Ruger Air Hawk (refurb from MidwayUSA) mini review

[Brazos]

Even if it was a new condition rifle for $99 from Wal-Mart you can't expect the inside to look like much.  I think, other than the bent piston rod, the OP's rifle looked perfectly fine for a $50 refurb or a new $99 version.  These aren't quality rifles.  They are cheap.  You get what you pay for. 

[INVICTVSREX]

 Nit pick n split hairs all you want. "You get what you pay for" is the same as "It is what it is".
 Apathy is killing this country.
 Perhaps when we demand more from ourselves and others we're not being critical but setting the bar higher. As a Stagehand/Rigger/Carpenter for 20+ yrs I never settled for just OK or adequate.
 Maybe it's just me.

[anuthabubba]

Nit pick n split hairs all you want. "You get what you pay for" is the same as "It is what it is".
 Apathy is killing this country.
 Perhaps when we demand more from ourselves and others we're not being critical but setting the bar higher. As a Stagehand/Rigger/Carpenter for 20+ yrs I never settled for just OK or adequate.
 Maybe it's just me.

Agreed. I was in aviation maintenance for 20 years, then nursing for another 20 and I can't stand to see stuff half-azzed by, especially the younger generation of, trained/licensed 'so called' professionals!

[temchik]

temchik, for the relatively little bit of coin you dropped, and the fact that it shoots well despite the poor internal fit and finish, I'd say you got a fun project gun that will probably shine nicely with a little TLC and ingenuity. Have fun with her!

I'm with you! What bugs me is my internal OCD recalling all articles about 1/1000th" tolerances and such and tuning and all that..... yeah, I haven't tried this one at 50 yards with a $300 scope, nor that I will at any moment

[bmb]

 Nit pick n split hairs all you want. "You get what you pay for" is the same as "It is what it is".
 Apathy is killing this country.
 Perhaps when we demand more from ourselves and others we're not being critical but setting the bar higher. As a Stagehand/Rigger/Carpenter for 20+ yrs I never settled for just OK or adequate.
 Maybe it's just me.

Agreed + 2
What is it saying when we are happy "we got a good one" this time. I'm still not understanding why a $100, $200, or even $500 gun still needs to be opened up and worked on from new. I haven't had to do that with any of my powder burners. That being said, I was happy to "get a good one" with my air hawk.

[temchik]

Nit pick n split hairs all you want. "You get what you pay for" is the same as "It is what it is".
 Apathy is killing this country.
 Perhaps when we demand more from ourselves and others we're not being critical but setting the bar higher. As a Stagehand/Rigger/Carpenter for 20+ yrs I never settled for just OK or adequate.
 Maybe it's just me.

Agreed + 2
What is it saying when we are happy "we got a good one" this time. I'm still not understanding why a $100, $200, or even $500 gun still needs to be opened up and worked on from new. I haven't had to do that with any of my powder burners. That being said, I was happy to "get a good one" with my air hawk.

Agreed. I was in aviation maintenance for 20 years, then nursing for another 20 and I can't stand to see stuff half-azzed by, especially the younger generation of, trained/licensed 'so called' professionals!

You do if you want to get any level of accuracy. My friend is into sniper shooting and  they spend $5K for .338 Lapua rifle so it doesn't have to be opened and worked on to get on target at 2000 meters. It's all in the eye of the beholder, ain't it?

[jcwit]

I ended up with 2.  One for me in as far as I can tell in perfect condition and accurate at least beyond my ability and that is all that matters.  At my age of 71 sniper accuracy with an air rifle is something else.  Now with a Bench Rest rifle in either center fire or .22 using match ammo at 50 cents a round is another ball game also.  And requires something  much more that a $49.00 springer, no matter the make or country of origin.

The other one looks as good as the first, I cleaned the barrel, lubed all the joints and sighted it in using Crosman Premier Rd. Nose pellets.  I'm more than sure the 8 year old Amish boy that is getting it will be thrilled beyond measure, no matter a slight bit of rust he will never see.

For $49.00 they were and are  a He!! of a value.

[anuthabubba]

"Agreed + 2
What is it saying when we are happy "we got a good one" this time. I'm still not understanding why a $100, $200, or even $500 gun still needs to be opened up and worked on from new. I haven't had to do that with any of my powder burners. That being said, I was happy to "get a good one" with my air hawk."




Virtually ANY assembly line, mass produced piece of machinery can benefit from some specific adjustments/refinements. The end owner gets to make the decision of whether or not to do it. If you are satisfied with it as it arrives from the manufacturer, that's great. Both for you as well as the manufacturer and seller. The next guy might not be satisfied and wants to squeeze that extra bit of functional efficiency out of it. Or pay somebody more skilled to do it.

[lefteyeshot]

I've heard that stuff about the younger generation since I was in the younger generation. They're the generation usually fighting our wars. I've saw them come and go for years in the form of new privates and lieutenants. The vast majority of'em were pretty good. The ones I sent to sniper school got their rifle for free if they graduated. Usually had to go twice to graduate if it was windy the last day.

[jcwit]

Ya know guys, in 1972 I took delivery of a brand new Corvette, delivered direct from the factory, in less than2 months the body developed cracks and the left rear fender nearly separated from the main body.

And you here are complaining about a $49.99 air rifle.

WOW,

[Can-o-cide]

 Nit pick n split hairs all you want. "You get what you pay for" is the same as "It is what it is".
 Apathy is killing this country.
 Perhaps when we demand more from ourselves and others we're not being critical but setting the bar higher. As a Stagehand/Rigger/Carpenter for 20+ yrs I never settled for just OK or adequate.
 Maybe it's just me.

Agreed + 2
What is it saying when we are happy "we got a good one" this time. I'm still not understanding why a $100, $200, or even $500 gun still needs to be opened up and worked on from new. I haven't had to do that with any of my powder burners. That being said, I was happy to "get a good one" with my air hawk.

I've seen $600 pb revolvers with the timing so bad they spit lead out the sides. I've seen barrels on $300 pb rifles with wavy rifling. I've seen a $270 .22 rimfire so poorly made that you couldn't close the bolt handle. I saw a pb revolver with the timing so bad that when cocked, the hammer was lined up perfectly between two rounds, and it still sold for $400 LOL (gunsmith bought it and fixed it). And these were good, reputable manufacturers. Like savage, smith and Wesson, and ruger....

if you hadn't had to send in a powder burner for warranty repair, then you have gotten "good ones".

I think I have about 17 AKs now, and i could go on for days about problems I've seen out of them.....

[INVICTVSREX]

   My last post on this topic and I'll shut my Yap (I'm pretty sure of it).
 It's not about the price point, I could give a rat's *$$ about the cost.
 It's not about having to get out your own tools n get it to where you wanna have it.
 It's not about brand names.
 Not about the luck (or lack) of the draw.
 It's about doing not only what's expected, but doing it right.
 It's about having pride in your work and respect for the product and the people you're selling it to.
 It's about keeping to a certain standard and keeping your word.
 An advertisement is a legal contract with the consumer, too many people forget that nowadays.
 
 Happy 4th

[jcwit]

And everything you yourself have ever produced has never, ever had an error, or anything wrong with it.

Have you ever worked in management & production and needed to meet deadlines on time & be cost effective all at the same time?

[Brazos]

I think you are delusional if you believe Ruger ever cared about putting out a quality air rifle.  If they did they wouldn't be going to China and having them build as cheap a rifle as possible so they could sell it retail for $99.  As long as it can be cocked, shot, and safe is all Ruger really cared.  Ruger, Remington, Stoeger, Gamo, etc. are out to make a quick buck.  They know 99% of people who buy their rifles aren't on forums like this.  Most people will buy it, shoot a few shots, and put the rifle in a closet for 20 years until it gets sold in a garage sale. 

[jcwit]

Much the same goes for the shoes you wear, the computer you peck on, the toaster, fry pan, the list is endless, heck I bet it even includes the ball point pen in your pocket.

Such is the way of life in today's world.

[jcwit]

Actually I never expected the Air Hawk to compare to the Beeman products I purchased 30 years ago.

Just the fact the Air Hawk was priced for only the cost of 2 tanks of gas in my Vibe I thought it would be a fine toy for a 71 year old fart to play with.  So far it has exceeded my expectations by a huge extant.  Will it hold up for years & years?  Don't know, but then how many years am I gonna hold up?

[larspawn]

I'm reading this and thinking peeps just need to lighten up! LOL  Its a hobby and seriously its a $50 rifle!  I believe the OP went into this with the right perspective.  It was cheap, he was curious and he wanted to tinker.  Do you complain when you spend $8 for a value meal at McDonalds and then  8itch that it isn't up to the standards of the "gourmet" burger at a restaurant for $18?  Yup they both have their place.

All this going on and on about false advertising bad reputation, etc. placed on Midway and Ruger is just crazy talk.  Our legal system is cluttered up with people believing they are "entitled" a BMW when they buy a Chevy.  They are themselves what is wrong with America.  Yes we are a disposable culture.  It would be great if we all consumed less and saved up to buy products that last a lifetime.  Unfortunately, we won't pay the price.  But we have a choice.  Make it and live with it.

So let's be real here.  Educate yourself and be realistic about your expectations.  Then take ownership of your choices and stop whining! 

[Brazos]

I think the Ruger AH is a heck of a deal for $99.  Don't take my posts above the wrong way.  For the money though they will be rough around the edges.  Since they are a close copy of the RWS 34 I recommend them as you can buy springs, seals, spring kits, etc. readily available for the 34.  A refurb for $50 is a steal.  Just people need to understand Ruger was never trying to put a quality rifle on the market, just a functional rifle so they could make a quick profit.  The question is how much time and effort do you want to put into it?  At some point you will be knocking on the door of the price of a new 34 (or a used or refurb 34).  That's why I have never taken the plung.  $50 is tempting but I know I would drop a spring kit in it raising the price up to the $150 range.  When you see deals on $150 RWS34 refurbs with a T06 trigger and a good Diana barrel, plus just better quality all around, I back off buying an Airhawk.  If you buy the $50 refurb AH with the intent just to clean it up, smooth it out, lube it properly, and just work with the parts it came with then you will be better off.  If it shoots good it shoots good and if not you are only out $50 and your time. 

[temchik]

Yeah, this thread strayed way off my originally intended topic, but everyone has their own opinion on what $50 (or 100 or 1000 for that matter) should buy and it's great. I think it helps others to make a decision on whether to buy or not. At least one will go with eyes open into this. I really didn't know what to expect before I opened it.

I think it will shoot without any work, but deburring and lubing it properly sure will help with longevity, or at least I believe so.

[jcwit]

Well now, larspawn & Brazos pretty well explained it all, very well put!