HW 77k or HW 97k?

[Essex Ed]

Hi all, as a rule I'm a shotgun man but I have owned a few old springers in the past (guns not dogs! actually no, both but I'm digressing)

I've also owned a PCP made by RWS, it was a 2 shot and had the most complicated loading system ever which caused it to jam frequently. I can't remember the model and I hated it and sold it on.

I have now decided to purchase another rifle, but this time it's going to be a springer and i've narrowed the choice down to hw77k or hw97k in .177. The question is which is best? The shooting will be mainly around farm buildings in pursuit of magpies, feral pigeons, rats and the odd foray after rabbits and squirrels.

All repies much appreciated.

[chrisjpainter]

Truth be told, there's not a great deal of difference to the two of them. The 77 has open sights, so if you're not going to bother with a scope then that's the one to go for, but other than that, it's about what feels right for you. They're both 4kg, both 102cm long (although the barrel is shorter in the 97) and are both full power. I prefer the look of the 97, but they're both great guns and will do everything you're going to need it to

[GingerCat]

There can be only one... Had a 77 and it was silky smooth loveliness. Never had a 97 but a friend did and he said very similar things. Neither will disappoint. Both are very accurate with no girly pcp business and messy filling bottles.

They are heavy though, my 99s was just as accurate in all real work situtations and lighter, not to mention cheaper.

Horses for courses and there's only one way to find out.

There can be only one... Had a 77 and it was silky smooth loveliness. Never had a 97 but a friend did and he said very similar things. Neither will disappoint. Both are very accurate with no girly pcp business and messy filling bottles.

They are heavy though, my 99s was just as accurate in all real work situtations and lighter, not to mention cheaper.

Horses for courses and there's only one way to find out.

[evo]

would go for the 97 but only for the reasons chris said,, I,m not to keen on open sights,,,

 

no girly pcp business and messy filling bottles.

 

that sounds quite funny, messy filling bottles, one thing I can add to disprove what your saying is " I fill my airwolf up once and guess what ? it doesn,t have to see another bottle until 350 shots later,

 

now if that's what you call messy what would you call cocking a springer 350 times

 

for hunting I,m sorry but its a daystate PCP for me anyday over a springer,but that is only MY opinion,

 

to the op as chris said there really is not much difference both are accurate both are reliable so really it will be down to feel and personal choice really

 

atb Evo

[GingerCat]

Call me old fashioned but I like Springer, can't fault pcp with the various five tanks and hose etc but prefer a good Springer any day, the op needs to try some before he commits cold hard cash either way.

[bullet boy]

Shot the HW77 and always wanted one but never shot the 97.

[evo]

Call me old fashioned but I like Springer, can't fault pcp with the various five tanks and hose etc but prefer a good Springer any day, the op needs to try some before he commits cold hard cash either way.

so do I love a springer but my favourite is the HW 80 , one hell of a piece of kit

 

atb Evo

[bullet boy]

so do I love a springer but my favourite is the HW 80 , one hell of a piece of kit

 

atb Evo

Best break-barrel Sporter ever made IMO.

[krugerandsmith]

Best break-barrel Sporter ever made IMO.

 

Absolutely right ..... I have two .... would not part with them.

[secretagentmole]

Nobody is getting my 77 off me! Mine is the sought ater 25mm piston variety (mark 1)!

[chandler]

I have both the HW 77 given the full Venom treatment by the previous owner in the 80's in .177 and an HW 97k in .22 that my wife bought me as a gift, which had a fettle by the gunsmith.

 

Both are awesome, they really are and both are keepers but (and I hate to say it after never wanting it to be true) I prefer the '97.

 

The balance on the 97 feels better to me, it's more central than the front weighted '77, possibly because of the 77's muzzle break.

 

I don't use open sights, so the raised cheek piece is a far better fit with a scope.

 

The shorter barrel and quieter muzzle rapport suits my hide/ woodland shooting better.

 

Accuracy wise there's little in it, both are more accurate than I'll ever be and I'm sure either could knock the C*ck off a gnat at 50m if you get yourself, them and a pellet matched, but if I had to BUY one or other, I would buy the 97 second hand and get it tuned.

 

It actually hurts me to admit that!

[moorvale55]

I'm with "EVO", HW80k every time!