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....
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!!!)???
THE BOINGER BASH AT QUIGLEY HOLLOW. MAKING GREAT MEMORIES SINCE 15th JUNE, 2013.
NEXT EVENT :- May 17/18, 2025.........BOING!!
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
Getting closer, but with an underlever
Just put the HW77 stock on the new-to-me 97k, and this thing really gets my attention. Time will tell if it is just the thrill of something new or if this really is what I'm looking for.
On the other hand, the Mk3 meteor with a cut down supersport barrel is proving itself to be both accurate and lightweight, with very light recoil and enough power for enjoyable plinking...
Too many airguns!
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
Last edited by look no hands; 04-10-2022 at 06:19 PM.
Far too many rifles to list now, all mainly British but the odd pesky foreigner has snuck in