The Struggle: Which German Springer?

[Skinard88]

+1 on theHW95 with the 12fpe tune or the HW50, and you might not even need to tune the 50.

[wjjones]

I own the R 7 and LGV.  I used to own the HW50s.

The R7 is all they say it is, but I would definitely NOT bump up its power to 11ft/lbs.  I'm sure it wil totally change the character of the gun, and not for the better.  You can shoot it for hours without getting tired from cocking it.

The HW50s does have more power than the R7.  I know some will disagree, but it is way harder to cock for that added power.  I couldn't go through a long shooting session with that gun so I sold it.

The LGV in .22 would more likely meet your requirements of " turns me on every time I go to shoot it." I really enjoy the solid and smooth "thunk" of the gun.  It is very accurate as I'm sure you've heard-easy cocking, too. $325 for a "like new" gun is a good deal to me.

You didn't mention how you intend to use the gun.  If it will be used as a hunter then maybe you won't mind the heavier cocking effort of the HW.  Also, the LGV is hefty and you may not want to schlep it through the woods as a field gun.

[Tomcat]

My vote is for either the HW95 or the HW50s.  I have both, and prefer the HW50s for it's size and weight.  Mine has a home lube tune and is a sweet shooter at about the power level you want.  To me, the HW95 is second place, and the HW30 is a great little plinker, but not a hunter IMO.  I'm probably your grandfathers age, so the size/weight is important.

Best of luck with your choice.  You have a very nice grandfather!

[Petey]

Side levers (48,52,54) are awkward to cock/load, in the field, and are heavy. The 350 is long, heavy, with a loong stroke and kicks like a mule. The HW50 has the jointed cocking link that galls the main tube. The R9/HW95 would be my choice. Easy to handle, work on, tunable from mild to wild, very accurate and probably the best trigger in the bunch. Yes, I have owned and/or shot all these models and more.

No more galling == new design has fixed it.
Besides--- the old design didn't gall too badly and usaully stopped after a couple of tins . ( based on my experience).


Happy SHootin To All!
Petey



50S with a Maccari kit= smoothest of the bunch. Good power to weight and very comfy to shoulder.

[UCChris]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I didn't think I'd get so many. Here I am so far

HW30 - I really like it. Like, a lot. Would you guys trust it to kill a collared dove out to 20 yards?

HW50S - This one seems perfect for me, but it's the most expensive of the bunch at $380 at PA.

HW95 - Probably not going to go with this one since I would just invest money in turning it down to 50S levels anyway.

Walther LGV - Something about this gun... Every time I talk myself into one of these HW's, I always stop short because of this gun. It's usually over $500 bucks and my grandfather can get it like new for $325. That seems like a screaming deal to me.

Right now, it's between the 30S and the LGV. If you guys think the 30S is capable of dispatching doves out to 20-25 yards and sparrows/starlings out to 30 yards, then I'm going to get it.

[39M]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I didn't think I'd get so many. Here I am so far

HW30 - I really like it. Like, a lot. Would you guys trust it to kill a collared dove out to 20 yards?

HW50S - This one seems perfect for me, but it's the most expensive of the bunch at $380 at PA.

HW95 - Probably not going to go with this one since I would just invest money in turning it down to 50S levels anyway.

Walther LGV - Something about this gun... Every time I talk myself into one of these HW's, I always stop short because of this gun. It's usually over $500 bucks and my grandfather can get it like new for $325. That seems like a screaming deal to me.

Right now, it's between the 30S and the LGV. If you guys think the 30S is capable of dispatching doves out to 20-25 yards and sparrows/starlings out to 30 yards, then I'm going to get it.

I like that little HW30 too. Looks like a fun plinker. Collared dove at 20 yards might be close to it's limits, but I think it would work.

The Walther is obviously a great deal if you want a larger target type rifle. Or if that's what your grandfather wants to buy you. Sometimes old farts have a certain wisdom about them.

[UCChris]

My grandfather doesn't know anything about airguns. He just loves it when I come over to show him my latest projectile shooting toys. I actually bought him an XS12 that he keeps by the back door to keep the sparrows out of his apricot tree. He had an old 760 as a kid but he hasn't gone any further.

I wonder, if I added to my grandfather's contributions and stretched the budget to $400, if I could find a used HW97 for that price. I've wanted an HW97 in a bad way for years.

[bowzette]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I didn't think I'd get so many. Here I am so far

HW30 - I really like it. Like, a lot. Would you guys trust it to kill a collared dove out to 20 yards?

HW50S - This one seems perfect for me, but it's the most expensive of the bunch at $380 at PA.

HW95 - Probably not going to go with this one since I would just invest money in turning it down to 50S levels anyway.

Walther LGV - Something about this gun... Every time I talk myself into one of these HW's, I always stop short because of this gun. It's usually over $500 bucks and my grandfather can get it like new for $325. That seems like a screaming deal to me.

Right now, it's between the 30S and the LGV. If you guys think the 30S is capable of dispatching doves out to 20-25 yards and sparrows/starlings out to 30 yards, then I'm going to get it.

I have a Beeman R7(HW 30S), Walters LGV in .22 shooting around 12 fp and a HW 97. They are all very accurate.  I've shot a .11" 5 shot group with the R7 at 25 yards and last night 4 confirmed kills and a probable 5th-flies at 25 yards with the LGV.   The LGV trigger is not nearly as good, at lest mine isn't, as the HW triggers but it still shoots very accurately. The HW97 is a big heavy rife and is much harder to cock than the R7 and LGV and for me is more hold sensitive.  The LGV cocks almost as easily as the R7. I also have a HW 80 in .22 shooting around 20 fp and a FBW 300s.  I like them all but shoot the R7 and LGV the most.

[straightshooter]

I have little knowledge about the AG's on your list, but for me slings are mandatory, I have carried my D54 in the woods one time and I hope its the last time, matter of fact I picked the D52 which is a D48 with a lux stock because I felt it was the best AG that I am aware of to install sling mounts. I like the side lever, if I was taking a bunch of shoots (which is not the case for the hunting I do) a break barrel would probably be easier, but then you have the sling issue.

I also like a side lever because I can leave it on my bags, fire control, and field pod and not have to remove, cock, load set it back on the bags etc. and just shoot.

From your list, I would like to try the Walther, I think it may be the latest release/design/modern AG that I am aware of.

Good luck

E

[triggerfest]

From your list... The LGV by far....!!!

No need to tune, in fact a very sweet shotcycle without twang straight out of the box. Not hold senstive at all.

[anuthabubba]

Yeah. The HW 97 is heavy and a bit awkward for field use. The HW30s I have had are nice, light, accurate shooters. Suitable for small pests in the yard.

[anuthabubba]

"...a break barrel would probably be easier, but then you have the sling issue.


My first several springers ('80s HWs, FWB124s), all had slings. Still have a few in use. Used the Uncle Mike's barrel bands with swivel screwed in at the buttstock. Slings help for longer treks in the boonies or for heavier airguns.

[UCChris]

My pesting is all urban, so a sling is not a necessity.

I'm really leaning towards biding my time for a 97. My pesting is all stationary so weight is not an issue. It's probably preferable since it will deaden the shot cycle.

[joek]

HW 30S lexus $339 + Vortek kit
HW 50S      $369
HW 35e      $495
HW95 lexus  $449

I own the first three and a very early version of the HW95 (Marksman 7*). I also own a wood stocked LGV, that i left out because the build quality is nowhere  near the HW's. If you want a heirloom gun get the HW35E with It's walnut stock. IIRC  that is about $250 off of what it used to sell for. Is this galling problem is something  new? all my HW's had about 1000 shots to break in. imho if it ain't broke don't fix it....lol

[Calmark]

I'm going to throw out a few other German suggestions.  Look for a used FWB in perhaps a little bit cosmetic shape to get to your $400 budget.  I'd also do the same for an HW55.  The HW55 is an almost perfect blend of size, power, weight and accuracy in a break barrel, that with a barrel lock, has the advantages of a fixed barrel in my opinion.  Whatever you get, I'm sure you'll treasure it and have loads of fun shooting it. 

[uglymike]

I have the LGV Challenger .22 with metal tuning trigger Motorhead tuned, I have an HW95 .177 PG2 kit in it, Motorhead tuned. Go with the LGV .22 and get the metal tuning trigger for it. It'll shoot 5 shot one hole groups for you @ 30 yards all day, easy to cock, bank vault lockup, about 11ft/lbs 

[Methuselah]

Well, my grandfather found out that I nailed (100%) all of my midterms (four classes) and decided he wants to get me a gift since I'm the first of his sons and grandsons to go to college. He's asked me to choose a nice air rifle of my choice with the stipulation that it is a gun that I've wanted for a long time, but could never bring myself to drop the money on. Easy choice for me, a German springer! So, I've been poking around. Here are my options.

HW30S .177 - On sale, NIB, for $299

HW95 .22 - On sale, NIB, for $330

Walther LGV .22 - Used, like new, for $325

Which would you choose?

HW30S, no Vortek kit, and yes on the intended use (see straightshooters.com "our take" for the fpe at given ranges)

Definitely post pics when you get it, definitely keep up the good grades please!

[UCChris]

I know this is the German Gate, but I posted this topic because I feel like most high quality springers are German. Feel free to recommend good *whisper* British guns, or any others that you know of.

[Razorback]

Lots of great suggestions given by folks that know air guns. Decisions are very tough when you're wanting to get it right. I too am a grandfather & have waited a long time for a nice air rifle.
   
          My first was an HW95L in .22 caliber. Wish I had not waited so long to get my feet wet. Have had a blast shooting it & the other two. This rifle was quite twangy at first, but after four tins plus it is very smooth.

           Number two is an R7 in .177. It has been a joy as well. Very easy to cock, have not noticed any twang or vibration. It is like most all rifles mentioned ( more accurate than I am ) a pleasure to shoot.

           Number three has become my favorite. The HW50 S in .177. It is much harder to cock than the HW95 but has gotten easier or maybe I got a wee bit stronger. It is still twangy after more than four tins but it seems to be the most accurate for me. It could be that the weight & longer length of pull fits me better than the R7.

           Good luck with your decision......... Sure you will be happy with any of those mentioned

[JimL911]

The 50S is a great gun. The only downside is the cocking effort for the power level. Get the 95 and drop in a 50 spring and instant sub 12 fpe. Much easier to cock than a 50S.