I have been thinking about getting a new 80 but looking for reassurance

[Barryg]

I like HW80's what wrong with that!!! Mach 1.5

You must one of the best 80 fans to ask with all of your experience of them

Are the old type better than the new type ?

[32:1]

Why the 80 when there’s better suited sub12 rifles, 30-35-99 if you only use hw

Ive only recently come back to springers and chose Cometa’s as my only experience with HW was a 95 20 years ago and I didn’t like it so looked elsewhere and liked the Cometa range so much I have a few Commies now and like them
A few weeks ago a good friend eager to join in on the plinking bought an old going rusty used 80 and its a big and heavy old girl that kicks like a mule. So offensive was it I talked him into new seals, springs and guides and yes a weeny difference but still not for anyone with dentures, its now getting a fully glided piston and a smaller spring and more guides as advised by a few guys.

He will have spent more on it than he paid for it, the only thing I like about it is the tyrolean cheekweld that does look well

[TonyL]

The HW80, set up correctly, even retaining the 30mm piston, can still shoot nicely at sub-12 power. But a reduced cylinder one will be even better, generally. However, I have tried one or two beautifully fettled 30mm examples that shot sublimely (take a bow, WonkyDonky - others also qualify). The underlever 77/97 and 99, 95, 98 and 35 etc might be more suited to our power levels out of the box, but to some the charm and allure and built-like-an-outhouse demeanour and what attract many to the 80. Lovely, legendary beast of a rifle.

Back when the 80 was launched, the backdrop for its success was ideal, with not that many sporting springers easily making close to the limit power, so that was the rifle's main appeal. And, even compared to its '35 stablemate, with which it shared those robust dimensions and solidity etc., it promised more power and sharper, more modern looks. I wonder how different the rifle's popularity might have been in the UK if the 85 and 95 had arrived before it, though?

[32:1]

The HW80, set up correctly, even retaining the 30mm piston, can still shoot nicely at sub-12 power. But a reduced cylinder one will be even better, generally. However, I have tried one or two beautifully fettled 30mm examples that shot sublimely (take a bow, WonkyDonky - others also qualify)

Like any rifle it can be worked on and improved but why spend even more money on a new gun trying to get it to shoot better, just buy the right one in the first place, for me the 80 isn’t that great out the box compared to the Cometa Fenix it’s quite brutal and both are designed for big power but the 400 feels nicer at our legal limits. Now the 35 felt better to me more like the Cometa 220 I have very smooth, I didn’t get to shoot the 99, now the only thing I can say about the hw stuff is the triggers are good like the tx, the 400 needs adjustments to get it right, but I like the Cometa stock especially the pistol grip better.

Each to their own as always and enjoy

[NickG]

Don't buy a new one, but a sorted MK1 , better gun and save some money 🤑

[gsxrman]

don't buy a new one, but a sorted mk1 , better gun and save some money 🤑

this^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[TonyL]

Like any rifle it can be worked on and improved but why spend even more money on a new gun trying to get it to shoot better, just buy the right one in the first place, for me the 80 isn’t that great out the box compared to the Cometa Fenix it’s quite brutal and both are designed for big power but the 400 feels nicer at our legal limits. Now the 35 felt better to me more like the Cometa 220 I have very smooth, I didn’t get to shoot the 99, now the only thing I can say about the hw stuff is the triggers are good like the tx, the 400 needs adjustments to get it right, but I like the Cometa stock especially the pistol grip better.

Each to their own as always and enjoy

The Cometas seem like very nice rifles and offer excellent value. A mildly fettled 99 is an absolute joy. I think too many people might wrongly assume that the graceful old girl that is the HW35 might be past it. But it's not. It can shoot beautifully and show many young pretenders how it should be done.