What Springer??

[pianoman 3,587]

On the subject of left-handed shooting Rez. Left handed TX200 and TX200HC are available in dedicated left hand versions with the loading ports on the left. But you are right about paying more. It is a fact of a left-handed shooter's life that we pay on average, around 40% more for a left handed version of a rifle.

 

Why so much? Does it cost more to reverse computer machining of stocks from a pattern stock model? Or is there more to it than that? It's really a mirror image of a right handed model after all?

 

Weihrauch spring rifle actions are neutral for left or right handers so the stock is the only thing to switch over in production manufacture.

 

I'll never know. An average of 1in 3 people are left handed. So we are not exactly a rare minority. Why don't rifle makers produce more ambidextrous or neutral stocks? There are always moments on a shoot where a switch of shoulder from cover is an advantage.

 

My HW80 .22 was a fair bit more than a right hand model at the time it was new.. My HW77 .22 has a neutral, undished butt-stock. It is superbly accurate and very comfortable to shoot with from either shoulder when the moment warrants. Easy to load with its wide loading port. HW97K stock is biased right handed but, it's easy to shoot comfortably off the left shoulder.

 

But my HW77 cost me more than a shade over £500 to buy from new about 8 years ago now. Still I would never part with her. She's an amazingly fine shooting rifle you just won't come upon every day. And either hand can shoot very well with her!

Edited March 19, 2016 by pianoman

[bigmac 97kt 13,821]

Iv never had a problem loading a pro sport in 177 or 22 and iv had 4 of them and the 5th on its way

 

the balance is spot on

 

the under leaver would look better black

 

and some of the wood use,d on the wall nut is second to none bar daystates wood

 

Iv allways had a soft spot for the 97k and more than likely all ways will but the pro sport is and all ways will be second

 

imo two of the best rifles made

 

end of

 

atvbmac :thumbs:

[PeskyWabbits 464]

Pro Sports are deservedly popular and maybe I haven't yet got the knack of loading from all angles.

The balance is perfect. When I had a TX200, I found it to be be a bit nose heavy.

 

My Pro Sports are definitely keepers. I know I don't do enough shooting, life just gets in the way.

 

Rez, didn't you have a 'shabby chic' Pro Sport, that stank of WD40?

[pianoman 3,587]

I've shot with a few Prosports when the opportunity arose and I think it's one of the very best air rifles I have ever encountered. I love it's handling and balance. It's got lovely full-bore classic looks, the walnut used is beautiful and the fluted forend is a lovely touch of classic stockmaking. Even though the stocks were dished for right-cheek weld, I was hitting some decent range spinners and knock-down targets and the overall experience of shooting it was very satisfying indeed.

 

Why the bloody hell is this rifle not available as a left hand version is beyond my comprehension. Air Arms released a limited number of Prosports with right handed actions in left-handed stocks a few years ago. They were all snapped up in a moment! This should have told Air Arms something but they didn't listen.

[Rez 4,961]

Pro Sports are deservedly popular and maybe I haven't yet got the knack of loading from all angles.

The balance is perfect. When I had a TX200, I found it to be be a bit nose heavy.

 

My Pro Sports are definitely keepers. I know I don't do enough shooting, life just gets in the way.

 

Rez, didn't you have a 'shabby chic' Pro Sport, that stank of WD40?

Yep. Had to sand the whole cheek piece by hand as well. I just wish air arms would do the ambi kinda thing that HW do. Along with a 'either side' loading breech.

[bigmac 97kt 13,821]

I've shot with a few Prosports when the opportunity arose and I think it's one of the very best air rifles I have ever encountered. I love it's handling and balance. It's got lovely full-bore classic looks, the walnut used is beautiful and the fluted forend is a lovely touch of classic stockmaking. Even though the stocks were dished for right-cheek weld, I was hitting some decent range spinners and knock-down targets and the overall experience of shooting it was very satisfying indeed.

 

Why the bloody hell is this rifle not available as a left hand version is beyond my comprehension. Air Arms released a limited number of Prosports with right handed actions in left-handed stocks a few years ago. They were all snapped up in a moment! This should have told Air Arms something but they didn't listen.

Simon iv not forgot my promise mate if i ever win the lotto ill get a lefty made for you

 

but now it looks like ill have to get two both you and Rez

 

and im not joking ether simon its a promise i will keep

 

but it will have to be after iv bought my new range rover , my defender and a few other things lol

 

atvbmac :thumbs:

[j j m 6,589]

the pro sport shoots mint in bothe calibers,sold the 177 a few years back still got the 22

[PeskyWabbits 464]

This is my ambidextrous .22 Pro Sport. I bought it like this from my local gunsmith. Thankfully I am right handed but I would never have been brave enough to do this to what many believe to be a work of art.

 

 

 

You can see why I have a problem loading. That scope is a whopper!

[jonnie bravo 572]

After recently selling my beloved prosport I have been really enjoying my new hw99s in .22. A proper fun gun straight out of the box, a million miles away from the .177 version that I had last year.

 

If I were to go down the .177 route again though my money would have been on a Walther lgv. No doubt about it.

[charlie caller 3,654]

Hello All,

 

I have been shooting for many years now, using PCP's.

 

I want to return to a springer, probably memories of my childhood!! I am looking for a springer in .177, I have been looking at the HW97 black line, from Sandwell Field sports and get a stage 1 tune.

 

I just wondered what others shoot in springers?

 

Thanks

 

John...

Walther lgv in .177 mate, the best springer on the market,just so happens I have that very rifle for sale in classified section I really dont want to part with it,it is unreal it really is,but just been asked to clear some rats,which will lead me on to a large permission,so I dont have a choice, I need a pcp,and where the rats are situated,.22rf is not an option, I tell you whoever buys this Walther,will be amazed, they are just so damn easy to shoot accurately.

[pianoman 3,587]

This is my ambidextrous .22 Pro Sport. I bought it like this from my local gunsmith. Thankfully I am right handed but I would never have been brave enough to do this to what many believe to be a work of art.

 

 

 

You can see why I have a problem loading. That scope is a whopper!

Thanks very much for these pics of your Prosport Peskywabbits. I can see the cheek weld has a flow-line into the grip or "wrist" that can be sanded down and smoothed away to make a left hand palm-swell. But would you kindly show more pics of how the left side of the butt-stock has been filed and smoothed away please? I'm now seriously contemplating buying a Prosport and modifying the stock, if it can be filed down to make a comfortable left-cheek rest I can shoot comfortably with.

 

Another benefit of removing the roll-over and lowering the comb of the butt-stock is that I can maximise a smaller, lighter weight, 3-9x 40mm scope that brings the reticle closer to the bore-centre. I shoot on 6 X power anyway. That makes a far mor accurate sight set up to my eye and keeps me accurate all through the changing light to dusk and low light hunting. Many thanks indeed.

 

I think I'm closer to my dream than I realised!

 

All the best.

Simon

Edited March 21, 2016 by pianoman

[bigmac 97kt 13,821]

 

This is my ambidextrous .22 Pro Sport. I bought it like this from my local gunsmith. Thankfully I am right handed but I would never have been brave enough to do this to what many believe to be a work of art.

 

 

 

You can see why I have a problem loading. That scope is a whopper!

Thanks very much for these pics of your Prosport Peskywabbits. I can see the cheek weld has a flow-line into the grip or "wrist" that can be sanded down and smoothed away to make a left hand palm-swell. But would you kindly show more pics of how the left side of the butt-stock has been filed and smoothed away please? I'm now seriously contemplating buying a Prosport and modifying the stock, if it can be filed down to make a comfortable left-cheek rest I can shoot comfortably with.

 

Another benefit of removing the roll-over and lowering the comb of the butt-stock is that I can maximise a smaller, lighter weight, 3-9x 40mm scope that brings the reticle closer to the bore-centre. I shoot on 6 X power anyway. That makes a far mor accurate sight set up to my eye and keeps me accurate all through the changing light to dusk and low light hunting. Many thanks indeed.

 

I think I'm closer to my dream than I realised!

 

All the best.

Simon

 

Simon i had to go and pick this rifle up for one of the lads a hw97k its been tuned and polished

 

its in 177

 

and iv got it for a short lone its been a while since i used one but i hold the 97 close to my heart as you do your beloved 77

 

i took hold of it placed it to my shoulder and let a jsb go and blew the bull out of the target with the first shot

 

your like me Simon when you have a hw in your hands we are an unstoppable force

 

iv never had a hw77 may be one day but for now her big sister will do for me

 

and as for the pro sport well i dont need to say a word about it

 

three of the best spring rifles ever made

 

four if you count the tx but it has a lot to live up to imo

 

atvbmac :thumbs:

[pianoman 3,587]

Dear Mac, hi mate.

 

I've currently fitted my HW77 to the same HW97K Stock in your pic above Mac. I found it has no problems for left hand shooting as it is from the factory. The HW77 .22 full length is my absolute favourite rifle. The accuracy is nothing short of incredible. She's a hefty rifle but not unmanageable and for a long day shooting from a hide or ambush position it is in a league of her own. Honestly, I think this is the best spring rifle I have ever owned. And I've had a lot in my time.

 

Ironically, I also have my HW97K in an early Mk.1 HW77 stock..and the accuracy is again, nothing short of incredible. Both rifles are sub -12 ft/lb and have been fettled and internally polished to a fine high standard. Perfection basically!

 

So why hanker like drugs withdrawal for a .22 Prosport, in the light of such fine and magnificent rifles from Weihrauch that are unbeatable in the hands of competent spring rifle shooters??

 

It's the full-bore sporter looks, the weight and balance and the smoothness on firing the .22 Prosport all round. The choices of walnut used and the poise and handling that has me hooked on owning one. And it has a phenominal accuracy with the right pellet. There is a powerful truth in the adage, "If it looks right, it shoots right"! Add all that to a precision accurate barrel and you have a beautiful rifle to own as well as shoot with. I remember when Air Arms brought it out in 1996 and thought, "That's the one for me!" Then the real feeling of "Arrrrgh!!" when it was also anounced there was to be no left handed versions.

 

If I can modify that beautiful stock without compromising too much, so it fits me comfortably at the left shoulder, on my cheek and in my left hand on the grip, I'll be satisfied with that. Maybe you could help me finish it off with a refurb to blend the filing and modified finish off Mac? You are brilliant on stock refurbs!

 

All the best mate.

Simon

Edited March 21, 2016 by pianoman

[PeskyWabbits 464]

 

This is my ambidextrous .22 Pro Sport. I bought it like this from my local gunsmith. Thankfully I am right handed but I would never have been brave enough to do this to what many believe to be a work of art.

 

 

 

You can see why I have a problem loading. That scope is a whopper!

Thanks very much for these pics of your Prosport Peskywabbits. I can see the cheek weld has a flow-line into the grip or "wrist" that can be sanded down and smoothed away to make a left hand palm-swell. But would you kindly show more pics of how the left side of the butt-stock has been filed and smoothed away please? I'm now seriously contemplating buying a Prosport and modifying the stock, if it can be filed down to make a comfortable left-cheek rest I can shoot comfortably with.

 

Another benefit of removing the roll-over and lowering the comb of the butt-stock is that I can maximise a smaller, lighter weight, 3-9x 40mm scope that brings the reticle closer to the bore-centre. I shoot on 6 X power anyway. That makes a far mor accurate sight set up to my eye and keeps me accurate all through the changing light to dusk and low light hunting. Many thanks indeed.

 

I think I'm closer to my dream than I realised!

 

All the best.

Simon

 

 

Simon, I have uploaded a few more pictures to my photobucket. I can add more as required. The woodwork, is workmanlike. By no means professional.

I do like the darker stock though. My .177 Pro Sport is a much lighter shade.

 

 

 

 

The full photobucket address is

http://s1268.photobucket.com/user/PeskyWabbits/media/Pro%20Sport%20Cheek%20Piece%20top%20pic_zpsknbspjqi.jpg.html

 

it's ok chaps, good wholesome pictures only.

 

Pesky

[PeskyWabbits 464]

 

Pro Sports are deservedly popular and maybe I haven't yet got the knack of loading from all angles.

The balance is perfect. When I had a TX200, I found it to be be a bit nose heavy.

 

My Pro Sports are definitely keepers. I know I don't do enough shooting, life just gets in the way.

 

Rez, didn't you have a 'shabby chic' Pro Sport, that stank of WD40?

Yep. Had to sand the whole cheek piece by hand as well. I just wish air arms would do the ambi kinda thing that HW do. Along with a 'either side' loading breech.

 

 

I think the barrel would fall off if they cut any more out of the breech. Pro Sports have the handy drop through feature.

 

It would work with the TX200 though. It can't be a copyright thing these days as everyone is at it.