Was looking for a regular Handel 28 to round out my collection but:

[45flint]

Ran across yet another Haenel 28-R! That makes three in less than 6 months, which makes you wonder how rare these really are in the US? I wonder if in the late 30's these were imported in pretty good numbers to the US as suppliers could maybe see German imports might be tuffer to get?

I haven't seen a regular 28 that wasn't just beat. It seems the repeaters are often used less, I think maybe cause they are very ammo specific. Someone put the wrong pellet in and gets a jam and just throws it in a desk?

I now have two in .177 and one in .22. I have been working with them enough now to be able to tell you the pellets that will work. I have researched a lot online and have bought a lot of pellets. There is no design flaw, when these were designed in the late 1920's, pellets were just not as long. Here is what will work:

The .177, I think the best pellet is the H&N round ball that is 4.55mm. They also make a 4.5mm ball but it can roll out and does not seal as well. My .177 will approach 300 FPS, with the 4.55 balls. Gamos round balls will roll out the barrel. The Crosman Competition wadcutters will also work well, and will go over 300 FPS. These two pellets will work flawlessly. My first choice would be the H&N 4.55 balls.

The .22 is tuffer. Gamo is your only choice in .22 round balls, and they are a loose fit, but you can make them work. Coating with beeswax does seem to make them work and seal pretty well. The only modern pellet I found that worked was the JSB Match wadcutters. These did work quite well. Expect mid 200 FPS with the JSBs and around 200 with beeswaxed Gamos, well below 200 with straight Gamos.

If given a choice I would always buy this gun in .177, I just don't think it's has the power to be a real effective .22?

I can see myself centering my collection around these pistols. I got a late start to collecting and can't own everything. These are so well made they just don't seem to wear out. They are also very easy to work on for a novice.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...pstsgsispa.jpg