Swapping RWS34 with RWS54 (.22) - a good idea ?

[wwjosh19]

Reason I ask is I brought a brand new RWS 34 last Nov from airgun depot. After 600+ shot, it did not cock (cannot break the barrel). Sent to UMAREXUSA for repair who told me yesterday it is factory defect with receiver. They will send me a brand new RWS 34.  A thought came to mind this morning. I appreciate your advise if this is a good idea or not.  Not even sure airgun depot will agree to this.

I already own a HW80 .22 a springer. What if I swap this replacement new RWS 34 with RWS 54 both .22 ?  54 is a side lever vs. break barrel. This way I will have 2 different type. I do not want to own too many AG, just couple of good one.

Please do not laugh for the following question, I am just new to AG

is it safe to load 54 with side lever (as compared to the 34 break barrel). I use pellet pen to load the HW80 and 34 to avoid my finger caught in the pinch point. For 54 side lever, can you also use pellet pen. The idea of stick my finger in and get my finger cut is scary to me. Again this is just my ignorance how side lever work.

Really appreciate your thought on 54 safety issue and the thought of swapping 34 with it.  Thanks a million

[Springrrrr]

There is a very substantial bear tooth locking device that holds the piston tube back until you depress a lever on the opposite side of the loading port.

Yes, it is a mechanical device and it could fail but I have tried to make it slip on my 48, just to see if it would, and it didn't.  Once you get familiar with the gun, the need for a pellet loader lessens to the point where it will be more of a hindrance than a help.

[wwjosh19]

Thanks Bob, that is good to know. But can you still be able to use pellet pen for your RWS48 ?

Also how is RWS 54 better (and more expensive) than the 48. Is it the recoiless features for 54 ? I am inclined to may as well go all out to get  the 54.  I am calling airgun depot shortly to see if I can swap and upgrade.

[AHMSA]

the need for a pellet loader lessens to the point where it will be more of a hindrance than a help.

Unless you're in Michigan and worried about your fingers freezing...  I use a pellet loader so I don't have to take my gloves off when shooting outdoor.

[jus Tom]

Pellet pens have a place in break barrel shooting. Can't use a pen for loading my 460, haven't handled a side lever but thinking the RWS fixed barrels loading ports are the same or very near the same. Finger loading seems to be the only option, just make sure you hold on to the cocking lever while placing the pellet in.

[Paulf10]

Josh,

As far as swapping the 34P for the 54, you would be trading up, so yes it sounds like a great idea! The 54 would be a much different gun from your HW80 what with it being a fixed barrel and all.

I don't have any experience with an RWS 54, but the reviews sound pretty good. Then again a Walther LGU in .177 sounds pretty good. So does a HW97K, or a TX200 MKIII, or a RWS48, or a.... well they all sound good to me and in any caliber!  Which is why I understand you not wanting to have too many airguns, just a few good ones. Sadly, it's a battle I have a lot with myself, and one I usually loose.

Let us know how you make out with Airgun Depot. Since you don't have, or ever had, a defect free 34P, I would think they would be happy to upgrade you. You aren't even returning anything!

[wwjosh19]

Thanks all for the prompt response. What a wonderful forum to train new AG owners. I did call Airgun depot. The sales person said it passed the 30 day return policy. So even UMAREXUSA is sending me a brand new RWS34P, they are not going to swap/upgrade it with the RWS 54 combo. Kind of disappointing. I thought I will end up with a HW80 and RWS 54 and be a very happy man. Well, may be I will still be happy that it will give me time to learn more about RWS 54 and soon hopefully to own three very nice AG - HW80, RWS 54 and RWS 34, cover three different bloc (if that is the right word to use). I ran through 250 JSB Diabolo in no time, now starting a new tin can of 500 RWS Superdome 14.5 gr. Instead of paper target I shoot little pebbles 25 yards. Very satisfying when the pellet hit the pebble and it just bounced off. With the HW80 on a average need to shoo twice to hit 1 pebble.  One thing I must say, cocking HW80 is easier than RWS 34. With the 34, my muscle will be tired after 100+ pellets.  So Paul -  HW80, gets my vote.

[Springrrrr]

Thanks Bob, that is good to know. But can you still be able to use pellet pen for your RWS48 ?

Also how is RWS 54 better (and more expensive) than the 48. Is it the recoiless features for 54 ? I am inclined to may as well go all out to get  the 54.  I am calling airgun depot shortly to see if I can swap and upgrade.

I have never tried a pellet loader in my 48.  It does not give you straight in access like a break barrel does.

The 54 has a sliding receiver that is designed to absorb some of the recoil shock.  It is still known as a scope eater and you have to get a scope that is heavy recoil rated.

If I was to do it again, even though I have modded my 48 to be the best it can be, I would have gotten the 54.  It is the top of this particular line.

[Neckmann]

Just picked up a 54 in .22 a month ago.  I am getting more accuracy out of the 54 with iron sights than I can get out of my Air Arms Pro Elite .22 with a 5-15x Mil Dot.  That 54 is sweet.

[Yogi]

Thanks all for the prompt response. What a wonderful forum to train new AG owners. I did call Airgun depot. The sales person said it passed the 30 day return policy. So even UMAREXUSA is sending me a brand new RWS34P, they are not going to swap/upgrade it with the RWS 54 combo. Kind of disappointing. I thought I will end up with a HW80 and RWS 54 and be a very happy man. Well, may be I will still be happy that it will give me time to learn more about RWS 54 and soon hopefully to own three very nice AG - HW80, RWS 54 and RWS 34, cover three different bloc (if that is the right word to use). I ran through 250 JSB Diabolo in no time, now starting a new tin can of 500 RWS Superdome 14.5 gr. Instead of paper target I shoot little pebbles 25 yards. Very satisfying when the pellet hit the pebble and it just bounced off. With the HW80 on a average need to shoo twice to hit 1 pebble.  One thing I must say, cocking HW80 is easier than RWS 34. With the 34, my muscle will be tired after 100+ pellets.  So Paul -  HW80, gets my vote.

I bet your breech bolt to too tight.  The barrel should be able to be moved by one finger after cocking, just staying where you put it.  If you are so worried about your fingers, hold on to the barrel while you load with the other hand.  Good practice even for non scaredy cats.

-Y

[Bryan Heimann]

It is a possibility, but not real likely unless you have a defective trigger/sear or something.  The anti-bear trap in the 48/54 is probably one of the best making it even less likely.  I have probably put a million pellets downrange, not even exaggerating, using some of the cheapest springers out there and not a single one has ever closed on me.  At one point, I ran through a full 500 ct tin almost every day through my only breakbarrel at that time- cheap B19 clone, stoeger X10.  That gun was superbly accurate and felt like an extension of myself.  I have only learned to hold the barrel just in case, within the last couple of years.  I also never wore eye protection to shoot anything until within the last 5 years or so, when a ricochet hit near my eye.  Been shooting my whole life.  I wear it now, to prevent the unlikely but possible accident.  So yeah, i wear glasses and also hold the barrels when cocking, most of the time.

Continue to practice safe habits but don't get bent around the axle or be fearful.  Just hold on to the barrel or the cocking lever when loading.  You are using good quality airguns and practicing safe habits.   You'll be fine.

I must add, I am considering paring it down to one air rifle myself.  Money is tight and I have so many lsying around that I don't even shoot anymore.  Might as well try to recoup some of that money spent, as long as I have one nice rifle then why not?

If I had to pare it down to just one, it would probably be something along the lines of a D34 or R9.  Balanced, good weight not too heavy to enjoy carrying amd shooting, not too light to be hard to shoot.  For me, that is probably my HW35.  34, sure why not?

[dtdtdtdt]

Being a fraidy-cat about pinching fingers is not a bad thing. 

I went through the discussion about anti-bear claws asking whether they were necessary.  One kind reader sent me a link to a UK site.  A member there was cocking his favorite break barrel and somehow slipped. The front half of his thumb was removed.  Very messy and got his rifle dirty too!!!!

Here is the string I started at the time:

https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=132480.msg1315581#msg1315581

 
The anti-finger remover device on both my RWS 54s works perfectly every time.  They are particularly important and useful as you get older (I now fit the category!)

Since both mine are full power systems, I actually cock mine in two steps to improve control.  I pull it back about half way, readjust my hold and complete the pull under more controlled conditions.   There is a good reason for this method.  One is a Hector Medina built 20cal.  The first time I took it to the range, I tried cocking in one step.  It slipped off my knee, jammed the safety against the bench.  This led to damage to the Hector high performance piston when I over stressed the cocking stroke because it won't latch.  After numerous consults with Hector and a different piston it works great.  When I grow up, Hector may sell me another of his high performance pistons (but I don't think he trusts me with adult toys!!)  BIG GRIN!!!

His recommendation to me on cocking was to watch the trigger.  When the trigger sear latches the trigger moves forward and the safety engages.

Regarding rifle choice.  I really really really like the recoilless system on both the RWS 54 and my FWB 300.  Both work so well it makes shooting an magnum power air rifle much easier. 

[justinp61]

I have both a 34 (.177) and a 48 (.22) and shoot the 34 more often. Both rifles have full power Vortek spring kits, I prefer the weight and the shot cycle of the 34.

Having said that I want to keep my fingers too. I'm RH but shoot LH, I cock the 34 with my RH and never turn the barrel loose as I load it with my LH. I also cock the 48 with my RH, after it's cocked I reach over the cocking arm and hold the stock with my RH. The gun is muzzle up with my right forearm over the top of the cocking arm, this way even if the bear trap failed it can't close on my fingers. The rifle is then loaded with my LH.

[DEAN]

3 yr old thread.

[dtdtdtdt]

Well it only goes to show that we are persistent in helping others but not too observant!!!

DUH

[MikefromMidland]

 I own a D-34 in .177 and a D-54 in .22
  It's worth it to go with the 54! It's heavy,but its Also "dang" accurate and easy to shoot. I primarily shoot mine from a bench.