HW97kt blackline tuning down the track...

[ballasteve31]

Hey guys and girls,

I recently purchased an HW97kt blackline in .22 cal. Ive nearly put 500 pellets through it, and although im very content with its performance, and its refinement, i am tempted to tinker with it down the track. Ive been looking online and as im located in Australia im very limited as to which parts are available to me. So far i have looked at the Vortek PG2 SHO tune kit, and also the Hornet Mk6 hw97 FAC kit listed on air rifle headquarters. If either at all, which would you more experienced guys recommend as far as value for money, and improvements in performance and refinement? If anyone has any better alternatives im also very open to hear them. While i do like the current power output of the hw (around 15fpe if other reviews and manufacturers claims are anything to go by), i am open to dropping the power if there are decent gains to be had, but preferably minimally as the gun is used predominately for pest control and small game hunting.

Cheers, Steven.

[Sfttailrdr46]

  I have Vortek SHO kits in my Air Arms TX200 .22 and my Diana 460  .177 and no complaints the power in the TX is up a couple fps from stock spring and the D460 I can't really say since I didn't have my chrony when I did it

[palonej]

I also have a 97. Had a Vortek HO kit installed.
The spring gave up last week after over 50,000 trouble free rounds.
Rifle was butter smooth and a pleasure!!
Having an SHO kit installed as we speak.
Very very happy with Vortek products and customer service!!

[LAalex]

I have the Vortek PG2 kit in my Diana 48 and power has dropped maybe 15%.  The shot cycle is absolutely fantastic--no twang or vibration and zero torque.  I'm not hunting critters as big as the ones in your pics though, and my rifle is making 20 ft/lb. after the tune.  I would suggest you email Tom at Vortek and let him know what result your trying to get.  I'm sure he can tailor a kit to fit your needs.  I have never tried the JM (Air Rifle Headquarters) kit, but by all accounts the quality is top drawer.  Not sure if you lose power with that kit though.  Woodfield GCP in the U.K. may also have something, but I can't say for sure.

Scotty

[ballasteve31]

Thanks for the advice guys, Il chuck around some emails and see how i go

Luckily those possums are about the toughest animal i shoot with the air rifle, and they allow you to get quite close, larger wallabies are even easier to shoot with the 97 due to softer skulls.

Cheers guys, Steven

[JimL911]

I've got the JM kit in my 77. Shoots right around 15 fpe smoothly and consistently. I have tried a couple Vortek kits and prefer JM's kits. The Vortek feel too snappy to me.
Remember to order a seal if you get the Hornet kit as it isn't included.

[shootist]

As a tuner, I have used ARH without problems for many years. Have read about Vortex and from what I can tell, it's like comparing apples to apples. They are pretty much the same except I have never had a gun come back or heard of one breaking a spring. I take care of the local gun shops so there are a lot of guns I've done with ARH parts. You will have to take it from there. I have nothing bad to say about Vortex because I've never used one so can't say. Good luck with your tune - Lee aka the "Shootist"

[ballasteve31]

Hi Guys,

Thanks heaps for your replies, and youre right, it does sound like much of a muchness between the kits... I think i'll go with the Maccari stuff, simply because i purchased maccari gear off ARH for my gamo and had great results not only in improvements over stock, but also with quick shipping etc.

Thanks for your replies

[palonej]

Let us know how it goes Steven!