Break Barrel Simple question, is the HW97K more difficult to cock than the HW50S?

[ernroe]

I am trying to decide if I want to add an underlever to my air gun collection. I would like input from members that have experience with both models so I can make an informed decision. I have a HW50 and a HW30, and as y'all know the HW30 is much easier to cock that the HW50. I don't have any trouble with the 50, but at 79 I am not sure I want to buy something that I won't enjoy using.

 

[dunz]

Sorry I don't have either but, i believe HAM has reviews on both which includes cocking effort.

 

[Danman]

I am trying to decide if I want to add an underlever to my air gun collection. I would like input from members that have experience with both models so I can make an informed decision. I have a HW50 and a HW30, and as y'all know the HW30 is much easier to cock that the HW50. I don't have any trouble with the 50, but at 79 I am not sure I want to buy something that I won't enjoy using.

I gaurantee the 50 will cock easier the the Hw97. Not so much the cocking effort but the way you have to do it. My TX200 is a tad cumbersome as you have to squish your finger in between the levers, pop it off the detent, grab the (short) underlever firmly and cock it back fairly hard. Loading a pellet is also a bit more difficult too....if you know anyone with an underlever see if they'll let you load it a few times!? I love it, but it's a slightly different process for sure vs a break barrel. My Tx200 showed up about the same time I got Tennis elbow (one arm after the other) and It became difficult FAST....all i could take was about an hour of shooting it. After plenty of physio, rest, switching jobs at work the TX became part of my physical therapy

Lastly, if you get one and it is too much for you, a 12fpe spring swap/tune would make it easier to cock and shoot for sure.

 

[Jaabaa]

I am trying to decide if I want to add an underlever to my air gun collection. I would like input from members that have experience with both models so I can make an informed decision. I have a HW50 and a HW30, and as y'all know the HW30 is much easier to cock that the HW50. I don't have any trouble with the 50, but at 79 I am not sure I want to buy something that I won't enjoy using.

That's what I have. I'm not willing to raise a 10 pound rifle every time I want to cock it on the 97
That's without the scope. So I've been thinking to pass on it. The 50 is great, love it. But the 30 I can shoot all day.

 

[Hunter]

Let me start by saying that I am 74 years old. I bought an HW77K in 1986, my first springer. It currently has a 1 year old Vortek HO kit and that did increase the cocking effort over the factory spring. Unless I rebuild it with a 12 ft lb kit I likely will not be shooting it 5 years from now, and probably even sooner.. It has already become much more enjoyable to shot the HW50 and even more so my 2 month old HW30N. BTW Jaabaa is on target regarding the extra weight of the HWs.

 

[Jaabaa]

Let me start by saying that I am 74 years old. I bought an HW77K in 1986, my first springer. It currently has a 1 year old Vortek HO kit and that did increase the cocking effort over the factory spring. Unless I rebuild it with a 12 ft lb kit I likely will not be shooting it 5 years from now, and probably even sooner.. It has already become much more enjoyable to shot the HW50 and even more so my 2 month old HW30N. BTW Jaabaa is on target regarding the extra weight of the HWs.

I'm only 62 and have a partial disability with my back.(It hurts leaning forward )I'm thinking ahead now hoping ...as long as I can see I hope to be able to shoot. The break barrels are a slow methodical workout usually that makes me feel good to start the day.
I(we) would love to have the HW97k
But not to just look at and never shoot.
Whatever you decided I'm probably following you.

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

Well, since we're all telling our ages, mentally I'm in the 12 year old range, or so I've been told many times by my wife. Now, truthfully, I'm 77 years old. I'm also physically challenged, having but one leg. My 12 year old self says "at least you've a leg to stand on". Yes, quite right. Now back to the question at hand. I regularly shoot my underlever, springer rifles. What I have is a TX200 & a HW97K, each in .22 cal. Yes indeed, there is some effort in cocking them. My TX200 requires 29 lb of effort to cock, while my HW97K requires 36 lb. of effort. After 3 or 4 hours of shooting from a front bag, I've exerted some energy. After shooting and placing targets at 25 and 50 yards, I feel good about my moderate workout. Pack up the rifles and pellets and its back to the house. At 77 years, I deserve a bit of a rest. I intend to be shooting and caring for my collection of airguns for the forseeable future. Orv.
,

 

[ernroe]

I shot my HW50 and 30 today and have decided to forget about an underlever Springer. They are the only 2 springers that I need. I do appreciate the input and interest y’all have taken in this.

 

[jps2486]

I'm 85 years old and have re-sprung all my rifles to 12 fpe. They are much more enjoyable to shoot. I have a TX200, HW95 and HW35. Keep cocking boys. You'll improve your strength.

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

I shot my HW50 and 30 today and have decided to forget about an underlever Springer. They are the only 2 springers that I need. I do appreciate the input and interest y’all have taken in this.

I'm a springer guy, all the way. I enjoy springers, which I can easily work on tuning and maintaining, all for far less than the price of a moderately priced pcp. Anybody can shoot a pcp, a springer takes some real skill to shoot. . . something this old man takes a bit of pride in. To each his own, but I'm afraid of what would happen if I went down the rabbit hole. $$$$$ Orv.

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

That's what I have. I'm not willing to raise a 10 pound rifle every time I want to cock it on the 97
That's without the scope. So I've been thinking to pass on it. The 50 is great, love it. But the 30 I can shoot all day.

My HW97K. with a walnut stock in .22 cal. and without a scope weighs in at 9.3 lb. Yes, its rather heavy, but I primarily shoot off a front bag or off the peg. Shooting this way is certainly not daunting for this old guy. Having the two (TX200 & HW97K) most accurate spring powered rifles gives me a degree of pride in my craft. Orv.

 

[Spaceboyjeffy]

I am trying to decide if I want to add an underlever to my air gun collection. I would like input from members that have experience with both models so I can make an informed decision. I have a HW50 and a HW30, and as y'all know the HW30 is much easier to cock that the HW50. I don't have any trouble with the 50, but at 79 I am not sure I want to buy something that I won't enjoy using.

Sounds like a good choice for you is also a Walther LGU synthetic stock (lighter weight) or several other HW underlevers (57 (lighter weight) or 77) and then consider a 12 ft-lb Vortek spring replacement if a 77. An HW97K might be a good choice if not too heavy. The Vortek 12 ft-lb Vortek spring (get Vortek seal too) will fit both the HW77 and HW97K. The HW57 likely would not need a different spring regardless as it's a lesser power rifle already. ...Your ol' pal....Jeff

 

[ernroe]

Sounds like a good choice for you is also a Walther LGU synthetic stock (lighter weight) or several other HW underlevers (57 (lighter weight) or 77) and then consider a 12 ft-lb Vortek spring replacement if a 77. An HW97K might be a good choice if not too heavy. The Vortek 12 ft-lb Vortek spring (get Vortek seal too) will fit both the HW77 and HW97K. The HW57 likely would not need a different spring regardless as it's a lesser power rifle already. ...Your ol' pal....Jeff

Hey Jeff, it is good to talk to you. I am going to PM you about another matter.
Ernie