Custom HW50S Air Rifle Bench Test

Here we take the Custom 50S for a test drive.

[@endurosl20081]

I once told you that of the various rifles I have in my collection, the HW50 is my favorite, because it is very, very accurate, light, not too big, cheap and also because it likes any good quality pellet domed. The HW50 has been that way for a long time, the problem I've had with HW50s built over the last 3 years is that it's not easy to find the pellet your barrel likes. And Ok, from a cheap scope, we can't expect excellent results but neither can you spend too much time looking through the scope before shooting, things I've learned from excellent Field Target shooters, a sport that I've also been practicing for a few years. In summary, my advice for you and your HW50 is, look for several manufacture batches of JSB Express or Exact 8.44, get a better scope and it doesn't have to be very expensive, just a Hawke Vantage and lastly, don't get talking while looking through the scope. A hug, I don't have these speeches with any youtuber but as I love springers just like you, your channel is currently my favorite and I always look forward to your next video.

[@razor1962]

Thanks very much. The 50s is a great rifle. I have one in .22, which is extremely accurate. I'm sure that I'll be able to achieve similar performance once I've found a pellet that it likes. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@marcmyers1465]

I'll Second the choice of the JSB Express pellets and Heartily recommend the Hawke Vantage IR 2-7×32 AO 14 211 The Quality, Specs and marked distances are Remarkably Similar to the old Beeman Blue Ribbon 66R and particularly well suited to the HW50S and the average everyday Airgunners who are likely to buy an HW50S. Not necessarily a fan of IR Scopes but the mil-dots and added strength and security of the glass reticle are a plus in my book. I obviously own a few of these on mid powered Weihrauchs and they've proven accurate and basically bomb proof ! 😃🤨

[@davidcarter7310]

Amazing how the shape of the trigger can change the feel of the waight of pull thanks Kevin.

[@razor1962]

It really does make a difference. Thanks as always, David.

[@thelvadam8916]

Just a suggestion Kevin-remove the barrel/breechblock assembly from the rifle and examine the sides of the breechblock and inside of the forks for wear marks. As for the power issue, if the seals are good, could have an out of round cylinder, or imperfect piston. Good luck and best wishes.

[@marcmyers1465]

Down over 100fps. Definitely a compression issue, either the seal or the receiver, given the galling at the bottom of the stroke I can believe it may have a cut or worn seal. Urethane is pretty intolerant of metal filings and flash. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Only takes about 5 minutes to find out... 😉

[@razor1962]

I'll definitely have a look at the block as well as the forks. Seems like it's more likely to be the wedge itself because the barrel pivots freely until just about the time that the wedge makes contact. A good friend suggested an oversized piston seal may have been installed without sizing it properly. This seems like a good guess as it will explain the loss of power as well as the cocking effort being "normal". Thanks as always, my friend. We shall see...

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Marc. We'll get this one on the bench pretty soon and see what's going on...

[@thelvadam8916]

@@razor1962 Sorry I didn't have a good understanding of exactly what is happening there. Sometimes if a rifle has been "slam fired", the forks can be bent or warped. Best wishes with getting this sorted out.

[@marcmyers1465]

​@@razor1962 Might be a tight or poorly fitted piston seal too ? ARH does offer multiple piston seals for changing tube tolerances in the HW50S evolution over the years. Jim would certainly know... 😉

[@OceanTruth]

The bright side of the underwhelming performance of this rifle is that we get to see you break it down and get things squared away. I’m always in awe when I see your vids working on the rifle’s internals. You make it look too easy! This HW50S is a real looker though. I have no doubt you’ll get it shooting as well as it looks. So glad you went back to ring the bell!

[@razor1962]

Thanks very much, my friend. You will definitely see this one on the workbench in an upcoming video.

[@thomasbeavon6485]

well done for ringing the bell. Looking forward to you fixing that lock up.

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Thomas. Thanks for watching, too.

[@johnhauser4801]

Great looking rifle and video Kevin. Can't wait to see the other two picks. Thanks for shearing

[@razor1962]

Thanks, John. Stay tuned...

[@joshfrey9336]

I had a 50s that had hard lockup. It was the plunger wedge on the barrel that was practically siezed from machining swarf stuck in the plunger hole not allowing it to move. It ended up destroying the reciever wedge and i had to replace the entire reciever. If that plunger isn't moving freely definitely take it apart and clean/lube that up.

[@razor1962]

Hi, Josh. I took the wedge pin out, and there's no binding going on. I found that the knuckle in the cocking rod was very tight and is looks as though the rod itself is bent. I'm guessing that this what's making it so hard to close the action.

[@airgunnostalgia4210]

Stunning rifle.... Your collection always seems to amaze me. Take care my friend!

[@razor1962]

Thank you very much, my friend.

[@pep3111]

Sweet 50 love the stock. Sometimes the trigger hinge pin will be a little tight causing it to feel weird but give consistent readings from the pull gauge. Take that puppy out and sand and polish it, should be fine. Good luck with the lock up, can’t wait to see what you figure out.

[@razor1962]

Thanks very much! That's a place to start. Much appreciated and thanks for watching, my friend.

[@marcmyers1465]

Woods & Water Outdoors makes particularly Fine and Properly fitted Stocks and Grips ! 😉👍 Steve's an Experienced Stock Maker and just a Great Guy to deal with. 😊

[@dtm6190]

I have 5 HWs with the Rowan setback triggers and don't have the problem you are having with yours. After installation you do have to make sure the back of the trigger is not touching the adjustment screw. I've had to trim most of my adjustment screw slightly just to get the gun to fire but it makes a good overtravel stop. One way to check to see if your breach seal is leaking is to lay a very light piece of tissue paper over the breach and fire the gun. It will be very obvious if you have a leak. Great looking gun. It would make for a great video if you could show the teardown and inspection to see what the issues are.

[@razor1962]

This one has the adjustment screw trimmed down already. I really never had a complaint with a Weihrauch Rekord trigger before. I think that I much prefer the stock trigger. The swept back trigger looks nice, but for me, the original feels right. The breech seal is fine. Definitely something internal. We'll get it on the bench in another video. Thanks so much for watching, my friend.

[@marcmyers1465]

A setback trigger actually shortens the length of pull by 3/8ths. to 1/2"... looks sleek but doesn't necessarily work for folks with larger hands or longer fingers ? 🤷🏼‍♂️ The tip of their finger ends up going through the trigger guard and their finger ends up wrapping around the trigger blade in an unnatural position. 😉

[@majorscope]

Hi Kevin, This is the risk we take with second hand rifles. Although as it is our hobby it is always interesting trying to correct someone elses cockup and getting the gun spot on. I have issues with an HW35. Fitted a vortek 12ft lb kit and new piston and breach seals but the gun still fires all over the place. I am sure you will get this one firing as it should. Look forward to the stripdown. Regards, David, U.K.

[@razor1962]

Thanks, David. I have no doubt that we'll see some improvement after going through the rifle. Lots of good suggestions here in the comments. I've got a good idea where to begin now. Thanks as always, my friend.

[@neiledwards8931]

Sounds to me , the spring is not original / it may be swelling in the piston hence holding back the shoe-end of the cocking lever . I've found with the new plastic insert in the cocking lever may need sanding down a bit you require around 1 to 2 mm height and some remove the little spring from under the plastic insert , being it can be hard to cock with it fitted, hope this info is of help my friend .Nice video.

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Neil. Very good info. I've heard from others about removing the spring beneath the skate. So far, as you'll see on the next video, the gun appears to be easier to cock and much easier to close with the new cocking lever installed. Thanks for all of the good advice.

[@iwanvanderhut4159]

Kevin, that gun looks absolutely amazing. I hope that the fix is a simple one, it's so worth the effort.

[@razor1962]

Agreed, Iwan. Stay tuned...

[@JohnVentarino-ey5ln]

I really like your HW50 especially in Stainless.

[@razor1962]

Thanks, John.

[@andybrown8293]

Try slacking the breech bolt off a touch. Forbidden screw is easy, remove the trigger unit from the rifle and adjust watching the sear through the window.adjust trigger pull weight to decrease chance of over sensitive trigger. Low power levels could be down to incorrect lubrication, is there a way we can talk if you need help.

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Andy. Problem solved with stiff closing action. Video coming soon. Forbidden screw is, in fact, easy, provided you're somewhat mechanically inclined. The problem stems from the fact that there are those among us who should not be allowed within ten feet of a screwdriver. For those people, messing with that screw can be disastrous. Thanks for watching.

[@marcmyers1465]

Improper trigger adjustments can very well result in unsafe conditions for the end user, and since the greater balance of this channels subscribers or anyone else viewing these videos ARE NOT Trained Gunsmiths or Armorers it would be haphazard to venture a "Guess" as to anyone's competence in trigger adjustments ! ⚠️ The "Forbidden" screw is denoted by the manufacturers as service to be performed by "Trained" service professionals. Hence: "Forbidden" ☝️🤨 It is "Not" as simple as a one point adjustment. It is a balanced interaction between two adjustments and multiple components within the trigger unit, and not everyone can visualize and evaluate those interactions even With training. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Never the less any cavalier presumption of an unknown individuals competence or success on a public forum could very well risk unsafe conditions, and personal safety ! SO... NAH ! Hard Pass. 🤗

[@paultowns9880]

Another great video Kevin. Looking forward to the tear down. I am sure you will have the HW50 running sweetly.

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Paul. I'm sure that we'll get things sorted out.

[@joshfrey9336]

Also, theres definitely contact from the cocking arm hitting the reciever. A dremel to the middle section until it clears should fix it. Power is indeed low (about 100 fps) if that is a full power kit installed, something is off

[@razor1962]

This is the older model 50 which relies on a roller bearing in the cocking arm to provide a friction point. The newer arms have a nylon sled that contacts thereceiver rather than the arm itself. It looks to ma as though a new cocking arm assy is the answer.

[@kevowski]

Looking forward to seeing how you resolve all the issues and how it performs afterwards

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Kev. Stay tuned...

[@phillipward4862]

Hi Kevin hope all's well and your shoulder gets better soon. In regards the gauling issue the hw50 or hw99 as it's known in the uk don't have a cocking shoe like the hw95 / 98 and the early one suffered with bad gauling so weihrauch installed a nylon insert into the cocking are and it has a spring at one end to keep pressure on it while cocking this seemed to help a lot but you can this get gauling your maybe a early one without the nylon insert ? on my 99 I put a little grease on the nylon which made it better. Good luck in your findings kevin look forward to the next one. Regards phill

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Phil. We shall see soon enough when I tear the gun down. Thanks as always, my friend.

[@stevepowell3475]

A great Vid once again Kevin. I have a Sandwell Field Sports Tuned HW99S (same as the 50 S here in the UK) but in .22 flavour. Its a pure joy to shoot being Light, Accurate and Full 12 fpe. I understand from many of my shooting chums & wise owls, that these can be less smooth in .177 and also difficult to get to make full power. I believe your latching problem could be caused by the Latching 'plunger' being stiff in its housing within the breach block - I came across that on an early HW95. I removed it, by driving out the cross pin, cleaned out the cavity and closing spring and reassembled it using Vmach lubricant. Its never been a problem since.... however, I wonder if the plating on the breach block has maybe slightly reduced the bore of the latching plunger cavity and as such reduced the clearance of the plunger to cause this issue? As always, I look forwards to your next Vid.

[@razor1962]

You make a good point with regard to the plating causing the issue. I will definitely look into that. A good friend suggested that someone may have installed an oversized piston seal without sizing it 1st. This sounds reasonable to me. Thanks for your input. It's very much appreciated.

[@marcmyers1465]

RE: Plating That's a Very Lucid observation. Plating IS never the less a coating and would certainly tighten the tolerances... 😉👍 A judicious stoning around the base of the plunger to break the edge and a few drops of Abbey SM50 couldn't hurt ? 🤔

[@marcmyers1465]

SWEET ! SFS makes a Fine Rifle. 😃👌

[@WalnutandSteel]

Howdy Kevin! Another sweetheart!

[@razor1962]

Hey Nibs! A sweetheart, she is indeed. Just needs some love.

[@jackhency938]

As far as the galling goes on mine it was the cocking arm rubbing against the compression tube I smooth the compression to back out input a nylon strip into the cocking arm and that solved that problem and I believe you're right it needs a piston seal

[@peteralexben]

the cocking arms tend to bent in some models . a new one is the best solution

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Jack. I have feeling that mine will look a lot like yours did when I tear it down. I appreciate your input. Thanks for watching, my friend.

[@razor1962]

I certainly hope that this is not the case. A bent cocking arm would suggest misuse. Thanks again, Peter.

[@marcmyers1465]

​@@razor1962Weihrauch very well Did redesign the cocking arm and introduced a plastic glide for the latest revision of the HW50S, but that actually came after the step up to the 26mm Reciever tube format. Likely due to the increased tension, cocking effort, and shorter barrel ? 🤔 The Early rifles didn't have that upgrade. Just the loss of leverage from the shorter barrel may account for some of the latching resistance, but they definitely beefed up and lowered the friction of the cocking arm. 😉

[@davidprocter3578]

I could be wrong relying on my old ears here but it does rather sound like the cocking shoe is catching/rubbing over the spring on the return to closed position. If this is the case it would indicate that there is no piston sleeve and that the spring is slightly oversized. I have found in the past that poor barrel latch performance often down to contaminated lubricant, but I would be prepared for anything.

[@razor1962]

Thanks, David. Both of your observations are sound. We'll find out soon enough.

[@alessandroavogadri6658]

Bravo... continua a fare video molto interessante

[@razor1962]

Thank you, Alessandro.

[@scottshaw9360]

With a new spring, possibly HO, I would think high 600's that something is wrong. Maybe why it was traded? Definitely headed to the bench.

[@razor1962]

Definitely, Scott. We'll get it sorted out in no time...

[@carloshr8904]

Saludos desde México, hermoso hw50

[@razor1962]

Thank you, Carlos.

[@marcmyers1465]

Siempre Bienvenido mi Amigo, Carlos... 👋😉

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

Internal Wedge spring may be was upgraded to a stiffer one to the breech block so lock up is stiff . Look forward to your findings. Ty 😎👍🏻 Ps took naproxen for my arthritis today not every day though I take .

[@razor1962]

Thanks very much, Peter.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

@@razor1962 welcome my friend Kevin .

[@marcmyers1465]

Parts and tolerances do change over production cycles sometimes merely due to changing hardware purchases. 🤔 Depending on the age of the rifle, new components may not be direct OEM replacements, and may take a bit of sussing out to get fitted properly. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Certainly NOT unusual for a latch spring, and not everyone has the requisite experience to insure the original tolerances. 😉

[@a234633]

I couldn't find a good video or info on scopes and mounts for hw 50s I wish I would have done the hunter it comes with scope and sling mounts there are aif gun pages but most are taking expensive Scopes I was thinking the Mantis 3 9 33 I don't remember the number sorry just wondering if anyone has some advice thanks

[@razor1962]

I've had very good luck with the Airmax line from Hawke. I'm sure that someone with experience with the Mantis scopes will chime in. Thanks for watching, my friend.

[@a234633]

@@razor1962 thanks for the reply, I saw on some forums that the hawke were not made for break beral but I noticed a lot of people use them thanks again really appreciate it

[@razor1962]

@@a234633 I've had really good luck with the Airmax line of Hawke scopes.

[@marcmyers1465]

I'm using both the Airmax 2-7×32, and the Vantage 2-7×32 AO IR on my HW50S 's with Excellent results ! 😃👍 But I'll confess I am particularly fond of the AMX reticle. 😊

[@NikolaKostic-wl7mn]

hello my friend. yesterday i bought a new Hw35e. today my dad took the rifle to look at her and he shoot a dry fire. do i have to wory for that because i heard that dry fire can damadge on the rifle…? after that i shoot a couple of time and every looks fine… im realy in wory for that dry fire 😔

[@razor1962]

Hello Nokola, As a rule, a single dry fire should not harm your rifle. Repeated dry firing will most definitely cause damage. I wouldn't be too concerned unless the gun appears to be shooting noticeably slow. Enjoy your wonderful rifle. The 35E is a classic.

[@NikolaKostic-wl7mn]

Thank you my friend 😊

[@charlesdleer]

How’s the HW50s compare to the HW30s? I like the size of the HW30S but looking for a little more speed. Thanks!

[@razor1962]

I think that the 50s is the ideal compromise between weight and power. You can't go wrong with a 50s. Recommend. 22 for pest elimination. .177 for plinking and target work.

[@mickchaganis6607]

Just seems like it's had a very poor rebuild......... I'm sure it's going to get a much better one very soon, will be interesting to see exactly what the problem is. I suppose the pull gauge pulls on the middle but a finger will put more pressure further up a curved trigger?....... Maybe??

[@razor1962]

Thanks, Mick. We'll be tearing this one down very soon. Stay tuned, my friend...

[@marcmyers1465]

Spot On, Mick ! 😉👍

[@peteralexben]

if its a new mod 50 it should do 250 m/s in 177 an 175 m/s in 22 ,, the older models do have a shorter compression tube and spring and are less powerfull from memory 210 m/s in 177 .its not the same as a 95 those are rated 290 m/s in 177 and 230 m/s in 22 . the hw 85 is like a 95 in power , the cocking arm is bent or someone changed the spring of the barrel locking bolt of the barrel or the shape of that

[@razor1962]

Great info. Thanks, Peter. We'll find out soon enough when I pull the gun apart. Stay tuned...

[@billemshoff9335]

If you do not mind me asking, did you know these issues when you bought it, and was that factored into what you paid? Did you buy from a dealer or individual? Were they aware of the problem?

[@razor1962]

Hi Bill. I bought three guns from the same dealer at a gun show. This is the first to be reviewed on the channel. I paid a fair price with the expectation that I would need to rebuild the two guns that are spring powered. I'm not complaining, Bill, just telling the audience what I found. Stick around, though. We'll be tearing this one down in the near future. Thanks for watching, my friend.

[@xwmlischannel5734]

❤❤❤❤🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@marcmyers1465]

RE: Forbidden Screw Nah ! Don't Go There... 😂 Too easy for folks to get themselves in trouble. ⚠️ 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@JohnVentarino-ey5ln]

Is it a 177

[@razor1962]

Yes, .177. Thanks for watching.

[@JohnVentarino-ey5ln]

@razor1962 I have to be honest with you. I told you I just recieved my HW97KT IN WOOD AND STAINLESS from AOA in Arizona and I have to tell you this gun is a Tank in weight the only way it's fun to shoot is the way your shooting off a table or bench because it's to dam heavy to be walking around in the woods or doing any standing up shots. I'm not a weak man either I'm 205 pounds and worked out my whole life even though its been many years since I did but this gun is to heavy to enjoy any way but bench shooting. I wish I would have got the synthetic stock now over the wood plus I would have saved 300 or more dollars.

[@JohnVentarino-ey5ln]

@marcmyers1465 what kind buddy.

[@JohnVentarino-ey5ln]

@marcmyers1465 is there any scratches or marks on the scope badly Marc, im weird with having my stuff look nice and how old is the scope and is there anyway you can take a photo to show me or can I just look it up to see what it looks like but yea I'm interested how much buddy.

[@marcmyers1465]

​@@JohnVentarino-ey5lnSorry, Jon. Deal came and went pretty quickly. I couldn't post the particulars as it was a private mailing list. Too bad, it was d@mn near half price... I didn't think that would last long at that price. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@koenraadderoeck9045]

i think kevin is a little rosstig and the gun not !!!!!!

[@razor1962]

Not rusty Koenraad. I am silver, at least on top of my head. Just like the rifle is silver.🤣🤣🤣

[@marcmyers1465]

Core-Core- uN... 😕

[@razor1962]

Took me a minute, Marc....What I really want to learn to pronounce is "Hyedua"....

[@marcmyers1465]

​@@razor1962Shed-D'jew-uh... 😁