Vortek Kit options for the HW50s?

[glorygunner]

I just acquired a new HW50s just last week. However, out of the box the rifle had huge amount of spring twang and vibration. Shocking really for a rifle of this power. A little over a week later and over 500 shots through it I have yet to notice a improvement. On the bright side the gun is crazy accurate, getting tight groups at 35 yards and one ragged hole at 15-20. However that vibration and spring twang really annoys the *(&^ out of me, so I decided I was gonna end it.  I was considering a vortex kit in my rife to make it less "twangy" and more enjoyable. I see that Vortek offers 3 kits for the 50s, and I was interested in the regular and the SHO kit. I don't really care the the 10j one. I like that the SHO kit offers more power, as more power is always good for hunting at longer ranges. However I was concerned about the side effects of that power. I was wondering if the SHO kit would add more recoil/ hold sensitivity to the gun? Also would there be an increase in the report? Thanks in advance for any help!   

[DanD]

I put an SHO kit in my 50 and I like it. I wrote a review in the accessories review gate. I have not tried the standard kit to make any comparisons. I would say that the SHO kit has a quick, sharp, linear snap, but it doesn't feel oversprung or too jumpy or harsh.The muzzle report is not as loud as my R9. The gun requires consistency and good technique for best results, but it's still very accurate and enjoyable to shoot. So if you want your 50 to be a mellow fellow, the SHO is probably not ideal, but if you want a snappy little 12 ft-lb kit, the SHO does it very well.
I cannot yet speak for longevity as I only have about 1000 rounds through the kit.

[Brazos]

500 shots is not enough to break a HW in from my experience.  They seem to really get sweet as you get closer to 2000 shots.  A Vortek spring kit will take the twang and buzz out of it though.  I had a SHO kit in my TX200 and did not care for it and installed the 12ftlb Vortek Kit and really like it.  That's a different rifle from the HW50 though.  You may see if the spring can be interchanged between kits on the HW50.  That way you can just swap $18 Vortek springs and not have to buy a whole $80 kit.  For example my TX200 I intially installed the SHO kit and was able to convert it to the 12ftlb kit just buy swapping the spring.  Most of their kits this is possible but you will need to email Vortek and ask them which kits offered for the HW50 have spring compatibility.

[glorygunner]

Thanks the input guys, I think I am going to try out the 10j kit Vortek offers, I was lucky enough to try one at my buddy's place and was really impressed. The lost power was easily made up for by the smoothness!

[KeepItClassy]

500 shots is not enough to break a HW in from my experience.  They seem to really get sweet as you get closer to 2000 shots.  A Vortek spring kit will take the twang and buzz out of it though.  I had a SHO kit in my TX200 and did not care for it and installed the 12ftlb Vortek Kit and really like it.  That's a different rifle from the HW50 though.  You may see if the spring can be interchanged between kits on the HW50.  That way you can just swap $18 Vortek springs and not have to buy a whole $80 kit.  For example my TX200 I intially installed the SHO kit and was able to convert it to the 12ftlb kit just buy swapping the spring.  Most of their kits this is possible but you will need to email Vortek and ask them which kits offered for the HW50 have spring compatibility.

The 12 ftlb spring for the tx200 and the tx200 sho is no longer interchangeable, they used to be months ago but aftersome R&D we decided to switch to a different wire for the SHO Kit.

As for the HW50 the SHO kit and the 10J kit are interchangeable, the standard kit is not. Hope this helps.

[Petey]

Smooth shooting- ease of cocking-linear power = JM kits..  Far superior in my Opinion.  Having used both MFG's products over the years The JM kits get my vote every time.
The V-brand kits are simply too snappy and increase cocking effort...Two traits most unwanted in a 50s. The diff between the two makers is night and day. If you wish too neuter your 50s go with a 10j kit..... smooth factory power= JM.

Happy Shootin!
Petey

[DanD]

Smooth shooting- ease of cocking-linear power = JM kits..  Far superior in my Opinion.  Having used both MFG's products over the years The JM kits get my vote every time.
The V-brand kits are simply too snappy and increase cocking effort...Two traits most unwanted in a 50s. The diff between the two makers is night and day. If you wish too neuter your 50s go with a 10j kit..... smooth factory power= JM.

Happy Shootin!
Petey

I'm still loving my 50S SHO kit and would recommend it to anyone interested. Last time I chronied it with ~2k pellets through the kit, it was a hair over 12 ft-lb with FTT and all the way up to 13 ft-lb with JSBX. I was surprised because at 1500 it seemed a wee bit slower.  I wonder if it has to do with chrony indoor lighting conditions. Anyway, the rifle is just incredible- so lightweight, beautifully accurate, and passes the pellet on turret test even while running so hot. That said, I have run a JM kit and seals for many years in my R9 and would equally vouch for the quality of his products.

I would love to shoot a stock 50, JM kit, and the Vortek options side by side to really feel the differences. I would guess they are all good, with the exception of that darned OEM twang.

[Oldgringo]

Smooth shooting- ease of cocking-linear power = JM kits..  Far superior in my Opinion.  Having used both MFG's products over the years The JM kits get my vote every time.
The V-brand kits are simply too snappy and increase cocking effort...Two traits most unwanted in a 50s. The diff between the two makers is night and day. If you wish too neuter your 50s go with a 10j kit..... smooth factory power= JM.

Happy Shootin!
Petey

Shootist tuned my HW50S with a JM kit and I'm real fond of the finished product.

[Petey]

Another option.... One I feel is a very good and often overlooked option. Have someone like Scott (Motorhead) make you a top hat and guide for your stock spring.
Mind you the hw springs tend to settle a little bit , but have a good life span.

Just a thought.
Happy shootin to all!
Petey