Quote Originally Posted by Hellequin View Post
This is a cracking review and very interesting thread Nick, not sure how I missed it until now!

As you know I've been tempted by a Patriot for some time, especially in .25 calibre and think I might get round to putting in a variation soon so I can look for a decent one. Actually this thread almost makes me wish I'd gone for this option in the first place, instead of all the fannying around I've had with my HW80!

ATB
Paul
In spite of your 'tribulations' with your HW80, I think you made the right call! As a general purpose self contained FAC air rifle a Weihrauch HW80 in .22 or .20 would be my choice based on every rifle I have owned and those I have shot. Note however my use of 'general purpose'. My problem is that I don't need a 'general purpose rifle: I need rifle dedicated to doing a particular job. That is why I use either a 30 ft lb.Rapid or a .22LR for hunting and vermin control over distance, a 17HMR for longer range work and a Falcon Lighthunter .177 for use around buildings and up into trees.. The self contained FAC rifles-Eliminator and HW80 which I had owned for ages- have been sold because of my bad shoulder and because I only ever intended them for use as backup and to use on the rare occasions when I wanted something totally different.
When Gareth's Patriot came up I used the slot I had been keeping for a .25 Rapid and the result is this review. The biggest surprise for me has been the ease of cocking and that is why I like it so much.