Initial Thoughts on HW97K and Nikon Prostaff EFR Scopes

[Cslinger]

Since my Christmas has started to trickle In I figured I would post a couple observations on some new toys.

1st is the NIkon Prostaff 3-9 EFR scope for rimfire and airguns.
I have to say I am extremely happy with these two scopes.  Crystal clear, feel very substantial and I prefer the uncluttered reticle.  I obviously cannot speak to longevity or durability but after 100 or so shots in two air rifles they seem to be holding zero with nothing breaking or giving up the ghost.  If they continue to durable then I think they are a great scope for an airgun.

I also have a Hawke 2-7 scope that has many more features such as mildots, illuminated reticle etc. and is well known for its airgun durability but its nowhere near as clear as the Nikon and much less forgiving to head position.

2nd is the HW97K Air Rifle in .177
I am a Weihrauch fan.  I own most of their rifles.  Simply put they make a stellar product.  Frankly they put most rimfire rifles on the market to shame in many ways.

Out of the box my HW97K with no break in at all was just stacking pellet after pellet on top of each other with aplomb.  I am NOT a good spring gunner.  This is why I enjoy them because they are such a challenge for me but this HW97 is a tool that I can totally see making a good shooter look like a rock star.  All the normal Weihrauch quality, fit and finish etc. and one heck of a shooter out of the box.  Two big thumbs up.  This was combined with one of the above Nikon scopes.

I used the other scope on my HW30s .177 and I was immediately shooting better then I was with the Hawke 2-7 that was on it before. 

So basically two enthusiastic initial thumbs up for both the Nikon EFR scope and the HW97K.  Time will tell if initial impressions hold true but these have both make a great first impression.

Just thought I would give a quick take on these in case anybody is shopping.

Chris

Shooting results.  Range tonight was only indoor short at 25 feet or so but as I said I am not usually a 1 hole kind of shooter so I am thrilled with my sight in today.  Cannot wait to get out to 30 to 40 yards.  The off target and shoot and see groups were sight in shots.


The HW97K with H&N Field Target Pellets / NIKON EFR


The HW30s with H&N Field Target Pellets / NIKON EFR

[Paulf10]

Wow! That HW97K is a beautiful looking rifle! I have been trying to decide between that or an RWS 48 in .22. I went with the RWS 48 mostly because I don't own any RWS models, or side levers, and it had good reviews. I should get it Friday from PA.

I too am a big fan of Weihrauch and also springers in general. Looking at your HW97K, I'm thinking that will be my next purchase. However I am curious about a few issues that maybe you could answer....

1. What is your opinion on the loading port? Is it large enough to make loading a pellet easy?

2. What is your opinion on the cocking weight?

3. Which version of the HW97K do you have? That stock is really nice!!

Thanks in advance,
Paul

[Brazos]

Does the Nikon focus down to 10 yards? 

[palonej]

Just beautiful Chris!!! Wait till you let her stretch her legs!!!
I feel the same way about my 97!! I will NEVER sell it!!
If you haven't, try JSB 7.87, 8.4 and FTTs in 4.51 head size.

Wow! That HW97K is a beautiful looking rifle! I have been trying to decide between that or an RWS 48 in .22. I went with the RWS 48 mostly because I don't own any RWS models, or side levers, and it had good reviews. I should get it Friday from PA.

I too am a big fan of Weihrauch and also springers in general. Looking at your HW97K, I'm thinking that will be my next purchase. However I am curious about a few issues that maybe you could answer....

1. What is your opinion on the loading port? Is it large enough to make loading a pellet easy?

2. What is your opinion on the cocking weight?

3. Which version of the HW97K do you have? That stock is really nice!!

Thanks in advance,
Paul

Hey Paul.
Loading port is plenty big and it is simple to load....even with a large scope covering the port.
Cocking weight is a touch harder than my TX and 98......shorter cocking lever.
Absolutely awesome rifle!!!

[jus Tom]

I own five of the EFR scopes, only one on an air rifle(so far), a Stoeger x20s .22 but I will agree they are GREAT, seem to be durable and focus down beyond the 10yds marked on the AO ring.
I have an RWS 460 .22 arriving next week and it could be wearing an EFR or an Airmax EV, haven't made up my mind yet.

Awesome looking guns Cslinger.

[Cslinger]

My version of the HW97k is actually the Beeman marketed one.  It is the Blue Laminate Stock.

Loading port is huge.  I have a 77K Special edition as well so I am used to the loading port.  Plenty easy to load.

Cocking stroke is very very smooth on both the 97 and 77 and for me very light.  I could shoot these all day long.  They are not HW30/R7 light but certainly don't feel hard in any way shape or form.  In comparison I have a RWS 430 Stuzen and that cocking stroke tires me out.  It is much worse in comparison.  (Not sure if its the weight or just the leverage/angle etc.

Scope focuses down nicely past 10 yards. 

Hope this helps.
Chris

[Paulf10]

Cslinger, palonej,

Thanks for the information and feedback on the HW97K! I'm sold!
BTW Cslinger, you did a really nice job at framing the picture of the HW97K! Great looking rifle and your picture did it justice!

[Duckfish]

Wow, great looking guns!

Duck

[VillageSniper]

Beautiful rifle, love the stock.  I would have to go with a laminated version if I bought one as well, along with a set back trigger. I would like to try that efr scope as well. Last year or so the Nikon promo site had them listed for around $150.  Kind of wished I would have ordered one then.

Vs

[Cslinger]

A couple more pictures of the HW97 with his older brother the HW77. 

Chris

[straightshooter]

I really like my Nikon EFR, I have had it mounted on the D54 scope killer and currently on the Sporter. Comparing the Nikon EFR to my other scope, the Vortex Diamondback, I think the optics may be better on the Nikon.

Nice Pictures of your HW's Cslinger, thanks for sharing.

Besides the hard cocking, how do you like the 430 Stuzen? I would enjoy pic's of the 430 if you care to post.

Thanks

E

[Cslinger]

I like my Diana Stutzen.  I have a soft spot for Mannlicher style stocks.  One of my CZ452 rimfire rifles is in this configuration.  I owned an earlier Diana / RWS Stutzen back when it had that strange pop up breech.  I sold it but should not of.  When I can across the new version I bought it right away.

With the exception of the cocking pull being a little more difficult then most (Not anything crazy or anything just short lever, angle and weight all conspiring to make it a bit less enjoyable then others.) its been a great rifle.

Mine is in .22 and is more accurate then my original pop up breech .177.  The stock has a really nice scale type checkering and looks very nice.  So far accuracy has been very good.  Like most of my rifles the stock irons have been ditched for a receiver aperture sight. 

Not sure if its worth the money it commands but it is a very nice rifle.

I will try to get pictures at some point.

Chris

[straightshooter]

Thanks Chris!

[MarkinJHawkland]

+1 on the Nikon. I just got one and will be getting more. Hard to argue with for $162.00. Just wish they had mil dots or other elevation aim points.

Mark N