Lighter Alternative to an RWS 34?

[Marc]

I had a 34 with a Vortek kit - and it was a really good gun, but too long and heavy for what I wanted.  Looking for a gun a little lighter and more compact (better balanced too), that can still take small game.

Any suggestions?

[JimL911]

HW50S.

[tomykay12]

Yep, that one, in .22 or .177.....

[Marc]

OK - that was my thought too - but how to decide on which caliber?

If it was your gun for nutters and bunnies would you go .177 or .22? 

[Mulby]

I love my 50s in 177. Super accurate. Shot placement is key. The gun in 177 is flatter shooting but it's really up to you. Personally I think the bigger caliber is more suited to the 95 which I have as well. Honestly it's not much bigger or heavier than the 50s. At least in my experience.

[Motorhead]

Lighter frame AG and taking SMALL critters far better suited to .177 cal being able to get a flatter trajectory and minimal recoil for greatest accuracy.

[GarthThomas]

Diana280, little brother of the 34, lighter and shorter.

[OleTomCat]

Gamo Big Cat like the one down there VVVV

[Brazos]

HW50 in .177.  If you can find a RWS 280 then that would work to.

[pappa]

A Crosman 2100 is the lightest air rifle I have ever held and I have brought down every squirrel I have aimed it at. Gave one to a friend of mine that had a squirrel problem with his pecan trees and he cleaned out every squirrel on his property with it. Have to pump them about 8-10 pumps to get the best power but they are an extremely reliable little rifle. Mine is scope attached and it is very accurate.

Airgun Depot has a refurbished (Like new) one on sale right now for $47 with a guarantee. Can't go wrong with that.

[Marc]

Lot's of guys say they take squirrels with their R7 I have read.  It looks like the 2100 is about the same power as the R7 - is that right?

[Nikoman]

Sounds like a shorter rifle will solve your issue rather than a lighter one. All Weihrauch guns are HEAVY except for the R7/HW30 and even that is heavy considering the little package it comes in. The 34 (to me) is like waving a broomstick around in the field. I'd look for a carbine of some sort if you don't have any issue with the extra cocking effort if you want good power. The HW50 is a good choice, feels like a smaller short-stroked R9/HW95 and since I'm bringing up the HW95, that's a great alternative to the D34 in every way possible especially since the power levels are more alike.

[Marc]

Would you say the HW95 balances better than the 34? Less front heavy anyway?

[tomykay12]

Yes, to me it does, and it is all around a much nicer rifle, but you pay for that....

[Nikoman]

Yes, to me it does, and it is all around a much nicer rifle, but you pay for that....

I couldn't agree more.