It's funny isn't it ?
I've shot them both, and whilst the HW is more refined, it doesn't do it for me... much prefer the simplicity of the rapid, the ease of stripping and servicing, the solidity, and the availability of cheap (or easily machined up) parts, and indeed aftermarket support. When I used to hunt, I also liked the ability to remove the mag and de-cock.
It is also very much easier and cheaper to build them up / modify them to your personal reqs, e.g. I had one with an air tube instead of a bottle, lightened stock, slimmer barrel. Obviously lower shot count but it weighted nothing...
For sure there are some rapids with really crap triggers, but a CDT or WW blade sorts those gamo triggers out a treat.
Keeping my Rapid, even though I'm a springer man... JB
Always looking for any cheap, interesting, knackered "project" guns. Thanks, JB.