I have nothing against a second hand HW77 provided I know the seller and can handle the gun. Buying second hand from a retailer, given the prices they ask, rarely offers much of a saving.

I've found the best way to buy is just to say to somebody at the range who has a nice looking gun: "That's a nice looking gun. Fancy selling it?" Amazing how often this technique works. Most shooters seem to be dreaming of their next gun - usually a pcp - and an on the spot cash sale can be quite attractive. Bloke at my range recently did this to me re. an FWB air pistol. I hadn't thought of selling it but was immediately tempted.

One of these days I will really try to get down to one of the boinger bashes.

What puts me off the older HW35 E is the leaky cylinder issue that some have, and the leather washer.

I'm not interested in doing any work on a gun. I just want something that is ready to go.