FWB Sport

[EMrider]

I tried out two of them, the trigger is amazing. Much nicer triggers than Rekords, and I even kinda like Rekords. Both of them felt like two stage to me. Nice, short take up of first stage and then crisp, repeatable break of second stage. And I didn't even mess with the triggers-they come from the factory that way.

Quite comparable to a 300s trigger.

Too bad the shooting characteristics aren't as impressive as the trigger. Both of them felt like I was shooting a 30.06 (RECOIL) for a return of about 9fpe. I tried various pellets too. Maybe was my elevation not jiving with the engineering (combo of short stroke and large compression chamber diameter) or I just got two duds but I didn't keep either one. I was pretty disappointed because I really wanted to keep the gun. It was supposed to replace a laminate stocked HW77k but in the end I didn't keep either and decided my HW50S is easier to shoot and a more pleasant overall experience. 

On a positive note, the Sport I put a scope on shot a really nice group at 55 yards. I don't remember the exact size but I kinda think it was a five shot group right under an inch. So, FWB hasn't forgotten how to make good barrels.

Interesting feedback, thanks.  The FWB sport had my interest, but I wasn’t aware that it used a 30mm piston until this thread.  Your experience is consistent with some of the shortcomings I’ve experienced with the R1, which also uses a 30mm piston.  In particular, the recoil is too harsh for any given power level, IMHO.

R

[Yogi]

The thread about the 22mm piston Air Arms over on the English Gate, is the exact opposite of this.  Super interesting.  Do you want max power or max smoothness, or something in-between?

-Y

[flycaster]

After reading this thread, I figured my FWB124 needed a relative! Ordering a Sport from Champions in the morning.

Don't think you will be disappointed.  A more refined animal with a sharper bite!

[Sammi1968]

I really think they have made some changes from the originals as mine is fairly smooth and not twangy. It's tight to tap open but locks up solid. I picked it up again tonight and admired the quality. Even though it's not a Walnut stock, it's a really really nice stock, feels good, balanced going to the shoulder. It may not be an $8/900 rifle but at $570 I thinks it's a pretty good buy. Not inexpensive by a long shot, but I think it's reasonable for what your getting. You might want to look into it. My 2 cents.

[Sammi1968]

For some eye candy.

[flycaster]

Flycaster,

How nice is that trigger.  I know its great as I've  shot one.  Breaks like a glass rod.  And the safety! Just perfect... And a super fast lock time.    Have you any AA or JSB 10.3 to chrony?

VillageSniper

Here's a 5 shot string with H&N Baracuda 10.65g pellets:

760 fps, 759, 761, 763, 760
giving 13.66 fpe

Impressed with the consistency and narrow spreads. This puppy should be real nice when broken in!

[heli03]

Flycaster,

How nice is that trigger.  I know its great as I've  shot one.  Breaks like a glass rod.  And the safety! Just perfect... And a super fast lock time.    Have you any AA or JSB 10.3 to chrony?

VillageSniper

Here's a 5 shot string with H&N Baracuda 10.65g pellets:

760 fps, 759, 761, 763, 760
giving 13.66 fpe

Impressed with the consistency and narrow spreads. This puppy should be real nice when broken in!

Wow consistent and impressive velocity with 10.65g pellets! My FWB124 averages 810fps with 7.3g JSB's. My Sport should arrive next week.

[VillageSniper]

Telecaster,

   Those are good speeds for the HN pellets.  I would guess the JSB 10.3 would shoot a bit faster but it is just speculation.  My HW95 shot the AA 10.3 at 755-760 factory trim, but not smoothly. The FWB sport may shine in these heavier pellets.  They are definitely worth a try.  If you want a few AA 10.3 to try just let me know I can send you a sample.

Vs

[flycaster]

Just mounted a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x33mm EFR with a BKL-260D7 one piece mount. Will see this weekend if there is any significant droop (hope not!). Fumbled around trying to remove front site -- couldn't fine the right size allen key -- then noticed it is a Torx screw! Should've known -- stock screws are all Torx.

[VillageSniper]

Looking good Flycaster! Remember we want 10 in a dime, so take your time... gotta show off a little 

Vs

[heli03]

Nice rig flycaster!

[aaronc]

Cant wait to see the groups,...but it already looks good. Nice

[flycaster]

With the scope on, decided to remove the rear sight. Need to use a drift punch to knock the pin out. Be careful!!! There are 2 small ball bearings up front and a small spring under the elevation dial.  Everything was well greased.  Looks like FWB does a real nice job putting this together. I peaked at the main spring and it looks to be covered with a moly paste.

[flycaster]

Decided to disassemble, check out the internals and give it a good lube.  Exactly as described in Tom Gaylord's excellent review series minus the gear oil. All parts finely machined and finished. The spring guide does indeed have a lot of play - over a millimeter. A Vortek designed guide set would probably smooth this gun out. I added some JM "old school" buttons to the piston plus replaced the piston seal with the one Pyramyd Air sells with a tighter fit. Lubed everything including a good dose of Beeman spring gel.  Shoots smoother for sure but I feel it could still use some improvement. I did put a few shots through the chrony and saw about a 10fps increase (850fps average with 8.64 H&N FTT).
Need to run it in a bit when the weather warms up and see how goes.