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Canuck Bob · New Member

Hello from western Canada.

I am adding a PAL/FAC air rifle to my modest stable of rifles. As soon as I complete payment a HW35E 22 will be on its way.

It will be a quiet woods plinker and maybe close range rabbit and grouse hunter. If not too loud maybe some basement shooting as well. If anyone would like to share their experiences and improvements with this model, please do?

Real world velocities would be much appreciated as well. Research suggests high 500 fps to low 600 fps so far.

Bob

dobiman · Veteran Member

Congratulation on your HW35 purchase. I have one in .177 . I have not seen any bad reviews on it . Enjoy shooting with it.

broommaster2000 · Moderator

Why an HW35? I mean PAL/FAC means it's registered as a firearm isn't it? Why not go for something a little more powerfull?

The initial purpose of the HW35 was match shooting in a time where most match rifles were still break barrel type rifles. Not that they're innacurate or something, but they're really a bit of an outdated design.

In my opinion an HW95 would've been a much better choice, that's why I'm curious.

dobiman · Veteran Member

The popularity of the HW35 speaks for itself. As an owner of one, it is a beautiful air rifle. I like it more than my Beeman R1 . As a youth, I used to dream of getting one after seeing it in catalogs. When I finally bought one, I was more than satisfied with it.

Canuck Bob · New Member

Broom, I'm real lucky to live in a sportsman's paradise were sporting rifles are not really restricted much. When hunting in the forest with a low power rifle I can use my 22 rim fires but mostly a 22 Hornet as coyotes are a persistent pest here and need culling. My job takes me out in Alberta's Crown forest regularly were centre fires are more appropriate and legal.

I researched a bunch and choose mid power for good mannered handling and indoor shooting at home. The UK limit of 12 fps seemed a good upper goal and detailed advice and accessories are everywhere for this power range. I was also drawn to the breech lock for the accuracy of firm lock up with a receiver sight, my choice for sights. Besides the HW35 must be doing something right to enjoy such a long production run. It is an elegant rifle with its big tube and short receiver and long barrel, to my eye the most pleasing Weihrauch.

I wasn't able to test shoot any higher end rifles but did try some 1000 fps 177 rifles. I think I understand the meaning of recoil, twang, and buzz now.

If this new shooting activity agrees with me, and it should! I might consider a 177 with a flat trajectory some day. The HW95 is top of that list but not this year.

broommaster2000 · Moderator

All the things you're naming are giving me the heebeejeebees. Razz

But I understand the classic aspect of it. In that regard, it IS a piece of history and I certainly see the appeal in that.

I'm personally more fond of the Diana model 50 for instance. They're complete opposites. Wink

In any case, I do wish you a great time with that airgun, because I don't think it will dissapoint you, and if it does, there's still a bucketload of other airguns around that'll be sure to get you infected with airgun fever. Wink

Even though I don't shoot that much lately, it's still there. Cool

robert w · Senior Member

humm canuk bob i love my 22 hornet . its a h&r 1871 break open . but its the most forgiving gun i own or shot . in its range it shoots right where im looking , and i have several centerfires like a savage in 22-250 and a 1886 win . in 45/70 and a mosin nangent 7.62x54 to name a few . i have see through sites and a burris variable scope . its my go to varmit gun when needed for 100 yards and less

Canuck Bob · New Member

Rob, my Hornet is a Handi-rifle with iron sights and synthetic stock. I just got it a few months ago and it needed a touch of work to tune up. I'm very happy with it now. I'll be hand loading cast bullets in mid range power and generally plinking a bunch this summer!

I see you burn a bunch of powder as well as use these air guns. It is nice to meet a powder burner who also likes airguns as well.

robert w · Senior Member

Well canuck my hornet is a direct relative to your handy rifle . furnature is the only diffrence between them. same action and barrel. mine has a very nice laminated stock otherwise same gun except for name stamp. h&r or n.e.f. are some of the best made single shot guns made and mild price . i had an extra hole bored n taped in the barrel so i could use see through scope mounts . i used marlin 336 mount rails and then it let me use sites n scope. h&r rails are to high for see through rings . now i can shoot day or night. but glad we both have great hornets

Slavia · Moderator

I have the rimfire version of the same gun in .17HMR. From a bench it will shoot a 6" group at 10 feet - with the empty cases, that is.

What does this have to do with airguns? Wait, I know: They both make little tiny holes that are impossible to see, even with a spotting scope. I'm starting to think a PCP replica of a .75 Brown Bess wouldn't be a bad idea.