Author Topic: FWB 127 [.22] (Read 8817 times))

NTSOG · « **on:** April 18, 2015, 09:21:32 PM »

G'day,

I would appreciate some advice as to the value [and historical worth] of a FWB 127 [.22] that is listed for sale on a used guns site in Australia. I am waiting for more detailed information about it such as its serial number and previous usage/ownership, but, from what I have read about the FWB 124 [.177] and the FWB 127 [.22], they are both representative of the beginning of interest in "adult" air rifles in the late 1970s/early 1980s in England and the USA. Would that be correct? Tom Gaylard extols the virtues of the FWB 124 : "the 124 was a wow in .177 but a relative dog in .22," It seems that both models are now highly valued, though the FWB 127 is somewhat rarer.

The model that is for sale is listed at $A225/$US175], but I do not know at this stage its state of repair internally. From photos it appears to be in good condition and comes with a scope on separate "rounded" mounts and has a leather sling. The stock appears to be of a lighter hued, fine grain timber. Logic suggests that a complete re-build would be in order now or in the immediate future should I purchase it.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Jim

grauhanen · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2015, 10:50:10 PM »

And G'day to you.

According to Blue Book of Airguns, Tenth Edition the Model 127 in .22, which produced 620 - 680 fps (depending on pellet), was discontinued in 1989. For what its worth, it has no available value for a 127 in 100% condition, but from 60% to 95% the value is pegged from $195 to $450. If it is fancy or custom select grade stock it is worth even more. You may have found a good deal.

NTSOG · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2015, 10:15:57 PM »

G'day Grauhanen [Gray man? - Swedish and German?],

Thank you for the information. That explains why Tom Gaylard stated it was "a relative dog in .22". Nevertheless I will have a good look at it. I suspect the light coloured stock is probably one of the cheaper timbers used - definitely not walnut!

Perhaps a re-build with more modern components would lift its power-output a little, but even 620+ would do for knocking over sparrows and other unwanted "imports" around the house.

Jim

garczar6 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2015, 10:24:48 PM »

124's and 127's are kinda like land: they're not making any more of it. Sounds like you scored my man.

anuthabubba · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2015, 10:54:10 PM »

"Perhaps a re-build with more modern components would lift its power-output a little, but even 620+ would do for knocking over sparrows and other unwanted "imports" around the house."

Had a GREAT time the other day plinking with an XS12! Getting maybe, 500fps with Hobby's? Had no trouble hitting stuff like bottle caps 25 yards away with the fiber optic sights. Weighs about 5 pounds and cocks with what seems like NO effort! Long second stage on the trigger but still very useful.

Power ain't the whole story. Have 4x 124s and would love to have a 127.

Thanks for the wake-up call, all you C models out there.

PigButtons · « **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2015, 11:37:33 PM »

At $175 US if it is in reasonable and rebuildable condition, that is a great price. They are known for their smooth operation and when first produced were medium powered adult air rifles. The power is more than adequate for 25 yard kills on everything up to about pigeon, squirrel, size. As far as I know very few had walnut stocks, the birch is found on most all of the units and the main factor in high grade vs standard grade is the grip cap and white butt pad spacer, plus the checkering on grip and fore end. In either case, get it, rebuild it, shoot it, you'll love it.

NTSOG · « **Reply #6 on:** April 19, 2015, 11:41:51 PM »

Thank you both for your responses garczar6 and Yrok,

It does seem that the FWBs [124 or 127] are still highly valued still around the world. Hopefully I can get it. As you state Yrok power is not everything and I already have three magnums [.177, .22 and .25] that would not do well for shooting around the house, but would be better out in one of my fields on rabbits at longer ranges.

Yrok also wrote "Thanks for the wake-up call, all you C models out there" - I'm sorry, but I do not understand - I'm new to air gunning after being a bow-hunter for years until injury to my shoulder forced me to change.

Jim

NTSOG · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2015, 11:48:46 PM »

G'day PigButtons,

I think the asking price is very good even in Australian dollars, i.e $225. The stock is likely made of beech then and it has checkering on the grip [cannot see any on the fore-end, but the photos are not very clear] and does have a white spacer on the butt-pad and on the grip cap as well.

Hopefully I can get it.

Many thanks for your advice,

Jim

anuthabubba · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2015, 11:57:55 PM »

Sheridan C Model. Vintage .20 pumper.

NTSOG · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2015, 12:12:55 AM »

Hi Yrok,

Now I understand!

I have read a lot about the old Sheridans and there is one for sale here in Queensland [up North from where I live]: Sheridan Blue Streak [SN 102849] for $A320/$US250. it has been listed since May 2014. Obviously the type is not as esteemed as in the USA.

Jim

P.S. Actually I found another couple of Sheridans listed in a large "armoury" held by a gun shop as well as two .177 air rifles attributed to Quackenbush who, I have read, was an original US innovator in air guns. I am assuming that they were built by the same H M Quackenbush. One is attributed to "Quackenbush" and the other to "M M Quackenbush".

NTSOG · « **Reply #10 on:** April 20, 2015, 05:57:47 AM »

Hi Folks,

Further to my pursuit of the FWB 127, I have learned that the SN is 52767 and it will fire a pellet!!!! [Of course I do not know how far the pellet travelled!] The Serial Number stated indicates that is was likely made between 1983 and 1984. Unfortunately it is missing or has "lost" its fore sight in part. It has a scope, but the details of scope and mounts were omitted in the response to my enquiry.

I am trying to get further information, but am beginning to think that air rifles are very much a "fringe" part of the business for gun shops in Australia because of the casual responses I have received from several, especially about used rifles.

Jim.

uglymike · « **Reply #11 on:** April 20, 2015, 06:09:56 AM »

A 6 month trial/evaluation test at my house would be be wonderful.

NTSOG · « **Reply #12 on:** April 20, 2015, 06:57:44 AM »

So Uglymike,

You think I should persevere? Actually at the price listed I really have little to lose!

Jim.

hutnicks · « **Reply #13 on:** April 20, 2015, 11:22:46 AM »

Have you attempted to negotiate him down?

PigButtons · « **Reply #14 on:** April 20, 2015, 10:03:07 PM »

I would by all means get the rifle, negotiate if you can, but that is still a good price by US standards.
A seal :https://www.pyramydair.com/product/air-venturi-feinwerkbau-piston-seal-fits-fwb-124-air-rifle?a=3664
a spring:https://www.pyramydair.com/product/air-venturi-feinwerkbau-mainspring-fits-fwb-124-air-rifle?a=3665
can be had quite easily. Those listed above are stock factory replacements. Usually this site : http://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/page/page/251327.htm has a wide variety of aftermarket springs from near magnum to super mild ( to avoid wear on older guns ( and humans )). But as you can see from the link, Jim had a heart attack and his shop is closed UFN.

NTSOG · « **Reply #15 on:** April 21, 2015, 05:41:19 PM »

Thank you for all that technical information Duane. I will be ringing the dealer today to negotiate a price, though I am determined to get the rifle for sure even at the listed price. It will be fun to restore. My wife is soon to visit her family in northern Wisconsin so [if I can get the rifle in time to strip it down and check it] should be able to purchase the necessary components for me for a re-build while in the US.

Jim

PigButtons · « **Reply #16 on:** April 22, 2015, 01:45:18 AM »

You will also want to decide what lubes you need. For the spring I use Lucas Red Tacky grease from the autoparts store. For the piston, cocking shoe, pivot pins, and main seal, I use Krytox from Dupont, any of them will do, I just happen to have XHTAC for my AR's but that isn't necessary for air rifles. There are other less expensive lubes for the piston, seal,.... I just have Krytox around so I use that and it lasts forever.

linoww · « **Reply #17 on:** April 24, 2015, 10:35:26 AM »

The one I saw sell a year back was a delux in 90% condition and it sold for $700 with higher back up offers.

grauhanen · « **Reply #18 on:** April 24, 2015, 06:28:53 PM »

Quote from: NTSOG on April 19, 2015, 10:15:57 PM

G'day Grauhanen [Gray man? - Swedish and German?],

Thank you for the information. That explains why Tom Gaylard stated it was "a relative dog in .22". Nevertheless I will have a good look at it. I suspect the light coloured stock is probably one of the cheaper timbers used - definitely not walnut!

You're welcome. The name is Finnish.
Glenn

cvasquez · « **Reply #19 on:** April 24, 2015, 10:37:17 PM »

Well 3 years ago I won off acution and paid $740 for mine but it was new in the box with the paperwork from 1976(Beeman San Anselmo). Then I paid $300 for a full tune from PW and $70 for the SS JM trigger. And then I added a custom full length walnut stock glass bedded as well. Then it got scoped with rings and a muzzle break. So Im over the $2K mark for that "dog" . Would I do it again. Absolutely. flat oput to 40 yds I pick off shells at the range off the ground . Its like a sheridan pumped 10 times in 22caliber with just a 5 second one break load. There is no new FWB in 22cal so the old ones are that much more special. You better run back to the store.

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FWB 127 [.22]

Author Topic: FWB 127 [.22] (Read 8817 times))