Weihrauch HW110
- Last updated: 27/01/2017
The Weihrauch HW100 was their first ever PCP and looked like being its only one too. It was launched way back in 2003 and quite frankly beside a few stock alterations and slight action modifications I think there’s few will disagree that they got it right with the very first roll of the dice. Since its introduction, airgunners took to this rifle in their droves and in the interim period since the original model’s release, the company launched many different variants, including carbine and full-length rifles, plus its availability in a variety of stock options. In fact, the 100 was and is held in such high esteem that a single shot model (HW101) was eventually launched for the dedicated HFT boys. However, in a market that thrives on new product Weihrauch have not only launched quite a radical new offering – well it would have to be to follow the success of the 100 – but they’ve also made a brave step forward in producing a rifle like few others – welcome to the Weihrauch HW110.
So where to start? The stock actually, as this is a seriously sensible design and manufactured from a highly effective and quite modern material. Initial inspection indicates it’s a synthetic build, but upon first handling you’re immediately struck by what is termed the ‘soft touch finish.’ Read that to mean extremely tactile and grippy to the point it feels as though it could stick to your hands in a rain storm! However, it’s actually made out of beech and then treated to a rubberised compound over mould; clever stuff!
Fully ambidextrous, the stock features a well-defined and generously sized high cheekpiece, with a full rubber butt pad. The steep drop down pistol grip has a slim neck and a flat profiled thumb shelf, while the trim forend tapers gently upwards to end in a practical yet stark ‘angled forward’ tip. This in itself is a clever ‘touch’ as it gives the air reservoir more protection from the possibility of it ‘accidentally’ touching anything that might cause noise and/or damage. To aid grip further (as if it was needed) twin panels of impregnated chequering are found on both the forend and grip.
Staying on the subject of the air tank, many familiar HW100-esque features abound at this area including a forward facing manometer (air gauge) and the rifle fills via a quick fill probe inserted into the inlet valve hole positioned just to the rear of the gauge. When the fill point isn’t in use it’s protected by a sturdy, friction-fit, blanking plug. From a recommended fill pressure of 200bar you can expect approximately 110-shots in .177 calibre as per rifle on test and approximately 130 in .22. Cosmetically, annoying is the green ‘pressure’ sticker on the side of the tank right where you can see it, but you know the Germans!
I was pleased to see the rifle already wearing the company’s highly effective HE silencer on the screw cut muzzle, this thread is surprisingly long compared to some other guns. The mod now comes with the Weihrauch name and logo etched in white towards the rear. Another practical feature is the very strong looking and sturdy polymer barrel band that supports the semi-free floating 16” high quality tube. While stipulating materials used in the build to save on repetition - the trigger blade and guard along with the cocking handle are also polymer.
The action retains a side-lever (on the right) for cocking, that’s a slightly different shape to that of the 100. However, a factory option is that if the shooter requests it the handle can be positioned on the left of the action to suit south paws, which is an excellent selling point. If that’s not enough; after this things get even more interesting.
The reason I say this is because Weihrauch have manufactured the complete action/receiver including an integral, uninterrupted, Picatinny (1”) scope rail from a hi-tech ballistic polymer. Although new to the airgun scene this material is widely used and proven in the manufacture of firearms, so is tough enough! More good news is the smaller capacity, 10-shot, drum magazine sits below the scope rail so solving problems with the more usual high-mounted feed systems common on many PCPs. Also this allows far more flexibility for mounting optics.
Controls are a little different too! The magazine release lever is positioned rear/ right and Weihrauch have taken the opportunity to fit an ambidextrous safety. Here the lever sits low down on the action just forward of the magazine well. It pushes forward for SAFE and reverse for FIRE (red dot) seen on the side of the action. Though done to primarily suit a left handed shooter there are some right handers who prefer the ON/OFF switch on the other side, so with the 110 you now have that option as standard. The HW100 has a smaller push/pull safety located rear/right of the receiver with the mag catch being a pull-back lug directly to the rear of the well. By comparison the HW110’s layout is more practical and one that I’m sure many will appreciate!
To remove and load a magazine, proceed as follows; open the action and leave it to the rear, push up on the tip of the release catch and keep it in this position (under tension). If you let it go it will drop and lock again. Now pull the magazine out and to the right, conversely you can push it from the left then take it out on the right. After filling all 10-chambers, once again lift the retaining catch up, slip the magazine back into the right hand side of the action, release the ‘catch’ and a slight ‘wiggle’ of the wheel will see it flick downwards indicating it’s taken a hold. Close the action and you are ready to go! At this point it’s wise to engage the safety.
I opted to scope up with a Hawke 4 – 16 x 50AO Vantage IR in a set of suitable Weaver base high Sportsmatch mounts and although quite a substantial optic, handling and balance weren’t affected in the slightest. With a 30yd zero soon set I settled down to some serious paper punching, the high shot count being noticeable as after four of five fills of the magazine I was certainly starting to enjoy the impressive performance of the rifle as finger nail sized groups became the norm at this range.
The 2-stage adjustable trigger is precise and breaks crisp and clean, feeling very similar to the mech fitted to the company’s flagship PCP. Accuracy was certainly aided by the predictability of the unit and the top quality; self-regulating valve system ensured a high level of shot-to-shot consistency. The firing cycle is best described as ‘dead’ and as expected, the highly effective and time-tested HE Silencer totally negated any muzzle report.
Even though I’ve made reference to the HW100, it’s obviously apparent that Weihrauch’s intention in producing the HW110 wasn’t to try and make a cheap version of their flagship model. But to offer what must be seen as a modern, high quality and innovative PCP in its own right, at a price that will doubtless win it many fans and continue the fine reputation of this great German airgun manufacturer. Nice too is the fact the HW110 not only comes with a filling adaptor but also 2 x10-round magazines as standard. Calibre-wise it will be available in .177, .20 and .22, currently only in 12 ft/lb version. But they say other versions will be available later this year I intend to return to this rifle after I’ve used it in as many different hunting scenarios as I can muster over the coming months, so expect to hear more from me on this compact, lightweight, highly accurate and fast handling multi-shot PCP in the future!
PRICE: £645 includes 2x magazines, fill adaptor and silencer
CONTACT: Hull Cartridge Co, 01482 342756, www.hullcartridge.co.uk