HW97k; thumbhole stock or non-thumbhole?

[Yogi]

It is very difficult to have a good artilery hold when you thumb is in the hole.  On my thumbhole stock I shoot with my thumb pointing straight up.
Seriously, you will be more accurate without the thumb sticking perpendicular to the guns movement.

-Y

[fwbsport]

It is very difficult to have a good artilery hold when you thumb is in the hole.  On my thumbhole stock I shoot with my thumb pointing straight up.
Seriously, you will be more accurate without the thumb sticking perpendicular to the guns movement.

-Y

Yes the hold on the K-T is not the same as the hold on my break barrels without thumbhole, but the K-T has a sliding rear buttplate that allows you to adjust the rifle up or down at the  butt-plate curve where it hits your shoulder.  If you try shooting at different adjustments you'll find an off hand hold that allows you to control the stock in order to fire the artillery hold.  The pistol grip I actually grip with some just right pressure and hold to keep the machine aligned vertically With My trigger Palm(!) to stabilize canting.  The rest of the stock holds the machine (the HW97K) in place level to launch the pellet.

The launch is very important in springers, and the stock of the HW9K-T will provide the proper rocket launching pad for YOU to hold in place in front of your face!

So the fixed barrel of the 97 is really the best launching device (machine) for a pellet to go straight.

As for caliber, I've heard getting an R1 or HW97K in .177 is "overbore" while the .20 is "just right".

The .22 will work in any pellet gun as I've found out--it seems to go along with anybody's preference in any type of machine of propulsion.

[WolfyW]

No doubt I'm the least qualified here. But I'll throw in for the 97KT as well. I haven't handled the other style, nor a 77. I was worried I might not like a thumb hole after committing to buying it. Yet I now prefer it. Plus that adjustable butt pad is the bees knees. And dozens of dead squirrels can't be wrong    My guess there is no bad choice here, HW makes great stuff.

[Yogi]

Adjustable butt pads are a must!
The OEM stock of my hw50's sits so just the bottom edge of the butt is one my shoulder.
I'm a fine believer that most airgun stocks do not hold you in the proper position.
One size fits all means, it doen't fit anybody properly.  Getting a properly fitting stock is just as-maybe more so- that getting a decent optic.

-Y

[abqjoe]

Well, my black and stainless 97 w/thumbhole stock comes in tomorrow and hopefully my 77 green laminate too so I can try them both out in the same day. No more purchases for me anytime soon lol. You guys are no help for saving money

[Kiljoy45]

I've always felt more comfortable shooting with a thumbhole stock. I think your choice comes down to that as everything else about the models are generally equivalent.  Which grip do you prefer with most other rifles you shoot?

[abqjoe]

I've always felt more comfortable shooting with a thumbhole stock. I think your choice comes down to that as everything else about the models are generally equivalent.  Which grip do you prefer with most other rifles you shoot?

As a life long firearms enthusiast I have grown accustom to everything but have spent the most time with military style weapons.

[Kiljoy45]

I've always felt more comfortable shooting with a thumbhole stock. I think your choice comes down to that as everything else about the models are generally equivalent.  Which grip do you prefer with most other rifles you shoot?

As a life long firearms enthusiast I have grown accustom to everything but have spent the most time with military style weapons.

I have a 97 KT. I like shooting with the thumbhole more than I like shooting my other springers with traditional stocks. Just go with your first thoughts and instincts in your choice.

[WolfyW]

This past Sunday I got out for a bit and tried shooting my thumb hole using the thumbs up position, as I do with my European style stocks. My groups actually opened noticeably. I guess as with all things Springer, each unit may have it's own special needs.

[Rick67]

Well, my black and stainless 97 w/thumbhole stock comes in tomorrow and hopefully my 77 green laminate too so I can try them both out in the same day. No more purchases for me anytime soon lol. You guys are no help for saving money

Show off, lol!

Wanna see it tomorrow, brother Joe  ..