Weihrauch HW 97K rifle.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
This report covers:
- Leadup
- The test
- Group One — Benjamin Single Die pellets
- Group Two — FX 10.3-grain domes
- Group Three — FX 13.4-grain domes
- Summary
Today we return to the HW 97K and take a second look at accuracy at 25 yards.
Leadup
In the Part 5 report the best group this rifle shot at 25 yards was ten JTS Dead Center domes into 0.478-inches between centers. I had expected better because so many people have said this rifle is just as accurate as a TX200 Mark III.
Today I researched the reports I’ve done on the TX and found that the best 25-yard group I shot with a factory rifle was 0.333-inches for 10 shots. That was with a new TX shooting a .177 Crosman Premier Heavy. I did that test in November of 2013 which was about 11 years ago. Yes the groups shot from my Tony Leach TX are MUCH smaller (0.255-inches for 10 shots at 25 yards), but that is a specially tuned rifle — not one fresh from the factory.
Best 10-shot group from a new TX200 in 2013 measured 0.333-inches between centers.
The HW97K I’m testing is also factory new, so the 2013 TX test is very similar. Today I shoot the 97K with heavier pellets. At the end of part 4 I mentioned that I would do that.
To prepare for today’s test I adjusted the rifle’s trigger to break lighter than before because that was a complaint I had. This rifle has a Rekord trigger so why not give it its best chance? I will note that this particular Rekord is the hardest-adjusting one I have ever encountered!
Before, the trigger broke at 3 pounds 3 ounces. After adjusting it now breaks at 1 pound 8 ounces. The release is crisp and I have no more complaints.
The test
I noted in the Part 5 test that the 97 seems to like heavier pellets best. So today I will shoot heavier pellets. It also likes to have a shot fired before the group is taken; I will test that today.
I shot off a sandbag rest at 25 yards. The rifle was rested directly on the bag. All groups have ten shots. For two of the groups I shot three shots before shooting the group for record. For one group I just shot the group without shooting a warmup shot. Let’s get started.
Group One — Benjamin Single Die pellets
For the first group I shot ten Benjamin Single Die pellets. I planned on moving to a different bull after the first three shots but when they all went in the same hole I said forget it and just finished the group. Those ten shots made a group that measures 0.411-inches between centers at 25 yards. The fourth or fifth shot wandered out to the left but the rest stayed together.
Ten Benjamin Bullseyes went into 0.411-inches at 25 yards.
Group Two- — FX 10.3-grain domes
The second group I shot with the HW 97K was with FX 10.3-grain domes. I shot three of these at a separate bull before starting the 10-shot group on a fresh bull. Ten went into 0.38-inches at 25 yards. That’s close enough to the best TX200 group to call it a tie.
Ten FX 10.3-grain domes went into 0.38-inches at 25 yards.
Group Three- — FX 13.4-grain domes
The last group I shot was with FX 13.4-grain domes. I also shot the first three pellets into a separate bull before shooting the 10-shot group on a fresh bull. This time ten pellets went into 0.552-inches at 25 yards. Eight are in a much smaller group, but that can be said about the other two groups as well.
The HW 97K put ten FX 13.4-grain domes into a 0.552-inch group at 25 yards.
Summary
I am satisfied that the HW 97K is an accurate air rifle. It seems to be just as accurate as a TX200 Mark III, so those who have been saying it is have been vindicated. I don’t think they needed to be, because they knew they were right all along.
The powerplant still buzzes on every shot. If I kept this rifle for myself I’d put some Tune in a Tube (TIAT) on the mainspring — probably just through the cocking slot. The TX does come to you shooting smoother, but it’s no problem to smooth this rifle with TIAT.
BB,
Great report…thanks for making me sad I ever sold my HW97! 🙁
Blessings to you, though,
dave
thedavemyster,
Don’t worry most people have to be dumb before they can become wise. It is my earnest hope that stupidity is not forever.
Blessings to you Dave.
Siraniko
“…most people have to be dumb before they can become wise.”
Siraniko, good wisdom there; thank you. 😉
Siraniko and dave,
Well then — BB has started off correctly! 😉
BB
Dave,
Unfortunately, I must second what Siraniko has said. I have let some very nice air rifles leave RRHFWA that I should have made stay. Live and learn I reckon. You cannot become wise without first being dumb.
Dad used to say that a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. That’s another reason I like this blog. Since I’m a relative newbie, I can become wiser a little faster by reading about all the mistakes everyone confesses on this blog. My walnut-stocked TX200 Mark III is a bucket list gun that ain’t going anywhere!
Roamin Greco, your Dad is so right! I wish I was the latter, learning from the mistakes of others; yet, sadly, it appears I am often the former, hahaha!
Yes, for sure, do not let that TX200 go anywhere! 🙂
RG,
Are you sure? I think that TX would be much happier living here. That TX could turn into two or three air rifles. If I happen to be peaking your curiosity, just let me know.
If one of them were a Diana 50 with an interesting modular peep sight, but alas…. But this one has sentimental value, just because I got a great deal on it, and repaired it with my own hands. First springer I disassembled.
That is cool. Let us see what turns up at the show.
Yep, Siraniko was on the money there:
“You cannot become wise without first being dumb.”
Been there, done that, LOL! 🙂
So have I.
I taught my kids that if you are gonna be dumb, you better be tough. And I’m pretty tough. I figured a bad example was better than none.
Didn’t help much as they,, like me,, didn’t take advice well. All of us had to learn our lessons personally, I guess.
Patrick Starfish would have likely been the one saying that, Dave. The important thing is to absorb that lesson and never part with a cherished airgun again.
FM, you’re right; I should have pulled up a toon of Patrick for that; that would have been spot on.
“The important thing is to absorb that lesson and never part with a cherished airgun again.”
Yes, Sir! That’s what I’m hoping to do. 🙂
Dave,
The big problem with that is at one time or another they all fit that bill. I can think of quite a few I would not mind having back. But then I would not have what I have or experienced what I did. “If wishes were fishes, the sea would be full”.
“If wishes were fishes, the sea would be full”.
Good one, man! 🙂
Tom,
I don’t suppose the transfer port of the HW97 can be measured?
Siraniko
Siraniko,
My eye tells me it’s 0.125-inches.
BB
B.B.
I you did not have the Tony Leach tuned rifle, would you want the same or similar tune in this rifle?
-Y
Yogi,
That’s a toughie because the cocking force doesn’t decrease by much.
I don’t know.
BB
I would not complain if the walnut stock version of this air rifle was to come stay for a bit here at RRHFWA. I would probably not complain if a walnut TX200 MKIII did also.
Does RidgeRunner like walnut? All of the air rifles on display in his great room have walnut stocks. His kitchen table is made of walnut. His computer desk has a walnut top. Hmmm.
Nice!!!
Team
A bit off topic
Does anyone have experience using HN Smart Shot out of a rifled break barrel. I’m thinking of purchasing a Umarex MarkPoint pistol ($34.99) and would love to use it for 5 meter round ball / BB shooting in the garage. Think it might actually make a pretty good .177 Maribu dart shooter. I know its rifled but for the money who cares.
I’m a bit surprised at the amount of new low cost products Umarex has released prior to the holiday season.
Really liking the carnival / short distance market. Still would love to see a Daisy 25 / Diana Neo 30 shoot out. 🙂
Kind Regards
jda001
jda001,
I am not sure, but very likely the barrel bore will be larger than the bbs. They may work, but do not expect great accuracy.
Ridge Runner
Thank You – Forgot about the diameter difference. May still pick up for Gamo 177 round ball
Kind Regards
jda001
jda001,
Do remember that the rifled barrel is for .177 pellets. If my rememberer is still working, I have some of those. I do not think they are .177.
Absolutely! Walnut is mighty fine. Aesteticlaly pleasing while getting the job done.
I have a friend that once made a stock from Koa woos from Hawaii, a couple years later made one from Corian. Ya know like counter top stuff.
Absolutely! Walnut is mighty fine. Aesteticlaly pleasing while getting the job done.
I have a friend that once made a stock from Koa woos from Hawaii, a couple years later made one from Corian. Ya know like counter top stuff.
Can’t wait to show you some nice walnut at Hickory!
I will be there on Saturday wearing my gray Stetson with a black braided band. I like walnut.
Can’t resist posting my HW97K. I used to have a TX200, sold to my friend when he was getting started with airguns. It had a beautiful walnut stock, but for unknown reasons, it wasn’t consistently accurate for me.
My Weirauch is a 1993, with a Beeman Huntington Beach stamp. It has a GinB #14 stock in teak doreng (there’s some wood for you). It is pretty accurate, and I need to get it out and do some field target.
Tom, your photos today were great. You can see the hairs on FDR’s head.