Your perfect sporting breakbarrel?

[Geezer]

I've always had the Diana Mod 34 series well ahead both the early HW85 and the later HW 85/95. I think the 34 is as well made (if less deluxe) but has finer manners and far better handling in a lighter package. The later 34 Premium is probably the best of the breed, although an early 36/38 is up there as well.
For me, somehow, the 85/95 doesn't quite add up to the sum of its parts. Certainly, usefully lighter than an 80 but they do not handle well for some reason I can't explain. All the ingredients would seem to be there but they lie uncomfortably slab-like in my hands are relatively unwieldy, even in carbine form. They have significantly more muzzle flip than a Diana 34 or even an HW35 or 50. I would rate both of its older stablemates above the 85/95 as unfashionable as that sounds.

My views entirely. The 85/95 ought to be like an FWB Sport with a better trigger, safety catch, and breech lock up. What’s not to like?

But the balance, stock fit, and handling is just wrong. Really wrong. And I can’t explain why, either.

I do wonder if a CS walnut stock, shorter barrel (my 85 is a full-length rifle) and the right muzzle weight or suppressor might transform it into a brilliant rifle....

[TonyL]

For purity of handling, portability and "sporting" feel, I'd have to rate the BSA Lightning right up there.

But it has its shortcomings in other areas.

So, how about that (slightly) flawed genius, the HW99S (again!!!)???

[jonnyone]

For me I think that the AA Pro Elite showed HW how their HW80 could have been built better. It's a better engineered gun. I do get pleasure from owning one in each calibre but they get used only just occasionally.
So in contrast as for my "go to" break barrel in my collection I'd have to say that this would be an Original 45 or perhaps the Diana 45 version. I almost exclusively shoot grey squirrel these days and these accomplish the task with aplomb.
Having used a more modern Diana 280k for the same task on a few occasions I could as readily grab that from the rack. It's a tad lighter, handles and points a little better, but surprisingly gives a not altogether different firing cycle to the 45. Both being quite a quick sharp nudge in the shoulder with the shot away downrange....
Dave

[TRS1]

For purity of handling, portability and "sporting" feel, I'd have to rate the BSA Lightning right up there.

But it has its shortcomings in other areas.

So, how about that (slightly) flawed genius, the HW99S (again!!!)???

I love the look and feel of the old style BSA Lightning. It just looks right and handles right. Just need it to shoot right!

Maybe I am being a little unfair...

[evert]

I love the look and feel of the old style BSA Lightning. It just looks right and handles right. Just need it to shoot right!

Maybe I am being a little unfair...

The lightnings and supersports can be very good IF you have a good example and set it up properly.
On the other hand, a bad example can be a mess.

[Gerry B]

The lightnings and supersports can be very good IF you have a good example and set it up properly.
On the other hand, a bad example can be a mess.

My lightning was a total disappointment .

I sold it on after a few years.

My Supersport, is old , but so nice to shoot, I absolutely love it !

[Nikkormat]

Perfect sporting break barrel? Feinwerkbau Sport. I have a rough looking 127, and I love it. Perfect weight, accurate, easy to cock, and although the trigger is no Rekord, it's adequate. Alas, it's in the cabinet back in England and I've not shot it for three years. Really want to get it over here asap.

[Bunny-on-Bunnyr]

Perfect break barrel... for me that would be the Cometa Fenix 400USC in .22 running anywhere between 8.5 and 11.4.*
The only thing these need:
Make sure the spring ends can rotate / fit slippy washers / grease correctly.
Remove the little spacer on the triggers second stage adjustment.

I rate this rifle highly enough that I'm very close to buying a second... in .22.
I've had HW's and yes, Great trigger but on the whole, they're like a Mk2 Ford Escort 1.1... great place to start if your gonna throw money at it and make it something special.

*I will confess that when 'upping' the power, I went over the top with the washers and blimey it can make Serious power And retain its excellent shooting charactaristics.

[Craig-P]

Perfect sporting break barrel? Feinwerkbau Sport. I have a rough looking 127, and I love it. Perfect weight, accurate, easy to cock, and although the trigger is no Rekord, it's adequate. Alas, it's in the cabinet back in England and I've not shot it for three years. Really want to get it over here asap.

I do like the FWB Sports. I've had a few come in for work in various guises - this is one I finished and chequered a few months back:

[junglie]

My lightning was a total disappointment .

I sold it on after a few years.

My Supersport, is old , but so nice to shoot, I absolutely love it !

Like the dozen or so i've had my hands on then, i had a great supersport though once but sold it for someones sons 18th birthday present. Really would love to shoot a good lightning sometime though as i love it's looks.

[Gerry B]

Like the dozen or so i've had my hands on then, i had a great supersport though once but sold it for someones sons 18th birthday present. Really would love to shoot a good lightning sometime though as i love it's looks.

I bought the lightning, it looks great.

Sadly lots of great air rifle shooters, and a certain well known tuner just could not improve this rifle.

But , my supersport is certainly a real beauty, need to get inside it, and do a service, its not been opened for over 16 years I've had it, definitely can do with a bit of attention !!!

[look no hands]

For purity of handling, portability and "sporting" feel, I'd have to rate the BSA Lightning right up there.

But it has its shortcomings in other areas.

So, how about that (slightly) flawed genius, the HW99S (again!!!)???

If BSA had only kept making the Custom version of the Supersport and then transferred the same into the Lightning, then there'd be a few more followers, as you know my .25 ain't bad to shoot and that's just had basic tuning with the original spring, I'd like to see what it would be like properly tuned up but I don't really want to disturb it, as you say Tone the 99 is pretty good, I'm still waiting to try an all singing, all dancing one, just to see how good they can be before I'm fully convinced, the trouble is trying other people's rifles at the bash is they are often not set up for you, so you may pick up a rifle that shoots fantastic but because the scope isn't set up to your eyes or the trigger isn't how you'd normally have it or the stock doesn't fit you, it can taint your shooting experience with it and may be put you off, settling down with your own personal favourite and just plinking away is a massive joy.

Pete

[evert]

If BSA had only kept making the Custom version of the Supersport and then transferred the same into the Lightning, then there'd be a few more followers....

Any specs on the Custom? Did it have any special internals, or was it just cosmetic?

[look no hands]

Any specs on the Custom? Did it have any special internals, or was it just cosmetic?

Nothing different inside, just had the deluxe beech stock with higher cheek piece and checkered pistol grip, Superstar trigger, breech bolt barrel pivot instead of a pin and the maxi grip rail but had they had used that as a starting point then it could of evolved into something better but knowing BSA, probably not.

Pete

[Travis299]

My HW95L .22.



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