I’ve tried 3 times to buy the HW50S version like this and they are always out of stock and I end up buying something else. This one is in stock but I just bought something 2 weeks ago.
Depending on what you do is the difference. The 98 is better off the bench because of the weight. Springers do better and shoot easier with more weight. Carrying around the woods is a different story. I guess I'm getting older as I used to carry around a RX-1 all day long and never complain.
I do the same. I just take them off before I shoot. I do need them (2.5x) here as well, but I do find it really throws the scope off to sight it in with readers.
It's in a different class because it is a nicer airgun. Same trigger, same power plant inside. It is heavier, which help recoil. The barrel is threaded, but so is the HW95 scope combo as well.
Pics have been a must for a long time. 3x harder to sell without pics and credibility. I don't come here that often, but listening to people who want every safeguard possible to the point that no-one wants to sell doesn't seem to be working. Plus, the 100-point thing is a deal breaker for many.
Cabelas and Bass Pro used to send catalogs to my dad back in the late 80's when I was a teenager. I always wanted a RWS 34 or a 48, but I needed a car, so that took priority. When I got out of the Navy and moved back to TN, one of the first things I did was buy a Beeman R-1 .20cal. I'm not sure...