The 25mm piston is the better one. Not sure when it changed to 26mm, early to mid 90,s I think
Hi,
I'm looking to get a second hand HW97 or HW98(probably both) and was wondering what were (if any) the updates over the years.
When I posted here about my HW35, I was given info on when the safety was added, when it went from leather to synthetic piston seal etc.
Is there a website or does anyone have any info on changes or which year was a good year. By good year i'm talking like about the HW77 when it was a 25mm piston, it appears to be sought after.
Many thanks
Last edited by pigeondave; 28-12-2018 at 12:18 PM. Reason: being honest about getting both :)
The 25mm piston is the better one. Not sure when it changed to 26mm, early to mid 90,s I think
LOOKING FOR A BSA ULTRA IN .177 and .25
Any HW77 or HW97 with serial number under 1446049 has the smaller piston.
The only other updates I can think of is slight stock changes on all 3 models.
Also the star breech change on the HW98k.
Plus small changes in the process of lettering.
Master Debater
It’s just a different way of attaching the barrel to the breach.
I assume it’s cheaper or easier in production.
I also think it looks better.
Master Debater
There were changes to the u/l catch on the 77, leading to 'unofficial' designations of MK1, 2 and 3. I do not think these affected the 97 which was/is, I think all mK3 ... please correct me if I am wrong. My 77k is a Mk2 with the sliding catch.
Cheers, Phil
Seem to remember when the 97 first came out the .177 was fitted with a square section spring,
the .22 a round section conventional spring.
But I could be wrong.
The new removable barrel catch/rest on the newer 95/98/80 cylinders is a good idea in my opinion as it's the only thing I can think of that could need changing due to wear.
MK1 HW 97 out in 1993 over hanging silencer. Look for a serial below 144*** these should still have the 25mm internals. MK2 97 reshaped stock new silencer ( not over hanging) square section spring fitted. MK3 97 now with chequring towards the forend and no more square section. MK4 97 now with thumbhole stock in beech and black plastic and a nickel finish.
MK1 98 stock is darker and rounded off by the breech bolt. MK2 98 Stock now goes past breech block. MK3 98 now with rubber adj butt pad instead of Bisley type fitted to MK1/ MK2 all internals the same. Mach 1.5
My info is from Vmach both them and Chambers are both reputable so maybe an email to Hermann is needed.
Master Debater
Thanks for all the comments people
Sounds as though barring the piston size change there's no real issues to get hung up on.
A difference in the spring types.