.177 Weihrauch HW97KT Synthetic Review

[Pinecrofter]

I picked up this rifle today from Thomas Turner of Reading along with a Bushnell Sportsman 4-12 x 40AO. I chose the synthetic stock basically because it looks damned cool (and I wasn't particularly turned on by the look of the wooden stock of the one I saw in the shop).

Since plenty is known about the conventional HW97K, I'll use this review to highlight the synthetic stock.

I've seen comments that this stock leads to the rifle being front heavy, but this doesn't seem to be the case. Centre of balance is about 4 inches forward of the trigger guard.

The length, muzzle to butt is 40 inches

The weight is roughly 4.3 kilos.

The stock is made out of hard moulded plastic. There's a visible mould line running down the centre line that hasn't been sanded down, but there's no sharp edges anywhere. There's a nice satin finish to most of the stock that's nice and tactile, it certainly doesn't feel tacky like a cheap plastic gun would. When tapped, it sounds as though it's hollow, but it's absolutely rock solid. There are more textured grips along the side of the hand grip (but smooth to the front and rear - see photo) and the sides of the barrel shroud (I don't know what that part of the stock is called, but its the part that your forehand holds). There's no attempt at making this a diamond pattern or any carving that you'd expect to see on wooden stocks. It's just a basic high friction finish on the parts that you need it. Functional and very effective.

However, the plastic is soft enough to show any dents or scratches should the appear. Wood would of course have the same problem, but wouldn't be as obvious as with the plastic and would be easier to deal with. I have the feeling that if the plastic stock got a scratch somehow, you'd just have to live with it. Then again, if you're buying a gun to do a job, then this won't be a problem at all for you, you'd just sand off any sharp jaggies and carry on. Visible defects would be a problem if you're a bit of a poser or have OCD.

At the end of the stock, there's the ubiquitous rubber butt-end which doesn't seem to be adjustable in any way.

The thumbhole stock feels good in the hand and your thumb rests on the finger channel very comfortably. I could happily hold this stock all day long.





The more I hold this rifle, the more I like the feel of it.

Let me know if you have any questions or if I've missed anything out.

[coco]

good review mate i was considering getting one of these but after some trouble i opted with the tx200. good luck with the new gun mate

[The Robin]

Good write up, looks a great bit of kit and i do love the stock on it, enjoy

[jiggy 666]

very nice stock im a tactical stock fan and more of a weihrauch fan too so this rifle is the shizzel

[amaser1]

nice review, great photos

[neil180]

Nice review and a nice looking rifle

[Mark_a]

That would be the perfect rifle for me if only they fitted a Theoben gas ram instead of a spring.

Maybe one day.

Mark

[PAUL1986]

That would be the perfect rifle for me if only they fitted a Theoben gas ram instead of a spring.

Maybe one day.

Mark

how can you even consider fitting a gas strut to such a beautiful rifle?

[PAUL1986]

I have just bought the standard rifle also in 177.
I think the butt pad is adjustable on the wooden thumbhole stock only.
you can head out with your rifle safe in the knowledge that you have in your hands the best spring rifle on the market. closely followed by the 77.
not sure about the synthetic stock as I have always prefered the traditional wooden stock.

all in all a great review mate, enjoy your new baby

[mms73]

I was checking these out today at my local gunshop and the nickel finish with the synthetic one looks just stunning. I HAVE to have one.