Weihrauch HW97KT
Pete Wadeson tests the Weihrauch HW97KT and reckons this latest thumbhole stock variant has been a long overdue...
Prior to the landmark release of their first PCP (the HW100) Weihrauch were best known in the UK for their springer sporters; rugged, reliable and time tested top performing air rifles.
In relation to the HW97K carbine there’s never been a doubt in my mind that this is one of the finest fixed barrel under-lever rifles money can buy. If it had a downside it would be that Weihrauch stayed true to their usual design routine and the action sat in a practical yet not very visually exciting sporter stock. In hindsight I feel this layout didn’t allow the HW97 to perform to the highest degree it’s capable of, and that nicely brings me to the thumbhole version that I have here on test.
Stock similarities?
Immediately a comparison of the HW97KT’s stock could be made with that of the HW100, but on closer inspection and handling the only design trait they share are the actual shape of the thumbhole employed and the configuration of the pistol grip.
The HW97KT has a rather unusual but very comfortable butt section, in the fact that the top starts as a hogs-back design but then morphs into a relatively high, thickset, ambidextrous cheek piece ending at the shoulder with a fully adjustable butt pad.
A generous amount of stippling is applied to the grip and the relatively slim and lengthy forend that tapers forwards to end in an angled back tip, which actually looks pretty good. The grip design and thumbhole are definitely taken from the HW100. A sensible decision it has proved to be, as this offers the shooting hand a comfortable and sure hold from which to give an optimum level of trigger control.
Smooth action, shorter barrel
As I pressed in the front under-lever release button I realised the action remains smooth and effortless to cock. The lock up is also safe and secure with a reassuring click letting you know the trigger sear has set, while the automatic, cross-bolt, trigger safety ‘snicks’ out to the left to show it has also engaged. Weihrauch have incorporated an anti-bear trap mechanism, so even if the safety catch is taken off and trigger released the rifle will not fire until the under-lever is returned to its original position. The only drawback is that the mech can’t be de-cocked. With the action cocked the sliding breech will have automatically ‘slid back’ to reveal a wide and roomy loading bay, making the task of thumbing a pellet into the exposed breech a much easier task - even in the small .177 calibre.
Once the under-lever is returned to its original position it clicks home and securely locks back in place while the sliding breech moves forward to seal the action. If there has been any alteration I’d say the articulated arm that links the under-lever to the piston head has been changed to give the rifle a surprisingly short cocking stroke. I’d reckon it’s not over 100º of travel, so discreet cocking is made all the easier.
The under-lever mechanism still utilises a rubber 0-ring buffer at the front, which helps make for a relatively quiet operation and also to give a more positive lock up as well ensuring the lever can’t move or rattle around in the under-lever catch housing.
When Weihrauch modified the HW97K a good while back, they shortened the barrel to 11.75” and proportionately brought the moderator back so it now fits flush with the end of the button on the under-lever retaining lug. Due to this simple modification the rifle feels much shorter, as the new design reduces the overall length by approximately 3.25”, it now measuring 40.1” from butt to muzzle.
Accuracy as expected
Like other Weihrauchs, the top of the compression chamber is amply grooved with three stud arrestor holes for dedicated scope use. I soon had a Nikko Stirling Gameking 4 – 16 X 50AO illuminated scope in high mounts and set zero at 30yds.
No surprises that Weihrauch have stuck to using their trademark Rekord 2-stage adjustable trigger unit with auto safety for precise pellet release. The gold anodised trigger blade and adjustment screw add a touch of class to an already top class trigger mechanism. What else can be said of this design except that it’s still the one by which others are judged.
On firing, the weight of the rifle and overall balance help reduce any recoil to a mere nudge, whilst the integral silencer really does hush up the muzzle report to a dull thud. Accuracy is likewise impressive, in the smaller calibre on test I soon settled into producing fingernail sized groups at my 30-yd set zero with quality ammo.
Summing up is easy. The Weihrauch HW97KT is a step forward in design and it’s not been done for looks alone, as it really helps the shooter. Hunters will love this rifle as much as production springer class HFT boys. Me, I’m trying hard to think of a reason why not to add one to my armoury. Unfortunately I’m sadly failing…
We Reckon
• Making a good thing better
• Top under lever design
• Love the new stock
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Name | Weihrauch HW97KT |
| Type | Under-lever, spring & piston |
| Single-Shot | Y |
| Calibre | .177 on test .22 available |
| Stock | Beech thumbhole sporter with adjustable butt pad |
| Sights | N |
| Grooved for scope mounting | Y |
| Barrel | 11.75” |
| Price | £500 |
All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates
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500 quid !!! your having a lough,could buy a hw97 and a custom stock for that,this aint going to sell.so obvious its just a hw97 in a ugly well the forends nice,stock.
V-machs custom rifle is only 500 quid,probably cheaper or a bit more but thats custom/hand built.
HW are trying to mug us off if you ask me,the stock dont even look walnt,no way I would hand out a extra 200bills for that stock,phone call to ste pope or custom stocks me thinks.
Comment by: rixdta Posted on: 27 Jan 2010 at 12:09 AM
pete,I give you the 1 and only reason you need or should I say excuse.£500 quid when you could get the normal k for £300-320 and then give cs a bell with your spare £180,even go visit them and have it fitted and have any checkering you like added.
I bet the price is down to Hull and really this Rifle should retail for £350-380 max.If you already have 1 in your armoury,save your self 300 quid and go see custom stocks or v-mach.Only the rich will buy this and I dont think there dumb enough to pay a extra £200 for a stock and I know for sure the hft and ft people aint.
pcp kit money,get a s400 and a pump and a scope for that money,never mind the other options available.
sad to say but very true,getting to a stage where manufacturers are going to wipe springers out as there costing more the pcps which dont make sense to me,How can it be easier and cheaper to make a pcp then a springer?
This is £100-150 quid cheaper then the HW100.
Comment by: rixdta Posted on: 27 Jan 2010 at 12:46 AM
By far the biggest reasons for the higher prices of European made rifles and ammunition are the rising cost of raw materials and the poor exchange rates.
Comment by: Pat Farey Posted on: 28 Jan 2010 at 12:59 AM
Whats the difference between the Weihrauch HW 97 KT and the Weihrauch HW 97K ?
Comment by: Alex Posted on: 05 Jul 2010 at 08:47 PM
The 'T' in HW97KT denotes 'thumbhole' stock. The HW97K has a sporter style stock. The 'K' denotes that both rifles are the shorter barrelled karbine model.
Comment by: Pat Farey Posted on: 06 Jul 2010 at 09:54 AM
thanks for the great review! i just found the site living in the states and think your site is amazing! i was considering the 97k as a strong coice for my next rifle. i also have fallen in love with the looks of the rws 350 pro compact. i know the 97k is a finer rifle but was wondering what your opinion was on the repeatability for accuracy with the rws break barrel? I love accuracy but was wondering if i would be happy with the rws for my back yard squirrel sniper project! lol. most shots will be in the range of 20- 50 yrds. any thoughts would be great. i value your opinion and know you guys know your stuff. thanks for a greaty site that has totally hooked me! thanks again, walter.
Comment by: walt mcguire Posted on: 28 Jul 2010 at 12:07 AM
For 'garden squirrel' shooting out to 15yds with open sights and 30yds with a scope, most well made break-barrels would cope, and certainly the RWS would be up to the job. However, with springers you normally get what you pay for, and the HW97K is good enough for FT accuracy out to 55yds - although this doesn't mean you should hunt with it at that distance. In both cases (in fact for any air rifle) the usual rule applies - your maximum hunting drange is the distance where you can put 9/10 shots into a one inch circle.
Comment by: pat farey Posted on: 28 Jul 2010 at 10:15 AM
thank you for the imput! i decided last night to take the plunge and get the 97k! cant wait! thanks for the help and a great site for info. much thanks, walter.
Comment by: walt mcguire Posted on: 28 Jul 2010 at 11:55 AM
was wondering if someone can tell me where to find out info on the cleaning and maintenance intervals for the 97k? once i get my new baby i want to take good care of her. thanks very much, walt.
Comment by: walt mcguire Posted on: 28 Jul 2010 at 08:42 PM
iv,e got the H77 wish it was a bit lighter are well cant have everthing
Comment by: allan parrott Posted on: 31 Jul 2010 at 12:04 PM