Inherent disadvantages of break barrel springers

[Ernroe]

It seems to me that the break barrel springer would place undue pressure on the barrel and may cause misalignment of barrel with sights. Also, the stock would get its fair share of stress. I am fairly new to airgunning and only have PCPs, so I could be way off base here. Just interested in the thoughts of people that have a lot of experience with this type springer.

 

[Peddy]

I well set up springer for sub12 generates very little stress on the gun. It’s the plonker using them that causes the damage

 

[junglie2022]

Nope both sighs are on the barrel & they have been around long enough to sort all the faults, just avoid ones with plastic breech blocks.

 

[Pearse]

As long as you choose a model with a solid lockup you'll be fine.

 

[chouchin66]

It seems to me that the break barrel springer would place undue pressure on the barrel and may cause misalignment of barrel with sights. Also, the stock would get its fair share of stress. I am fairly new to airgunning and only have PCPs, so I could be way off base here. Just interested in the thoughts of people that have a lot of experience with this type springer.

I've both sub 12 & FAC springers - no stresses, unless someone stuffs way to much spring into one ( like any other type springer) - a good breakbarrel will still shoot MOA or better, to as far as it needs shot.

 

[Rich79]

Well there's break barrels and there's break barrels for a start, if you pick a cheap one I would worry about lock up consistency, early wear in the pivot/breech jaws etc.
But if you buy a decent one that's been designed properly and manufactured to a high standard then this is stuff you won't have to worry about for a very long time.

 

[Peddy]

Nope both sighs are on the barrel & they have been around long enough to sort all the faults, just avoid ones with plastic breech blocks.

I would normally agree with what you say about plastic breeches, but I remember owning a hatsan airtact with one and I was surprised how solid the breech was, it had metal shims so wear wouldn’t be any different than a steel breech.

 

[colinb]

I agree about the plastic. My Gamo simply sagged and never locked up properly. It went back.
Similarly, yes, the break barrel gets "hammered" but comes up smiling. So why is it that if a PCP barrel gets a small tap, the POI goes off as likely as not? I also find the cheaper models need a small sight adjust most times, between finishing one session and starting the next, and it's not due to careless handling.

 

[Backgardenplinker]

Don't think of this as a disadvantage but it's somthing I always notice.

Break barrels generally have less weight than underlevers. More felt recoil and less stability on target (rested)

 

[briane]

get a hw80k its built like a tank

 

[Jimmies]

There will always be a place for a well sorted break barrel - I also think that it gives people a different pleasure from this sport and that is just as important as all out accuracy

 

[crissdee]

Many years ago, I was practicing in my garden for a shoot at Bisley the next day. HW35, shooting like a dream. Just about to wrap up for the day when my grip slipped as I was cocking it, no anti-bear trap. Barrel slammed up into battery, shooting 4 inches high at about 25 yards.......

Never done that since, always keep a grip on the barrel!

 

[crissdee]

Nope both sights are on the barrel

Unless you have a scope...

 

[Rikimaru]

Break barrels are fine. Like anything else price & quality come in to it.

Plastic breech, not a chance. Even with shims you are going to get problems. Plastic is used to reduce costs on cheap guns, so do you think the plastic is going to be a high grade industrial polymer?
Shims move unless locked into place (cheap guns so probably not) and they will wear plastic. Also, securing a barrel into a plastic block, nah, nothing can go wrong there

I have had many Webley Vulcans that use a pin for the barrel pivot (no locking screw). I have two right now with 11 inch carbine barrels. Both shoot under a 5p 5 shot groups at 25 yds in 22 all day long. That is what a well engineered break barrel will do.

Diana are/were renowned for barrel droop on their BB's. Some say it was deliberate, I don't know.

Scopes are usually OK on BB's. I've only had trouble with guns that have slammed the barrel prematurely. The aforementioned Diana guns can have issue.

 

[Renegade2.0]

get a hw80k its built like a tank

Buy a hatsan 135 .30 it fires shells like one too

 

[Whitevanman]

Quality breaker..?..no ,no and no.
No disadvantages if looked after properly.

 

[Whitevanman]

Didn't know you could buy them here...?
I have a .22 135 but never seen the .30 Carnivore advertised or even anyone owning one.

 

[SSH66]

Don't think of this as a disadvantage but it's somthing I always notice.

Break barrels generally have less weight than underlevers. More felt recoil and less stability on target (rested)

Completely agree, I know a TX or HW97 is much better than my break barrel I can't get on with the weight.

 

[Jimmies]

well, I've just bought a HW99 that I will let my 14yo son use and I'm very happy with the material quality on first inspection

 

[Renegade2.0]

A HW35 is the answer or a walther lgv.
My HW35 .22 was equal to my HW77 but lighter.

Completely agree, I know a TX or HW97 is much better than my break barrel I can't get on with the weight.