We all love German springers, but...

[Yogi]

German, unless there is another group of high quality springer manufacturers outside of Germany.  I am leaving Air Arms out of the conversation.

In my experience, only my old Cometa 400 performs like a German springer and while it is very good quality, it's not really in the same class as the German guns.  Quite close, but not truly there.

And for me, that's it.  BSA doesn't seem to be in the same class, certainly not Gamo or Hatsan, etc or any of the Chinese products regardless of how they are sold.

Once upon a time BSA made GREAT springers.  The first airgun I ever shot was a BSA from the 50's or early 60's.  Unfortunately that has not been the case since Thatcher or just after...

-Y

[triggerfest]

"I'm wondering if anyone out there has gone from being "a Diana guy" to Weihrauch, or from Weihrauch to Diana over time.  And if so, why?"

If the question include other brands I could answer - my path includes Daisy, RWS, Beeman, HW, and AA.

Although I have made some critical comments about Weihrauch, I am definitely not anti Weihrauch. Heck, from the two HW97k's I have owned, my HW97k BlackLine has been the most accurate and easy to shoot springer (even out of the box, no tune) I have ever shot. The reason why I moved over to Diana is that I liked the Diana airguns more in terms of ergonomics for me. Also the reason I have sold my two HW97k's was because they are heavy. And I am a tall strong guy. But most of all, I am not a tinkerer. And with the three HW's I have owned (also incl a HW50s), I didn't liked the shot cycles out of the box (terrible strange moving recoil) + the spring buzz from Weihrauch sounds soo cheap. Last but not least. I like the Diana T06 trigger over the Rekord one from Weihrauch.

Again, I think Weihrauch is a great brand. Still manufacturing heirloom quality airguns. It is just not my brand. I also like the Walthers LGV/LGU/Terrus over Weihrauch, even though the LGV/LGU are heavy as well, but they are better balanced so you don't notice the weight so much.

[SpiralGroove]

Yeah, I sold my (2) HW77K's and HW97 as they were just too heavy and fiddly to shoot. 
For me too, I didn't like the ergonomics of the AA Pro-Sport and TX200HC and sold/returned them.

Y - When I speak of BSA ... I mean my R10 PCP - have never shot a BSA Springer .

I would have loved to shoot a Walther LGV Master Pro - but I procrastinated until they were discontinued.  However, unless it shot like a dream I would've likely sold it due to excessive weight.

The two guns which I still think about buying (I already have 17 ), would be the FWB Sport or D54 (Red Lami).

FWIW: The Walther LGV Master Pro is another example of an amazing airgun which didn't sell well enough to continue.
The Daisy Red Ryder, Crosman 760 are examples of (relatively inexpensive) guns, which fit the average consumer best and sold in large quantities.   
Allowing their companies to buy competitors which made much higher quality guns, but just couldn't compete on quantities sold/revenue.

Hence, quality is NOT the most important criteria to executives/shareholders, especially if their not end users.

We are so lucky Weihrauch kept themselves Family owned!

[Yogi]

Yeah, I sold my (2) HW77K's and HW97 as they were just too heavy and fiddly to shoot. 
For me too, I didn't like the ergonomics of the AA Pro-Sport and TX200HC and sold/returned them.

Y - When I speak of BSA ... I mean my R10 PCP - have never shot a BSA Springer .

I would have loved to shoot a Walther LGV Master Pro - but I procrastinated until they were discontinued.  However, unless it shot like a dream I would've likely sold it due to excessive weight.

The two guns which I still think about buying (I already have 17 ), would be the FWB Sport or D54 (Red Lami).

FWIW: The Walther LGV Master Pro is another example of an amazing airgun which didn't sell well enough to continue.
The Daisy Red Ryder, Crosman 760 are examples of (relatively inexpensive) guns, which fit the average consumer best and sold in large quantities.   
Allowing their companies to buy competitors which made much higher quality guns, but just couldn't compete on quantities sold/revenue.

Hence, quality is NOT the most important criteria to executives/shareholders, especially if their not end users.

We are so lucky Weihrauch kept themselves Family owned!

Amen, we are lucky that there are ANY quality springer still in production.
I too missed out on the Walther LGV...I shot an LGU once but HATE underlevers.

-Y

[Deerstalker]

FWIW My scoped HW95L .22 weighs 8.7 lbs.  Shot cycle.
 

[north country gal]

I don't have access to sales figures, of course, but, yeah, I am grateful and always somewhat surprised that there are still enough of us to keep HW and Diana making quality springers for us. Does make me wonder about the future, though.

[TXKmike]

I don't have access to sales figures, of course, but, yeah, I am grateful and always somewhat surprised that there are still enough of us to keep HW and Diana making quality springers for us. Does make me wonder about the future, though.

True. Also good that some of us have a dozen springers each. We may look like a stronger demographic on paper. I personally only have 3, all HW's.

[Bayman]

I don't have access to sales figures, of course, but, yeah, I am grateful and always somewhat surprised that there are still enough of us to keep HW and Diana making quality springers for us. Does make me wonder about the future, though.

True. Also good that some of us have a dozen springers each. We may look like a stronger demographic on paper. I personally only have 3, all HW's.

Last count I have ten springer. All of them Weihrauchs. I said I was done buying them three rifles ago. Lol

[Crowman]

When I started with air guns, shortly after Walther discontinued the LGU and LGV. I was lucky enough to get the last LGU in Canada. Mine is the Varmit, .22 cal. and a favorite.
I’ve never opened this gun. I will soon. The mechanism is so smooth. The outside is beautifully finished, doesn’t get much better. So sad it’s gone.
I’m guessing the Pro Sport is the next to go. Another favorite of mine. Crow

[jccams]

I don't have access to sales figures, of course, but, yeah, I am grateful and always somewhat surprised that there are still enough of us to keep HW and Diana making quality springers for us. Does make me wonder about the future, though.

True. Also good that some of us have a dozen springers each. We may look like a stronger demographic on paper. I personally only have 3, all HW's.

Last count I have ten springer. All of them Weihrauchs. I said I was done buying them three rifles ago. Lol

I also have 10 springers, 7 Weihrauch and 3 Diana's.  I have one Diana I want to get rid of for another HW30.

[Jason_Garvin]

Take two of these a day and come back in two weeks…….

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153508781938

I do believe that Weihrauch has made an exceptional offering to us springer folks over the years, and currently parts are abundant with a descent choice of aftermarket currently.  I do fear what will happen if / when Vortek or ARH will no longer offer their products.

At that point options will be dwindling for those who do not have the capability to machine their own parts. 

I am not a fan of Weihrauch stock internals honestly, but they make an excellent platform to improve upon.  And I really can’t stand the new laser etch or the new stocks either.  I really wish they would have left that alone.

Jason

[SpiralGroove]

Take two of these a day and come back in two weeks…….

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153508781938

I do believe that Weihrauch has made an exceptional offering to us springer folks over the years, and currently parts are abundant with a descent choice of aftermarket currently.  I do fear what will happen if / when Vortek or ARH will no longer offer their products.

At that point options will be dwindling for those who do not have the capability to machine their own parts. 

I am not a fan of Weihrauch stock internals honestly, but they make an excellent platform to improve upon.  And I really can’t stand the new laser etch or the new stocks either.  I really wish they would have left that alone.

Jason

Yeah Jason, the laser etching of the barrels/receivers is a minor abomination relative to going to plastic - but still a minor bummer.

The previous HW80S, HW95 & HW30S stocks were terrible - so they have been improved ........ not the HW50 or standard HW35 -> most split on HW35E.
Of course, Beeman (Goudy) stocks all around would be nirvana, but that ain't gonna happen.

Making your own parts will always be the way to go, especially when a adequate Lathe can be had for the price of a HW80S.  If you have more than a few guns, it will pay for itself in just a couple years .

[Bayman]

Take two of these a day and come back in two weeks…….

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153508781938

I do believe that Weihrauch has made an exceptional offering to us springer folks over the years, and currently parts are abundant with a descent choice of aftermarket currently.  I do fear what will happen if / when Vortek or ARH will no longer offer their products.

At that point options will be dwindling for those who do not have the capability to machine their own parts. 

I am not a fan of Weihrauch stock internals honestly, but they make an excellent platform to improve upon.  And I really can’t stand the new laser etch or the new stocks either.  I really wish they would have left that alone.

Jason

I agree with you on everything but maybe the stocks. To me some of the old stocks looked like ugly pre war antiquities. I think the new stocks are an attempt to prevent the market for high end springers from aging out. More importantly Weihrauch quality has been slipping lately so they may put themselves out of business unless they straighten it out.

As of now I too enjoy having the ARH and Vortek kits available. I'm not looking forward to losing either of them. I'm a long long way away from it but I plan on making my own spring kits in the future. I won't be looking to market them like Jim or Tom.

[Hoosier Daddy]

The stock on an HW-98 has timeless beauty 

[Jason_Garvin]

Take two of these a day and come back in two weeks…….

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153508781938

I do believe that Weihrauch has made an exceptional offering to us springer folks over the years, and currently parts are abundant with a descent choice of aftermarket currently.  I do fear what will happen if / when Vortek or ARH will no longer offer their products.

At that point options will be dwindling for those who do not have the capability to machine their own parts. 

I am not a fan of Weihrauch stock internals honestly, but they make an excellent platform to improve upon.  And I really can’t stand the new laser etch or the new stocks either.  I really wish they would have left that alone.

Jason

I agree with you on everything but maybe the stocks. To me some of the old stocks looked like ugly pre war antiquities. I think the new stocks are an attempt to prevent the market for high end springers from aging out. More importantly Weihrauch quality has been slipping lately so they may put themselves out of business unless they straighten it out.

As of now I too enjoy having the ARH and Vortek kits available. I'm not looking forward to losing either of them. I'm a long long way away from it but I plan on making my own spring kits in the future. I won't be looking to market them like Jim or Tom.

Here is a link to a nib HW 80 I brought back to life several years ago, now this stock I really liked the way it shouldered.  I also enjoyed the hand cut checkering, I am old fashioned in some ways.  I don’t like the advertising on the new ones,

https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=158439.0

Jason

[Cslinger]

ummm yeah as far as spring rifles go........ummmm well I have two PCP that's easy to count........spring rifles.....hmmm a few, lets call it a few.   

While I do like PCP rifles and really love my two little AirArms S200's I find them sort of sterile in nature.  They are very easy to shoot and lack a certain....."soul" if you will for me personally.  Most of the time when I shoot almost any PCP rifle I find myself thinking I'd rather be shooting a powder burner.  There are however times I am shooting a power burner where I find myself thinking I'd much rather be shooting one of my springers. 

For me, personally, there is an art to shooting a spring gun and it requires a bit more dedication/technique and even once you get it down you never get it perfect.  Its much like driving a manual transmission.  Is it the best choice, of course not, is it more engaging, yes absolutely for me.  The fact that I can just grab a springer and a tin and shoot 5 shots or 500 shots with no muss no fuss just adds to the experience. 

So yeah, I am a springer guy at heart.  I mean I am a GUN GUY through and through from nerf to nail to belt fed but as far as airguns go I just like the routine, the slowness, the very manual nature of it all when it comes to shooting a spring rifle.

[north country gal]

The stock on an HW-98 has timeless beauty 

I think so, too, given my target shooting background. I'm very much a form follows function type of shooter and very much appreciate stocks designed for specific types of shooting. In that respect, the 98 stock is a classic. It's still one of the HW break barrels I've yet to own, though.

Since everyone seems to be taking inventory, I'm now at 13 springers, 8 being HWs, 2 being FWB Sports, with a few mint oldies, those being a late 80s RWS 45, a Slavia (CZ) 613 and the rare bird of the group, a Benjamin Sterling HR81 under lever, this being Benjamin's attempt to get into the serious springer game just prior to being bought out by Ctosman.
 
That's down quite a few, though, since I've sold off most of the under levers due to weight and my preference for break barrels. At one time, though, I owned all three models of the AA under levers. Fine, fine springers, but just too massive for my tastes. Little too ornate, as well.

[Bayman]

Take two of these a day and come back in two weeks…….

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153508781938

I do believe that Weihrauch has made an exceptional offering to us springer folks over the years, and currently parts are abundant with a descent choice of aftermarket currently.  I do fear what will happen if / when Vortek or ARH will no longer offer their products.

At that point options will be dwindling for those who do not have the capability to machine their own parts. 

I am not a fan of Weihrauch stock internals honestly, but they make an excellent platform to improve upon.  And I really can’t stand the new laser etch or the new stocks either.  I really wish they would have left that alone.

Jason

I agree with you on everything but maybe the stocks. To me some of the old stocks looked like ugly pre war antiquities. I think the new stocks are an attempt to prevent the market for high end springers from aging out. More importantly Weihrauch quality has been slipping lately so they may put themselves out of business unless they straighten it out.

As of now I too enjoy having the ARH and Vortek kits available. I'm not looking forward to losing either of them. I'm a long long way away from it but I plan on making my own spring kits in the future. I won't be looking to market them like Jim or Tom.

Here is a link to a nib HW 80 I brought back to life several years ago, now this stock I really liked the way it shouldered.  I also enjoyed the hand cut checkering, I am old fashioned in some ways.  I don’t like the advertising on the new ones,

https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=158439.0

Jason

I agree with you on that particular 80 stock. They haven't had that stock in decades. There's been many years of uglier utilitarian stocks with terrible pressed checkering in between that stock and the newest stocks. I'd rather have your Mk1 or a R1 Goudy stock than the current stock but I'd rather have a new stock over the last generation of base model 80 stocks.
Honestly rifle stocks are somewhat subjective. A lot like men's preferences in women. I'm more concerned in the turn down in quality. Dressing up a poorly made rifle doesn't improve its performance.

[Methuselah]

The stock on an HW-98 has timeless beauty 

I think so, too, given my target shooting background. I'm very much a form follows function type of shooter and very much appreciate stocks designed for specific types of shooting. In that respect, the 98 stock is a classic. It's still one of the HW break barrels I've yet to own, though.

Since everyone seems to be taking inventory, I'm now at 13 springers, 8 being HWs, 2 being FWB Sports, with a few mint oldies, those being a late 80s RWS 45, a Slavia (CZ) 613 and the rare bird of the group, a Benjamin Sterling HR81 under lever, this being Benjamin's attempt to get into the serious springer game just prior to being bought out by Ctosman.
 
That's down quite a few, though, since I've sold off most of the under levers due to weight and my preference for break barrels. At one time, though, I owned all three models of the AA under levers. Fine, fine springers, but just too massive for my tastes. Little too ornate, as well.

Inventory, hmmm, how about favorites? My Henry can literally put 3 in the same hole at 25 yards with a scope on it but it's pretty low on my favorites list. The 1934 Winchester model 67 has a 28" barrel, no scope, no rails for a scope, sloppy bolt, but a very nice, small front bead sight, points like a dream, likes colibri's (!) and fires them so quietly hitting the target is louder than the report. And, it's a very well balanced rifle.

2nd fav gotta be the Daisy 880 with no-name 4X scope.

Which one of those 13 is your favorite?

[Hoosier Daddy]

Don't make me count my springers.. even I don't know how many I have anymore.