So, something went right for a change and a brief HW80 session and re-acquIntance took place this afternoon.
First off, the .177. It's a Mark II with a really beautifully grained and dark stained stock. It's the K version. Foresight removed years ago and the grooves still show. Must put that right. In fact, I'm pretty sure I have a Venom muzzle break that I bought for it many years ago (like back in the 80s) and never got round to fitting!
. On examination, breech seal seems okay. This will have last received a service by Venom at Cradley Heath back in about 1988 methinks, so I'm sure it would benefit from a new seal. Felt quite heavy to cock. Put a drop of oil on the safety catch. Cocked and de-cocked a few times and then a few shots. Three to warm up and then onto the targets 10mm dots felt-tipped onto card. Much, much less harsh than I remember. In fact, pretty nice. Just a dull thud and the cycle feels quick and not abrupt. "Back in the day" I used Superdomes. Today was the Hobby at ten yards and it easily printed tight little clusters, shooting sitting, not rested. Loved it.
Then the .22. It's a Mark I, again Venom tuned, last refreshed in the late 80s. Standard length to begin with but Dave and Ivan shortened the barrel a little and fitted a Slimtech silencer at one of its services. On cocking and de-cocking, safety seemed a little sluggish, so a drop of oil on this. I estimate the last time I used this to be around 1994! Again, three "clearing" shots and then it proceeded to print two very neat and tidy little groups with Superdome. Softer to cock and shoot than the .177 but not lazy. And a little more composed.
Wow! Love these rifles. It's testament to their quality and the Venom tunes as to how well they shoot having not been used nor received any attention for so long. With a tiny bit of attention, like new breech seals and there's a bit of creep on the .177's trigger (might be gunged up?) they'd be even more impressive. And I wonder how much nicer they would shoot with modern JSB pellets and how much the accuracy would improve with JSB or FTT. Very possibly lots.
It was lovely to spend little time with these today. I feel very privileged and fortunate to own them. They feel special to shoot. And you certainly feel like you're handling a living, breathing legend. I could very easily declare the 80 to be my favourite rifle. But then I think of my 77s, 97s, 98, 95s, 30Ss, 35s, 55T and 50 and, er, I love them all. They all feel special and perform impeccably.