Comparing .22 - HW50S, HW77K and HW97KT

[Mtl_Biker]

Hi Eldor

All of ours are in 177, but we do have all three - the 97K, the 77K and the 50S. My two cents, as follows.

You're really talking two different class of guns, here, with the 50S in one class and the the 77K and 97K in the other as far as handling and feel and balance. The 50S is really just a more robust 30S in handling and feel. It's a gun I could easily carry all day long out in the woods and fields. The 50S is a must have gun for my shooting. Ranks right up there with the 30S.

The 77K and 97K are definitely monsters by comparison. These are very typical under levers. While the 77K and the 97K are very similar guns, there are differences and not just in the sights or lack of sights. For one, the comb on the 77K is lower than the comb on the 97K, the lower comb designed to be used with iron sights. For sure, you can use a scope very effectively on the 77K, but it's really designed for those iron sights. Also, without the shroud on the 77K, it has a sharper report to it, more of a crack. The 97K with the shroud definitely sounds more muffled. Not a huge difference in loudness, mind you, but it is there.

I got the 77K, specifically, to shoot with iron sights. Without a scope, it's actually pretty decent as far as balance and weight for my offhand shooting. If you plan to shoot with a scope, though, I see no advantage to the 77K other than having iron sights as an option at some time. With a scope, both guns feel pretty much the same in the hand. For shooting with a scope, I'd go right to the 97K.

As for the TX HC, same weight class as the 77K/97K, but even a bit more rearward balance for offhand work. Cocking effort, though, is WAY more than with the HWs. If you want an AA with superb balance for offhand work or for carry and one that is smooth and easy (and quiet) to cock, the only way to go is the ProSport. My favorite AA, by far.

Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Terrific reply, Joanie!!  Thanks very much and yes, it certainly does help.

I'm going to give up on getting the Minelli stock on the HW50S and go with the plainer less-interesting stock because that seems to be all that I can get these days.  The 50S has certainly become my most favorite springer, although I do like the HW97KT for field target.  I'm glad you put the HW77K into perspective for me.  Thanks again.

What I'm *probably* going to do is get the HW50S .22 with plain stock and if the stock really bothers me, I'll swap with the stock on my .177 HW50S.  And then probably sell both my HW30S (black stock with nickel barrel) and the .177 HW50S (nickel barrel), keeping only the .22 HW50S and the HW97KT as my springers.  I do have a Feinwerkbau 602 match rifle for 10-meter competition and I have a new CZ200S "Green" (with fully adjustable one-piece stock) on order to replace the CZ200T I sold.  Plus with my Steyr EVO-10 match pistol, I probably have more than enough guns to play with.

Very best regards!!!

[SpiralGroove]

Mtl_Biker,

The newer HW50S stock shouldn't be viewed as a liability, some folks may prefer its darker color or not even recognize the difference.  I would certainly NOT let the stock (version) dictate your decision.
The HW guns having the higher build quality are the HW35, HW77, HW80, HW90 and HW97.  They're more robust and better machines, with the downside of weighing more.  Weihrauch likely considerers these models to be their top of class, spring air guns.

If you ever sell the HW50S - nickel, I'd like to buy it .................................. Kirk

[Gear_Junkie]

Maybe I'm nuts for not considering the HW50S with the "inferior" (non-Minelli) stock.  Because other than for the stock, it's really pretty much the ideal gun for me.

Does anyone have pics of the Minelli and non-Minelli stocks for the 50S?  I'm just curious...

[FloridaBoy2]

I'm looking for my first .22 caliber spring piston rifle.  And having a bit of a hard time deciding.

I currently own (in .177) an HW50S and HW97KT (among others) and I like them both but kinda favor the 50S for the size and weight and ease of handling.  Plus it's plenty accurate with the chisel barrel lockup.  I haven't been able to find an HW50S with the nice Minelli stock in .22 here in Canada or from my European supplier.  Only with the cheaper and less attractive stock.  And I don't want that.  So what I'm trying to figure out is what the opinion here is about the handling and differences between the 50S, HW77K and HW97KT.

I may be leaning towards the HW77K at the moment.  It's a very little bit (10mm) shorter overall than the 97 but surprisingly it has a longer barrel (360mm vs. 300mm).  And it's about half a pound lighter.  I'm guessing that it would feel more like the HW97KT than the 50S, right?  I do like the under-lever cocking over a break barrel.  Plus it comes with open sights which some other options (HW97, AA TX200) don't.  I'd be putting a scope on it so it's not a deal breaker but it's nice to have the option of open sights.

Another gun to consider is the Air Arms TX200 HC.  Shorter than the 77K by about 2 inches but a little heavier.  But more expensive than the other options.  Would be my first Air Arms though.

Thoughts?

Well, it may not be one of the choices. Given you've mentioned several under levers but wanting the handling and weight of the 50S; have you considered an HW57 ? Same internals of the 50S but an under lever. Not sure if the Minelli stock is available but it may be an option given your criteria if it is.  Otherwise buy two HW50S's one in .177 with the Minelli wood and a .22 with standard wood, swap the stocks and sell the leftover airgun. Stranger things have happened.

Mtl Biker,

I would have never thought about it but after re-reading you post I looked at my 57 and, FWIW, it does have a Minelli stock.