Break barrel springers - what to shortlist?

[PCPShooter]

So after many years without I've been looking round for an air rifle again for target shooting. Last shot regularly when I was 18 and having heard my nephew was getting his first springer for Xmas middle of last year has me hankering for one, especially after seeing him knock his first target down. I'm now in my 40's so it's been a long time!

When I started off as a kid it was with my Dads break barrel and then when i was responsible enough had the run of the grandparents farm with an ancient bsa. Then had a Sheridan blue streak c.1990 vintage before I left the countryside for uni.

I've spent a long while looking round and reading the various pro's and con's and arguments for and against break vs fixed barrel and I'm really drawn to a decent break barrel like a hw98 or LGV. Would there be any other break barrel springers in .177 that you knowledgeable folks would suggest go on the shortlist to try?

Medium Weight
HW95
Diana 31/ 34 Compact

Heavy Weight
HW80

[charliemow13]

Many thanks for your input folks, certainly cause for me to take a second look at something like the hw95 or 80 that maybe got passed over at first. Have to admit the Diana wasn't something I'd given much time either.

No love out there for the walther lgv though? Seems to have had some of the work done at the factory that you might otherwise be inclined to do yourself.

[les allam]

Many thanks for your input folks, certainly cause for me to take a second look at something like the hw95 or 80 that maybe got passed over at first. Have to admit the Diana wasn't something I'd given much time either.

No love out there for the walther lgv though? Seems to have had some of the work done at the factory that you might otherwise be inclined to do yourself.

The Lgv is a fine rifle and shoots great with out any work need doing to it,apart from tweaking the trigger to your liking. The Hw's and Diana's need a bit of work doing to them before they shoot has nice as the Walther imo.
Try and get your self to a Airgun club and try some of the members springers for handling and size.
Atb
Les..

[chrisisthe1@lycos.co.uk]

Charlie, seen as though your in holmfirth, you can have a look at my hw95k if you like? Totally standard and very fun to shoot.

[mallyally]

Many thanks for your input folks, certainly cause for me to take a second look at something like the hw95 or 80 that maybe got passed over at first. Have to admit the Diana wasn't something I'd given much time either.

No love out there for the walther lgv though? Seems to have had some of the work done at the factory that you might otherwise be inclined to do yourself.

The LGV is ( in my opinion ) the best of the lot! Be a shame not to try one at least

[charliemow13]

Thanks folks, definitely need to get myself out and try a few by the sounds of it. The more the better!

Cheers for the offer of a look at your HW95 Ian. Might take you up on that in the not too distant future.

[Arthur John Smithsplease]

IMHO the only break barrel springers you will ever need in this country are the HW 99s in 22 and the Walther LGV in 177.

I have been buying and selling springers for the last twenty-five years trying to find a couple of keepers.


I love all Springer's -even the bad ones - but these are the two I find myself left with.

I have a two thirds length barrel weight/shroud on the 99s, but neither of my guns has been tuned.

[flyingfish]

I have a short stroked 98 with the tbt kit in it. The best break barrel I have shot. As accurate as my under levers

[fieldandtarget]

To throw another option into the mix there is also the often overlooked HW35.You can get a new walnut export for similar money around £350.
IMO the best looking off the shelf break barrel out of what is available these days and shoots well too.

[rapidresponse1]

95k tuned

[maza]

Walther LGV Master Pro. / Hw 95 / AirArms Pro Elite.