Hatsan 125TH .25 - first impressions & photograps... PART I

[microsalmo]

My package arrived a day early from Airgun Depot, and was in good shape when it got here.  Thank you AGD.

The gun itself if massive.  It's big - real big.  It measures 3-4" longer than my NPSS & Trail NP... which I thought were large.  All of the extra length comes in the action itself, and not the barrel or stock.  Speaking of the stock, it shoulders very well, and is very comfortable without any of the but-spacers added.  The thumb hole fits my hand better than a traditional stock, with the disadvantage being that you cant flip off the safety unless you undo your grip.  I love the placement of the trigger too.  The pad of my finger rests perfectly on it without any uncomfortable wrist positions, as may be found in a traditional stock.  Speaking of the trigger.  It too moves side to side like everyone else's.  That's unfortunate because it gives the impression that the trigger is poorly made, and that the riffle is cheaply constructed.  Perhaps when I start shooting, this will be quickly forgotten, as it is said to be very good.

Speaking of "cheap," I have to admit that I was a smidgen disappointed in the overall appearance... just a little.  I believe this impression is a result of the polymer parts such as the muzzle break, stock, and recoil pad.  Had I bought this gun with a wooden stock, I think it would have given the impression that it was twice as costly.  My only frame of reference are the polymer parts on the Remington NPSS, Benjamin Trail NP, and Ruger Air Hawk.  This Hatsan is certainly not as polished appearing or as refined appearing as those.  One comes from the U.S., and the other two, China.  All three have the upper hand on polymer refinement.  But if the Hatsan outperforms them, it would be a fair trade-off.  After all, it is a sub $200 gun.

The metal areas of the riffle sing a little different song.  The bluing on mine was very deep and even with the exception of one very small blemish on the barrel.  The barrel being .25 does seem especially thick, and the joint area is built like a tank.  This is refreshing as my Crosmans are flimsy by comparison.  The action itself is quite thick, and the scope rail is just plain busy looking.  I would have preferred it with a Weaver or 11mm, but not both.  The safety seems more expensive than what I am used to, and makes a solid thunk when engaged - I like it.   

Unlike Crosman or Ruger, the owners manual from Hatsan was somewhat entertaining.  I could tell that is was written by an airgun enthusiast, and not an attorney.  They took the time to talk about pellet choices, cleaning, and care..... and did it an a refreshing manner. 

I guess this could be considered part one of a three part trilogy on the Hatsan 125TH.  Part's II and III will have us unraveling chrony information, and accuracy with a good selection of pellets.  I hope this short review did not come across as if I am cutting the gun down.  I am not.  I like it, and I have not even shot it yet.  There is much evidence that this will be a real performer.  I did think that with all the hype though, the gun would be finished at least as nice as my Chinese ones. 

I did some prep work today that I make a habit of doing when I get a new gun.  I did it to all my others, and they are all incredibly good performers.  The Hatsan came caked in a clear heavy oil.  Some Remoil and a micro fiber towel made quick work of it.  I pushed some Googone soaked patches through the bore, and they came out grey/brown.  It only took 2/3 before they came out clean.  After some dry patches to removed the Googone, I ran two patches through soaked with Remoil, to lube things up a bit for polishing.  Next came 20 strokes with JB Non Embeding Bore Cleaning Paste, on a bronze brush.  A bore mop repeatedly soaked in Remoil flushed things out nicely, and a bunch of dry patches made sure all the crud was removed.  By the way, the JB Paste and bronze brush came out BLACK!... even after the Googone patches came through clean.  This seemed par for the course though.  Something nice on the Hatsan - you can break open the barrel for cleaning without cocking the gun.  Some masking tape across the compression tube will ensure no cleaning junk gets down around the transfer port.

I know there are a lot of you (like I) that are hanging on these reviews of the new Hatsan, so I tried to be as objective and thorough as I could.  I also took you guys a bunch of photographs to try to show some of the things that the internet does not.  Enjoy - Steve

[Nicholas440]

Congrats Steve !  Thats one nice looking gun you have there.  I tend to agree with you on the stock,  personally for me it has to be a wooden stock but thats just my preference.  I never was a fan of plastic on guns,  for me it should be all steel and wood if possible.  That same stock in walnut looks amazing,  I've seen several.   Having said that, there is a more practical side of a  synthetic stock, and thats your ability to be out in the rain and or snow with it, and not have any worries.  So synthetic does have it's place too. Also,  a lot of guys really like a camo look to the stock or like it in black too.

It's going to be interesting to read how your gun shoots, and what pellet weights you find work well in it.  I also think from seeing reviews and photos of stocks with thumb hole that broke while cocking,  that you may want to find the way thats comfortable for you, and does not put any extra strain on the thin  area around the thumb hole or grip areas. I've seen several photos of where they can break.

Have you fired this beast yet?  If so,  was it loud ?

Congrats again,      Nick

[Nathan]

"The thumb hole fits my hand better than a traditional stock, with the disadvantage being that you cant flip off the safety unless you undo your grip."

I'm glad you pointed that out. I would have never thought of that. Although not a deal breaker, it is what it is.
Excellent review. I don't think you're too critical, I like objective and honest. Looking forward to the chrony and accuracy testing.
Good looking gun BTW

Nathan

[supertech77]

nice looker and i know you are gonna love the power and accuracy,one thing i could see is that your rear ring is to close to your adjustment housing of the scope,i had that same problem of trying to get the scope right where i like it,i put a 1 piece mount on it just like the one you are using ,first i tried to use weaver rings,but the pic type on the 125 and my talon are the same,and it just don't go back far enough,i wish they would go to full weaver rail too.it will kick like a mule,a small one ,and your scope will move,unless you glue it down in the rings,i know it sounds red neck but it works,i use gorilla glue,and let it dry 24hours before i start shooting.once i put the np in my talon,it don't kick as much and is much smoother and  more powerful,i like the stock on yours i camo painter my talon and primed it good  complete gun and stock,and filled the butt,i enjoy shooting the gun and with the np it seems much easier to cock,or i,m just use to it,any ways congrats on you hatsan 125 sniper,it is a nice air gun.. i will be looking forward to you further reviewing it ,

[Charles Outdoors]

Can't wait to hear more. Your right about the stock. I am a fan of synthetic stocks, but Hatsan's are not a prime example. It could be that they make everything themselves at their factory and this is the best they can do. It seems to scratch easy to.

[Paul68]

I agree about the plastic. I'm seeing a lot of casting flash on all the plastic parts, and the parting line is too clear on the stock. I've got the plain stock 125 coming tomorrow, and this just cemented my feeling that I'll be looking to switch it to wood asap.

[Tarheel]

I agree about the plastic. I'm seeing a lot of casting flash on all the plastic parts, and the parting line is too clear on the stock. I've got the plain stock 125 coming tomorrow, and this just cemented my feeling that I'll be looking to switch it to wood asap.

Frankly, I would LOVE to have something like THIS made for the 125TH . . . Click to ENLARGE !



Dave

[Mike 4888blues]

Now  that is the bomb  holy meraktroid that looks insane gracious i love that baby

 American arms  do you see what we see ?? now hears a ideal for your model you were thinking about
 wheww i got  chills up and down my spine i am feeling like Jerry lee Lewis
Volume up please!!

[dale17589]

A beautiful piece of art, both the stock and the music. Thanks for sharing.  A good start to Masters week.  Dale

[microsalmo]

Congrats Steve !  Thats one nice looking gun you have there.  I tend to agree with you on the stock,  personally for me it has to be a wooden stock but thats just my preference.  I never was a fan of plastic on guns,  for me it should be all steel and wood if possible.  That same stock in walnut looks amazing,  I've seen several.   Having said that, there is a more practical side of a  synthetic stock, and thats your ability to be out in the rain and or snow with it, and not have any worries.  So synthetic does have it's place too. Also,  a lot of guys really like a camo look to the stock or like it in black too.

It's going to be interesting to read how your gun shoots, and what pellet weights you find work well in it.  I also think from seeing reviews and photos of stocks with thumb hole that broke while cocking,  that you may want to find the way thats comfortable for you, and does not put any extra strain on the thin  area around the thumb hole or grip areas. I've seen several photos of where they can break.

Have you fired this beast yet?  If so,  was it loud ?

Congrats again,      Nick

Hi Nick.  I have not fired it yet.  The pellets arrive today!!
 

[microsalmo]

"The thumb hole fits my hand better than a traditional stock, with the disadvantage being that you cant flip off the safety unless you undo your grip."

I'm glad you pointed that out. I would have never thought of that. Although not a deal breaker, it is what it is.
Excellent review. I don't think you're too critical, I like objective and honest. Looking forward to the chrony and accuracy testing.
Good looking gun BTW

Nathan

Nathan, Im.glad that helped. I had not thought of that either.  When it dawned on me, I was like doh!

[microsalmo]

I agree about the plastic. I'm seeing a lot of casting flash on all the plastic parts, and the parting line is too clear on the stock. I've got the plain stock 125 coming tomorrow, and this just cemented my feeling that I'll be looking to switch it to wood asap.

... yea, the stock sort of "eh."  The Chinese plastic stocks seem more substantial, and less plastic-like.

[z28rod]

Mike that got me fired up bigtime !!!!!!!!!!

[microsalmo]

..the .25 pellets arrived today. They are so big, they remind me of "toy pellets."   

[Tarheel]

I know where to get the materials for THE stock . . . MUWAHAHAHA !


http://www.rifle-stocks.com/laminated_blanks.htm  ( Scroll down )

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Walnut-and-Laminate-Hardwood-Gunstock-Blanks-s/79.htm


Dave

[WHITEFANG]

1piece RWS mount will allow the scope to be adjusted. Leapers
Makes a offset mount that works great on the WFH and the 125 as well. Mine shoots great just can't seem to get all the oil on the breach ever time I load it. No smoke after the shooting. Might have 100 run thru her. Just a tad bit harder to cock vs the WFH. So far thumbs up on the gun. Yes the pellets look huge.  Going to crony it later to day. Gun has about the same recoil as the WFH. All and all so far these guns are sisters with different names. Shooting Benjamin distroyer 27.8 pointed hunting pellet. Got some beeman silver arrow 24.38 / RWS superdome 31.0 / H&N hp 26.23 / H&N silver point 24.38 / JSB match Diabolo 25.4. Should be something out of all this shoot. WFH .22 will digest what ever it is fed.

[Paul68]

I agree about the plastic. I'm seeing a lot of casting flash on all the plastic parts, and the parting line is too clear on the stock. I've got the plain stock 125 coming tomorrow, and this just cemented my feeling that I'll be looking to switch it to wood asap.

... yea, the stock sort of "eh."  The Chinese plastic stocks seem more substantial, and less plastic-like.

Yeah, the stock isn't impressive far as finish goes. The roughness carries through with the butt pad and muzzle break as well, with casting flash very evident. Luckily, that kind of thing is easily remedied with a little patience and attention to detail. I'm already considering different ways to put a new finish on the stock, and I will definitely be switching to a metal muzzle break. The trigger gaurd looks like an opportunity for some customizing as well.

So far it seems Hatsan is almost hitting the mark, with fit and finish being their final hurdle to overcome. I do realize though that their wood stocks seem to be several levels better.

[Tarheel]

"The thumb hole fits my hand better than a traditional stock, with the disadvantage being that you cant flip off the safety unless you undo your grip."

I'm glad you pointed that out. I would have never thought of that. Although not a deal breaker, it is what it is.
Excellent review. I don't think you're too critical, I like objective and honest. Looking forward to the chrony and accuracy testing.
Good looking gun BTW

Nathan

I have been thinking about this . . .  Have to tried using your left hand to release the safety ?

It may be awkward, at first . . . Just a thought !

Dave

[WHITEFANG]

I have NO problem with the safety. You can thumb it. Don't think the distroyers are going to pan out. Got fliers after moving out farther.

[microsalmo]

I have not shot the gun yet, but I like your idea, and will try it this evening.

... I plan on puttimg 100 shots through it tonight for break in.   I'll shoot them over the chrony when I do, and report back.