I have both, the HW45 in .177 and .22 and the EB in .20 and .22.

Build wise the HW45 wins no problem though the EB is not a flimsy affair either. My EB .20 seems to be more powerful than the .22 and fires with an impressive bang. Accuracy wise I find easier to be on target at short distance with the EB than the HW45 , this may be due to the weight of the HW45 or my skill/lack of or both.

I find the EB .20 does more damage to thicker soup cans than the HW45 in either caliber and the EB .22.

I have had a few pellets bounce off with the HW45, though leaving quite a dent in the can.

My EB .20 regulary goes thru both ends of a thick soup can.

My HW45 is well worn in so even though the EB being co2 is easier to rapid shoot, the HW45 is smooth and quick to cock and fire.

The safety on my HW45 is the one thing I do not like, has a mind of its own but have been told how to fix this. The EB safety is excellent.

The ease of taking the EB apart is a good point for service, the HW45 is not much more of a hassle and changing barrels is easy peasy.

I have a scope as well as a laser on my HW45 so accuracy is very good with these aids. My last HW45 had no aiming aids and I still found it easy to be accurate out to approx 20 yards. Sure it would be good at slightly longer range but I do not have the space right now.

The EB is used with open sights, which are basic but functional, though I have just purchased some benjaim scope mounts for it and will see what a good red dot , scope laser etc will do.

Even though the HW45 is more "real gun" looking, I find the EB'S simple design and excellent build make it a pleasure to shoot.

It truely is a pick up and shoot kinda gun. Never really counted how many shots I get out of it but sure it must be over 25.

So accuracy wise it goes to the HW45 at the moment but a close race. Looks wise the HW45 but I think the EB once polished /chromed and blinged it would be the winner for me. Ease of use I give to the EB due to the simple bolt actiona nd ease at getting of the next shot compared to the springer even though a well broken gun takes no time at all.

My 2 and halfs pence worth

Patricio