Hatsan 95 (spring) vs. 95 Vortex

[korny351]

I find myself looking really hard at the model 95.  Something about the combination of German steel and Turkish walnut I find really appealing.  This is not for hunting but merely paper punching (at this time).  Mainly looking at .22, as my RWS is feeling lonely.  Noting that all the more recent threads on the 95 seem to be about the Vortex power plant, I am curious about the benefits of Vortex vs. spring.  I've seen various videos extolling the virtues of one power plant over the other, and haven't been swayed by either side.  There just doesn't seem to be one clear cut winner in the debate.  However, I haven't seen anything specific to this application (Mod. 95).  I'm looking specifically for feedback from others who have owned both.  Don't get me wrong, all input would be greatly appreciated, but I think any apples to apples comparison would be much more relevant.  Thanks.

John

[DanD]

My favorite gas-ram characteristic is that you are guaranteed a twang-free shot cycle right out of the box.
The biggest drawback I see is that if the ram fails out of warranty, it will likely be more expensive to replace than a spring.
I should say that, I am speaking from general experience with many springers and several gas rams, but have not yet owned a 95. But if I ever do, I would prefer the Vortex.
Hope that helps.

[korny351]

Dan, thanks for the reply.  Other than the noise factor, do you feel the Vortex has any other redeeming qualities, such as decreased hold sensitivity or recoil?  The statement about out-of-warranty replacement does concern me as I am contemplating a refurbished unit, with minimal warranty.  Looking up Vortex replacement, I came upon some threads from a couple of years ago talking about Hatsan stocking a full range of replacement parts.  Current threads seem to show that Hatsan is reluctant to sell some of these parts, probably due to liability reasons.  Replacement of these parts  is only available with Hatsan doing the replacement.  Does anyone know whether replacement Vortex rams are available for customer installation?

[SteveP-52]

There are a couple European sites that sell Hatsan parts. What it would take to get them shipped here I don't know, but Hatsan apparently has no problems at least overseas at this point selling replacement parts to the public. Here's 1 you can check out, it gives English and US dollar options:

http://sharg.pl/pol_m_STRZELECTWO_Wiatrowki-i-akcesoria_Akcesoria-do-wiatrowek-2999.html

[Gut2Fish]

It's an oddity alright. Hatsan USA will not ship the Vortex only, you must send back the gun. I just read their reply email to me this morning. Makes no sense at all. You can readily purchase any of the nitro ram power plants in the US but Hatsan US has a problem with it. Dunno why as you can get them from Poland etc.

I've not had the pleasure of shooting a tuned spring power plant. I'm under the assumption it cocks smooth but should have the same massive vibration and rotation as a non maccari tar spring. With a gas ram (Vortex is air but same idea) there is far less vibration messing with your shot, it's just a thump back and forth once and no turning due to a spring. With out tuning a gas ram is smooth to cock. The minor amount of power lost from not using a spring isn't missed and the added benefit of being able to have it loaded for hours if hunting is nice.

The best feature of the Vortex ram over nitro is it can be adjusted. Think I read they are shipped with 135 BAR but can be reduced or increased for your shooting needs. Not that it's a quick and easy thing to do but if you can get a quality pellet locally without having to have shipped all the time but it's too light for the power of your gun then reducing the pressure in the ram would lower speed enough to get that pellet at 850-900 fps where it will be accurate. On the other side, if you like to really extend the range and plink distance and want a heavier pellet as it's more stable over that long distance then raising the BAR in the ram to it's 150 recommended max would be great. So shooting a vortex and finding the pellet you want to use then decide- is it worth it to open and do a one time ram adjustment and while your at it tune the piston by cleaning, debur and lube the main seal all at one time?

I like the Vortex and am seriously thinking of calling the mother land to have one shipped. It will give me more power than the nitro that's currently in it and about to do my first tune. I shoot heavy pellets and like to plink out to 200ft. Getting a lot better at guessing wind drift now. Only took over 1000 rounds to develop a sense of direction and speed in all sorts of conditions.

[DanD]

Dan, thanks for the reply.  Other than the noise factor, do you feel the Vortex has any other redeeming qualities, such as decreased hold sensitivity or recoil?

In my experience, gas rams do not substantially decrease recoil or hold sensitivity. Some have made the point that gas rams are devoid of the twisting force a spring has as it uncompresses. I have not experienced notable twisting issues with spring guns, but I generally install kits or lube tune my springers as a matter of course.

I've not had the pleasure of shooting a tuned spring power plant. I'm under the assumption it cocks smooth but should have the same massive vibration and rotation as a non maccari tar spring.

Once you do shoot a tuned or kitted springer, you will understand why people are happy to pay for such services and put so much time and effort into learning to do it themselves.
A properly tuned, kitted, or even stock springer with good-fitting guides and seals will shoot every bit as nice or nicer than a gas ram. A nice shooting springer is just a joy to behold.
Hope that helps.
Have fun!

[Gut2Fish]

I am about to do a tune once the seals show up. We're talking days of research, if I cramped it all together, to ensure myself I could handle it. Got the over sized not factory seals and moly paste. All I'd need is maccari tar and could through in the spring to find out. Might just do that so I can feel the difference for myself in the same gun. I've shot .22 and .177 stock springs and did not like the vibration one bit. If the tune will fix that I'd gladly keep the spring in. Would be the most power. Years ago I did the nitro option from Pyramyd when purchasing the gun and they left the spring in the box so not a problem for me to see first hand. 

[korny351]

Thank you all for your input.  Despite some of my misgivings, I still think the Vortex is the way to go.  Never owned a gas ram before, now it's time to get my feet wet.  Once again, THANK YOU!!!!

[Privateer]

Go with the Vortex. It can be pumped up and rebuilt.

[Yogi]

There are a couple European sites that sell Hatsan parts. What it would take to get them shipped here I don't know, but Hatsan apparently has no problems at least overseas at this point selling replacement parts to the public. Here's 1 you can check out, it gives English and US dollar options:

http://sharg.pl/pol_m_STRZELECTWO_Wiatrowki-i-akcesoria_Akcesoria-do-wiatrowek-2999.html

Steve,

Thanks for posting that site.  There was a guy here who was looking for a replacement Hatsan 95 barrel.  They got'm!
Have you ordered from them?

-Y

[Old Corps]

There are a couple European sites that sell Hatsan parts. What it would take to get them shipped here I don't know, but Hatsan apparently has no problems at least overseas at this point selling replacement parts to the public. Here's 1 you can check out, it gives English and US dollar options:

http://sharg.pl/pol_m_STRZELECTWO_Wiatrowki-i-akcesoria_Akcesoria-do-wiatrowek-2999.html

Thanks for the link Steve. I enjoyed browsing through it but I couldn't determine if they ship to the U.S. I don't need anything but I sent them an email asking if they shipped here. It'd be nice to know they did if a part was needed and shipping wasn't an arm & a leg.

Ed