Springers.... let's try to spec the perfect.one...

[Kragman1]

They say that the time of springers is over.

I disagree. I really think that it's a great era to be shooting springers. There are many excellent new production rifles available, and an even bigger selection of great springers that are out of production but readily available used. And for the most part, all the bits and pieces to keep them going.

But that support network IS a little thin, and it won't last forever. Even so, I am passionate about springers, to the point where I can see the good in almost any of them. I suppose that makes me a romantic.

Case in point - I bought a Hungarian (FEG made) LG 457 at the Carlisle show. Its a silly little 10 fpe .22 break barrel, very "agricultural" with the looks only a mother could love. But I think it looks fine and I'm happy to own it. Excited to shoot it even.

It got me thinking about what I would design if I wanted the ideal springer. I don't mean anything specialized like the 10M guns, etc.
But a truly ideal rifle.

What tradeoffs would I make?
Power vs weight, quality vs cost, etc.

So I decided to put the question out there while I mull over my own answer.

How would you spec YOUR ideal, general use springer?
And, what's the closest comp to it that exists?




The LG457, for the curious....

 

[JimT66]

Not a terrible looking little springer. If it shoots pellets reliably, I like em all.

 

[Roamin Greco 1]

Me too. Like them all. Adjustable trigger is a must. I've been shooting a Diana 24 J lately, but the older 25s are in the Goldilocks range, too.

 

[Danman]

Underlever, heavy-ish, medium power (12 to 15fpe), well built, .177 or .20cal with a wood stock (mayyybeee laminate), good adjustable trigger, rubber buttpad (sorry slavia). As far as I'm concerned the ProSport, TX200, and HW97 all fit the bill perfectly. Some people gripe about the TXs 'slow loading' but I've been pesting with it inside 40Y for a solid month now and I can do it without looking, and quick enough for a follow up shot if needed, actually surprised myself. Simple to service, parts are still thankfully around, plenty of aftermarket support too. As accurate as Spring guns can be, I get 3/4in or smaller 10shot groups at 30Y consistently (most times I shoot it, as long as I don't screw it up or get that odd flier!)

 

[Farmplinker2]

Depends on the use. Hunting and heavy duty plinking or pesting? 10-15 ft-lbs, heavy in .22 or possibly 20. Lightweight plinking and close pesting? .177 6-10 ft-lbs.
And manufacturers? PLEASE put more picatinny rails on for.scope mounting! And more guns with factory peep sights!

 

[Roamin Greco 1]

If there is one aspect of spring guns that can be universally improved, it is the way scopes can be mounted. I bought a used Diana 350 Magnum in .22. Off the bench, it amazingly does not buzz and shoots very tight groups, even without the "artillery hold," so I'm thinking it must have been tuned. It came with a UTG drooper adaptor that clamped onto the dovetail rail to adapt it to a picatinny / weaver rail (how can one tell?). But with the rings, the scope is so high, I can't get a good cheek weld. It would have been perfect if the original rail was picatinny (like the Sig ASP20) or if it had an adjustable stock to get my face higher.

 

[Jaabaa]

I won't argue the springers can be challenging.
I enjoy that. But at the end of the day, I spend the most time with those. I've ruined a few cheap scopes. And I always make sure to check them on the Diana Chaser before I throw them away or send them back. I'm to old to pump and not smart enough to even want to enter PCP or all the hardware that goes with it. I do like watching the PCP videos some of the conversations are more about shooting than the gun.
And I would like to see more picatinny rails also.
It's 2025

 

[JimT66]

I won't argue the springers can be challenging.
I enjoy that. But at the end of the day, I spend the most time with those. I've ruined a few cheap scopes. And I always make sure to check them on the Diana Chaser before I throw them away or send them back. I'm to old to pump and not smart enough to even want to enter PCP or all the hardware that goes with it. I do like watching the PCP videos some of the conversations are more about shooting than the gun.
And I would like to see more picatinny rails also.
It's 2025

Ahhh, you not to old Jaabaa. Bet you could jump right into a small pcp and a cheap electric pump, and be in hog heaven with it in minutes, wondering why you didn't try this before.

 

[PapaT]

I don't know what too old for a pumper is, but that's what my dad said when he gave me his strike point too. He just enjoys his pcps with an occasional side of springer. More pumpers for me.

 

[Florida_Man]

I’ve shot a few of my friends magnum springs, nope. I had a model 48 RWS, not bad. Now I have a Beeman R7. I prefer my springer low power. I don’t see myself going more powerful than a HW50. I shoot PCP also, so if I need power I prefer that route. I like to keep my springers easy to shoot.

 

[Scriv]

As far a specs go my HW97K in .20 really looks right with it's element 4-16 scope. But to be honest the HW50S gets taken out of the rack even more often.

 

[Madhatter]

I'd say the Diana 54 if it was about 2-3 lbs lighter.

 

[Scriv]

Ok, enough of my half hearted attempt. HW97K, super tune w/vortek kit in .20 cal. Dampa mount with element Helix 4-16 FFP scope. I'm guessing that this will be my flagship springer for a while.