REVIEW: Weihrauch HW35 one off air rifle
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- Опубліковано 20 лип 2024
- Here's my test review of the Weihrauch HW35E - or ‘Export’ - break-barrel air rifle. It's an iconic sspringer and my video features what is possibly the most glamorous one in the world! Well, at least I like to think so - because it’s my own, heavily bespoked air gun that was specially commissioned to mark a milestone birthday a few years back. This air rifle test review tells you a little bit about its highly customised finish and tuned action, and why I think the Weihrauch HW 35 air rifle should be in every airgunner's armoury. Enjoy…
Here are links to the people, bits and pieces mentioned in the video:
Weihrauch Airguns - www.weihrauch-sport.de
V-Mach Custom Rifles - www.air-rifle-tuning.com
ARC Tuning - www.arctuning.co.uk
Rowan Engineering - www.rowanengineering.co.uk
Napier of London - www.napieruk.com
Don Blocksidge, engraver (via V-Mach)
Hawke 2-7x32 Vantage IR AO - www.hawkeoptics.com
Targets by Target-Air - www.target-air.co.uk
And finally, I’d like to extend my thanks to Weihrauch’s official UK importer, Hull Cartridge Co. for their assistance in making the project all come together - www.hullcartridge.co.uk
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The most underated hw air rifle ever made. More acuracey than an hw80 and still packs a punch.
Great review Nigel of a truly classic rifle which has most definitely stood the test of time. The fact that the 35 can still deliver performance on a par with modern rifles says it all. It really is all the rifle most air gunners will ever need. I have just bought an immaculate 1980 HW35E this week, I cannot wait to get to grips with it! It's been Tinbum tuned, so it ought to perform nicely. Nigel, you and I have a little previous history! Many moons ago- way back in 1990, you and I spent a full day at Venom Arms! My name is Pete, I wrote to you when I was a student, expressing an interest in the Lazaglide conversion for my HW77. I asked if it would be possible to visit Venom, in order to learn more about the conversion. A week or so after writing to you, you called me to notify me that you had arranged a full day at Venom for me. What a day that was! Dave and Ivan were terrific blokes, immensely enthusiastic and generous with their time and willing to explain the engineering aspects of their work. By the end of the day, I was convinced that the Lazaglide was for me. However, Dave and Ivan put the top hat on things (pun intended!) by declaring that they would not only convert my 77 to Lazaglide spec for free, but that they would reblue it, fit a set back brass trigger and silencer. What a transformation! I still treasure that rifle, and the late great Steve Pope serviced it for me in 2006. It has a beautiful Venom sporter walnut stock on it now. I own a number of HW rifles- including another 77, which is V-Mach tuned, 2 x 80k's- one is an 80's Venom with a beautiful thumbhole stock, the other is a V-Mach Lazaglide with a CS 700 thumbhole stock. I'm delighted to be adding a HW35E to my modest collection- it's an all time classic which is well worth coveting. I also own a Theoben Evolution- an itch I just had to scratch, having lusted over the Theoben adverts in AG magazine back in the 80's! To add another bit of British engineering class to the collection, I have a TX200- a superb rifle. Anyway, great review and great to see you again after so many years since our fascinating day at Venom Arms- halcyon days! :)
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, Pete. I DO recall that day... although I wasn't working full-time on the magazine back then (I started in 1993). It was part of the 'Fix It' series, wasn't it? I, myself, got the opportunity to test a gun like that - the Cobra Strike .25 - and the rest, as they say, is history, as the then-editor (Paul Dobson) liked what he saw and started using me for more test reports and functions like your Venom visit. Ultimately, I became the editor and publisher of Air Gunner... and AGW when we (Romsey Publishing) acquired it. As you say, Halcyon days... and it's GREAT to learn that you're still (like me) and avid airgunner. You have one helluva collection, too!!! ;)
@@AirgunTV Nigel, great to hear from you again! The internet and YT really does have its uses at times! I am expecting my Venom HW80 back from tuning/refurbishment in the very near future. It's been with ARC Air Rifle Tuning- an approved V-Mach agent. The action has been reblued- by the same outfit that did work for Venom/V-Mach, and the internals have been tuned/service. It's an early Venom, in that it's not short stroked, I wanted to keep it's originality, so I didn't opt for a short stroke conversion. I recall your rise to editor with AG magazine Nigel, I continued to buy the magazine for many years. I still buy the occasional copy, although I must say, I'm not really interested in non-springer rifles, mostly for aesthetic reasons. I find that many modern rifles look more like a prop from a sci-fi film like, 'Alien!' lol Beauty is rather thin on the ground I find. I was a teen in the 80's, and I do believe I witnessed a truly great period of innovation and engineering, with companies like Venom, and Theoben leading the charge. Exciting times! On the collection front, I've recently purchased a pristine Air Arms Khamsin- the early edition with the ambidextrous stock design. It's immaculate! I bought it from a farmer down south. He purchased it from the initial owner- who barely used it. The farmer reckons he didn't even put a single tin of pellets through the rifle, and it sat in his gun cabinet unused for 20+ years. I bagged it for £450- which I think is a terrific price for a minter. Khamsin's are very difficult to get hold off, they rarely come on the market for sale, so I think I've been rather lucky! It does require a tune, and probably would benefit from a new spring after so many years of inactivity. I'll be sending that off to ARC upon the return of the Venom! Will keep you posted Nigel. Enjoy that super 35! :)
@@liverpoolscottish6430 Yes... please keep me posted. I use ARC Tuning (Lyn Lewington) for all my airgun work - we're great friends, and see each other about once a month, and talk pretty much daily! - and, actually, he ended up doing a lot of work on that HW35E after I'd done the video. He's got it shooting better than ever - and I then gave him my FWB124 Mastersport (1984) to sort out which is also shooting like a dream. I used to own a Khamsin; beautiful rifle; Lyn will sort it for you... and I'll probably go round to have a look. (He's actually mentioned your rifle... though obviously I didn't join the dots until I saw this post!!!) AtVB, Nige
Absolutely stunning HW35E you got there! Me I´m just bought one in .22. So far I have oild treated the stock, moved the front sling swivel a bit further back, ordered a Maccari barrelweight and a Rowan Engeneering trigger guard.
A really good and enjoyable video thank you. I bought my 35E in 1982 and it has served me well since, shortly after I bought it I sent it up to Venom Arms who did their magic on the spring, shortened the barrel and added a moderator. I have had so many happy hours with my 35E and treasure it
I've got a Weihrauch HW35 from the early 1960's with standard internals. Leather piston seal & leather breech seal. Fitted sound moderator and reduced barrel lengh. Quiet and insanly accurate. Salut from France. Great review !
I found a hw 35 in my grandad house when we were clearing it out to sell 2 years ago, wish a nikko sterling 4 x 40 sight. I've recently had it refurbished, and I am in love.
I bought mine back in the mid 80's when Hull Cartridge were importing them for fifty odd quid. A truly beautiful air rifle, and when kitted out with a Singlepoint Day/Night sight an excellent gun for hunting rabbits, and vermin. You're custom job is simply gorgeous though!
A valuable tip, the one about carrying the rifle using the sling.
Absolutely
I received my new HW35E with a nicely figured walnut stock last week. Brought back the old memories. I topped her with a vintage blued Redfield 3x7. Normally I run Hawke optics. You are one lucky guy to have such a gorgeous rifle. Thanks for the eye candy again.
One of the very best presenters on here, thank you and you are wearing well my friend!!
Had 35's since I was 14, only have about 6 now, 4 projects,and 2 real sweeties, a standard 35 in .177 and an export in .22, love them.
superb video! really liked it and now looking to get one instead of a hw57! wow what a mindblower the 35 is sweet! thanks for the effort of making this video and please go on. One of the best air rifle videos i have seen so far. just feels like you are standing next to me talking about the 35. really really good work. chapeau!
Well, Floris... thank you for such positive appreciation. I hope you enjoy the other videos I've so far uploaded on this channel since the 'relaunch', too. I now have time to do much more ;). The 57 is a very different rifle from the HW35... and, if I'm honest, I don't think you'd be disappointed with either. But if you can handle a beautifully-engineered heavyweight, you'll very quickly fall in love with the HW35 if that's what you ultimately end up investing in. ATB, Nige
AirgunTV what a gun, it's quiet correct? I in need of some help. I purchased the walther parrus and it's just to loud. I think this would be a nice choice. Can you recommend a good riffle? Has to be a break barrel as well. Thanks so much for your great videos and expertise.
You sir are the reason I purchased a 35E , yes it is a pleasure to shot and accurate with open sights ! I even purchased the leather sling .
I shot my rirst magpie with such a HW 35 E in Denmark 1978. Wonderful precise gun. The most spectacular shot was another magpie shot at 35 meters to the tree,that was 15 meters tall. The bird was so dead that I had to climb up the tree to shake it to get it down. Still got the gun. will never sell it. Thank you for the video, nice job done.
Why you shot it and what you did with it?
I must be the same age. I had my first 35E, back about 40 years ago. Really loved what you did with your build. I ordered a new 35E today. Your video was well done too.
Beautiful rifle, beautiful presentation, Nigel. Thank you. Favorite? It would have to say the Daisy Red Ryder. It was the beginning. It is still around, and still the beginning for many a youngster. Take care. Karl
P.S. The photo is of my wife, not me. :>)
Beautiful photo, too Karl!!! ;) Seriously, though - thanks for the kind comments. I had a Daisy Red Ryder until recently - and I'd say it's probably the rifle that kick-started many an airgunner's shooting career on the US side of the Pond. In the UK, of course, that mantle would go to the Gat pop-out pistol. A real corker, as the box used to say!!!
Good to see AirgunTV back on the tube! The 35E was my first gun, thanks Nigel & happy birthday!-Pete from New York
Ha - it was actually a few years ago now, Pete in NY!!! But thanks for the best wishes, all the same... It's surprising how many people entered into the sport of airgunning with a Weihrauch HW35 break-barrel... I'd love to know exactly how many have been sold over the past 60-odd years. If BSA's Meteor has done over a million, I reckon the 'wrack must've, too...
Really glad that you are back on the tube again. Look forward to seeing more in the future.
Thanks for your support, Airgun Sniper-Elite. We'll keep 'em coming... if you keep on watching them!!! :D
I've been following your great work since the early days in the Mags, all the way from Australia.
Now a subscriber to your Airgun TV.
Thank you for sharing your precious 35 classic to us all, it is stunning!
Reminds me of those beautiful centerfold airguns featured in the magazines all those years ago.
+Andrew T Your support is greatly appreciated, Andrew. ATB, Nige
Great video and a beautiful custom finished rifle, you have sold me on purchasing this historical break barrel HW35.
+Moto Gizmo Thanks. If you look at all the comments, you're not alone. The HW35 seems to have stirred many an airgunner's passion (like me!)
Nice to see you back on the tube. Atb, Bob.
Thanks Bob. Nice to be able to be back, too ;)
The export looks much better than I remember mine being back in the day, I don't remember any chequering on the stock, mine was plain Jane.
beautiful rifle. I'm new into shooting, bought a Kral devil as my first, I love how much care and detail has been put in and you've inspired me to maybe looking into my own custom work. Also you can tell an English man owns that rifle just by the look
Nigel I have watched many of your video's. I like your "comfortable as an old worn in shoe" approach to your reviews. I am glad to come across your review of the HW35E. Your special anniversary/birthday HW35E is a real nice one!
I am the happy owner of the HW35E and HW30S. I use them only for indoor 10 Meter shooting. I have equipped each with Olympic Style Target sights. They fare very well against even my Target PCP air rifles as well as my Pneumatic single stroke air rifles.
I like the mechanical feel of a good springer air gun. My HW air rifles are also very accurate and I recommend either model to anyone.
The HW35E is heavier and harder to cock. The extra weight adds stability. It has a medium kick.
The HW30S is very, very easy to cock and it has a little kick which is satisfying to anyone who also likes shooting gun powder burning firearms as I do.
The fit and finish is excellent as is the Rekord Trigger. The wooden stocks are good looking with the nod going to the 35E for best looking because of it's Walnut stock. It's an Air Rifle that everyone will really admire for it's quality.
I learned something reading the comments here. I learned it's best to hold onto the thumb release latch of the HW35E when closing the barrel up to the breach.
Peter in Tennessee, U.S.A.
P.S. I am a "Target" shooter only and I actually have a ranking as Marksman in the N.R.A. achieved using my .22 cal (small bore) 1950 Winchester 52B with Redfield Olympic sights. Ha, they provided me with a "First Place" medal for the 1992-93 N.R.A. Competition for un-ranked shooters. I earned my Marksman Ranking that day by coming in 1st. place in a Statewide Official N.R.A. Competition held in New York State.
While I have killed and eaten birds in the past, at age 67 I feed the birds every day. I could never kill anything anymore. I guess I have become one of those "Tree Huggers" and I am proud of it. It saddens me when I read posts from teenagers bragging about how many so and so birds/animals they killed using their air rifles. They brag about what a great shot they are. I usually recommend that they begin shooting official target's at the correct distance and caliber and then they can see what a great shot they really are. If your good, then get into competition. Field Target or N.R.A. (In America) target shooting.
I love the sport of shooting and will shot until I am unable to anymore, hopefully that's a long time from now.
+PeterDad60 Thanks for your very interesting comments Peter
+PeterDad60 Like me... I hope to be shooting until the start banging nails into my coffin!
Happy to see you guys back!
Thank you. We're glad to be back ;)
Hey Nigel. Where do I start... What a magnificent rifle!! Wow. I've been on a 24/7 (almost) trying to figure which Weihrauch to purchase. It will be my first air rifle. I am attracted to the German engineering. It has been between the HW 95 Luxus and the HW 35. Uh, well, your video sold me. GREAT VIDEO. It appealed to my artistic sensibilities. BTW, you look great. I have you by a few years. Quite a few. Humm...
I would love to replicate what you have done. Unfortunately, I am in the good old USA, (uh, used to be good - we are trying to make a comeback - November 3rd). Maybe you could do some hand holding and help me, even slightly approach the beauty and precision of your 35.
Thanks again for you video. Great stuff...
I still have a HW35, I acquired it from a friend who wanted rid of it. Weihrauch have confirmed that the gun was imported into the UK in 1967, it only looks a couple of years old.
Hi HW35 Rifle Ibought one for my son in 1977 when he was 10 still got the gun shooting like when it was new great gun
I have the hw35 E. And the vixan Hw 35,one with the stock youde shown and the others a unbelievable action,records yet you can have on the double setting to just a hair trigger or the nice 2 stage,which is still beautiful.so accurate over distance two I love them.
I had my 35 on my 11th birthday in 1977. And I have it and shoot it. It never will be sold.
I was very sad when your videos stopped. I am now happy to see them back.
Lance - that's really nice of you to say so. I was sorry to have to stop them, too! Anyways, your support is very much appreciated... and I hope you appreciate my latest two videos, too. All the best. Nige
Nice rifle Sir! I got my first one in 1979 and it is a Beeman HW 35EB still looks like new.
I recently found a ratty one (HW35 E) in need of some TLC in a gun shop near me and managed to get it for $60 US. I took it apart except for the Main Spring and Piston and cleaned all the 30 year old grease out of it and refinished the stock. This gun was made in 1980, and has the standard length barrel as opposed to the HW35EB with a 3" shorter barrel per Beeman Specs. This gun shoots smoother than my first one and I kept the open sights and made it my open sight practice rifle.
Got a 1/2" 10 shot group at 10 yards out of it yesterday. Pretty sure it will do better with a scope mounted. This new gun is a joy to shoot.
I also have an HW77 and a R1/HW80. They both .22's and are less enjoyable to shoot but offer 19 fpe and 23 fpe respectively so they are the goto varmint guns.
As far as I'm concerned Weihrauch makes the best Spring Powered Airguns by far. Made like nice firearms with Solid steel, real bluing and walnut stocks, and a trigger that is second to none and better than 95% of my Firearms.
Your bespoke gun is a true masterpiece and I hope whomever you pass it onto does it justice.
Randy
Good video Nigel, good to see you back at it! Beautiful rifle by the way!
Thank you for your kind words. It's nice to be able to be back, too. And, yes, it is a beautiful rifle. I'm replying after spending an late afternoon in the woods with it. Judging by the pigeons landing in the trees around, I think they find its engraving work worth a second look, too!!!
I was wondering about your absence the other day, Nigel. So pleased you're back! My favourite gun was my first, a BSA Mercury in .22. Oh to only be able to buy a new one now!
Wasn't able to produce airgun video work Harry... but now I'm free to do so again - and am luvin' it once more ;) In my teenage years, my mate had a .22 BSA Mercury (cost him £33), while I had a Webley Hawk MkII (£27.60). Sadly, although I (reckoned I) was the better shot, he used to murder me in our 10-yard shoot-outs; it was by far the better rifle. Plus, he had a BSA 2-7x20 scope on it! They were lovely rifles, although I never thought it looked as sexy as the Hawk... it just shot better. Much better! :D
By the way, Harry - you often see BSA Mercury's in the 'pre-owned' racks of gun shops, often in very good nick, having been 'lofters' for the past 30 years or so. With the Scotland airgun licensing fiasco looming (Scottish airgunners will need to apply for a Scottish Air Weapon Certificate if they want to keep their airguns after 31st December 2016), there may be quite a flood of 'unwanted' airguns coming onto the market in the next few months. I'm sure a few McMerecurys will come to the surface!
Very happy to see AirgunTV back on youtube! This was a really nice review of the 35E - thanks Nigel. Here in Germany many are shooting Weihrauch airguns especially the HW35, even if my favorite is the little HW30S. And present compliments to Lyndon. Jürgen
Hi there Juergen - and I'm glad you're happy to see AirgunTV back on air! Thank you, too, for the kind comment regarding my video.
I can certainly imagine Weihrauch is a popular airgun brand in Germany, along with the likes of Walther (their contemporary airguns are also absolutely amazing in my opinion). Indeed, I wonder whether the German airgun community ever hankers after Brit springers like Air Arms, BSA and Webley in the same way that we Brits have a penchant for the German hardware?! The HW30S has had a lot of positive comments throughout this thread - so much so that I'd say it's probably the 'new' HW35... and will, in a generation's time, have the same iconic status as the famous 35!!!
i haven't got much Airgun experience and only have owned one, a Diana mod 45 in .177 and that's it; I've never managed to properly shoot it though and assumed springers were not my cup of tea but i had the opportunity to shoot one of these once and man, it truly amazed me. Smooth, not bucking at all...i was flabbergasted by it!
Just got the new 35k ,lovely Rifle 😊
That is a beautiful rifle to be sure,..what superb engraving,..but I did get a chuckle at your initials on the receiver rear,..NEA,...here in Canada, most of us
would think that means it's an New England Arms Co. product! Well, actually, we do know the difference....I've been looking and 'dreaming' of buying an HW30 S
but will have to wait for re-stocking at the dealer.
Thanks for this review/video.
Great to see you and AirgunTV back Nigel, that is a very nice rifle and the sound it makes on cocking and firing is so smooth it must be tuned to the hilt. Good luck with the channel and hope to see many more great videos from you.
Thanks, HV. With V-Mach innards and both Steve Pope's and Lyn Lewington's magic touches applied to the highly-modified internals, it's got the most amazing firing cycle. HW35's are sluggish in the action time department, but mine is about the fastest I've ever come across, and bears strong testament to those two very clever airgun engineers.
I'm sure that, now my hands are no longer tied, I'll be able to produce the odd video here and there my friend. ;)
Good to hear it Nigel looking forward to your next review.
Welcome Back!
Nice review, I have 1 of these in my attic hav'nt touched it for years it's an early 1 without the safety catch.
Gonna go get it !!
I will send the airgun Police round to you immediately - it's a serious offence to have such nice airgun hardware hidden away in the attic!!! I'd love an early one, minus the safety. There's something about those 'originals' that ooze Weihrauch. Yours will have the 22-inch barrel no doubt, and it may even have the larger transfer port. Not jealous... ;)
Enjoyed your review. I have ordered the most recent 35 from Hogans & Sons Gun Shop near Ettington, Warwickshire. A most friendly & Professional family business I have ever visited 🍂
Nigel, that is one magnificent rifle. Probably the most handsome springer I've ever seen. The engraving work looks suburb. I'm sure it's even better in person.
My first springer, and the one I shoot now, is the HW95. I've done nothing to it in over 5K rounds, taken hundreds of squirrels and a few crows here and there, and it continues to amaze me. If I gave it a bit of attention, I'm sure it would perform even better. The Rekord trigger is my favorite trigger among all my firearms, to include rifles and handguns. It's that good.
Thanks for sharing that very special springer.
Thanks for your comment BeachGunner - I'm pleased you've enjoyed looking at my bespoke HW35E... but as an HW95 owner yourself, you of course already know the impressive credentials of Weihrauch's 'HW' air rifles. The 95 is a truly superb break-barrel - arguably, better than the HW80 powerhouse thanks to its more compact dimensions. It doesn't surprise me just how many pests its taken - the HW95 is the stalwart of many a hunter's armoury the world over. Cheers, Nige
Nigel,
If I may take on more moment of your time and ask (I'm sure you get quite the volume of communications being in your line of work), do you have any issues with break barrel rifles that use the articulating cocking arm design like the HW35's, HW50's, or LGV's?
I agree that it is a great feature in that it eliminates that ugly slot in the forearm, which also allows in dirt and debris. I've heard that some models of HW line can have metal on metal grating within the articulating mechanism.
Thanks for any insight.
Michael
Hi Michael. I don't have any issues with articulated cocking linkages per se, although down the years there have been one or two issues with them. In the HWs' cases, the HW35's used to 'click' loudly (as the longer section 'snapped' against the underside of the air cylinder), and there was some graunching of the HW99S's linkage. Both issues have long since been resolved however. The important thing with these systems, though, is to ensure the load-bearing parts don't ever run dry. For me, part and parcel of owning a springer is the element of user-maintenance, to ensure everything is running smoothly. I rather like that 'hands-on' requirement and don't find it a chore. Indeed, it's one of the things that turns me on about owning a springer: you get to look after it, and learn all its foibles. In return, it gives you immense satisfaction (arguably, much more than when shooting a PCP, which can appear quite 'lifeless' in comparison). The springer/shooter relationship is a very intimate one...
Nigel, Thanks for the information. That's gives me a bit more confidence when shopping for another HW rifle. That HW35E is very appealing. I couldn't agree more with the ownership experience of possessing a springer. I've been shooting my HW95 exclusively for a year now, and it has become almost an extension of me when I hunt. It's odd really. I can't explain it. I've made shots with it that I just couldn't replicate on the range, no matter how ideal the conditions. I know the POI shifts due to weather and temperature, and although the .22 version is a bit loopy in trajectory, I know it like the back of my hand. A really wonderful experience with an air rifle. I never expected that.
The only problem is that I think I now have a problem in that I want to buy more springers! Oh well, I suppose there are worse addictions.
Thanks again for your time Nigel. I appreciate your feedback and opinion.
ATB, Michael
Lovely review Nigel. This one is so special !!
Tanmay Chatterjee yes it is great!!
@@AirGhandi Pity I can't find one in India. But the hunt is on
Tanmay Chatterjee i keep my fingers crossed!!
@@AirGhandi Thank you. So have I
This has to be the most beautiful Weihrauch i've seen. What beaut.
I am about to buy the Export version also of the Hw35. Love the walnut.
Having had and still many high en and tech pcp's. I am neginning to like the breakbarrel or springers more and more.
Too bad the Vortek, Macari etc etc "tuning" kits are very difficult to find in this pcp era.
Like the V mach kits are gone ,at least here in NL. I ordered tho, a V mach kit from Germany. Its called Airjoe kit.
In 3 different powers. German (7,5J) a max 16J and I believe the export version for restriction less countries. I have the 16J ,but I changed the spring for a full power. But its shoots way to hard. Maybe the 16J Airjoe (its literally the V mach complete kit).something for you?
Google it.
Good to see you back Nigel, look forward to many more episodes of AGTV again, we missed you. atvb t ..
Thanks Tad.
Excellent informational video on a iconic beautiful airgun!
Thank you kindly!
Great video and great gun. Like so many of my age (60-ish) l was brought up using a BSA Meteor Super which l bought in the early 70s with my saved up pocket money. I don't remember there being much else like the HW35 available but it didn't matter as l loved my BSA. Much now to my sorrow l sold it, in mint condition, to a neighbour a couple of years ago. Sorry old friend, l should never ever have let you go! However, l now have two other BSA's, a Lightning SE GRT and an Ultramax PCP both in .22, both only a couple of years old and both are fantastic rifles. Next, when finances allow, an R10 SE! Cheers, Mike.
+Woodgate425 Thanks, and for commenting
Nice video nigel, lovely rifle. I've just started shooting again having acquired a very tidy early eighties 35. Just looking at scopes and your dead right its easy to over scope such a rifle. 2-7x32 is ideal. Now cant wait to start shooting it. sean teague. 👍
Hi Sean. Great to hear from you after all these years. Surprised you'd ever given up shooting... but so glad you've come back into it. You were always such a great shot in those heady FT days we enjoyed across the south-west of England!!! What a perfect combo - a 1980s HW35 with the 'ideal' 2-7x32 scope. Airgun tech has moved on a mile since we were battling it out together on the firing lines - but, like you, the airgun memories of yesteryear will remain with us forever. And such memories will always involve a Weihrauch HW35... :D ATVB - Nige
Great to see you back
Hi Steven. Thanks for your show of support. It's great to be able to be back, too...! :)
I always enjoy your reviews ... you've just made me miss my old 35
Thanks, Steven. And, yeah... if you look down the list, lots of people said the same thing as you. I guess that's why I ended up picking the HW35E as my 'presentation' piece for that milestone birthday present!!! :D
Good to see you back got to say BSA gold star in .22 ,lovely rifle just needs a damn good service now
Thanks. Gold Stars - as in the original springer model - are classics. I had one for years. I'd look up Lyn Lewington of ARC Tuning - I have him do all my guns these days... and there aren't many people I'd give my airgun charges to!!! If you don't have his no. and want to follow up, you're welcome to PM me. He got this HW35E 'singing'.
AirgunTV
yes it is the old original one .lovely gun your right .I will ill look into him do it since he comes recommended. Thank you
Had one in the early 80s . Lovely rifle wish I still had it.
A great review on the HW35 Nigel . So good it's made me go and buy one :)
I have a Daystate mk4 and a Airwolf but there is something so satisfying about shooting the 35
I think some of the reason is that it takes me back to my youth shooting a Chinese brake barrel , except this one is better made
break
Superb review of a truly iconic rifle. I enjoyed that. Thank you.
Hey, Simon! How are you doing? Nice to hear from you... and glad you like the review; praise from someone such as yourself is high praise indeed (blushing). I know you have a bit of a penchant for the classics. If we ever get that day's fishing sorted in one of your kayaks, I'll bring the HW35E up to you - you'll be uber-impressed by what ARC Tuning has done with the V-Mach innards. I reckon you may even find it sweeter shooting than those lovely gas-rams you have in your collection!
Nice little review on the hw35e,I've got the long barrel version and will be shortening barrel and fitting a suppressor,I've also own a Wembley omega
Take care when shortening the barrel - rod a pellet down the bore to ensure there are no 'loose' spots at any point; it'll help you better determine where to start the hacksaw off... My mate has an Omega - one of the last to leave the Webley factory (with a carbine barrel, and in .177). If it had arrived before the HW80, I think it could have been THE gun for field target in the pre-PCP era. Very nice rifle. Actually, in August 1989, I was at their Birmingham factory and fired the prototype Omega, which had been shot all summer by a Youth Opportunities lad as part of Webley's 'destruction testing'. (What a great summer job, eh?!!!) Suffice to say, the gun hadn't gone wrong... and when I fired it, the action was like silk. I don't think a rifle could have been more run-in...
Good stuff Nigel. My RWS 34 is my favorite. I've always wanted another like this one though! Been curious about Hatsan's newer models too. Going to re-invest in some new gear once I move back to the states and can hunt again.
The Diana/RWS 34 is a great springer, James. Is it tuned? They respond particularly well to a decent fettle. Hatsan's newest models, while perhaps lacking a bit of the Weihrauch's refinement, certainly perform well. A couple of years back I tested a Mod. 60 (one of the main sellers from their line-up in the UK) that had been tuned up by ARC Tuning (Lyn Lewington did it personally). I have to say, it was quite formidable...
Have my since christmas '75 here in Germany...
Weihrauch= Quality German engineering! Huge admiration from Britain! :)
I had a hw 35 in the 80s i loved it. It was very accurate and easy to shoot.
Hi Nigel, wow, what a beauty! Without a doubt the nicest 35 out there. I am renovating my HW35 that i got for my 14th birthday (long time ago, i am 54) and i would love to get hold of one of those venom slimtech silencers for my gun. Best way dress up the barrel and it looks so much than everything thats on the market today....I would be grateful for any advice where to find one! Cheers, Andy
stunning looking gun !
I've just bought a used, very good (almost new) condition HW35K .177 for £225. The dark beech wood stock on my one actually has some nice grain to it as well, bonus!
webley hawk mark2. got it still in the box . mint condition! Great video. Nice gun as well.
Just about to buy a 1979 35E, so this test was really helpful. `i am so old I remember the adverts for these in Guns Review! This has always been the king of the break barrel springers, but I only ever wanted the export model to add to my collection. As I recall, these were sold and tweaked by Venomtune, or similar and the one I am after is recording 11.8ft.lbs so it sounds promising. Very often the. power of these rifles is a bit disappointing, possibly not helped by the very long barrel.
As I understand it a longer barrel will produce higher velocity (all other things being equal) although most of the pellet's acceleration happens in the first 6" or so. Longer barrels are more about balance, muzzle stability, cocking effort, aesthetics and handling practicality so a matter of preference. The smoothness of the shot cycle, overall quality and accuracy that can be achieved are more important than producing absolute maximum power. Many spring rifles arguably shoot better at a bit lower power, the older HW35s were ~10ftlb.
Welcome back Nigel. great vid, How about a vid of your HW80 please. Seem to remember seeing you talking about it on some old VHS thing i had years ago.
Hi Angof - man of many pasties (and Cornish brews)! That HW80 was also a Blocksidge-engraved special, which wore a tiger mahogany Gary Cane stock. It was one of two HWs - the other being a 77 - commissioned and the owner of that one pestered me so much that I eventually caved him and sold my 80 so that he had the 'pair'. I think that was the reason why I commissioned the HW35E for my 50th... BTW, the VHS you recall was the Total Airguns video the Air Gunner/Airgun World team produced back in the 1990s!!!
Still got that VHS kicking around somewhere and of course the two John Darling tapes which i still love watching.
`bout bloody time, Oh, & it`s a 1962 Airsporter, since you asked! great review
+1066wastrel Yeah... apologies for the delay (due to reasons beyond my control). 1962 Beeza - NICE!!!
Yeah, it is a goody, a product of high quality, that one can inherit for generations. 👍🙏
I want one of these !! I'll take mine in .177, and if I could have it run at around 11 ft/lbs with JSB 8.44 gr. pellets, that would be perfect. I need to see how I can get one here in the USA.
Good watch that. Had a standard HW35 .22 for my 18th back in '88. Really loved the gun, tempted to get myself an Export despite having a beautiful HW77 .177 Green Laminate. Great break barrel rifle the HW35.
Give in to temptation, Scotty - I'm certainly glad I did!!! :D
Bonjour.
After watching this great démonstration I went off and bought one.
Absolutely lovely!
Often wondered why you went away . Your original enthusiasm started my intrigue for airguns , first modern , now classic . I do hope you don't run off again !
Hi Grunter. Thanks for your very kind comment there. Yeah... sorry about AirgunTV going 'off air'. It wasn't me 'running off'; more me getting 'muzzled' I'm afraid. Still, now I'm able to fire up AirgunTV again, and your support will help re-establish the channel back to the prominent position it once was (though a lot more airgun channels have set up in the last three years, many of them very good). As long as you guys keep supporting the channel, by liking, subbing, sharing etc., then I'm more than happy to spend my free time putting airgun videos up. And, hopefully, UA-cam will start to push AirgunTV back up the rankings again. I'm glad my enthusiasm was able to spark yours. :) ATVB - Nige
After watching this , I know I'll be back here as often as the other related channels . Re- subbed .
+Grunter Thanks Grunter!
Great video and stunning rifle. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks dullbrass. It is a stunning rifle - I hope all its intricate engraving, superb blueing etc. showed up in the vid...
I'd say it did. At least you've got me totally jealous :)
Love the 35, I have about 12 currently, only 2 running.
I was shooting air rifles at 7 and next year I am 60 and my dad bought me a hw35 when I was 10 and it was a great rifle but I do not have it now wish I still had a great video of a great air rifle
Thanks, Stephen. Why not turn those fond memories back into reality? The HW35 is still in the Weihrauch line-up - treat yourself to a belated 60th birthday pressie (like I did for my 50th)... and pay homage to the halcyon days of your childhood. And perhaps it could also be a fitting tribute to your father?
thank you for the nice comments that has giving me an idea I might just do that a great tribute to my dad.
yes its me just a diff picture and a diff account but its still me I bought one just for the great mems I had with my dad and its just like I have gone back 50 years shoots the same feels the same and is as accurate as my last one but only wishing my dad could have seen this but I like feel as he is beside me shooting the great hw35e again
I'll be using it for sure. I'm not adding a scope to it I'm going back to basics with this one.
I got a custom 80k by lsd and it is stunning your 35s very nice indeed you're a man of taste 👍👍
Stunning looking rifle.
Just got a 1980 from my mate I'm going to replace the seals an polish the internals. Any advice?
+shy guy The inner cylinder works best with cross-hatching... and swap the seal for a synthetic one if it is leather. Also, don't have the piston seal too tight a fit.
Hi, great review. Where did you get your shorter barrel it looks amazing and so much more quieter than my hw 35kls Even with silencer
+thebat502 thanks. V-Mach shortened it...
Great video Sir.
Can you post the process of getting a bespoke gun like this completed?
I had a HW 35 L Sporter, around 1977... $100, US, Walnut stock, cut pistol grip Checkering . It was imported by Ladd Fanta, in La Crescenta, CA. It was a quality built air rifle. I seem to recall it shot best with RWS or H&N match grade pellets. I think the H&N had softer lead skirt, that sealed the bore very, very well. Lion Zet's were very good too, from Japan. A great air rifle, but never as reliable for hunting or with stopping power on cotton tailed rabbits or ground squirrels or crows as my Benjamin 342 with 8 pumps. The Benjamin was far more accurate, too, once I worked the crude trigger on the Benjamin for a lighter release. Downside was the pneumatic Benjamin was noisy on discharge. I miss those simple days.
Hi- I have a question regarding the breech lockup/latch(in reference to Brent Hall's question). When the latch is pushed forward allowing the breech to open, partially exposing the loading port, it appears that there is still contact between the latch end and the breech face. So, when the gun is then cocked, is there sufficient contact pressure to eventually wear a groove in the breech face, similar to not sliding the latch forward when closing the barrel ? Thanks for a great review, by the way!!
+Steven Wright It would touch, but not enough to wear a groove (as does happen if you don't take up some tension during the opening operation)
just inherited a HW35 1980 not been fired in about 20 years anything i should look out for in leather case looks to be in great condition. thanks Ray
Great stuff, Mudfisher1. If it hasn't been fired for that length of time, it's probably 'dried out' internally - which won't be great news if it's still fitted with a leather piston washer (they changed to Neoprene around 1980, so you could have either one). Split the wood and metal, and inspect the spring through the cocking slot. If the coils looks dry, I'd pack some fresh moly grease in there. Minute molecules will ultimately re-line the walls of the inner cylinder with lubricant which will get things running better, especially once some gets in front of the piston to relubricate the piston washer (regardless of its material). I'd also make sure that the rifle gets a good wipe-over with an oily rag to stop rust from building up, and to re-nourish the blued metalwork. Daub some moly around the breech jaws, and the barrel catch too. If the gun sounds noisy on firing (even after some fresh grease), then it would probably be best to have a qualified gunsmith take look at it. HTH, Nige
i got a hw50s in 22 this past march 2018,, i as well have a hawke scope on mine,, i love my weihrauch
I have a HW35 and a HW50 too! I use Hawke Airmax and Panorama Scopes. A really great combination :-) Wish you all the Best!
thank-you
Really cool video! 😃 very high quality!!
Boah, Andy. Ich treffe dich auch überall. Hast du kein Zuhause?😂
haha du bist lustig :-D Nein... ich bin überall zuhause ;-)
Love what you did to your gun. I own the new version in walnut. I much prefer the older beech stocks. Great video Sir, new subscriber!
Welcome back Nige and AirgunTV.
Thanks Duke. It's been a LOOOOOONNNNNGGGGG time!!! ;) (And for those who are wondering, I rather had my hands tied over the past few years when it came to producing videos on this channel... and I don't mean in handcuffs!)
I must had missed it, but what type of rings did you use for the scope?
Well I have 3 hw,s the 95k,77,99s good video ile have a look at the 35
Nice to see you back !! And what a rifle to open with, lovely piece. Was that a picture at the end of you then and now, you haven't changed a bit lol. ATB Phil.
Thanks, thanks... and, erm... thanks! That was an Italian Paratrooper jacket I picked up at the local Army & Navy surplus store - I stalked and ambushed a lot of quarry in it. The brown trousers were picked up at a jumble sale for two pence (meant I had more for pellets!) and when I think back to the number of corvids I used to shoot in my teenage years, in that outfit, it does rather highlight that all these modern-day camouflage patterns probably aren't needed. It's good old field craft that's important...
AirgunTV Could not agree more, I had the same jacket in the 70s worn with british light trousers and got the job done just fine, I think attitudes changed mid to late 80s on the perfect way to dress when out after the foe of legend, the pigeon !
Lyn Lewington sorted out my battered TX200 internals. The stock may be pish but it shoots as sweet as a nut.
Jamal Tyrone Most guns will after Lyn has worked his magic on them, Jamal! Mind you, I'm surprised to hear your TX had 'battered internals' - that's one of the best off-the-shelf springers you can buy in terms of its engineering quality.... And for that matter, I also think the TX200 stock is much better than you describe!!!!
its good to see you back ! will you do a review for phoenix?
Thanks, Mughram. Yes, I'm planning to do a review of my Phoenix Mk2 Carbine... probably one of the nicest air rifles NOT to 'take the world by storm'! One day, they WILL be highly sought after, I'm sure. Mine's s/n 0001 - and it has my name on the breech! Keep watching...
BSA MERCURY MK3(79-83) mine was .177 and back in the day (81) all my friends had HW35s and HW80s Original45 and FWB SPORT. All these were great guns and for power accuracy and reliability the mercury held its own.
lovely rifle that mate. my favourite springer if now a fwb 127 with a drop in kit from lyn. before that it was my hw80 that i regret selling on. my fave pcp has to be my hw100 k in a sporter stock. i bought it new quite a few years back and its my go to rifle above all.
Thanks, David. I had a string of FWB Sports over the years. Ironically, I had one for my 21st... which I've still got (and which, coincidentally, Lyn also worked on after the original seal 'crumbled'). If I'm honest, if I'd know about FWB's 2013 Sport model - which wasn't around when I commissioned the HW35E for my 50th birthday present - I'd have probably opted for that. Back in their day, the two guns I most drooled over were the HW35E and FWB Sport. Maybe I ought to do a head-to-head shoot-out between my FWB 124 'Mastersport' (Airmasters) vs. my HW35E (V-Mach/ARC)?
What do other AirgunTV viewers reckon...?
So beautiful!
Great video, thank you
I have one of the original ones but when I got it back out I only have the barrel 😕
Fun review. But I did chuckle when you mentioned it's weight as being "heavy" try walking in the field with a BSA Mk3 International. There's heavy and there's "Heavy" Nice Air rifle (the HW35)
Wow this 35E turned into an amazing colletors item.
Beautiful Rifle - still the best from the Weihrauch Stable. And great reivew.
+Ranjeet Singh Thank you...