The Struggle: Which German Springer?

[UCChris]

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? My goal is feathered pest control (from sparrow size all the way up to collared dove/feral pigeon size) 30 yards and in.

If I got the HW30S, I'd shoot it as is then, when money becomes available, send it to a tuner to get a full tune and to get a 10-11 fpe kit. I don't know if this would make that little of a gun too harsh firing though?

If I got the HW95, I'd once again shoot it as is, but I'd definitely get it off to a tuner ASAP to get it de-tuned to 11-12 fpe

The Walther is used, but like new. It is shooting right at 11.7 fpe, which is the power I want. I don't know if I'd do anything to this gun except try and find a wood stock for it since it is the synthetic version.

Couple of considerations. The Walther is manufactured by Umarex if I'm not mistaken. I've heard heaps upon heaps of bad experiences regarding their warranty and customer service. However, I've never heard anything of Weihrauch's customer service, good or bad.

Last consideration. I've never, never been able to shoot any springer well past 15 yards, except a fully tuned XS12 that I used to own. I'm not good at the artillery hold, so I need a docile shooter. That's why the HW95 would be going in for a detune ASAP.

With this information, which would you choose?

[Roadworthy]

Point of information - Umarex doesn't manufacture anything.  They're strictly an importer and distributor.

I'd probably look real hard at the LGV, but if you're looking at the HW30 you may want to put the HW50 under consideration.

I'm thinking LGV because it's reputed to be quite good, though Weihrauch does have a fantastic trigger.  Hard choices.

[DanD]

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 $299

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

Which would you choose? My goal is feathered pest control (from sparrow size all the way up to collared dove/feral pigeon size) 30 yards and in.

If I got the HW30S, I'd shoot it as is then, when money becomes available, send it to a tuner to get a full tune and to get a 10-11 fpe kit. I don't know if this would make that little of a gun too harsh firing though?

If I got the HW95, I'd once again shoot it as is, but I'd definitely get it off to a tuner ASAP to get it de-tuned to 11-12 fpe

The Walther is used, but like new. It is shooting right at 11.7 fpe, which is the power I want. I don't know if I'd do anything to this gun except try and find a wood stock for it since it is the synthetic version.

Couple of considerations. The Walther is manufactured by Umarex if I'm not mistaken. If heard heaps upon heaps of bad experiences regarding their warranty and customer service. However, I've never heard anything of Weihrauch's customer service, good or bad.

Last consideration. I've never, never been able to shoot any springer well past 15 yards, except a fully tuned XS12 that I used to own. I'm not good at the artillery hold, so I need a docile shooter. That's why the HW95 would be going in for a detune ASAP.

Which this information, which would you choose?

You can email Umarex about stock price and availability for the LGV. I've shot an LGU tuned to sub 12fpe in .177 and it was very calm and accurate. If you can get a wood stock, the Walther sounds like it's exactly what you are looking for- very easy to shoot with good power.

The HW95, in my opinion, is the perfect general use air rifle. There is nothing it can't do well. Mine, an old R9, has been the most reliable, versatile, and accurate airgun I've ever owned. Mine was twangy when new, but very accurate, so I invested in a kit to make it a sweeter shooter.

Personally, I'd want more gun than a 30s for 30 yard pigeons. Have you considered the HW50S? It's close to the power level you want and has a nice wood stock. Pretty easy to shoot, too. I have one in .177. It was twangy in stock form so I kitted it, but is very accurate and easy handling.

Good luck! And good job at school!

[Brazos]

I would have to agree if you are interested in the 10-12 fpe range (and that is a very good thing  , and whole heartedly support) then add the HW50 to your list as it is in the same ballpark $$ wise.  That said if more money is available get the HW35 as it is a true classic and in this case something very fitting for the occasion you will remember the rest of your life.  Otherwise I would get the HW95 but in .177 caliber.  The HW30 will also work for what you want to do as-is but do not try to up the power to 10+FPE.  That ain't going to work.  I have no experience with the LGV.  I know they are good but the HWs seems to be finished off better to me.  Since this is a special occasion rifle get one as pretty as you can get because I doubt you will sell it.

[UCChris]

I really dig the specs and look of the HW50S. That'll have to be given serious consideration.

[Petey]

a 10 fpe  30s?    no....
 A 95 in .177 with a 12 fpe kit = Sweeeet!.

Or as stated- a 50s in .177....can't go wrong.

Congrats- Good luck  & Happy Shootin!

Petey.

[39M]

I'd get the RWS 350 Frankenfurter Pro Compact. $359 on sale.
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/diana-rws-350-feuerkraft-pro-compact?m=1502

[lefteyeshot]

470th or 56th.

[39M]

Or, the Rws 34 Pro Compact
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/diana-rws-34-meisterschutze-pro-compact-t06?m=1496
$319 on sale.

This one is a little lighter.

[UCChris]

The 34 just doesn't do it for me. It's like the "cheap" German rifle. I want something that turns me on every time I go to shoot it.

I found a D48 for $300. I could detune that to 11-12 fpe. Good option?

[Sfttailrdr46]

Wierauch HW 50S

[39M]

I like the side lever.

But I like the sleek stocks on the pro compacts.

The Beeman R9 looks very nice, but mo money.

[joek]

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

In that order

[UCChris]

We've got $350 to play with. My grandfather is not a wealthy man, and I tried to graciously decline, but he adamantly insisted. So I insisted that he allow me to limit myself to $350. I might stretch it to $375.

[anuthabubba]

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.

[UCChris]

Terry, does the the HW30S suffer from the same compression tube galling as the 50S?

[lillysdad621]

not the new ones... in my opinion and i have owned all the options above i would go for the HW50s in .22 or second best choice, the LGV. in fact, if you dont buy it let me know where to get it please...lol

[DanD]

Terry, does the the HW30S suffer from the same compression tube galling as the 50S?

The new 50S cocking arms come with a factory insert to prevent galling, and cock silky smooth. I think the late model 30S cocking arms are also improved.

[limbshaker]

The short stroke of the piston in the HW50S makes it the easiest to shoot HW I've owned. Nearly zero hold sensitivity. The shot cycle is just a super quick "snap" and it's over. They do great tuned up to about 11fpe, and are super light to carry around. Mine is the most accurate HW I've owned. Even out of all my PCPs and other springers, it's killed more squirrels than any other. I can't brag on it enough, it's the best shooting springer I've shot.

I'm sure the HW30 is just as easy to shoot, and easier to cock. But the HW50s is a more adult sized rifle and has the right amount of power to make a great hunter or target rig. Plus the stock is the nicest on any of the HW sporter lineup.

[wimpanzee]

Having a vortek'd R9 in .177, I would have to recommend the HW95. They come a little twangy but still perfectly usable, but a kit of just about any kind makes it a super sweet shooter. I like mine more at 15fpe than I think I would at 12fpe. It's point blank range is something like 14 to 34 yards with a  .5" kill zone.