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Weihrauch HW97KT Synthetic

By: Pete Wadeson

Pete Wadeson tests the Weihrauch HW97KT Synthetic and is left in no doubt it will become favoured by many discerning ‘springer’ airgun hunters...

The Weihrauch HW97KT Synthetic is the latest version of this air rifle so it’s a ‘no brainer’ that it uses the same, high performing under-lever action, but as the name suggests, it follows   the trend amongst many air rifle manufacturers with a synthetic stock – in black, naturally.

The sensible option

Initially, many airgunners were wary of synthetics or simply preferred a wood stock, but now they are established, many, myself included, see the benefits of certain air rifles in synthetic livery. This is particularly true if you’re a hunter out in all weathers and even more so if the stock has a few modifications that lend themselves to the hunting environment.

With that said, the synthetic wisely retains the semi-hogs back design that smoothly sweeps back to a relatively high thickset fully ambidextrous cheekpiece. It differs from its wood relative by forgoing the fully adjustable butt pad in favour of a black rubber pad with outer ridging. The shape of thumbhole and pistol grip are from the HW100KT (carbine) PCP range. Finger ‘channels’ running from the thumbhole, across the top of the grip on either side leading to the trigger blade, are well sized, ideally positioned to give a steady hold and high level of trigger control for right handed shooter or southpaw.

The grip has ‘moulded’ opposing stippled panels while the relatively slim, yet lengthy forend has two panels of stippling along either side - the smaller panel is set forward from the much longer and larger one - a reversal of the layout on the beech stock version. This ‘change’, though minor, affords an assured leading hand hold on the synthetic stock which also retains the stylish rounded outer edge angled forward tip. Overall the quality of the stock material is obviously very tough and cosmetically eye-catching, yet the design - though only slightly altered - is very practical.

Forgoing the adjustable butt pad means this synthetic version of the HW97 is now the shortest variant measuring 39.75” from butt to muzzle.

Well established action

The cocking action has remained the same for this top performing under-lever. Using the thumb of the leading hand to press in the under-lever’s relatively large release button, you’re leading hand is ideally placed to grip the ‘lever’ between the fingers and palm of the same hand to draw it back. Lock back in the ‘open’ position is secure as always and the automatic cross-bolt trigger safety ‘snicks’ out to the left clearly showing the rifle’s status. Weihrauch also incorporate an anti-bear trap mechanism, but as always, still hold the under-lever while loading.

During operation, the action ‘slides back’ to reveal a wide and roomy loading bay, making direct pellet loading into the breech of the 11.75” quality German manufactured ‘fixed barrel’, even in .177 calibre (as per test rifle) an easy task. On returning the ‘lever’ to its original position, the action cylinder simultaneously moves forward to seat the pellet and seal the breech.

The articulated arm that links the under-lever to the spring/piston power plant has a surprisingly short cocking stroke but doesn’t make cocking overly strenuous. The rubber ‘O’-ring around the front of the lever ensures it doesn’t move when in the housing directly below the flush-fit primary silencer cum muzzle weight. This lack of noise is always a bonus to hunters who favour under-lever action air rifles.

Weihrauch performance

The top of the compression chamber is amply grooved for scope fitting with three stud arrestor holes for added security if desired. For test I used an MTC Mamba Lite 3 -12 X 44 scope with (SBC) reticle, the optics specifications being well suited for hunting and HFT. The scope needed setting in high mounts, as the cheekpiece almost demands it for optimum eye to scope alignment. The Rekord 2-stage adjustable trigger unit with auto safety is a mainstay on this rifle, the trigger blade and adjustment screw being gold anodised.

The synthetic is slightly lighter but the downside of a lighter stock on a springer with a relatively heavy mechanical action can often be front heavy. Thankfully this isn’t and the familiar nudge on firing of this rifle shows ‘muzzle flip’ isn’t a problem either.

The up-graded efficient ‘primary’ integral silencer tames muzzle report to a highly acceptable level and personally I’d not hesitate using this without the optional extra silencer for hunting. If you want more sound suppression, the muzzle has a very slim screw in end cover cap. This is removed by a 7mm Allen key to reveal the internal thread that accepts the dedicated HW97KT silencer. When fitted it adds an extra 7 5/8” to the overall length, but to its credit it reduces muzzle report further and it doesn’t affect handling.

Accuracy is amongst the best you’ll find of a production springer in this price bracket. Using the MTC Optics recommended 35yd set zero for the (SBC) reticle in .177 calibre my best groupings created a ½” ragged hole using Daystate FT pellets. I was however using a pair of well padded Shooting Bags to steady aim and cushion recoil. I even braved the elements last winter/spring managing to take quarry at 40-45yds using a well rested shooting position.

The all weather option

The stock design certainly helps give better shot control and handling, while the ‘all weather’ capability will be appreciated by hunters. Incidentally, if HFT is primarily your ‘thing’ and you want a bit of ‘bling’ the rifle’s also available in this stock with what’s termed a matte stainless action. This entails the cylinder, barrel and under-lever having a Nickel plated finish while the integral moderator and under-lever housing are blued making that option quite a cosmetically attractive option.

Personally, I feel Weihrauch have made a long overdue yet wise move offering a synthetic stock option to one of their ‘flagship’ springer air rifles and I’d wager if this proves popular there’ll be more models in the ‘HW’ range available in synthetic stocks.

Technical Specifications
Model	Weihrauch HW97KT Synthetic
Type	Under-lever, spring & piston
Calibre	.177 (on test) and .22 available, .20 and .25 to special order - £42 extra
Stock	Synthetic thumbhole sporter
Sights	None fitted but grooved for scope mounting
Overall length	39.75”
Barrel	11.75”
Weight	8.75lbs
Price	£420 in blued action. £453 with ‘Stainless’ action
Optional Extra	Dedicated Weihrauch Silencer £58

All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates

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