What is the best break-barrel springer available today?

[andrewM]

Gosh, TonyL, that is a detailed reply - thank you. To answer your question, it should be an all rounder - both for targets and for vermin.

I am sorry to learn that Diana has quality control issues these days. They have a great pedigree and produced the wonderful Original 45 40 years ago - still a rifle somewhere at the top of most collectors' lists.

Most underlevers seems to have an anti-bear trap device. I suppose my preference is break-barrel.

I was put off Walther after reading, on the forum, that the transfer port was too narrow and that, consequently, pressure was placed on the spring after a few hundred shots. There was quite some discussion over this.

[TonyL]

Andrew, the TX200 can be de-cocked. As can the 77 and 97 after the "ABT" has been removed, which is a simple job. So, if that was the issue over the underlevers, don't let it put you off.

Although I am an unashamed HW fan, most LGVs that I have tried have impressed. I think most of the "issues" re weakening springs related more to the LGU underlever? Maybe down to the port choking, maybe a dodgy batch of springs.

Jim Tyler has written an excellent piece for this month's Airgun World on the LGV which is well worth a read.

Many report a preference for the HW Rekord and AA CD triggers over the Walther unit.


if it were possible for you to get to The Boinger Bash, you'd be able to see and try many of these rifles and talk to the many enthusiastic owners who will be there and gladly share their knowledge and views.

[Geezer]

Andrew

Tony has nailed it on current models. Except the HW35, which should never be bought new (except maybe the funky new nickel one). Get an old walnut E or L.

Honestly, you would be better off buying a classic from 1980-2000ish. Diana 34/36/38 or 45. HW85/35/80/99/50/30. Webley Omega/Tomahawk/Longbow (no iron sights on the last 2). Birmingham BSA Supersport or Mercury S or Challenger. BSF S55, 60 or 70. Annie 335. Etc. Usually cheaper than a new gun, and will hold value.

Nothing has improved in production springers in the last 15 years, and a number of manufacturers (Diana, BSA, HW) appear to have cut corners or shown QC issues, while others (Webley) have folded.

[kash2001]

Hi just throwing something else into the mix, what about the thunder interceptor review by Giles here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtU6LWHXHnA

Its quite and seems accurate and tough a bit heavy by the looks, but its modern/

The other option is the Hamerlli 800 Blackout.. again a review here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUbbwLV8Igk

Both look good if tactical is your thing, I prefer the 800 in design, light and easy to use, and looks to be very accurate.

My favorite cockers are the FWB Sport .22 and a BSA mercury custom both are nail drivers at 30 yards 1p pieces dont stand a chance at 30 yards, the HW's just behind in accuracy for me as springers, but they are heavier to use of the arm.

Not tried either reviewed by Giles but at some point I'll get the 800 cause it could be a modern classic in the future.

Hope this helps and not muddies the waters.

ATB

[bighit]

Diana is now having their rifles made in Bulgaria ( maybe not all of them ).

[andrewM]

Great advice from everyone!

It is a good question that Geezer poses: has much changed in the past 15 years? I agree that there are some great older rifles out there; in fact, it is due to this forum that I have now collected a Webley Omega and Longbow (one of the last from Birmingham and a real minter) and an FWB 127, to add to my existing Original 45. It is just that I thought I might try something modern but perhaps there is nothing much better other than improved trigger design. All of these older rifles are accurate and perhaps nothing much has improved on this point.

I have looked at the reviews for the LGV and they are compelling.

Interesting links, Kash2001. The Hamerlli looked interesting.

I am deterred with regard to Diana, if it now makes its products in Bulgaria.

[Hsing-ee]

Great advice from everyone!

It is a good question that Geezer poses: has much changed in the past 15 years? I agree that there are some great older rifles out there; in fact, it is due to this forum that I have now collected a Webley Omega and Longbow (one of the last from Birmingham and a real minter) and an FWB 127, to add to my existing Original 45. It is just that I thought I might try something modern but perhaps there is nothing much better other than improved trigger design. All of these older rifles are accurate and perhaps nothing much has improved on this point.
.

You say you want a break-barrel, but the best 'modern' 12 fpe springer rifle that is actually 'new' and really something special is the Air Arms ProSport. It's expensive but the design and build quality are really quite special. I had one and it could group less than 20mm at 50 yards in still air, with me shooting it off a bench. A better shooter could go smaller. There are a few niggles with it, but it comes as close as anything to the perfect factory springer. And it is beautiful.

[bighit]

Great advice from everyone!



I am deterred with regard to Diana, if it now makes its products in Bulgaria.

http://gabinvest.eu/en/news/new-production/

https://translate.google.co.uk/trans...na&prev=search

[Hsing-ee]

Hi just throwing something else into the mix, what about the thunder interceptor review by Giles here...

The other option is the Hamerlli 800 Blackout.. again a review here.

Not tried either reviewed by Giles but at some point I'll get the 800 cause it could be a modern classic in the future.

Hope this helps and not muddies the waters.

ATB

The reviewer gets 3/4" groups at 20 yards with a 'tuned' version of the 800. That is barely accurate enough for rats at that range, at 30 yards its going to be an inch and more, just like it was 1982 all over again. It's a cheap Chinese copy of a Diana and by the evidence of the nasty Phillips-screw mounted 'recoil stop' it has almost no chance of becoming a classic, and plenty of being recycled into another Chinese disposable product. These Hammerlis have nothing to do with the finely made Swiss/German air and CO2 guns of the last century.