I am revisiting the HW35 after many years, having picked up a 1979 .177 35e last week on a sale or return basis. Off came the scope and in went some Meisterkugeln and i was suprised to be achieving pinkie nail sized groups at 15m , from a seated FT style position, assisted by the very fine front sight element. The rifle feels near factory tight but with smoothness and mild manners. It took about 15 shots to settle down and the smoking to cease. Yes, i rate it.
As far as 50s era air rifles are concerned, the Diana 35 offers similar power, accuracy and build quality, the early Walthers are probably superior except for power. A good 35 though, with perfected cylinder build, ticks almost every box and with a reassuring hewn from the solid style heft. The barrel lock is far from perfect but i feel it adds something on the range, if not the field.