HW80 177 in L hand stock. Convert or not?

[Meersbrook]

Hi All,

I bought the above air rifle on Friday knowing that it was a bit "rough" but intending to tidy up the internals and give the stock a bit of TLC. After a quick strip down I realised that it's going to take a lot more work then I planned (been here before folks! ) and began to think about converting it to a gasram whilst I'm at it.

My question for you guys is: will fitting a gasram reduce its value?

I've always wanted another 80 since I sold my last one about fifteen years ago, as I intend for this one to be a "keeper" should it be kept in original condition or are "improvements" allowed?

Thanks for asking the time to read this and if possible giving me the benefit of your greater experience!

Cheers, Chris.

[Hsing-ee]

There are many of these rifles around, so it's not going to be an 'investment' type of gun. You could spend alot of money on uprating it to a gasram, but unless you are going to put it on-ticket as an FAC rifle - never a great idea with a .177 springer - it would be better to fit a V-Mach or Welsh Willy tuning kit or put something together of your own (fitted guides, good spring, piston sleeve, Maccari washer etc).

Good luck with the rebuild.

[Rickenbacker]

My question for you guys is: will fitting a gasram reduce its value?

I'd say yes.

Although the HW90 has a following, most people's opinion of a 'ram' in a springer is - they'd rather have athletes foot.

Generally, rams are harsh and like to break scopes. They're also not all that reliable.

Is the piston kaput in your 80?

[Meersbrook]

it would be better to fit a V-Mach or Welsh Willy tuning kit or put something together of your own (fitted guides, good spring, piston sleeve, Maccari washer etc).

Good luck with the rebuild.

Thanks for the advice. What you say re. numbers makes sense, it's just that I thought that being a 177, and a lefty, may have made it more interesting then the usual "Bull on Steroids" garden shed 22 special

I'll check out the suppliers you suggest as my personal engineering skills stopped being developed at age 14 when our long suffering metalwork teacher went on long term sick leave. (apologies to all stressed out teachers out there )

[Meersbrook]

I'd say yes.

Although the HW90 has a following, most people's opinion of a 'ram' in a springer is - they'd rather have athletes foot.

Generally, rams are harsh and like to break scopes. They're also not all that reliable.

Is the piston kaput in your 80?

Nice one!

I've already got a Fenman Profile which is a peach, or was once I'd padded the extremely sharp comb on the right hand stock so I could shoot it from my left shoulder. But as it was never a "springer" your "ram in a springer" comment must stand.

Regarding the piston: I've never heard a more graunchy, graunch then this 80 made, and stupidly I still bought it! On strip down the cause was immediately apparent as the spring was both deformed and seemed much weaker then the Ox springs I fitted to 80's years ago. If i'ts a sign of great use or its been left cocked for a year or two I don't know, but its going to need more then a new guide to sort it out. Someone has tried to lighten the piston by drilling holes in it (not sure why? reducing lock time maybe??) and pretensioned the spring with washers. No attempt has been made to fit O rings or bobbins so its all metal to metal contact after the seal.

Thanks again for the advice, Chris.