Should all Weihreichs be tuned? Thinking about an HW30S or HW50S

[Tomcat]

Accuracy wise, either rifle will most likely satisfy you out of the box.  There is a possibility there will be some spring twang.  I don't think it is a problem other than being annoying to some.  I was pleasantly surprised with accuracy in both my HW30s and HW50s.  Me being a tinkerer  I had to do a home lube tune and deburr the internals to get rid of the twang. 

If you think your wife will be shooting it much, keep in mind the cocking effort is much easier with the HW30s.  Some ladies may not have a problem with the HW50, but it is noticeably harder cocking. The HW50s would be a better fit for hunting squirrels, IMO. 

It is subjective, but to me, the 50s has a more pleasing recoil and more authoratative smack on the target.  The 30s seems a little anemic after shooting the 50s.  It's all in what you are looking for.  They are both great springers.  Just my $.02

Best of luck with your decision.

Added comment:  I forgot to mention, when lube tuning my HW30s, I added a delrin strip in the cocking linkage to prevent it galling the compression tube.  Air Rifle Headquarters sells a strip of material for this purpose, but I was able to make my own.  The new HW50 does indeed, have a strip added already.

[ptpalpha]

They both will shoot in with a couple of thousand pellets. No rifle must be tuned it's all in what you want. If you love a rifle and plan on passing it down and keeping it forever then you may consider a full tune. Tossing in a kit and lube is not a full tune. A full tune is so much more so no is my answer. This comes from a guy that has a few tuned springers.😜

James, that's one heckuva list you've got there!!  Nicely done.

[wjjones]

Here's some perspective:

Countless HW springers were shot by satisfied owners for many years.  The internet comes along it brings together some fanatics--yes, like me--who shoot WAY MORE than the average owner.  Some of us fanatics dislike the twang that has been inherent in spring-piston air rifles since they were invented, and consider such firing behavior to be a fault.  Other fanatics, like me, are not bothered by spring twang as long as the gun is accurate and fun to shoot.  Yes, I'm blaming the internet forums for causing so many to believe a tune is necessary for expensive air rifles right out of the box.

Having said all that,  I have owned tuned guns and they can have a nicer firing behavior.  They were not more accurate, but they did FEEL nicer to shoot.  I'm not anti-tuning, and I may get guns tuned in the future; I'm just saying it's a matter of want vs need.

To me me it's not an issue of "should" an HW30/HW50 get a tune; it's more a question of whether you want to spend several hundred dollars for a smoother-shooting gun.  And it has been my experience that after a few thousand shots a new gun will smooth out anyway.  I have owned both these guns and they both smoothed out a lot.  I later sold the HW50s because the cocking effort was heavier than I wanted to deal with, but that's another discussion. 

I will now step down from my soap box.

[grauhanen]

Here's some perspective:

Countless HW springers were shot by satisfied owners for many years.  The internet comes along it brings together some fanatics--yes, like me--who shoot WAY MORE than the average owner.  Some of us fanatics dislike the twang that has been inherent in spring-piston air rifles since they were invented, and consider such firing behavior to be a fault.  Other fanatics, like me, are not bothered by spring twang as long as the gun is accurate and fun to shoot.  Yes, I'm blaming the internet forums for causing so many to believe a tune is necessary for expensive air rifles right out of the box.

Having said all that,  I have owned tuned guns and they can have a nicer firing behavior.  They were not more accurate, but they did FEEL nicer to shoot.  I'm not anti-tuning, and I may get guns tuned in the future; I'm just saying it's a matter of want vs need.

To me me it's not an issue of "should" an HW30/HW50 get a tune; it's more a question of whether you want to spend several hundred dollars for a smoother-shooting gun.  And it has been my experience that after a few thousand shots a new gun will smooth out anyway.  I have owned both these guns and they both smoothed out a lot.  I later sold the HW50s because the cocking effort was heavier than I wanted to deal with, but that's another discussion. 

I will now step down from my soap box.

Very well put.  These are some of the most thoughtful words on the subject.  Bravo!

[zenonine]

I usually don't weigh in with my opinion about "should I or shouldn't I" , as there are people more experienced- and better shooters-than me. I have a 30s with about 2800 rounds thru it. I don't have a car, so the only bench shooting I can do is @ 21ft in my apartment,  and that proves nothing. For about the last six months I've loaded up my bicycle with rifle, ammo and a camera tripod with 2in. of high density foam rubber-banded to it and rest the forearm if the 30 s on it. The vast majority of 5 shot groups hovered around .75 in @ 30 yds. The only thing I've done to the rifle is mount a Leapers 4-16x44 scope and adjust the trigger. Yesterday I went out to shoot and took along a bipod with the idea I could simulate bench shooting with a tripod under the forearm and the bipod under the stock right behind the trigger guard. Took about 15 min to get set up. I take most accuracy claims with a grain of salt, even ones with photos. So this a tribute to the un-tuned 30s, not the shooter : ten, 5 shot groups averaged . 46 in c-t-c @ 30 yds., measured with a ruler and a micrometer. No doubt others can do better, but I was pleased. This is only my second springer, the first being a Chinese gun tuned by a well know tuner. It may have shot better tuned, I had nothing to compare it with and believed all the accolades the tuner received. Turns out it was still a $160 Chinese air rifle. I agree with what was said prior about the internet and tunes and tuners. The only air rifle I 'll ever buy again will be German, and probably a Weihrauch - next month. I can't decide between a 50 s and an R 9.

[Broadus]

Very helpful perspective, Randy. Thanks.

[Jtlittle]

I usually don't weigh in with my opinion about "should I or shouldn't I" , as there are people more experienced- and better shooters-than me. I have a 30s with about 2800 rounds thru it. I don't have a car, so the only bench shooting I can do is @ 21ft in my apartment,  and that proves nothing. For about the last six months I've loaded up my bicycle with rifle, ammo and a camera tripod with 2in. of high density foam rubber-banded to it and rest the forearm if the 30 s on it. The vast majority of 5 shot groups hovered around .75 in @ 30 yds. The only thing I've done to the rifle is mount a Leapers 4-16x44 scope and adjust the trigger. Yesterday I went out to shoot and took along a bipod with the idea I could simulate bench shooting with a tripod under the forearm and the bipod under the stock right behind the trigger guard. Took about 15 min to get set up. I take most accuracy claims with a grain of salt, even ones with photos. So this a tribute to the un-tuned 30s, not the shooter : ten, 5 shot groups averaged . 46 in c-t-c @ 30 yds., measured with a ruler and a micrometer. No doubt others can do better, but I was pleased. This is only my second springer, the first being a Chinese gun tuned by a well know tuner. It may have shot better tuned, I had nothing to compare it with and believed all the accolades the tuner received. Turns out it was still a $160 Chinese air rifle. I agree with what was said prior about the internet and tunes and tuners. The only air rifle I 'll ever buy again will be German, and probably a Weihrauch - next month. I can't decide between a 50 s and an R 9.

I have both and I highly recommend the R9.

[joek]

AoA has the Weihrauch HW95 Luxus for $449 and free shipping.

[shootist]

As far as pellet guns used to be shot without tunes until the internet. We also used to drive on leaded gas. Also used to drive on bias belted tires until steel belts. Used to get mail by pony express. Sewage used to run in the streets. Used to be we all watched black & white televisions. There was a time we didn't have a phone hanging out of our ears as we backed out the driveway. Used to read by kerosene lamps not that long ago. To have cars that were any color we wanted, as long as it was black. Used to fish with a spear or just a line wrapped around a pole. Do we want to go back to some of these things?? I think not, no more than I'd want to shoot any kind of an un-tuned gun, air or powder. I'm also willing to bet money that people who have never shot a tuned gun would change their mind about tuning ANY gun, air or powder after shooting a tuned gun. Actually the first tuned gun I shot was a .44 black powder pistol. It was an unbelievable experience!! I had one that wasn't so I could compare apples to apples right on the spot!!! ALL of my guns, air & powder have had some kind of loving with a stone or wet/dry 600 grit paper. Would I want to go back, NO THANKS!!!! I'm a much better shot due to these advances which makes my hunting more humane. Who among us WANTS to just injure an animal?? Who doesn't want to take out the 10 ring?? Who wants to drive a car with 100,000 miles on a tune-up instead of a fresh tune-up?? Who among us that have installed a CDT trigger want to put the OEM trigger back in?? TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT!!!! Lee

[Broadus]

As far as pellet guns used to be shot without tunes until the internet. We also used to drive on leaded gas. Also used to drive on bias belted tires until steel belts. Used to get mail by pony express. Sewage used to run in the streets. Used to be we all watched black & white televisions. There was a time we didn't have a phone hanging out of our ears as we backed out the driveway. Used to read by kerosene lamps not that long ago. To have cars that were any color we wanted, as long as it was black. Used to fish with a spear or just a line wrapped around a pole. Do we want to go back to some of these things?? I think not, no more than I'd want to shoot any kind of an un-tuned gun, air or powder. I'm also willing to bet money that people who have never shot a tuned gun would change their mind about tuning ANY gun, air or powder after shooting a tuned gun. Actually the first tuned gun I shot was a .44 black powder pistol. It was an unbelievable experience!! I had one that wasn't so I could compare apples to apples right on the spot!!! ALL of my guns, air & powder have had some kind of loving with a stone or wet/dry 600 grit paper. Would I want to go back, NO THANKS!!!! I'm a much better shot due to these advances which makes my hunting more humane. Who among us WANTS to just injure an animal?? Who doesn't want to take out the 10 ring?? Who wants to drive a car with 100,000 miles on a tune-up instead of a fresh tune-up?? Who among us that have installed a CDT trigger want to put the OEM trigger back in?? TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT!!!! Lee

With that in mind, Lee, and budget constraints being what they are, if $350 or so is the most you can put into an air rifle, do you get the better gun without a tune or do you buy a lesser gun with a good tune? Or would you suggest getting the better rifle now and then get it tuned down the road?

[grauhanen]

I'm also willing to bet money that people who have never shot a tuned gun would change their mind about tuning ANY gun, air or powder after shooting a tuned gun. Actually the first tuned gun I shot was a .44 black powder pistol. It was an unbelievable experience!! I had one that wasn't so I could compare apples to apples right on the spot!!! ALL of my guns, air & powder have had some kind of loving with a stone or wet/dry 600 grit paper. Would I want to go back, NO THANKS!!!! I'm a much better shot due to these advances which makes my

When you refer to a "tuned" gun, just what do you mean?  I understand what a tuned air rifle is.  I have both stock and tuned air rifles that shoot superbly.  I think you'd lose the money you are willing to bet.  As far as "tuning" a PB rifle, does using a stone or wet/dry 600 grit paper on it mean that it's been "tuned"?

[shootist]

I would call it "Enhanced Performance". Anything that helps, not always a full blown tune, but things that make it better. A CDT trigger I wouldn't call a tune, but it sure makes the gun shoot better. As the gun shoots better, we get better results on the target. THAT'S what I'm after, accuracy. Not speed, just accuracy. That's why I shoot. Not to make noise, waste ammo or powder. To me, a finely operating gun in my hands is like a work of art. My first air gun was a Daisy. What a piece of junk, by today's standards, but to me was the most beautiful gun in the world. Wish I still had it. Don't even remember if it even shot!!!!HAHA!!! But I loved it. Today, it's all about performance. If I can help it, I will. Sometimes money gets in the way and I have to wait. If only I was rich instead of handsome!! Yeah right!!! I guess it all comes down to, if you could get better gas mileage by some tuning trick, wouldn't you at least try?? I would in a second!! One just to help the engine to get more miles out of it and the other to save money!! Lee

[Calmark]

I liken a springer tune to "Green Eggs and Ham".  Sure, you don't HAVE to try them, but once you do, I think you'll like it! 

[Sfttailrdr46]

  As far as tuned vs untuned AG's tuned is always going to perform better I own several at home that I tuned myself and have shot a couple that were Pro tuned . If you want out of the box decent accuracy and performance go for the high end springer then shoot it till your fingers bleed and when the spring fails tune it or have it pro tuned my home tune good, Pro tune better by several magnitudes they have the skills and tools  to tweak the trigger that I as an amature tuner don't have

[Tomcat]

With that in mind, Lee, and budget constraints being what they are, if $350 or so is the most you can put into an air rifle, do you get the better gun without a tune or do you buy a lesser gun with a good tune? Or would you suggest getting the better rifle now and then get it tuned down the road?

I'm not Lee, but my thought would be get the best you can afford now.  It will always be there for a tune down the road, and you may find you are happy with it out of the box.  If you buy a lesser gun, it will always be just that, even though a tune may make it better. 

[Broadus]

With that in mind, Lee, and budget constraints being what they are, if $350 or so is the most you can put into an air rifle, do you get the better gun without a tune or do you buy a lesser gun with a good tune? Or would you suggest getting the better rifle now and then get it tuned down the road?

I'm not Lee, but my thought would be get the best you can afford now.  It will always be there for a tune down the road, and you may find you are happy with it out of the box.  If you buy a lesser gun, it will always be just that, even though a tune may make it better.

Thanks, Tom. That's what I intend to do.

Now I just have to decide on the 30S or the 50S. I've almost concluded that the 30S will do what I need and will be what I will want to shoot the most down the road.

[Tomcat]

With that in mind, Lee, and budget constraints being what they are, if $350 or so is the most you can put into an air rifle, do you get the better gun without a tune or do you buy a lesser gun with a good tune? Or would you suggest getting the better rifle now and then get it tuned down the road?

I'm not Lee, but my thought would be get the best you can afford now.  It will always be there for a tune down the road, and you may find you are happy with it out of the box.  If you buy a lesser gun, it will always be just that, even though a tune may make it better.

Thanks, Tom. That's what I intend to do.

Now I just have to decide on the 30S or the 50S. I've almost concluded that the 30S will do what I need and will be what I will want to shoot the most down the road.

Of course, I don't know what your preferences are, but personally, I really like the 50s over the 30s.  The 30s is so easy to cock and mild shooting, but it definitely has less power than the 50s.  You have to decide which is best for you and your intended use.  Either one will be very accurate if they are anything like mine.  The 50s already has the galling problem addressed, not sure about the 30s.  The weight difference between the two is hardly noticeable.

Good luck with your decision.  I hope you will be satisfied with whichever you choose.  They are both great air rifles, IMO.  You can look at the pages on "Straight Shooters" website and see the velocities for each listed in the "our take" tab for each rifle.  Good information there!

[Broadus]

Of course, I don't know what your preferences are, but personally, I really like the 50s over the 30s.  The 30s is so easy to cock and mild shooting, but it definitely has less power than the 50s.  You have to decide which is best for you and your intended use.  Either one will be very accurate if they are anything like mine.  The 50s already has the galling problem addressed, not sure about the 30s.  The weight difference between the two is hardly noticeable.

Good luck with your decision.  I hope you will be satisfied with whichever you choose.  They are both great air rifles, IMO.  You can look at the pages on "Straight Shooters" website and see the velocities for each listed in the "our take" tab for each rifle.  Good information there!

How much more stout is the cocking of the 50S than the 30S, Tom? I was leaning 30S because folks talk about how enjoyable it is to shoot. Plus, I am hoping to get my wife involved and thinking that the 30S cocking would be more manageable to her.

Frankly, I had considered the 50S as better for an "only airgun."

[Yak54]

Bill

I'm not Tom, but to answer your question about "how much more stout is the cocking of the 50S than the 30S", the 50S is approx. twice as "stout" as the 30S in factory stock trim.  The 30S would definitely be more manageable for her.  Of course if the 50S should get a full tune, then the difference in cocking effort will not be as much as in stock trim .

[Tomcat]

Of course, I don't know what your preferences are, but personally, I really like the 50s over the 30s.  The 30s is so easy to cock and mild shooting, but it definitely has less power than the 50s.  You have to decide which is best for you and your intended use.  Either one will be very accurate if they are anything like mine.  The 50s already has the galling problem addressed, not sure about the 30s.  The weight difference between the two is hardly noticeable.

Good luck with your decision.  I hope you will be satisfied with whichever you choose.  They are both great air rifles, IMO.  You can look at the pages on "Straight Shooters" website and see the velocities for each listed in the "our take" tab for each rifle.  Good information there!

How much more stout is the cocking of the 50S than the 30S, Tom? I was leaning 30S because folks talk about how enjoyable it is to shoot. Plus, I am hoping to get my wife involved and thinking that the 30S cocking would be more manageable to her.

Frankly, I had considered the 50S as better for an "only airgun."

You have the right idea about them.  Dan, aka Yak54, gave the best answer I could think of.  He is spot on with his accessment.  If the wife is not very stout, the 30 would be a better choice.  My only hesitation with it was, I am not sure how suitable it would be for plinking squirrels, as you had mentioned.  If you keep the range short  and go for head shots, it may be fine.  It definitely is accurate and nice to shoot.  Nice light, easy to handle package!