Best Air Rifles (non PCP) 1960-80 and 1980-2005

[andrewM]

I wonder what readers would designate as their (non-match) favourite three air rifles (not PCPs but gas rams allowable) from 1918-1960, 1960-80 (which Geezer describes as the 'classic period') and then 1980-2005 (which takes us roughly to the closure of the Birmingham Webley plant)?

In a thread some weeks ago, relating only to Webleys and BSA, there was a remarkable degree of shared opinion and I wonder if we can obtain a broad similarity of views here and encourage related comments and reasoning, if deemed appropriate.

Clearly, some rifles - such as the FW Sport - would overlap periods but should only qualify for one period for the purpose of this enquiry.

Towards the end, I will try to summarise the general opinion and pertinent remarks. I suspect HW will be favoured but I wonder if that would be true without their famous trigger.

This unscientific survey might give us an idea as to what is likely to appreciate in value in future and what is likely to be favoured by collectors. Air rifles from all countries qualify.

Afternote: For the purpose of clarity, any sporter that takes an aperture qualifies (such as the Webley Mk3)and so does any match rifle used for sporting purposes. Thus, for example, the FWB 300 qualifies if used for sporting purposes.