Talk me into (or out of) an HW50S in .177 (LONG)

[Mulby]

Since before I bought my 50s some time in 2006, I've been reading about how hard it is to cock the rifle. While I'll admit it is a higher cocking effort to power ratio than the 95, it is not that hard. In fact, I'm sitting at my computer which is literally two feet from my locker where my 50s is stored, and moments ago I cocked the rifle with one finger. Obviously a hand on the barrel is safer, and I only did this to prove to myself as I typed this response.
My bottom line is that I'll die with mine. Never to be sold. Size, weight, accuracy, trigger, you name it, it's the top of the game for it's size and power in a springer. I shot mine in factory form until the spring became weak and I refreshed the rifle with a PG2. This was after A LOT of pellets fired. The kit has been in the gun for almost 2 years, and is still producing a very consistent 11fpe.
Having both the 50s and the 95 gives me a non biassed experience, and I can honestly say that if you want a sub 12fpe gun just get the 50s. If you want more power go for the 95. They both shine at their factory power levels.

[wjjones]

Since before I bought my 50s some time in 2006, I've been reading about how hard it is to cock the rifle. While I'll admit it is a higher cocking effort to power ratio than the 95, it is not that hard. In fact, I'm sitting at my computer which is literally two feet from my locker where my 50s is stored, and moments ago I cocked the rifle with one finger. Obviously a hand on the barrel is safer, and I only did this to prove to myself as I typed this response.
My bottom line is that I'll die with mine. Never to be sold. Size, weight, accuracy, trigger, you name it, it's the top of the game for it's size and power in a springer. I shot mine in factory form until the spring became weak and I refreshed the rifle with a PG2. This was after A LOT of pellets fired. The kit has been in the gun for almost 2 years, and is still producing a very consistent 11fpe.
Having both the 50s and the 95 gives me a non biassed experience, and I can honestly say that if you want a sub 12fpe gun just get the 50s. If you want more power go for the 95. They both shine at their factory power levels.

Cocking with one finger--is this the current version of the HW50s, or the older version that is the same as the old R8?  The older version is easier to cock but it has less power, too.

[airgunrebel]

Get a Vortek HW30!

[Mulby]

Since before I bought my 50s some time in 2006, I've been reading about how hard it is to cock the rifle. While I'll admit it is a higher cocking effort to power ratio than the 95, it is not that hard. In fact, I'm sitting at my computer which is literally two feet from my locker where my 50s is stored, and moments ago I cocked the rifle with one finger. Obviously a hand on the barrel is safer, and I only did this to prove to myself as I typed this response.
My bottom line is that I'll die with mine. Never to be sold. Size, weight, accuracy, trigger, you name it, it's the top of the game for it's size and power in a springer. I shot mine in factory form until the spring became weak and I refreshed the rifle with a PG2. This was after A LOT of pellets fired. The kit has been in the gun for almost 2 years, and is still producing a very consistent 11fpe.
Having both the 50s and the 95 gives me a non biassed experience, and I can honestly say that if you want a sub 12fpe gun just get the 50s. If you want more power go for the 95. They both shine at their factory power levels.

Cocking with one finger--is this the current version of the HW50s, or the older version that is the same as the old R8?  The older version is easier to cock but it has less power, too.

Yup. Current version. The suggestion of a HW30s with PG2 is good too.

[Jtlittle]

Have R7,R9 and HW50s. Love them all but the compactness of the HW50 is very nice but it would be hard to choose between the HW50 and the R8,