What's wrong with the HW55?

[Nikkormat]

I asked this question a couple of years ago about the FWB Sport, and got some interesting answers. I've yet to bite the pellet and buy one, but I will one day. In the meantime, I have been thinking of a HW55 to join the collection. While reading up on this rifle (both here and on AVA), it has occurred to me that nobody has ever said anything bad about it. Is the HW55 really perfect? What should a potential buyer look out for?

Matt

[18 Wheeler]

There's not much to go wrong and running at low power means they are unstressed.

I'd check the usual:

-So is it complete? Especially the correct diopter and front sight. [Barrel weight/shroud would be a very nice, but unusual, find].

-Make sure it has the correct Rekord trigger unit, it's not unheard of for them to be replaced with the standard unit.

-Stock check for cracks, barrel for straightness, and breech lock to ensure it does it's job.

-If in good condition it should cock and shoot smoothly. Velocity should be in the mid-high 600's

Here's some HW55 porn for you, courtesy of Mr.Driskill and the AVA forum.

Having been in production for so long there are numerous detail changes and more than a few separate models (There are some early pre-Rekord trigger unit guns for example).HTH

[mrto]

I have two 55s and the only thing wrong is that on one of them the cocking link has galled the underside of the cylinder.This is a potential problem however,common to all of the Weihrauch rifles that use the two piece articulated cocking link and not just the 55.This can be remedied of course and other than this I can find nothing else to critiscise about these fine rifles.ATB

[Garvin]

I've had several of this model and they are superb in terms of design, build and finish. For years they were Weihrauch's flagship model.

It's hard to find anything bad to say about the HW55 if what you want is a fairly low-powered recoiling 10m target rifle. As said, at that power the rifle is unstressed and shoots very sweetly indeed. It's capable of impressive accuracy at short ranges, with minimal felt recoil. It has some very nifty features too, including a cam-action breech lock that is adjustable for wear.

The HW55's power can easily be boosted by a couple of foot pounds by fitting an HW50 spring but by doing so you introduce a measure of harshness that is missing at the lower power. Having said that, apparently Venom managed to get near full power out of it, though by use of exactly what tuning trickery I don't know.

[Nikkormat]

Thanks gentlemen. I'm keeping the sales board under close surveillance.

I currently only shoot out to 20 metres (garden range), so power isn't an issue. If it can achieve minute-of-bottle-top groups at that range I'll be content.

Matt

[HW777]

Nothing, just give me a cup of.. T ... and ill be fine. : )

[Nikkormat]

Nothing, just give me a cup of.. T ... and ill be fine. : )

hehe

I fear a T will be beyond budget.

Matt

[HW777]

hehe

I fear a T will be beyond budget.

Matt

Thats if you can find one Matt, and if you do, please give me a shout.

Just say, brews up and ill know theres a T about. ; )

Atb

John.

[coburn]

Get one and you won't regret it.

T is nice but does'nt fit everyone, best bet is a MM.

As said check the correct diopter is on it and it has the correct Reckord trigger, easily identified by the alloy locking collar that goes round the adjuster.