Author Topic: Buy a HW30s Deluxe or the HW95 for backyard target shooting? (Read 12207 times))

sic0048 · « **on:** July 24, 2015, 12:27:28 AM »

I'm in the market for my first air rifle. I've always wanted to be able to shoot targets in my yard and I've finally decided to get a air rifle. Although I'm in a neighborhood, our local laws allow the use of air rifles as long as you aren't shooting across roads, alleyways, or into other people's property.

Given that the price of these two options are about the same price from AoA, (when considering shipping cost on the HW95), I wanted to get people's opinions. This will be used 95% of the time for backyard plinking/paper targets. I haven't really decided how far away my targets will be, but I'm sure I'll try 10m and might even go out as far as 25m. I doubt I would go out farther than that most of the time. I'd like to get my family involved in shooting too - my wife, 12 yr old son and 9 yr old daughter.

Given all of this, I think the .177 version of the HW30s Deluxe is probably the best choice. However, since the HW95 is available on a pretty good sale right now, I just wanted to ask you all to see if there is a compelling reason why I should get the HW95 instead of the 30s.

Thanks for the help!

packard8 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2015, 02:32:58 AM »

I recently bought the HW95 in .22 on the AOA promo and am pleased with the purchase. If any sort of hunting or pest control is in the future I'd recommend the .22 over the .177. After about 200 break in shots, it is consistently shooting quarter sized groups at 30 yards (when I do my part). It is much quieter than my Diana 48, but that would be expected as the 48 is a 20+ FPE gun vs +/-16 FPE for the HW95. The cocking effort for the kids might be in favor of the HW30, but I've never shot one, maybe someone with experience with both could address that.

Not The Brightest Bulb · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2015, 05:31:09 AM »

I think the HW30 would do you proud, the cocking effort is great. It's hard to get family interested if they can't operate the machinery.

DanD · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2015, 08:26:56 AM »

For paper and plinking family fun in the back yard, the 30S is the right tool for the job. The compelling reasons for a 95 would be the versatility for hunting and field target use, but at the expense of size, weight, loudness, and cocking effort.
I would go with the 30S if I were you, then expand my collection later.
So you know my experience, my go-to rifle is an SHO 50S because I shoot out to and past 50 yards including feathered pest elimination. I also have a chopped R9 purpose built for squirrel hunting, but for the shooting you described, the 30S is the way to go. I often shoot a Daisy 880 for closer range plinking and can definitely see how a 30S would be perfect for that niche.

Oldgringo · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2015, 10:13:08 AM »

Quote from: Not The Brightest Bulb on July 24, 2015, 05:31:09 AM

I think the HW30 would do you proud, the cocking effort is great. It's hard to get family interested if they can't operate the machinery.

Right on, Bro! I don't have an HW30 but I do have a Beeman R7 and you can feel the love.

anuthabubba · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2015, 10:23:48 AM »

Sometimes use an R7 for close range, out to ~30 yards, pest elimination at a popular lakeside 'general store'/refueling station. Right now it has an old Beeguy SS-2 4x mounted that works well for this purpose and keeps the whole package light and compact.

Also had one for a petite lady friend back in the '80s. Had to cut off the buttstock a bit for a better fit and she managed it well.

Petey · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2015, 10:59:39 AM »

R7/30S gets my vote.

Yak54 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 24, 2015, 02:17:30 PM »

I definitely think the 30s is more appropriate for the kind of shooting your talking about.

Josan · « **Reply #8 on:** July 24, 2015, 02:45:22 PM »

Another vote for the 30S for your kind of shooting.

north country gal · « **Reply #9 on:** July 24, 2015, 04:08:00 PM »

On a calm day, I shoot our HW30S out at 50 yards and even with a 4x scope, accuracy is sub inch, so you're more than covered in the accuracy department with the distances you'll be shooting. Doesn't have the poop to work our reactive metal targets at 35 yards and beyond, but accuracy and ease of use makes our HW30S one of our most used rifles.

For youngsters, you just can't beat the HW30S. Our grandkids fight over it when they come to visit when we take them shooting.

JimL911 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 24, 2015, 06:36:36 PM »

The 30S is the right choice to get the family into shooting. Once you get the wife hooked a soft tuned 95 or 34 for you "son" would be a nice addition.

sic0048 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2015, 07:21:35 PM »

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I placed an order for the HW30s today. They are out of stock, so it may be a while before I get my hands on it, but the search is over. Now the waiting begins!

Not The Brightest Bulb · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2015, 07:50:12 PM »

Congratulations on your purchase and condolences on your wait.

uglymike · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2015, 08:14:21 PM »

Keep us updated on your HW30 an how it worked out for you and family.

grauhanen · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2015, 08:28:55 PM »

The HW95 is still for $299 at AoA; the HW30s is $339 at AoA. Which makes more sense?

RatRacer · « **Reply #15 on:** July 24, 2015, 08:38:44 PM »

Far be it to say, AirgunDepot has it in stock @ $329 + 10% coupon + free shipping.... forum supporter.... cheaper...... just sayin.

packard8 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 24, 2015, 08:55:18 PM »

Quote from: RatRacer on July 24, 2015, 08:38:44 PM

Far be it to say, AirgunDepot has it in stock @ $329 + 10% coupon + free shipping.... forum supporter.... cheaper...... just sayin.

Easy solution, buy the HW30/.177 for the wife & kids at AGD and the HW95/.22 from AOA for Dad......best of both worlds and less fighting over who gets to shoot next!

Sorry sic0048, you've entered the addiction zone....

sic0048 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 24, 2015, 10:03:29 PM »

I went for the deluxe version for $339.00 at AoA. The regular HW30s is only $299 which is about the same as the other places listed. I figured the extra $40 for the nicer looking stock was worth it since this is something I'm going to hold on to for a very long time.

My wife mentioned tonight that I don't need to buy an air rifle. She doesn't know that I already bought it. I'll deal with that when it arrives....

grauhanen - Obviously I'm new to all this, but I'd say that the choice of guns is extremely dependent on your desired use. The HW30s is a lower powered gun that is great of targets and perhaps very close game (maybe out to 20 yds), but it really isn't designed for hunting.

The HW95 is much more powerful and a good all around small game rifle. But it is also heavier and the cocking action is much harder (40ish lb action vs 18 lbs for the HW30s). That's no problem if you are only putting a few rounds through at a time, but I imagine it wears on you if you want to put a couple hundred rounds down range.

For me, I'm going to be using it strictly for targets in a confined back yard and would love my family to learn to enjoy the sport too. Therefore the less powerful output and lighter breaking action made the HW30s a natural choice for me. But if you are looking for a good all around small game hunter, the HW95 is a much better choice.

I should also mention that I went with the .177 version which is better for target shooting. If you are going to be hunting with it, then get the extra stopping power of the .22

Josan · « **Reply #18 on:** July 24, 2015, 10:43:20 PM »

Rarely ever happens that any of my hobby stuff (airguns and guitars) are cheaper here in The Netherlands than in the US but these HW30s are going for 159 euro (175 usd) over here, even including the 21% tax. Its by far the best value airgun money you can spend. I bought it there for 149 euro not so long ago.
http://www.db-schietsport.nl/epages/61788981.mobile/nl_NL/?ObjectID=5603107

EMrider · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2015, 01:07:16 AM »

I shoot my R7s far more often than all of my other airguns combined.

My kids can handle them easily and shoot them often too.

For plinking and target work they are ideal. I have also found them to be very capable hunters inside of 40 yards.

Enjoy.
R

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Buy a HW30s Deluxe or the HW95 for backyard target shooting?

Author Topic: Buy a HW30s Deluxe or the HW95 for backyard target shooting? (Read 12207 times))