Your perfect sporting breakbarrel?

[averageplinker]

I don't think I've had a 98? I was tempted when the lam stock one came out, but it was beaucoup cash!

Tinners, why not pick up an HW98 barrel and shroud to try out on an HW95? I have one which will first be tried on an HW80 and then maybe on the HW85!
Rich.

[Drew451]

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.

[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 !

[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

[TonyL]

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

I know what you mean, Pete.. One of the great things about The Bash is the opportunity it presents to try other rifles out, but sometimes it's just nice to settle into your personal groove for a while and enjoy some meditative springer therapy..
Amongst my many "to be started" projects there's a "needing final tweaks" one.......the first 99 I bought. I bought this one used, to dip my toe in the water, so to speak, after the scare stories. It's a .22. I fitted a WonkyDonky kit and it shoots absolutely sublimely. I may not have actually gone quite to town enough as regards sorting the cocking lever out, which I must get around to one day. When built I only used it on opens and believe the set-up suits the rifle's compact lines and light weight nicely. Maybe I ought to get this fettle actually finished, scope her up and bring it along; I'm sure you'd enjoy.

[Craig-P]

I know what you mean, Pete.. One of the great things about The Bash is the opportunity it presents to try other rifles out, but sometimes it's just nice to settle into your personal groove for a while and enjoy some meditative springer therapy..
Amongst my many "to be started" projects there's a "needing final tweaks" one.......the first 99 I bought. I bought this one used, to dip my toe in the water, so to speak, after the scare stories. It's a .22. I fitted a WonkyDonky kit and it shoots absolutely sublimely. I may not have actually gone quite to town enough as regards sorting the cocking lever out, which I must get around to one day. When built I only used it on opens and believe the set-up suits the rifle's compact lines and light weight nicely. Maybe I ought to get this fettle actually finished, scope her up and bring it along; I'm sure you'd enjoy.

Same here, mate - I also have a .22 99 that requires work but I just don't get time. If I start it this morning, I may finally get it done by next September bash and we can compare them

[maximus]

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.

I agree with this! Also like the 280, not overly long even in full length guise and very pointable.