The Airgun Show -- rabbit hunting and the iconic Weihrauch HW77

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Grass-gobbling rabbits are in the crosshairs as Mat Manning takes on a pest control job at a stately home for episode three of The Airgun Show. It's a tough assignment, but fog and fire fail to halt the hunt, as Mat uses stalking and bipod tactics, plus his Daystate Mk4, to bag the bunnies in testing conditions.
And the legendary Weihrauch HW77 is on the test bench -- in its latest, special edition laminate stock guise. See how the eye-catching new incarnation of this iconic fixed-barrel springer fairs under Mat's scrutiny and on the target range.

[@TheGrousehunter78]

I would like to add my opinion as to why people shoot vermin. I don't live in the UK, I am Canadian, though I love this channel. I have killed vermin by the thousands. My rational is simple: These creatures cause damage to both crops and livestock. Farmers and ranchers want and need pests killed, and if we as hunters don't shoot them, the farmers will poison them. I hate poison. Not only do the targeted species ingest it, so do other animals. As well, when the poisoned animals die they tend to do so above ground and then get eaten by other animals, themselves now ingesting the poison. Like it or not, directly or indirectly hunters are helping to bring groceries to store shelves and keeping costs down. Preserving non-target species and enhancing wildlife habitat. You're welcome.

[@heathhalfhill6867]

“Hocking” as you call it is a really useful technique. I’m going to use that till the end of time thank you! Nice shooting by the way. I hope to see more FAC use of PCPs also in the future as well. After all that IS how they where intended to be used. I do respect the amount of skill involved to use a sub 12 airgun and again have the highest respect for those using them. Mad skill involved to use them however, I only us and have FAC rated PCPs 30-88 FPE and it is what i best understand with ethical kills and pest control. Many area that I do pest control I do however use airguns in the 8-12 FPE levels to prevent damage to the owners property so yes sir…I get it and really do enjoy using them with that extra level of challenge. Here in the USA we have been blessed with the freedom to chose our choice of airgun power output. That being said an sub 12 airgun requires greater patience and skill to make an ethical shot. As always God bless and stay safe. Really enjoyed this video.

[@rapalaron6348]

The HW77 and 97 are great rifles but they have no anti bear trap mechanism. Its just an extra safety to lock the trigger while the underlever is stil not in place yet. A bear trap mechanism locks the underlever in several stages untill it is totally cocked and that is not the case here.

[@SimonWAtack]

This is a great air rifle show you have here. I have devoted my shooting to Weihrauch spring rifles and use an HW77 .22 for hunting and target shooting and I absolutely love it. It is an incredibly accurate rifle with Air Arms Field 5.52mm pellets. You do a cracking job reviewing fine air rifles like this legend. Well done!

[@РичардМлдер]

theshootingshow, Mat, thank you for the video. I own the Weihrauch HW77K and I could not be more pleased with it. As you say:''excellent value for money''. Great hunting airrifle for rabbits, squirrels, duck and pests. I used to have a HW 77K back in the nineties and sold it in the year 2000 because I relocated from The Netherlands to Ireland, only to find out how much I would miss it. I bought a new Weihrauch HW 77K again only recently. This one will stay with me till the day I die. By the way: In February 2017 I have bought the Russian Ataman cal. .30 (7.62 mm) Walnut M2 PCP Rifle, rear bolt, Tier-One 30 mm mounts with Optisan EVX 6-24x56I MH10 scope mounted. This rifle is so great!!!!! A high-quality product Made in Russia. My Ataman is perfect for wild boar and deer hunting, one shot, one kill at distances between 60-80 meters in countries where this is legal. Good shot placement is very important as to perform a clean kill using JSB 50.15 gr domed pellets or 44.75 gr Polymag Hunting Pellets. My Ataman M2 Carbine has 300 m/s muzzle velocity and delivers 130 Joules= 96 fpe. Mat, do you think it is exceptional to shoot boar or deer at 70 meters average with a .30 cal, 96 fpe PCP? Thank you for the video, Kind regards, Richard Mulder

[@deborahbrown5528]

I’ve had a hw77 since 1988. Had many other springers but hw77 is still the best I’ve owned by far. I’ve put 1000s of pellets through her and it’s still as accurate as out of the box. Somehow eley wasps are the best pellet for it being so regular and well made. Wasps are very very under rated and almost match standard

[@X737_]

Deborah Brown I’ve always found british pellets were best in Weirauch and German pellets better in my BSA PCP surprising but true imo

[@X737_]

Deborah Brown I’ve always found british pellets were best in Weirauch and German pellets better in my BSA PCP surprising but true imo

[@X737_]

Deborah Brown I’ve always found british pellets were best in Weirauch and German pellets better in my BSA PCP surprising but true imo

[@italodimichele2422]

I finally purchased the beautiful 77 Special Edition because of your review. Keep reviewing springers I have an Impact and Daystate but springers is what keeps me in the game. Awesome thank you! I really like shooting mine .

[@btsaucedo1]

Man, I love the aerial acrobatics rabbits do when you shoot them. Very cool video.

[@Antithropocentric]

Good to see that you respect nature beyond something you can plink at and laugh about. Loser.

[@oneofthosepeople2101]

I can’t afford the best PCP, by far, so it only makes sense to buy the best springer. 👍

[@jimjohn6520]

What did u go with?

[@tonyhoodlass1846]

Spot on mate me too

[@danielmichael2671]

smk pr900w pcp 177

[@davidpollock280564]

Hi matt just bought my first gun without knowing any thing about them I went to what I was told was a good dealer .was not a lot to pick from but there was one that caught my eye it is called the Weihrauch hw 97k .i was told one of best spring guns on the market price£402 pounds .as luck would have it came across your mag and it was giving a review off this type of gun could not Believe my luck . I bought a gun mart as well and my heart sunk.i just did not know what to do there is an article on pg 66and it said in big red letters ..warning buying a weihrauch Make sure it has the HULL cartridge stamp.well I check and no mark just a number on the barrel where suppose to be next to that on the place just before the pellets go in it says cal..22/5"5mm.and on top it's says HW 97 K this gun was sold as new have I bought a cheap replica it looks and feels great but I just don't know what to do any advice from you or your subscribers would be deeply appreciate have subscribed to your tube Chanel and am going to subscribe to your excellent mag well I need all the info I can get Yours sincerely David pollock Scotland

[@davidm3maniac201]

It just means you have no warranty. Never heard of a replica Hw97. I have the HW97KT and love it. One of the best springers on the market and a good choice imo

[@CH000L]

This may be a daft question but could you hunt rabbits like you did at the beginning of the video with the spring rifle from the end of the video? As in is that spring one powerful enough? Thanks sorry I’m new to guns

[@johnsawyer2516]

Very good and truthful review of the HW 77 I have had one for 12 years they are brilliant, but a bit heavy for old lads like me. One thing you said you had a mouch round ,no not really because you had permission to be there, a moucher is someone who may be works on the estate but dose not have shooting rights. I like your style, I have hit the subscribe button.

[@onastick2411]

He meant, to mooch, walk around slowly, without any real purpose, English slang expression.

[@13conair]

Great vid as usual, I have just got the 97K (to go with my 44-10 for ratting/rabbits general farm vermin) and wickedly good/accurate spring rifle, LOL at the TOWNIES wowling as usual they dont have a clue on what goes on outside of there little housing estates and they want to tell us how to live hehe jog on ;)

[@HuntersVermin]

Another nice show and well done on the rabbits in such difficult condition's.

[@usern4m32]

I don't understand how people can be so nasty with animals. If it is to eat, then, well, this is how the nature is made, but just for having fun, accoarding to me, this is being nasty.

[@bobthebarsteward]

Could never understand why Weihrauch didn't offer a peep-sight option to the rearsight on the HW77. The plate is only held on by a screw arrangement, the unit can be slid right back on the rails and the extra element would cost next to nothing. It would be possible to provide 4 different apertures too, which would allow for different preferences and light levels.

[@7Markandrews]

Absolutely superb video. Informative, sticks to fact, well produced. Excellent direction and very well made. Superb clear narrative throughout, have already subscribed to this. Great

[@ronouellette5783]

I have seen some of your videos and enjoy them, I also hunt small game and prepare them in a crock pot, my weapon of choice is a Ruger 22cal nitro piston air rifle. I have a question, I love the videos you have where you have a camera on your scope, I have the same Sony camera that you have but was wondering how to attach it to the scope, how did you do it?

[@85k11]

some cracking shots there on the rabbits matt

[@maximusmaxwell4392]

i had the old under lever weihrauch good gun many moons ago then moved on to the webley Patriot in 25 then the career 707 then sig sauer 522 rifle now i am thinking of going back to a Airgun there is so many to choose from now always fancied the diana AirKing very heavy though

[@nutsbquakin5589]

Reminds me of my webley eclipse, but with less style and more precision! Awesome vid.

[@williecosgrove]

Your a gas man mat. Your are like a boy with a new toy everytime you go hunting. Love your show. PS. paunch your rabbit when you pick it up, makes for better eating.

[@scubadivingsince2006]

Nice vid, an good clean ethical shots :) well done

[@pinkysingh5]

Sook it

[@jofhill1066]

I do like this guy and I like watching his field craft. I am thinking of getting an air rifle but I don't think I could kill something unless it was bearing down on me showing it's teeth.

[@tannerlavares4776]

Well you could just use it on targets but it's much more fun and accomplishing to actually kill something and you should eat it if you do may i mention. But yeah just use it for targets though I don't know why you would buy one just for that.

[@fernandesperalta]

what is the scope you are using to kill the rabbits ?

[@phillip23451]

Matt, what make and design is your jacket in this video, it blends in well with the grass...

[@uglyfrog7263]

Your jacket really matches the color of the grass well, but where is your game bag?

[@anyme3046]

Camera man 😂

[@PjD-pk1fg]

What power is the daystate rifle? Does it require a FAC? IM a newbie, apologies for dumb question.

[@robertmitchell9415]

Surely the whole idea of a laminate stock is to reduce the movement/distortion that might occur in a solid timber stock, which might affect accuracy!

[@debbierigby6304]

Could never afford a hw77 'so I bought a rws diana model52. Which I still have .good gun.

[@blackbear9326]

Great video again Mat. 👍🏼

[@Johnnywoo7]

Good video Matt, well explained and filmed. Is your Mk4 FAC or 12ft/lb ? I use a Daystate Air Wolf Tactical 177 and find it ample out to 50 yds I have a rapid fac but the Wolf does just as well. keep the films coming.

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Johnny. The Mk4 is FAC - usually set at just below 30ft/lb. Rarely push ranges beyond 50m but often appreciate the extra knock-down power.

[@ernestgtipping3313]

I hope the airgun forum comes on here because I've never been arsed about so much in all my life as trying to log in , I have my user name & password written down in my forum logging in book and get thrown out then they say to answer a capitur frame of pictures each time it gave me all ticks then put another set three times & I still didn't get a new password.Cheers Tippo.

[@shauncollier6462]

Is this 22 or 177

[@NJPurling]

Matt: This was the first Airgun Show I saw. Did you ever go back to that location after more rabbits?

[@chrisbradshaw7273]

Are you sure that's the autumn forest laminate and not the summer one?

[@iecbuild]

Hi Matt, great video as usual. I have a question maybe you or your subscribers could help me with. I currently shoot an S410 in.177, and have had rabbits to 45yds. I am looking to replace it with a Huntsman Regal and I am considering a switch over to .22. Do you think a change to .22 is worth the extra punch? Considering I mainly hunt rabbits at 30-50yds but I don't have an FAC licence. I only ask as I have not shot a pcp in .22 and I'm worried about the accuracy differences but would like a little extra punch.. Could I use a slightly lighter grain pellet in a .22 to keep a better range and accuracy while still delivering more stopping power than a .177? Any help would be appreciated as I have asked the same question on forums and it just sparks off 177 vs 22 arguments. Many thanks

[@romanmax8561]

Yes just use a lighter pellet in .22 if you want a flater trajectory .

[@pauljames2228]

nice shooting on the rabbits mat well done

[@tommygun6028]

Nice shooting Excellent Episode 😎🤝👍

[@matmontana4468]

Hi man, how much Joulle does your Gun have, more than 7,5?

[@mustafaalbarak9157]

@Michael Tighe the FAC-rated Weihrauch HW 77K has 20 Joules muzzle energy. Great hunting rifle.

[@ftboutdoors4418]

What is the fps on the gun?

[@10ballpoll73]

which scope you use on this rifle ?

[@patrickbodenham6879]

19:58 "I pulled one off... that was me, not the gun"

[@Jcauto-t4r]

Can I get that rifle in USA ?

[@markmason13]

Mat you always looks happy in the vids you must love your job. Do you think at some point you could do a review on the Webley Raider 10 XS and other budget PcP air guns?

[@Panoravision]

does it have a magazine? If so how many pellets at a time?

[@glennsmith7575]

hi matt great show!. I was just wondering out of all the airguns you use for hunting on you show, what air gun is the most accurate. thanks

[@Meloncholymadness]

All quality air rifles will be more accurate than the shooter.

[@kerryward6896]

thats why you waer a hunting vest with a game pouch in back ! you just put the rabbits in the pouch and go bout your hunt ! very nice vid !

[@davidm3maniac201]

Who saw that rabbit stick his two fingers up at matt when he missed. Bloody audacity of that rabbit

[@timmygilbert1371]

How long can the rabbits sit after being shot , as far as the meat not going bad ?

[@squaretorttle9400]

Depends on the weather

[@BilalAhmed-cq6ob]

what airgun are you using?

[@russischerknacki6149]

How much Joule have this AirGun?

[@weatherby1982]

what pellets did you use?

[@Johnmny_s766]

Good shootin with a great rifle. Not much better eating than rabbit !!!

[@Shadow1776]

Is the HW 77 in .22 suitable for rabbit shooting?

[@davt8615]

Totally mate if you have trust in your ability, they are a hefty old lump i always struggle at free standing shots with mine, but lets not forget the 77 and 97 are target rifles hence the weight. If your looking for a spring hunter look no further than the hw95 mate they are cracking and light as a feather

[@davidm3maniac201]

@@davt8615 What scope do you use. I have just bought HW97KT and well pleased with it but not got much experience with scopes. Not to expensive please

[@davt8615]

@@davidm3maniac201 depends what your wanting to spend mate. A tend to use hawke panorama,s or nikko panamax, top scopes and dont cost silly money.

[@chrishenning8829]

Ive shot many rabbits with my weihrauch hw97 .22 using H&N Barracuda hunter 18gr. Ive put a Hawke Airmax 4-12X and its deadly accurate.

[@jimmy2060]

next time you go hunting would you pick a better day, I liked to froze my butt off watching this video.........LOL

[@eddieconnor8864]

I have Crossman Phantom Mk11 combo, cost £200.00P Great 👍rabbit stopper.

[@MrFredSed]

What damge do rabbits and squirrels do in the countryside? That's where they live. The former lives in holes, is it the burrow network that will ruin banks and cost to put right? I'm genuinely curious as I'm about to go for a AG tomorrow but I don't think I could kill anything for fun.

[@theshootingshow]

Rabbits can cause expensive damage by feeding on agricultural crops. Their burrowing is also problematic, banks become undermined and, on equestrian holdings, there is a risk of horses breaking legs if they put a hoof down a rabbit hole. Their burrowing and scraping also causes damage to golf courses and in the garden. Grey squirrels are a recently introduced species to the UK, and have a negative impact on native wildlife - their spread has been associated with the decline of the red squirrel. Grey squirrels feed on eggs and chicks of songbirds, and also cause serious damage to trees - as you can see on episode 1. Their fondness for eggs and chicks can also prove costly for game keepers, as does their habit of taking grain from pheasant feeders.

[@MrFredSed]

theshootingshow Thanks for replying.

[@peterchessell1949]

Get a catapult and some cans ...idiot.

[@MrFredSed]

peter chessell ouch ... did you just kick me up the arse?

[@unlethalweapon5279]

peter chessell What do cans do to harm the environment? Plus their not on the general licence.

[@maheshvarsingh6572]

Best pellets for rabbits hunting.

[@brandontv226]

Awesome I have an old Ben franklin that my dad just found when he was little it is 1000 fps

[@sja3209]

Hello, we have 1 from a family member who died... where can I sell this ? As gun shops only offer £25-50 I would appreciate some help as we know nothing of this sport or it’s instruments... many thanks

[@greghumble7306]

One of these? An hw77? I’ll give you 250

[@josephcool640]

What cal is that

[@silverbackdp]

silky smooth my arse.. you can blatently hear the twang when he takes his first shot!

[@maxy-j4530]

Great video, could you review a HW97 aswell?

[@paulsmith6086]

Why does it say hunting with the 77.

[@tomzimmermann7413]

16 Joul ??

[@DRIVEwiLzZz]

What is the color of camo in the jacket?

[@theshootingshow]

In the hunting piece, it's an old discontinued pattern by Stormkloth. The jacket in the links is the Jack Pyke Hunters Jacket, in English Woodland - which is quite similar.

[@LouisSteintz]

Does anyone know which pellet he used? Thanks

[@z-trip5457]

5.5 would be logical, but i aint sure.

[@fubartotale3389]

I keep expecting to see Wallace and Gromit to show up...

[@jordansinclair6045]

good review good hunting options i will judge when are if i get one

[@hawkmusicandsuch4428]

He looks like he is having a blast, i know I would

[@cicadraza1601]

which is better...HW 97K or hatsan 1000s

[@trijntjeantinasokolowski-m1016]

The HW 97 is much better.

[@dedesantos5389]

Gostei muito carabinas muito lindas show

[@122popey]

Great vid mate I have a hw77 it's a new rifle but when I shoot it has a twang sound is this a problem? Cheers

[@theshootingshow]

There'will always be some sound from the workings of a spring-powered airgun. As long as it isn't excessive, and the gun is shooting consistently, it should be fine.

[@tmurray1972]

It’s because it has loose spring guides, install tight fitting delrin guides and it will sound like a solid gun, no spring twang.

[@NJPurling]

I have seen the damage done to trees in an apple orchard. I suspect it was rabbits, because at the foot of the tree there were droppings & scrapes. This was an orchard where there were some very old varieties of apple. Even if it was grey squirrels those tree-rats need dealing with too. What a pity that the orchard is owned by a local authority, not the adjacent farm. I have also see the effect rampant bunny population has around an old motte & bailey fortification. The holes are hip deep in places. One wrong step and you are risking a broken leg.

[@pablomartinezgarcia3129]

Great video

[@mmmdonutsss]

Best tip ever to hang the rabbits. Thank you!

[@skipcampbell239]

great show

[@TheOldHedgeCreeper]

After watching this and with my ole mucker down from Yorkshire for a Pass It On Young Sports taster day, I decide to go out and hunt old school with my 77 and my beloved Webley Vulcan that I have had since I was 12 years old, Lets just say I am glad to say The Ole Hedge Creeper has not lost the field craft and springer hunting that I was taught as boy ;-) Take a look at my short video below ;-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaCogImZgs12qK8

[@CHOPERUS23]

427 pounds?! Mate you can get an Air Arms Pcp for that which is a whole new league of accuracy. Depends what you are into I guess.

[@NapoleonGelignite]

Michael Tighe - use a slingshot for maximum skill points. A springer is easy compared to a sling, or even a catapult.

[@allanbrogdon7453]

I love rabbits my grandmother cooked it in a pan with tomatoes onion and bell peppers mmm.No place to hunt around here tried store bought huge just not the same.

[@jimmy2060]

do you eat those rabbits ? I am a fan of tasty fried rabbit

[@michaelbritain5546]

The shooting show, or certainly the advertising show.

[@benitocamelasluego]

bravo!

[@ralphy9215]

Good humane shot 👍

[@MrNewtonian]

Daystate mark 4 FAC

[@nonameblues]

What a big brave man..

[@dannydevito241]

nonameblues ??

[@dandyer8351]

​@@dannydevito241vegi probly

[@deletethis3545]

cup a tea red nex.

[@jurassicjosh7479]

Bunny Ears! :D 7:29

[@tesziferi]

I can't understand...how can you kill a rabbit?

[@squaretorttle9400]

With a gun

[@scottmcdonald6421]

Relay nice daystate much to expensive

[@leeharrison4821]

It's harling

[@geforce5274]

This is a fake my friend ! The Rabbit you shoot is not the rabbit you found.

[@cybelisk1526]

poor Thumper... I bet he tasted great.

[@no-xx4sw]

t. whiteguy

[@davemichaels9757]

Iconic brand, my favourite air rifles by a long way. More reliable than Spanish and Turkish makers. More stuff on Weihrauch here www.pellpax.co.uk/blog/brand-focus-weihrauch-air-rifles-pistols/

[@izzi9522]

Could anyone tell me which is better the HW77 or the AirArms tx 200 hc

[@z-trip5457]

HW77, weirauch is top notch

[@izzi9522]

baff shogun thanks mate but you were a year too late😁

[@z-trip5457]

+ismael dogansoy Hahaha i know, but i couldnt resist answering, which one did you buy?

[@izzi9522]

+baff shogun i bought the 77 the reason being that i had to import the tx from england, since there weren't any in malta

[@kuyaerichunting7505]

🙏👍

[@supercharged3975]

while this guy was out shooting i was shooting is other half with my creamy pellets

[@davidmuas4614]

Good job but you England speak English not very clean sound

[@bennyrlove]

compare uk power limits with usa on airguns

[@hayjoesam]

+Benny ofAtlanta The same if FAC

[@JB-mo8rs]

4 clicks down and 2 to the left.