HW57

[RKM]

I really like the under lever fixed barrel guns. The 57 seems a little safer and lighter. I don’t seem to read much about them here. Are they problematic. I’d really like to add one in .22 to my collection , but don’t want anything unreliable.

[Toxylon]

Yes, they are potentially problematic, like every springer with an indirect loading system. Many people have had accuracy problems with their 57's, due to loading port issues (misalignment). Many also report the 57's having loading ports that only accept a narrow range of pellets. But others are really happy with theirs, having zero issues. Like you said, it's a lightweight, handy, safe underlever gun.

[MDriskill]

I have nothing useful to say here, LOL, but would love to find out more about the HW 57 myself. One is tempted to say they've made them so long they surely have the bugs worked out by now...but that's prolly a dangerous assumption!

My least favorite thing about sliding-breech underlever/sidelever guns is that you have two layers of steel around the piston; inevitably resulting in a long, heavy receiver tube. The classic old tap-loaders, and other indirect systems like the 57's, result in a much trimmer action.

[Bayman]

I have nothing useful to say here, LOL, but would love to find out more about the HW 57 myself. One is tempted to say they've made them so long they surely have the bugs worked out by now...but that's prolly a dangerous assumption!

My least favorite thing about sliding-breech underlever/sidelever guns is that you have two layers of steel around the piston; inevitably resulting in a long, heavy receiver tube. The classic old tap-loaders, and other indirect systems like the 57's, result in a much trimmer action.

Posts like these makes me wish this forum had a "Like" button

[Zsigmund]

 I've wanted an HW57 for a long time, it seems like the perfect size and power level in an underlever for my plinking area.
The potential bugs are the only thing keeping me away ... Maybe I should get one from someplace with a great return policy?

[BordertownDevil]

I’ve been following the trials and tribulations of the 57 for a few years. I love the weight and handiness of my 50S, but I’m also a sucker for an under lever. The problem with most underlevers is the weight in the field and my duo of torn rotator cuffs from my wild and woolly motorcycle days. Booo! The 57 looked like the perfect package for me until I started researching them and hearing the stories of bad accuracy, misaligned breech to barrel fitment, plastic or pot metal pop up breeches, and pellet skirts being shaved upon loading. Booo again!

Now the good news: From my latest research into the new models, it seems that they have addressed all the problems I described above and the latest incarnation is supposed to be a real gem. I’m thinking of rolling the dice and ordering one through Krale since AoA refuses to import them (because of all the past negative issues and who can blame them?). Anyway, I’m squirreling away a few dollars every month to purchase one eventually. My shoulders aren’t getting any younger and my other 7nderlevers aren’t getting any lighter.

[RKM]

Bodertowndevil, if you do so, give us a report, if I get one first I’ll do the same. Also I’m in the greater Tucson area as well, maybe we will run into one another one day. Thanks for the reply, there really does not seem to be much information either good or bad out there. I’m on the fence between a 50 and a 57 at the moment.

[Zsigmund]

Bodertowndevil, if you do so, give us a report, if I get one first I’ll do the same. Also I’m in the greater Tucson area as well, maybe we will run into one another one day. Thanks for the reply, there really does not seem to be much information either good or bad out there. I’m on the fence between a 50 and a 57 at the moment.

 Yes please if either or both of you take the plunge I'd be really interested in a report. 👍

 I will of course do the same if I am stricken with the urge.. 

[Toxylon]

Really good news! Light, quality fixed barrels are at the top of the wish list of springer shooters, and a manufacturer actually addressing user-revealed issues isn't too common, either.

[BordertownDevil]

Bodertowndevil, if you do so, give us a report, if I get one first I’ll do the same. Also I’m in the greater Tucson area as well, maybe we will run into one another one day. Thanks for the reply, there really does not seem to be much information either good or bad out there. I’m on the fence between a 50 and a 57 at the moment.

Another Tucsonan into airguns? We’re rare as hen’s teeth.

I really can’t fault my 50. It’s a tack driver and a dream to carry afield. Light and nimble. The specs on the 57’s weight is identical to the 50 on the websites which makes me want that demure little underlever even more!

[tjk]

Great little rifles once tuned. The best advice I can give other than going with the .22 over the .177, is to keep the breech seals lubed!!!! The breech should ALWAYS slide into the firing position with very little effort. I use macarris clear tar. No need to slather it on real heavy, just enough to keep things slick and smooth. This stops blowby, and keeps accuracy very consistent. A tune or rebuild always helps,….like any other springer made.  The 57 is often the recipient of bad press, but once you learn to shoot it and keep the oring seals lubed , it shoots just as well as any other HW springer I own.