bull and some are 2" off. I think I'm going to put the old Air Hawk spring back in. The new spring really makes the spinner targets fly but like you said Accuracy trumps Power.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: Be Ready on June 22, 2015, 10:53:52 AM
I call MidWay.... They don't have any spare stocks or other parts. They also told me they have no way to check the items once ordered. I think this is BS..... You get what's in the box and hope for the best. Those of you that got the "like" new and no scratches.... Congrats you won! Those like me that got the "pulled behind the road wagon" model. I have to spend my own money to return it, or just give it away. Sorry MidWay you have lost a valued customer. I'll stick with the Companies that have "TRUE" customer service and ways of checking the product before it ships and or free return shipping policy's
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: temchik on June 22, 2015, 03:29:02 PM
Ordered one, just couldn't pass up a $57 34-clone
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: avator on June 22, 2015, 07:47:52 PM
I call MidWay.... They don't have any spare stocks or other parts. They also told me they have no way to check the items once ordered. I think this is BS..... You get what's in the box and hope for the best. Those of you that got the "like" new and no scratches.... Congrats you won! Those like me that got the "pulled behind the road wagon" model. I have to spend my own money to return it, or just give it away. Sorry MidWay you have lost a valued customer. I'll stick with the Companies that have "TRUE" customer service and ways of checking the product before it ships and or free return shipping policy's
Sorry to hear this Brent. In all reality, I never did care for the washed finish on Chinese guns. If it were me, I would strip the wood and do my own thing with it. I've actually found some pretty good stuff under that ugly orange stuff. The gun at this price with the potential it has would just give me the opportunity to tinker my brains out.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: bmb on June 22, 2015, 08:05:16 PM
Mine came today. Holy smoke. Literally. Refurb must mean re oil, a lot. Should have taken the first shot outside. However, the gun looks to be in decent shape. Cleaned the barrel first and it was super filthy. Put 25 destroyers thru it to see how everything else works. Never had good luck with them so I thought it was the perfect use to burn them up. Sounds a little crunchy at the end of the cocking stroke like the spring bunching up. If it gets worse I'll tear it apart right away otherwise I'll let it break in a little first. First stage is long and needs to be adjusted. Barrel is tight. Breach seal seems good. I'm excited to see how this purchase works out. I'm defiantly not complaining but now I really see why everyone suggested a D34 as my first rifle. It spoiled me for sure.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: TooJung2Die on June 22, 2015, 09:03:54 PM
First stage is long and needs to be adjusted.
It's a T05 trigger and there is no adjustment for the length of the first stage unless you put in the "second screw mod". That will give you first stage adjustment. The existing screw is for adjusting the second stage break.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: lefteyeshot on June 22, 2015, 10:41:32 PM
Dan, I bought a Elite refurb awhile back from dcpiwholesale.com $59.95. It's been a good gun. I put it in an old XS bamboo t.h. stock I had my first Airhawk in.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: bmb on June 23, 2015, 02:17:01 AM
First stage is long and needs to be adjusted.
It's a T05 trigger and there is no adjustment for the length of the first stage unless you put in the "second screw mod". That will give you first stage adjustment. The existing screw is for adjusting the second stage break.

Jon,

My instructions state the opposite. After a slight adjustment I tend to agree. I will check tomorrow after work and verify.

Seeing as half the reason I got this gun was to practice working on, I tore it apart already. It was surprising easy for my first time. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice and links. I did quite a bit of polishing and cleaning. Applied some moly and put it back together. I haven't shot it yet but have cocked and decocked several times. It seems somewhat smoother. It could still use a piston seal but I'll wait to see if I get a kit first.

My wife is going out of town tomorrow for a couple days. Good thing I got 1500 pellets with the gun. If I ever figure out how to post pics maybe I'll have some groups worth showing.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: DanD on June 23, 2015, 09:33:37 AM
And they're gone.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: Be Ready on June 23, 2015, 10:42:40 AM
I call MidWay.... They don't have any spare stocks or other parts. They also told me they have no way to check the items once ordered. I think this is BS..... You get what's in the box and hope for the best. Those of you that got the "like" new and no scratches.... Congrats you won! Those like me that got the "pulled behind the road wagon" model. I have to spend my own money to return it, or just give it away. Sorry MidWay you have lost a valued customer. I'll stick with the Companies that have "TRUE" customer service and ways of checking the product before it ships and or free return shipping policy's
Sorry to hear this Brent. In all reality, I never did care for the washed finish on Chinese guns. If it were me, I would strip the wood and do my own thing with it. I've actually found some pretty good stuff under that ugly orange stuff. The gun at this price with the potential it has would just give me the opportunity to tinker my brains out.
Thanks Bill... I had some time to gather my thoughts.... I called MidWay back yesterday afternoon. I spoke with a Supvr. I was able to order another one and he gave me free shipping. Going to roll the dice just one more time. If I like the stock on the new one. The other I'll either send back or just keep it and tinker with it. I'll know in a day or two. I still don't like the way they can't "Check" something out before it ships. Might save them a few returns in the future. Looks like the deal is over for now.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: avator on June 23, 2015, 12:08:20 PM
I call MidWay.... They don't have any spare stocks or other parts. They also told me they have no way to check the items once ordered. I think this is BS..... You get what's in the box and hope for the best. Those of you that got the "like" new and no scratches.... Congrats you won! Those like me that got the "pulled behind the road wagon" model. I have to spend my own money to return it, or just give it away. Sorry MidWay you have lost a valued customer. I'll stick with the Companies that have "TRUE" customer service and ways of checking the product before it ships and or free return shipping policy's
Sorry to hear this Brent. In all reality, I never did care for the washed finish on Chinese guns. If it were me, I would strip the wood and do my own thing with it. I've actually found some pretty good stuff under that ugly orange stuff. The gun at this price with the potential it has would just give me the opportunity to tinker my brains out.
Thanks Bill... I had some time to gather my thoughts.... I called MidWay back yesterday afternoon. I spoke with a Supvr. I was able to order another one and he gave me free shipping. Going to roll the dice just one more time. If I like the stock on the new one. The other I'll either send back or just keep it and tinker with it. I'll know in a day or two. I still don't like the way they can't "Check" something out before it ships. Might save them a few returns in the future. Looks like the deal is over for now.
Good job.. Oh Man!!!  I'd have a ball with 2 of these now knowing what I know. Exactly what I should have done with the first 2 we had. I did end up with a couple of XS-12s from the deal. We like those little guys alot.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: Be Ready on June 24, 2015, 08:50:47 PM
Great news.... The other Air Hawk showed up today. I'm very pleased with this one! Looks brand new without a scratch on it! Just wish I gotton this one first. Now I have a discussion too make as to keep the " Road Wagon " or send it back?
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: nolimit2217 on June 25, 2015, 08:03:54 AM
Mine just arrived and it looks absolutely brand new. I'm definitely pleased with this deal, Midway has always been good to me.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: avator on June 25, 2015, 09:14:24 AM
Good deal... so far.... 4 good ones and 1 scratched one.
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: D14Jeff on June 25, 2015, 03:37:45 PM
they raised the price all the way back up to $49.99 B4 S&H :(
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/568452/ruger-air-hawk-air-rifle-177-caliber-pellet-wood-stock-blue-barrel-factory-reconditioned?cm_vc=ProductFinding (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/568452/ruger-air-hawk-air-rifle-177-caliber-pellet-wood-stock-blue-barrel-factory-reconditioned?cm_vc=ProductFinding)

do they think we're made of money ?????


hehehe
Title: Re: Ruger Airhawk .177 $44.50
Post by: DanD on June 25, 2015, 04:22:38 PM
Got mine today. Looks brand new unless I get really picky, which I'm not, especially at this price point. Very rough cocking and I think there might be a goose hiding in there. My Elite came out very nice after a quick clean out, smooth out the cocking slot,  install a JM seal, and a bit of moly and tar. Hopefully this one respond as well, and most importantly, has a better barrel.