My HW80

[Geezer]

I feel for you, that's bad.

Only time I lent out a rifle, a springer, to someone I thought was responsible, it came back with most of the
blueing on the barrel and underlever either gone or brown, and the action cocked, though thankfully unloaded.

It was a Mk1 25mm tube HW77k with a Venom kit in it, and a 1980s CS Varminter stock.

Never again.

Although I have in the past myself been lent a few guns, and gave them back in the state I received them, or better.

So I guess it depends on the individual, and you lucked out

[neil180]

you lucked out

Not half!!

[angrybear]

I suspect it will take more than walking in saying "I lent an air rifle to my neighbour that you took away can I have it back please" knowing the serial number & having proof of purchase will almost certainly be needed, that is if it hasn't already been chopped

[neil180]

I have news.....
Today I wandered into the local plod hq. I explained my story to the woman behind the armoured glass (police stations have changed since the last time I went in one!) -she looked up the incident number and contacted the officer in charge. He remembered that the air rifle taken was the property of the next door neighbour and was fine with me getting it back. It has however been sent to the firearms division in Nottingham. It should be back in a week or so..... and then they will be in touch.

[Baxterbasics]

I have lent rifles to people before and without exception, they have come back in poor condition. At least you have learned a valuable lesson at the cost of 1 rifle, not half a dozen No more!
Good luck with getting it back Neil.

[Craig-P]

Fingers crossed for you, mate - hope it all turns out well in the end.
I learned a similar lesson years back after loaning a 77 to a mate. Never again.
As Tony says, I can't stand loaning or lending - I would much rather beg or steal

[TonyL]

Fingers crossed for your 80's safe return, Neil.

[Rickenbacker]

Good luck with it Neil.

It would have been nice if the police, or ideally the woman herself before the police arrived - had simply returned it to you.