.22 Cal Hatsan 95 Vortex Problem

[AHMSA]

Hi Everyone,

Today I took my .22 caliber Hatsan 95 Vortex to the range and I was getting good groups with JSB (.5" at 25 yards - Windy day).  A few hours later, I tried to shoot it at my trap and the pellets would not leave the barrel.  I can hear and feel something moving in the rifle.  I'm guessing it's the gas piston moving but it's not moving fast enough to move the pellet down the barrel.  What could have gone wrong in just a couple of hours?

The good news is it's still under warranty because I've only had this gun for about four months.  But shipping a gun can be quite expensive from my previous experience with a powder burner.

[LAalex]

IIRC there were some problems with the rams some time back.  Does it require the same cocking effort as before? 

Scotty

[SpiralGroove]

Hey AHMSA,
Bummer
Have never had a this problem with my 95 vortex, but it sounds like the gas piston is no longer holding air.  Call Rick Eutsler at AirgunWeb or go directly to the HatsanUSA site and complete a Customer Service Form under Warranty/Safety tab.  Rick will most likely send you to HatsanUSA anyway, but maybe there is a simple fix I'm not familiar with ?

Good Luck...........this is definitely covered under the 1 year warranty.

[AHMSA]

Scotty, I'm not sure if it's lighter in cocking from the way it was.  It has been always very smooth so I can't really feel any big difference if there is any.

SpiralGroove, Thanks for the suggestion.  I submitted a service request on Hatsan's website.  I hope they get back to me soon.

[dw]

Gas ram failure.   My 1000x Vortex had the same symptoms.  Until the gas ram was replaced, I wasn't aware that the gun had become quite a bit easier to cock than it had been in the beginning.

I'd send it in to Hatsan to have it replaced.  It was a pretty painless experience for me.  Good luck.

Dennis

[AHMSA]

Thanks for the info Dennis!

[AHMSA]

FYI, I contacted Hatsan about the problem and they got back to me saying that they will fix the problem if I haven't abused the gun or made modifications (I did neither).  I asked them if this was a common problem with gas pistons and if I have the option to get it switched to a spring piston.  They said the problem happens to both types of pistons and that a gas piston is recommended in colder climates (I'm in Michigan). They said if I choose to go with a spring piston, they can install one for me.

I'm debating whether to have a gas piston or a spring piston (assuming it has to be replaced).  This is my very first gas piston air rifles.  I own another magnum springger with a spring piston and never had a problem with it.  I grew up shooting my dad's German magnum springger and he never had such problem with it either.

What do you guys recommend?

[SpiralGroove]

Hey AHMSA,
I would stick with the Vortex gas ram.  You paid as additional $50 bucks for it, there really is no (major) reason to go back.  Some folks on the GTA would kill to have the gas ram vs. a spring .  I don't think the GR is worth the extra cash, but I wouldn't go back, once I had it.
As Hatsan has said, bad things can happen to both power sources.

My Two Cents.........

[AHMSA]

Cool.  Thanks for the info, SpiralGroove!