24 - HW97K Review: The Ultimate HFT Springer on a Budget! 🎯
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- In this video, I dive deep into the world of airgun shooting and share my comprehensive review of the HW97, the ultimate HFT Springer on a budget. Join me as I talk about my experiences with this air rifle, from its incredible accuracy to its low maintenance needs. Watch to see how it performs over two years of substantial use and thousands of pellets later.
Does buying a springer over a PCP make sense? How does the HW97 stand against its main competitor, the Air Arms TX 200? Is this air rifle worth the investment? I answer all these questions and more. Watch me put the HW97 to the test, checking its weight, size, and even putting it on a chrono for an average speed test. I also list down the pros and cons of owning this rifle, from its world-famous rekord trigger to its occasionally fussy stock bolts.
I also take the HW97 to the range and the woods to shoot HFT targets, showcasing its versatility and proving why it's become my go-to for competition and general shooting.
So, whether you're a seasoned HFT shooter or just someone interested in air rifles, this video is for you. Discover why the HW97 gets such rave reviews in the airgun shooting community. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more air rifle shooting content.
#airgun #airguns #airgunshooting #airrifles #airrifleshooting #HFT
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
00:32 - HW97 Air Rifle Review
01:05 - Springer vs PCP Decision
01:27 - Comparing Air Arms TX200
01:53 - HW97 Specifications
02:23 - Weight and Stock Options
03:34 - Velocity Testing
03:53 - Pros and Cons
11:56 - Range Shooting
14:51 - Shooting Positions
16:11 - Accuracy Analysis
19:46 - Woodland HFT Targets
23:27 - Pricing Discussion
29:15 - Secondhand Market
31:53 - Price Summary
32:36 - Conclusion - Спорт
I own almost all HW springer modells but the 97K is the last i'll ever sell.
Thanx for the video, I've owned both the TX200 and the HW97 (as well as a Pro Sport). I sold the TX and kept the 97..... 8-)
Right on!
Once had a 97 Venom tuned by Steve Pope, a young lad then, let me watch him do it, it was awesome. Back in those days it was Crossman Prems in cardbaord boxes of 1250.
Last Sunday someone let me shoot his 97 (.22) which was tuned by Venom years ago, so sweet.
Great video and nice shooting. That stock is a beauty. Good advice about the balance point of a rifle to keep it front heavy. You learn something every day. Thank you.
My pleasure. 😀👍
Great video Jeff.. 👍👌🤘 its was full of cool information to.. that's a lovely HW 97K Rifle.. and was great to see an insight into HFT shooting.. so well done Jeff.. another great Gun Porn video 🤘👌👍🙈🙈😃😃😃
Thanks John. 😀👍
excellent channel . thanks !
I’ve got one. This, along with my LGV, were so impressive I sold my Wolverine R and my Red Wolf. Don’t get me wrong, the Daystates were stunning, I just get a lot more satisfaction shooting the springers. Great video, thanks for posting.
Many thanks. I also have an LGV and a Wolverine. Both great rifles, especially the LGV, and I plan on doing user reviews on them in the future when I've had more time with them.
Love the GinB stock
Really enjoyed that. Great info. Excellent rifle.
Thanks.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Thanks so much for your support. Happy new year. 😀👍
I’ve got a 97. And it was my first air rifle. I also had a TX 200, but I have part exchange it for a Daystate Wolverine R. I did think for a short second, that I might exchange, the 97 as well, but I still need a Springer in my life, and it would break my heart if I had to let the 97 go. It really is a superb little rifle.
Hi Steve, I have a Wolverine R too! Only, I sold an Ultimate Sporter to pay for it. A user review of the Wolverine coming in the future. I can't see myself parting with the 97 or my S400 either great fun rifles.
@@hftshooter I look forward to that review on the Wolverine R. Cheers 👍
I've watched most of your videos now like the way you present them and your advice. I've now purchased a HW97KT only shot in the garden but I'm booked in at the range Wednesday ping.
That's great. 😀
Enjoy your new rifle. Stick with it as springers can be difficult to master at first; look up 'artillery hold'. Once you've mastered a springer PCP is a cinch. Best of luck. 👍
excellent video thank you very much👍
You are welcome!
Good information
Thanks. 🙂👍
That GinB stock is gorgeous wish I could get my hands on one.
I've said it before, out of all my rifles the HW97 would thr one I would keep
I bought both the TX200 and HW97 "both .177" as i caught the bug regarding springers, I've found that they're both on par although only had my HW97 "Blue Laminate" a few weeks and not leaded in as yet. I bought them both brand new and yes i got your point regarding the price difference. I like the added safety on the TX200 as the HW97 hasn't exactly got a bear trap as it just locks the trigger and any malfunction of the Rekord trigger mechanism would be disastrous. My first airgun was a brand new Remington Express XP in .22 and was OK apart from the included optics. On my work colleagues advice my next purchase was a second hand HW100 KT in walnut stock as our intensions were to do pest control at a small holding nearby. My third purchase was a brand new AirArms S410 TDR as my main concern was doing clean headshots if and when i did go pest controlling "which i never did" as the small holding was sold to developers" I was then approached by another work colleague regarding the HW97 etc but got convinced to buy the TX200 as it was easier to work on compared to the HW97 so bought the TX200 first. When i caught the springer bug i kept seeing write ups regarding the HW97 and bought it on a whim as i saw the gun in my local gun shop in blue laminate. I asked the assistant if i could handle the rifle and was pleasantly surprised of the balance and feel of the rifle. I was then convinced that i'd got everything i needed "WRONG" My other work colleague then told me about the SMK PP700S-A PCP Pistol which i saw on UA-cam a few years earlier so bought that as my work colleague had helped to build a pistol range at our local range. In my humble opinion i think if you're going to shoot quarry get a PCP that you're happy with. If you want a rifle for plinking or target shooting get HW97 "if they suit you" as you mentioned about the price difference it's a no brainer. I'm still waiting for the spring in my HW97 to run in and the barrel to lead in but ATM it's great at 25 yards which it is zeroed in at but some fine tuning will be added. I bought the MTC Copperhead as it's short in length so not obstructing the breach and is quite affective,. Yes i'm a springer guy but whatever floats your boat as they say. Sorry for the lengthy post but always try out the rifle before you purchase as handling is quite important
That's great, thanks for sharing. 😀👍
Hi, I’m currently working my way through your back catalogue, and finding it very informative and enjoyable. I’ve recently taken up shooting at a range and bought a HW99S as my springer option. I’ve noticed on a number of videos you use a rubber scope extension. I was hoping you could cover a review of this piece of kit, its advantages and disadvantages. I’m thinking it might help position the rifle in a more consistent position. What’s your thoughts? Many thanks from John.
Hi John, thanks for the suggestion, I'll certainly include that when I can. Until then it does help with eye alignment and thus avoids parallax error. It also cuts out extraneous light making the scope image brighter and more defined.
"On a budget" indeed: fitness center and HFT Club membership in one ... But also factor in extra clothes, shoes and mat wear ? There has to be a better way of cocking it prone. Roll onto one side, maybe ? Nice stock ! Any innards tuning done ? THX for showing, Jeff.
Hello Sir,
Thank you for your video. My first air rifle was also the 97K nickel action, black plastic stock. I much regret not buying the blued action, walnut stock. However, growing up, even though my very dear father was a keen air rifle shooter. I'm twin to another boy, so air rifles were absolutely forbidden. I'd wanted a quality air rifle all my life and was like a kiddie in a sweet shop.
I never liked the thumbhole black plastic stock. Eventually, I grew a pair and made my own laminated stock in Walnut and Ash. I'm extremely proud of it, its my heartbeat, though its not your Gin B stock. I didnt have access to milling machines and cnc technology. It's all hand-made with hand tools. It has seven laminates, all hand sawn in black and decker workmate taking two hours each to saw the laminates. The only electrical tool I used was a router for the action depression, as I felt I'd no choice. I've always loved woodwork, though as a youngster wasnt allowed around tools for fear of injury.
Your Gin B stock makes my knees collapse every time I view it. It's gorgeous to me. There is another stock like your's with a gentleman like you, kind enough to show us his Theoben SLR 98, (Self Loading Rifle). Just like yours, its an absolute knee trembler.
As these stocks can no longer now can be purchased, I've decided to try and make my own. It's very difficult now to purchase Rosewood, with restrictions in place, I suspect?
I've sourced another similar timber called Wenge Wood from The Congo, Equitorial New Guinea, which I intend to laminate with Ash as a winter project. I'm just drawing out my template on a large piece of wallpaper.
I don't expect to give your gunstock competition. My inspiration is to make it the best I can with the tools I have, and with love and dedication in what I'm attempting to achieve, as this now becoming rare to do. We all have our shooting journies, all slightly different, but with the same centre line.
With reference to all the people who have 97K and TX200 air rifles, my humble opinion is this.
I think they are both fantastic air rifles, solid performers all day long.
I'm not over keen on the TX safety catch, versus the 97K not having one. Both their downsides are with respect, just differences and issues that can be worked with if need be. They are both fantastic.
Thank you again for your video, Sir.
I don't do hft, I target shoot, pest control and shoot for the pot and fly tying. In my humble opinion, you can't beat fresh, healthy meat that hasnt been tampered with. Id never ever shoot what I couldnt use or require. Thank you to everyone for their comments, theyve been a great, positive read and it all accounts for a well rounded view/opinion in our great interest..
Best wishes, everyone.
Ps. Growing up, I always yearned for a Theoben air rifle, either the Rapid, or the SLR 98, just absolute genius in design, craftsmanship and shear beauty. As those genius gentleman don't do now what they did, (one very sadly passed away), I've decided to buy a HW90K, which is near as damn it, a Theoben and make my stock to fit that. Then, I'll be able to own what I always dreamed of as a youngster. Theoben pioneered gas ram technology, the idea of gas ram coming from one of the gentleman's Suzuki motorcycle front suspension forks. Quite remarkable. The HW90K is Weirhauch's gas ram, in their line up. Before Theoben ceased in 2004, they made the HW90K action for Weihrauch then afterwards, Weihrauch continued to make them themselves. Much of the airgunning we enjoy today was invented by Theoben, two fantastic gentlemen from Cambridge in England.
Hi Ian, thanks so much for your comment. I really enjoyed reading it, your passion truly shines through. I wish you the best of luck with your stock project. 😀👍
Hello Sir,
Thank you for replying to my comment and your kind words. I'm bowled over by your stock for your 97K. As I wrote in my previous comment, I've seen it before with a Theoben SLR 98 ( Self Loading Rifle), on Utube, it just bowls me over and drops my jaw every time I view it.
May I ask, please, with great respect, were Gin Bee, a person, or a company? Did they make many gunstocks? Were they English?
Their gunstocks have to be some of the best in the world. As I said in my previous comment, I intend to make a gunstock over winter, as a winter project, to pass Winter.
I work outside in all weather's and as I age, it's becoming harder and harder, and of course these days, they're never happy with what you do. So a winter project, what with the rubbish on the box, is a help.
Thank you, Sir, Ian.
Hi Ian, I don't know much about GinB. I understand that it was a company based in Thailand run by an Italian. The company stopped trading many years ago.
Hello Sir,
Thank you for your reply and information. That's a great help. I didn't know who they were or anything about them apart from the obvious fact, they knew all about gunstocks!
Thank you.
You don’t realize it but your getting a nice workout with that springer in the prone position ! Lol
Thanks for doing the videos, I'm just doing the research bit at the moment. Do all club members have access to the range and woods throughout the week and at various times. Were their many second-hand guns for sale at the last meeting.
At Cambridge members can use the plinking range Monday to Saturday as comps and course setting are on Sundays. You can shoot in the woods in between a new course being set. S/H guns appear at odd intervals, so it's usually better to ask around the members to see what's available. You might find something they hadn't thought of selling.
Saludos desde Sevilla españa un maravilloso rifle yo poseo uno y estoy encantado con el
😀👍
I have 5 Springers and prefer the balance of the TX200. I find my HW97 a bit front heavy.
I haven't spent any time with a tx200 so can't compare them.
Nice video and great shooting is that a zero relief eye scope?
Thanks. No, the scope has a scope optimiser fitted. I find it easier to get correct eye alignment with one.
Really like your stock, what make is it? Thanks again for another great video, I've recently bought my first air rifle, the HW77K
It's a GinB stock. No longer available unfortunately. Good luck with your springer. 🙂👍
Hello Jeff, Lovely video, great stock on the rifle. Could you please let me know what size Hawke scope are you useing. Regards Mick.
Thanks. That scope is a Hawke Airmax 4-12x40 AO AMX.
Hello, I see you're not using a Dampa mount system. Is this only because of the sub 12 category? I'm looking for a quality springer. Think about getting an HW97, but probably an FAC-version.Do you recommend a Dampa mount for that? Thanks, Filip.
No don't need one for a sub12 springer. I've never shot an FAC springer so don't know what the recoil is like.
I own a 97 KT and a 200 Mk111. Both brought new. There is nothing budget about the price of either of them. Even second hand. The cheaper 200s from new tend to be in .22. Good luck using that for HFT. Although I think that is being taken up by some, to offer more of a challenge. Both rifles are hold sensitive. Both my rifles have been short stroked. I mention this because there is no way the previous owner of your gun, would fit a £500 stock, possibly nearer £600, and keep the internals standard. With your mid range Hawke scope your "budget" rifle, to recreate now, would leave you no change from £800 if buying second hand. Buying new would top a £1000. Certainly not budget for most people.
If buying second hand I would always go for a factory standard 200. Due to the state of tune it has out of the box.
Well I guess the term 'budget' is somewhat subjective. I paid exactly £400 for the rifle in the stock (it was a little more than the usual S/H price because of the stock's value) and the S/H scope was £100. Personally I would consider £500 a budget HFT setup, but that's just me!
400 pounds is a steal...... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Out of interest, how/where did you get the torque settings? Have you tried using thread-locker?
Mr Google. 🙂 I did try thread lock first but correct torque negates that.
Got 6 pcp's, 1 springer (diana K98 Mauser) and a couple of CO2 replica's. I want to keep the Mauser without a scope, just for the looks of it. I've been trying to decide what springer I'd buy. Over here in Belgium we have no FAC for springers or airguns, we can buy whatever we want, as long as there's no powder involved. I brought it down to 3 possible rifles, being the HW97, the TX200 or the Diana 54 Airking Pro. Prices are more or less the same, and as far as I see, the accaracy is too. Hard decision. Thoughts on this, anyone?
HW77! such a keeper rifle.
Have you ever tried cocking the rifle by rolling to your side. I find that works for me.
Yes mate tried that. It didn't work for me, lol. Kneeling to reload is not so bad in a comp as only one shot per peg.
You can reapply the safety by recocking it
Ok, I'll have to try that. 👍
I would love to buy that synthetic stock off you for my HW97KT WOOD AND STAINLESS BARREL. I should have got the black stock instead of the wood when I bought it from AOA. PLEASE GET BACK TO ME SIR.
Please email me at hftshooteruk@gmail.com to discuss further. 👍
Nice shooting and rifle but the low power of just over 10lb would annoy me I would prefer rifles just over 11lb ish
It's all about accuracy not power!
I dont think that the HW97 is a budget rifle though. I took out the so called bear trap and can now uncock it.
For HFT there's really only the HW97, TX200 or Pro Sport to choose from with the 97 being the cheapest; the budget end! What budget springer would you recommend? Someone at the club mentioned removing the bear trap. I'm not so sure.