Yes, nice little Christmas purchase from these hallowed pages.
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the Daily hi thread
My collection
- Thread starter BrettMRC
- Start date
BSA Light Pattern Standard .177 was too cheap to miss...
Got bored and asked AI to give it's opinion on the current collection! 
Thermal rig number two and an absolute monster of a setup. Infiray thermal combined with multiple optic options makes this a serious night rig. DonnyFL Koi rounds it off beautifully.
No. 638 of 1000. A celebratory rifle that still shoots like a proper Weihrauch. The Hawke Fast Mount 4× keeps it light and nimble.
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A beautifully representative example of BSA’s lightweight sporting philosophy, and one of the most honest rifles in the collection. The Light Pattern Standard is all about balance and immediacy — slim through the action, quick to the shoulder, and completely unpretentious. At .177 it feels lively rather than snappy, encouraging good technique without punishing lapses too harshly.
What makes this one particularly appealing is how unaltered it feels: no excess mass, no unnecessary adornment, just blued steel and wood doing exactly what they should. It’s the kind of rifle that reminds you why people fell in love with air rifles in the first place. Best suited to open sights or a very lightweight optic if you ever choose to add one — anything heavier would spoil the rifle’s defining characteristic: its effortless handling.
This is not a project gun and shouldn’t become one. Its value is in restraint.
What stands out most is how usable it is. The proportions are right, the balance is natural, and it has that familiar BSA firing feel — a little movement, a little noise, but nothing unpleasant. It’s not trying to be refined in a modern sense, and that’s part of the appeal. This is a rifle you shoot with, not through.
Best kept sensibly scoped or even iron-sighted depending on mood. It’s a rifle that earns its place through feel rather than numbers, and one that quietly grows on you the more time you spend with it.
Out of the box, it’s competent rather than polished — the sort of rifle that benefits from careful setup, thoughtful scope choice, and time behind the trigger. Once dialled in, it promises to be dependable and predictable, which is ultimately what a rifle like this is for. There’s no pretence of collector value here, and that’s a strength rather than a weakness.
Best paired with modest glass — something clear and practical rather than tactical — and used as a yardstick for what “basic PCP done right” feels like. A sensible addition that fills a gap rather than chasing admiration.
1. Weihrauch HW98 (.22, spring)
A heavily developed HW98 that sits right on the line between competition springer and indulgent engineering exercise. The full TBT short-stroke kit and Aussie breech transform the firing cycle into something unusually crisp for a big underlever, while the Daviesbuilt green laminate stock gives it real presence. With the Primary Arms 4-16×44, it’s set up as a deliberate, thoughtful shooter rather than a fast plinker. A very “finished” rifle — nothing left to improve without changing its character.2. Weihrauch HW77 (.25, spring)
A rare and slightly perverse configuration that works far better than it has any right to. The Forest Green laminate stock modernises the look, while Duncan’s strip and tune keeps the big piston civilised. The 1–6× Primary Arms optic is a smart choice: low magnification suits the trajectory realities of .25 springers. This is not about ultimate precision — it’s about authority and mechanical satisfaction.3. Weihrauch HW35E (.177, spring)
A deeply sentimental rifle and completely non-negotiable in terms of ownership. Built in 1975 and clearly loved, this is old-school Weihrauch at its best: elegant lock-up, superb trigger feel, and a gentle shooting cycle by modern standards. The Hawke Airmax suits it well without over-modernising it. This is not a “project” — it’s a memory in steel and wood.4. Skan AR Mk2 (.22, PCP)
A quiet workhorse PCP with family history attached. Unflashy but competent, and one of those rifles that grows on you precisely because it doesn’t demand attention. The Primary Arms prism optic suits its straightforward nature well. Probably never going anywhere, even if it’s not the most exciting rifle you own.5. Webley Tempest (.22, spring pistol)
Your dad’s pistol, full stop. Heavy, agricultural, and utterly uncompromising. Open sights only, as God and Webley intended. Not comfortable, not forgiving — but full of character. The sort of gun that teaches respect very quickly.6. Beeman 2016S (.22, spring)
A genuinely interesting rarity as a dual-calibre gun, and made much better by the Frog tune. It had that annoying power drop in summer 2023, but even so it remains a charming oddity. Compact, lively, and best enjoyed as a mechanical curiosity rather than a numbers machine. The Hawke 1–4× IR scope fits the vibe nicely.7. ISP Spartan (.22, PCP)
The crown jewel. A bespoke Ivan & Shaun build with titanium internals, serial number 17, and genuinely rare status. The Zeiss Conquest V4 is exactly the right optic — serious glass for a serious rifle. This is not a casual shooter; it’s a reference piece, a benchmark against which other PCPs are judged. Its value isn’t just monetary — it represents peak execution.8. BSA Meteor (.22, spring)
Rough, honest, and unapologetically basic. The Simmons scope shaped like a 50p is almost a parody, but somehow it fits the rifle’s personality. Labeled “Janes” for a reason — this is not a precision instrument, it’s nostalgia with a trigger.9. RWS Rapier (.22, PCP)
An excellent-condition two-shot Rapier that shows how good early PCPs could be when done properly. The Hakko Electro Dot keeps things lightweight and fast. Add the small moderator and you’ve got a classy, understated rifle that rewards calm shooting.10. Weihrauch HW80 (.25, spring)
A monster, and proudly so. Special-ordered and long awaited, this is a statement springer. The Primary Arms 1–6× optic keeps it usable despite the recoil, and the sheer presence of the rifle makes every shot feel significant. Not subtle, not forgiving — but immensely satisfying.11. AirMaks Katran CB (.177, PCP)
Modern, modular, and very well executed. The Element Helix FFP scope matches the rifle’s precision-oriented design, while the SAK moderator keeps it civil. Blue laminate stock adds just enough personality. A practical, accurate tool that doesn’t feel soulless.12. Weihrauch HW45 Bronze Star (.22, spring pistol)
A beautiful brute. The Bronze Star finish elevates it beyond mere utility, and in .22 it has genuine thump. It’s not forgiving, but it’s deeply rewarding once mastered. A pistol you work with, not one that flatters you.13. SMK CP1 (.25, CO₂)
Surprisingly good fun and far better than it has any right to be. The Hawke prism suits it perfectly, and the reminder to always remove the CO₂ bulb speaks from experience. Not refined, but entertaining.14. Weihrauch HW90K (.177, gas ram)
A modernised powerhouse with CS500 walnut and DM80 barrel weight. The Nikko Stirling Diamond FFP is arguably overkill — but in a good way. Currently away for repair, which is frustrating, but once sorted this will be stunning again.15. Weihrauch HW35E (.177, spring – SFS)
A newer take on a classic, sourced from SFS. Still retains the charm of the original E-model but with improved consistency. No optic fitted — and honestly, it doesn’t need one.16. SFS Mk2 Imp (.22, spring)
Tony-tuned and fitted with a hushwell moderator, this is a refined little springer that punches above its weight. Wearing the HW50 stock was a clever move. Quiet, smooth, and genuinely pleasant to shoot.17. Weihrauch HW77 (.20, spring)
One of the best-balanced rifles in the collection. The .20 calibre suits the HW77 perfectly, and the Hawke Endurance 4–16× is spot on. Arrived July 2024 and immediately felt “right”. A keeper.18. AirMaks Caiman X (.25, PCP)
Compact, aggressive, and extremely capable. Dual DonnyFL and Frog moderators give you tuning flexibility, and the 1–5× Primary Arms scope matches the rifle’s fast-handling nature. A serious hunting-style PCP with real bite.19. BSA Scorpion (.22, PCP)
A classic British PCP with a camo stock that leans into its utilitarian roots. The BSA Essential scope is perfectly adequate. Not glamorous, but dependable and familiar.20. BSA Super Sport (.25, spring)
Big calibre, modest expectations, and lots of fun. Not refined, not subtle — but enjoyable in a way only big-bore springers can be.21. BSA Airsporter Mk6 (.22, spring)
Gloriously twangy and unapologetically old school. The Leupold 2–7× is a surprisingly classy match. Serial GL46992 adds to its character. You don’t tame this rifle — you ride it.22. Webley MkIII (.22, spring)
Hard to cock and proud of it. Open sights only, and absolutely no concessions to comfort. A proper old Webley that demands effort and rewards stubbornness.23. Webley Excel (.177, spring)
Notable mostly for injuring you — which says everything. The Nikko Stirling Gold Crown is decent, but this rifle has attitude. Respect it or bleed.24. Falcon FN12 (.25, PCP)
A sleeper hit. Acquired with extra parts and quietly competent. The fixed 4× Interoptics scope keeps it honest. Simple, effective, and easy to like.25. Weihrauch HW45 Black Star (.177, spring pistol)
Less visually dramatic than the Bronze Star, but arguably easier to live with. Surprisingly good shooter, and a reminder that HW45s don’t need embellishment to impress.26. BSA Super Sport (.177, spring)
Lighter and quicker than its .25 sibling. Serial AR07046. Straightforward, enjoyable, and uncomplicated.27. BSA Super Sport (.22, spring)
The middle ground version. Serial DS64193. Does exactly what it says on the tin.28. Webley Excel (.22, spring)
Unremarkable but honest. Glossy Nikko 4× keeps it period-appropriate.29. RWS Excalibre (.22, PCP)
Rough auction find with a Frog carbon moderator. Needs work, but there’s something satisfying about rescuing it. Not pretty — but promising.30. Air Arms ProSport (.22, spring)
A refined classic with excellent balance and a stunning tiger striped stock. The Hawke Vantage suits it well. Elegant, restrained, and very “Air Arms”.31. FX T12 (.177, PCP)
Compact and capable, though currently hampered by a bolt issue. The Hawke Sidewinder is more scope than it strictly needs, but once repaired this will be a cracking little rig.32. Weihrauch HW77 (.177, spring)
Another HW77 because of course there is. Well-sorted and reliable, wearing a Hawke Vantage. Familiar and dependable.33. Daystate Huntsman (.20, PCP)
Rare early batch .20 calibre — one of only ten. The Hawke Endurance and Duncan moderator make it a classy, restrained hunting PCP. Subtle and special.34. Anschütz 335 (.177, spring)
Underpowered at 4.9 ft/lb on purchase, but beautifully made and now sorted by Frog. A precision instrument rather than a powerhouse. From SGC and worth sympathetic tuning.35. Webley Tracker (.22, spring)
Rough and needy, but full of potential. Purchased in the West Midlands and very much a “one day” project.36. RWS LR25 (.22, PCP)
Purchased October 2025. Still settling in. Plenty of promise once properly scoped and set up.37. Crosman 1077 (.177, CO₂)
A fun experiment. Prism sight gives it a tactical edge, but accuracy will decide its future. Either a keeper or kit-bash fodder.38. AirMaks Katran SC (.22, PCP)
Thermal rig number two and an absolute monster of a setup. Infiray thermal combined with multiple optic options makes this a serious night rig. DonnyFL Koi rounds it off beautifully.
39. Weihrauch HW50 75th Anniversary (.22, spring)
No. 638 of 1000. A celebratory rifle that still shoots like a proper Weihrauch. The Hawke Fast Mount 4× keeps it light and nimble.
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40. BSA Light Pattern Standard (.177, spring)
A beautifully representative example of BSA’s lightweight sporting philosophy, and one of the most honest rifles in the collection. The Light Pattern Standard is all about balance and immediacy — slim through the action, quick to the shoulder, and completely unpretentious. At .177 it feels lively rather than snappy, encouraging good technique without punishing lapses too harshly.
What makes this one particularly appealing is how unaltered it feels: no excess mass, no unnecessary adornment, just blued steel and wood doing exactly what they should. It’s the kind of rifle that reminds you why people fell in love with air rifles in the first place. Best suited to open sights or a very lightweight optic if you ever choose to add one — anything heavier would spoil the rifle’s defining characteristic: its effortless handling.
This is not a project gun and shouldn’t become one. Its value is in restraint.
41. BSA Mercury (.22, spring)
A classic mid-power British springer with exactly the right amount of character. The Mercury occupies a sweet spot between the lighter BSA sporters and the heavier workhorses, and in .22 it delivers a satisfyingly authoritative shot cycle without becoming unruly. Serial Z2476 places it firmly in a period when BSA rifles still felt purposeful and mechanically confident.What stands out most is how usable it is. The proportions are right, the balance is natural, and it has that familiar BSA firing feel — a little movement, a little noise, but nothing unpleasant. It’s not trying to be refined in a modern sense, and that’s part of the appeal. This is a rifle you shoot with, not through.
Best kept sensibly scoped or even iron-sighted depending on mood. It’s a rifle that earns its place through feel rather than numbers, and one that quietly grows on you the more time you spend with it.
42. Stalker Tiger 10 (.22, PCP)
A straightforward, no-nonsense PCP that represents function over fashion. The Tiger 10 doesn’t attempt to impress with innovation or finish; instead, it offers a simple regulated(ish) shooting experience that makes sense as a practical, usable air rifle. In .22 it has enough presence to feel purposeful without crossing into brute-force territory.Out of the box, it’s competent rather than polished — the sort of rifle that benefits from careful setup, thoughtful scope choice, and time behind the trigger. Once dialled in, it promises to be dependable and predictable, which is ultimately what a rifle like this is for. There’s no pretence of collector value here, and that’s a strength rather than a weakness.
Best paired with modest glass — something clear and practical rather than tactical — and used as a yardstick for what “basic PCP done right” feels like. A sensible addition that fills a gap rather than chasing admiration.
...and today's accident: late model BSA Mercury 
Obviously the one thing I was clearly missing was a break-barrel pistol carbine; luckily Hatsan had me covered... today's impulse buy:
Hatsan Supertact .177, have fitted a spare 2-7 leupold scope.
It's a festival of boings, but not unpleasant to shoot at all.
Hatsan Supertact .177, have fitted a spare 2-7 leupold scope.
It's a festival of boings, but not unpleasant to shoot at all.
I should add the foresight was a right ******* to remove. I resorted to a tack hammer!
Hardcore laminate action today
Today's plinkers:
Nice weather for a plink
HW90 back in the fold 
DM80 mod/weight, Nikko platinum scope, stock refinished by Andy E who also did the reblacking and repair.
DM80 mod/weight, Nikko platinum scope, stock refinished by Andy E who also did the reblacking and repair.
In the last few weeks I've moved on two rifles, (the 2024 HW35E and the FX12) and successfully continued my ruthless downsizing by adding:
Nicely tuned Remington pest controller in .177
1989 HW80 in .22, recently refurbished with a decent tune and TBT kit.
1997 Mk1 HW97 with a similar tune, but not the full TBT kit.
...and this morning, a 1981 Mk1 HW80 in .22
Nicely tuned Remington pest controller in .177
1989 HW80 in .22, recently refurbished with a decent tune and TBT kit.
1997 Mk1 HW97 with a similar tune, but not the full TBT kit.
...and this morning, a 1981 Mk1 HW80 in .22
Lemon69
Member Extraordinaire
Very nice rifles 
In the last few weeks I've moved on two rifles, (the 2024 HW35E and the FX12) and successfully continued my ruthless downsizing by adding:
Nicely tuned Remington pest controller in .177
1989 HW80 in .22, recently refurbished with a decent tune and TBT kit.
1997 Mk1 HW97 with a similar tune, but not the full TBT kit.
...and this morning, a 1981 Mk1 HW80 in .22
Glad to see the “Diane Abacus” version of one in-one out is working in your favour
Using a similar system, by Diane’s reckoning, you have Eleventy Four wifles now
Glad to see the “Diane Abacus” version of one in-one out is working in your favour
Using a similar system, by Diane’s reckoning, you have Eleventy Four wifles now
By my latest estimation I have more than 2.
Here's the Remington:
