Author Topic: Beeman HW97k (Read 6037 times))

HWNut · « **on:** April 08, 2012, 09:25:08 AM »

Hey guys,

if you had the chance to buy either a HW97 in .177 or .20 which way would you go? Mainly I'm worrying about pellet choices and inaccuracy if my favorite brand of pellets (JSB Exacts) are inaccurate in .20 for this rifle. There's not much more choice other than H&N Field Target and after that the plot thickens.

Also, I have only .177 rifles and had to buy new pellets. The pellets have almost the same price as .177 pellets though.

Is there really a difference in performance with .20 or overhyped and I should just go with .177?

mtsheron70 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2012, 09:54:21 AM »

Hard question to answer for me. I opted for the .22 caliber in this gun. But I would say this and I know each gun and even in the same make and model will more than likely like a different pellet, but I would rather have the .20 caliber given your choice you posed. I think more and more manufacturers are making a variety of .20 caliber pellets for consumers. Now my HW97k after trying alot of pellets likes Beeman FTS Copper Plated 14.72 grain pellets. I bought a bunch of JSB 500 counts thinking they would be the ticket because quite honestly, they usually are. But to my surprise, Beeman's were wickedly accurate for my gun.

So I would also ask what is your general goal with this gun?

Hunting; plinking; hunting & plinking? If you are into hunting and or plinking I would opt for a .20 caliber for sure. If FT is your goal then most what I have read are .177 calibers.

Either way, I will absolutely guarantee you, this gun will not disappoint you in any way and is well worth every penny the gun cost!

Good luck.

s10gto · « **Reply #2 on:** April 08, 2012, 09:55:23 AM »

I would go with the .20. Its like the best of both worlds of .177 and .22. In .177 the hw97 can have a little more buzz but nothing bad. I wouldn't be worried about it being accurate. That will not be a problem.

Mark 611 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 08, 2012, 10:07:11 AM »

I just tuned a .177cal 97 and was smooth as butter! with no noise and was one of the smoothest shooters I've shot in awhile for this type of gun, you can't go wrong with either cal but at least with a .177cal you can go to Walmart and buy pellets the 7.9gr CPHP shot excellent out of my .177cal 97, I wish I hadn't sold that rifle but another member here has it now and says its so accurate he's goin fly hunting with it LOL!!!!!!!

dukemeister · « **Reply #4 on:** April 08, 2012, 10:28:15 AM »

I'd choose .177 over .20. There are lots and lots of pellet choices, styles weights, to suit any purpose in .177 - not so much in .20. If you want a "hunter:, then go .22. Just my opinion, of course.

HWNut · « **Reply #5 on:** April 08, 2012, 10:28:35 AM »

Thanks guys for your opinions. The main use for this air rifle would be plinking and target shooting in the backyard at max. 40yrs distance.

Is there a "maximum distance" disadvantage of the .20 compared with the lighter and faster going .177? With that I mean can I reach targets with .20 at the same maximum distance as with .177? If there isn't, I would definitely want to try out something new. Just for curiosity. I've read that .20 caliber pellets retain about 40% more energy than the lighter and smaller .177 pellets. Maybe this is an advantage when plinking stuff I guess. lol

s10gto · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2012, 10:59:15 AM »

That distance is just fine. The heavier pellet will carry more energy. I shoot my .22 @ 40 yards. The extra weight is also better if windy.

HWNut · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2012, 11:06:38 AM »

It doesn't have to be my last rifle for shure. So the logical way would be buying a .20 gun and later on maybe .177.

Thanks guys you helped me making a decision. So a .20 will be ordered next month and some JSB Exacts in 5.10mm. I'm curious how it compares with my .177 Beeman R9.

s10gto · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2012, 11:12:13 AM »

Are you going wood or Syn. ?

HWNut · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2012, 12:32:56 PM »

I hate nickel finished rifles and don't like the new gimmicky synthetic thumb hole stocks. "dang" the HW97k is their most sold target rifle and they still haven't come out with a stock with adjustable cheek and butt piece like they did with their HW98 years ago. Just went mainstream...

I will buy the standard HW97k with wooden stock. No gimmicky synthetic th stock which costs more than the wood stock..

s10gto · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2012, 12:52:29 PM »

Nice choice! I perfer the wood also.

HWNut · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2012, 01:00:46 PM »

nice setup!

lucky me · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2012, 02:39:00 PM »

20 Cal. don't forget the kodiak pell it's deadly.

Mark 611 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2012, 02:40:50 PM »

Because the newer 97's have the same 26mm tube dia as the R9's so they take the same piston seal spring guide set up the breech seal is a little different but not much, Vortek makes a nice hard seal for the breech that will work in either the R9 or 97 gun's JMO, I have used them in both but I think their a little to hard for break barrel gun's but are hard enough to work really well in the 97's due to the consistant pressure forced on the breech of the 97 from the main spring!

mtsheron70 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2012, 04:32:49 PM »

Quote from: HWNut on April 08, 2012, 12:32:56 PM

and don't like the new gimmicky synthetic thumb hole stocks. No gimmicky synthetic th stock which costs more than the wood stock..

Maybe most manufacturers but I bought mine in black synthetic and there is nothing gimicky about it I assure you.

Weihrauch makes a geat syn. stock for sure. Enjoy the .20 caliber and post pictures once you get it!

Kailua · « **Reply #15 on:** April 08, 2012, 04:41:31 PM »

Quote from: HWNut on April 08, 2012, 12:32:56 PM

I hate nickel finished rifles and don't like the new gimmicky synthetic thumb hole stocks. "dang" the HW97k is their most sold target rifle and they still haven't come out with a stock with adjustable cheek and butt piece like they did with their HW98 years ago. Just went mainstream...

You can get a HW98 in a Beeman R11

Lambchops · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2012, 05:02:53 PM »

Theoretically, I would choose .20 because it's the best of both worlds.

Kailua · « **Reply #17 on:** April 08, 2012, 08:18:39 PM »

Not much to choose in .20 and seems most of them cost more in pellet count. JMO

bowzette · « **Reply #18 on:** April 16, 2012, 06:57:50 PM »

Quote from: Mark 611 on April 08, 2012, 10:07:11 AM

I just tuned a .177cal 97 and was smooth as butter! with no noise and was one of the smoothest shooters I've shot in awhile for this type of gun, you can't go wrong with either cal but at least with a .177cal you can go to Walmart and buy pellets the 7.9gr CPHP shot excellent out of my .177cal 97, I wish I hadn't sold that rifle but another member here has it now and says its so accurate he's goin fly hunting with it LOL!!!!!!!

I am "the other member" and fly season will open this weekend! Sort of a late bump but I haven't been on the site for a few days. And Mark you can't have the 97K back :-)

bart the fart · « **Reply #19 on:** April 16, 2012, 07:06:19 PM »

Quote from: Lambchops on April 08, 2012, 05:02:53 PM

Theoretically, I would choose .20 because it's the best of both worlds.

Yes sir! LOOOOve the .20 HW97K

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Beeman HW97k

Author Topic: Beeman HW97k (Read 6037 times))