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Hunting Search for a springer rifle for vermin control

N

NRWJ

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I am just starting the search for a springer for the control of vermin around my buildings,
Intending to visit a local gunsmiths this afternoon my initial thought are hw97 or hw98.
Really want to see what they are like when I shoulder them. Unfortunately I have had operations on my arms so therefore must not be too heavy.
Any advice would be appreciated I will try to keep you informed on my progress
 
You're doing the right thing by going to your RFD to try a few for size/weight.

Is your heart set on a springer? I don't hunt/pest but a few pals have told me they found PCP night & day better - the rats didn't scatter with noise, so theyd take 2 or sometimes 3 stood near eachother. Budget PCPs are still very good (I have a gamo gx40 and a reximex lyra K, both very capable) and you could set yourself up with one of those and an electric compressor to fill it, for less than the price of a new weirauch.

Just putting the idea out there.
 
2506sendero said:
Great choice, i have 2, but fairly stout to cock with the short barrel, and OP may struggle if he has arm issues :)
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Yeah got to agree with you ... personally, with those set of circumstances,I'd take a pcp with me. Reason being, how many shots would you get away on a nights hunt? More than 2 mags? besides you can reload during a lull.👍
 
Just returned home, thanks for all your input,
A bit of a surprise the 2 I had considered I felt are too heavy for what I need. The other surprise was the. 22 seems a lot smother than the .177.
I am now considering the sights not really interested in one which is too large to upset the balance increase weight.
 
NRWJ said:
Just returned home, thanks for all your input,
A bit of a surprise the 2 I had considered I felt are too heavy for what I need. The other surprise was the. 22 seems a lot smother than the .177.
I am now considering the sights not really interested in one which is too large to upset the balance increase weight.
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0.22" pellets have a larger surface area than 0.177" therefore require lower air pressure to get them moving; hence 0.177" rifles feel 'snappier' than the gentleman's calibre
 
Any half decent springer will take out normal vermin. Honestly, I'd try something more down-market, or used, before going to the top of the range. HW's are great but they are heavy (and costly). My go-to vermin rifle is an elderly Webley. It has plenty of power, is easy to use, accurate, and was a fraction of the price of a new HW. Think about that later when you really know what you want. Also, CO2 rifles are much lighter than springers and have no recoil, so may be worth a thought if you want something easy to handle.
 
Thanks I have been using a bsa meteor. 177 since I was 13 and it's still capable of a clean kill at 30 metres but think it's time for a upgrade.
 
NRWJ said:
Thanks I have been using a bsa meteor. 177 since I was 13 and it's still capable of a clean kill at 30 metres but think it's time for a upgrade.
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OK. You know what you are looking for. Enjoy makimg your choice.
 
If you can find one id recommend the P15 in either .22 or .177 , excellent light weight rifle , ive the .177 and nearly on a par with my hw100 , id have a .22 if i could find one for reet money , be interesting to see what you purchase (y)
 
Been looking at sights and am thinking of a richter 4 x 40 although I think that the mounts let it down has anyone experience of one
 
Sam the man said:
If you can find one id recommend the P15 in either .22 or .177 , excellent light weight rifle , ive the .177 and nearly on a par with my hw100 , id have a .22 if i could find one for reet money , be interesting to see what you purchase (y)
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I definitely will post when I finally bite the bullet sorry for the pun
 
NRWJ said:
Thanks I have been using a bsa meteor. 177 since I wdo weihrauchas 13 and it's still capable of a clean kill at 30 metres but think it's time for a upgrade.
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The HW99 can be a very good hunting rifle but comes exceedingly rough out the box.
Stiff spring and tight rivet in linkage will initially make it hard to cock. Which together with burrs from production , do Weihrauch no favours for the price now asked for a new gun.
A softer spring and a little fettle transforms the rifle into an accurate light weight hunting rifle with minimal recoil in either 177 or 22 calibre.
One RFD shortens barrel adds a silencer, does fettle and successfully markets with a waiting list and a premium price.
Don't rush to buy.
Once you have 50 plus posts and access to sales,, put up a wanted ad, and see what forum members have to offer.
With 27 posts you are halfway there.
 
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