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Weihrauch HW99S

Weihrauch HW99S

In nearly 15-years of writing on all things ‘airgun’ I’ve probably tested the Weihrauch HW99S break-barrel action spring powered air rifle more times than any other on the market. Sometimes to remind readers what a very capable compact carbine-size hunter it is, other times to assess its performance amongst the most popular calibres. However, this time I’m testing the latest new- look model because the rifle has had a long overdue facelift. Specifically it’s been changed cosmetically due to the action now sitting in a re-designed stock manufactured by Italian stock supremo, Minnelli.

At 6.7lb un-scoped, the HW99S is often referred to as a lighter version of the company’s powerhouse HW80. However, granted it’s certainly trimmer and, at 40.5-inches, shorter too, but it’s definitely no slouch when it comes to build quality and as a mechanical action air rifle in overall performance it certainly has a character all of its very own.

The new-look fully ambidextrous beech wood furniture still has a relatively low cheekpiece, but is now much more defined and it also retains the slight ‘hogs bag’ design as it meets the brown rubber butt pad with black spacer. There’s a shallow but useful thumbshelf atop the slim neck, while the forend proportionately complements the length of the rifle being both slim and quite deep with a nicely rounded underside. Gone is the ‘plain Jane’ and bland appearance, because at long last it now boasts well-cut chequering, combined with stippling. These grip aids are seen as two panels set either side of the grip and forend. These panels are as practical as they are stylish, especially along the forend where they’re ideally positioned for most shooter’s leading hand hold.

The slightly re-configured cheekpiece feels far better for using the rifles open sights but if you fit a sensible sized general specification optic in low to medium mounts the design is equally suitable for shooting the rifle scoped up.

Keeping optics firmly in place are Weihrauch’s standard-issue deep-cut scope grooves with three arrestor holes machined on top of the slimmed down and shortened 30mm air cylinder.

The HW99S takes quite a bit of heft to cock as the 15.5-inch tube obviously doesn’t afford as much leverage as a longer one. Lock up is solid when open and closed due to a well-sized wedge shape detente lock that keeps things solid, and a very generously size breech seal also ensures this very important area remains airtight

Not Just Any Old Iron

I know I’ve said this in the past, but the HW99S has a solid and traditional pair of ‘iron’ sights. The reason I highlight the fact is because, in my opinion, open sights are always welcome on a rifle such as this, as they add so much in terms of versatility. I’m sure many shooters appreciate how good it feels to simply take a new rifle out of the box, twirl a few thumbwheels and start shooting. Yep, I’ll always be a fan (where practical and beneficial) of using open sights. Talking of which, the hooded foresight post is quite chunky in width but lines up nicely in any of the ‘notched’ rear sight elements without obscuring the target sight picture at sensible ranges. The unit is adjusted for elevation and windage by micro-adjustable thumbwheels and shooting with the irons set at 12-15 yards can become quite addictive. Incidentally, the complete hooded foresight unit is ‘clamped’ onto a short run of rails cut into the top of the end of the barrel, so can be removed if required should you want to fit a suitably sized ‘slip over’ design sound moderator.

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To fully appreciate the rifle’s accuracy capabilities it deserves to be scoped up, and most hunters will do this from the off. I’m not criticising that, but certainly want to say that you can have a lot of fun with this rifle open sighted. However, if you want to make full use of its performance then obviously a scope it is. This time around I opted to fit an AGS VMX Cobalt 3 - 9 x 40. A very basic general specification scope but during the test period it proved to be quite well suited to the rifle.

On the Range

A trait that became evident as soon as I began shooting this latest incarnation of the HW99S was that it had a far smoother firing cycle than I remember from older versions I’ve tested in years past. The test rifle was in .177 calibre so I decided to set zero for 30 yards. Using JSB Exacts Heavy Diablo pellets I soon began making sub-one- inch groups at my set zero.

Due to the shorter barrel the rifle still has, what I’ve often termed as, a distinctive ‘blat’ on discharge but certainly not something that’s cause for concern if hunting.

Accuracy is without a doubt aided due to the fact that Weihrauch don’t scrimp in the trigger department because, almost without exception, the company fit their springers with what is seen by many as the industry standard – a fully adjustable Rekord 2-stage trigger unit with automatic safety. Arguably still one of the finest trigger units fitted to any spring powered sporting air rifle.

Conclusion

So what’s my opinion of the new-look HW99S? Well, I’m sure it’s no surprise I like it even better than before, with the new stock design playing a large part in the overall performance of the rifle, particularly in the way it feels in the hold and helps with head position for ‘iron’ or scope use.

The Weihrauch HW99S has always been a rugged, reliable, accurate carbine size springer and due to the re- designed stock it now definitely looks as good as it shoots.

My thanks to T & J. J McAvoy LTD (01257 426129 www.guns.gb.com) for supplying rifle on test.

PRICE: RRP £234
CONTACT: Hull Cartridge Co 01482 342571 www.hullcartridge.co.uk

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  • Weihrauch HW99S - image {image:count}

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  • Weihrauch HW99S - image {image:count}

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  • Weihrauch HW99S - image {image:count}

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  • Weihrauch HW99S - image {image:count}

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  • Weihrauch HW99S - image {image:count}

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  • Weihrauch HW99S - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Model: Weihrauch HW99S
  • Type: Break-barrel, Spring & Piston, Single-Shot
  • Stock: Beech wood sporter
  • Sights: Iron sights fitted and the action grooved for scope mounting
  • Overall Length: 40.5-inches
  • Barrel Length: 15.5-inches
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