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6/6/2023 2:33:56 PM EDT
Looking to get my first real pellet rifle. Something I can take small game with and plink. Will be in 22 cal.

Any of yall have both?

Pros cons?

The HW50S looks to have less plastic on it over the 48.

And a PCP is on the list just not now.
6/6/2023 7:48:11 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ArimoDave][Edited] [#1]
I have an RWS 48 and a Beeman R1 (HW80).  The Rexford trigger on the HW rifles is a bit better than that on the RWS rifles.

Were I in your shoes, I'd choose the HW50S.  

Note:  German air rifles in .22 tend to have larger bores than English guns. Fortunately, H&N makes pellets in numerous head sizes, and you can often order then in the size you need for your gun.   The head of the pellet should just ride on the lands without much engraving.  This is before any choke at the muzzle.  Pellets that are too loose will not shoot as accurate, though chokes do help in this regard.  Also, pellets whose heads are engraved deeply and perhaps ride in the grooves get too distorted to shoot well.
If I were a hedonist, I'd be a hermit.

You need a good airgun if you don't have one already.
6/8/2023 8:05:14 AM EDT
[#2]
Had a 48 in 22cal.
Hard hitting but accuracy was not great. Tried multiple scopes with the factory RWS mount.
6/8/2023 8:49:38 AM EDT
[#3]
Both are are great choices. The 48 I think will be the roughest on optics but generate a more consistent velocity. I didn’t vote knowing what I know now I would get a regulated PCP. But mastering a spring gun is an art. I think the Spring powered air rifle is a better hunting option. I have not shot the HW50S but my buddy that has one loves it. I didn’t like my RWS 48 and traded it for an RWS 34. They seem to kinder on optics.
Chicken Farmer by choice hunter of shade tree's and hiding spots by nature.
6/8/2023 8:49:42 AM EDT
[#4]
.25 cal master race. Can’t help.
6/8/2023 8:51:29 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Number1gun:
.25 cal master race. Can’t help.
View Quote

That is on my list just not yet.
Chicken Farmer by choice hunter of shade tree's and hiding spots by nature.
6/8/2023 9:30:38 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By sparkyD:
Both are are great choices. The 48 I think will be the roughest on optics but generate a more consistent velocity. I didn’t vote knowing what I know now I would get a regulated PCP. But mastering a spring gun is an art. I think the Spring powered air rifle is a better hunting option. I have not shot the HW50S but my buddy that has one loves it. I didn’t like my RWS 48 and traded it for an RWS 34. They seem to kinder on optics.
View Quote


As someone new to air guns why is the 48 harder on scopes than the 50S?
6/8/2023 10:55:03 AM EDT
[#7]
I'm a big fan of Weihrauch air rifles so the 50s gets my vote. Are you looking at the "Hunter" edition from AoA?

For me personally the debate would be between the HW50S Hunter edition vs the HW95L Field Pro edition? Overall I like the 95 better but for a true hunting rifle, the 50s is probably better suited with its lower weight, sling mounts and moderator. The 95 has a little more power but that may not matter depending one what your hunting and at what distance?
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
6/8/2023 11:13:02 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By airgunner:
I'm a big fan of Weihrauch air rifles so the 50s gets my vote. Are you looking at the "Hunter" edition from AoA?

For me personally the debate would be between the HW50S Hunter edition vs the HW95L Field Pro edition? Overall I like the 95 better but for a true hunting rifle, the 50s is probably better suited with its lower weight, sling mounts and moderator. The 95 has a little more power but that may not matter depending one what your hunting and at what distance?
View Quote


Didnt know these 2 were available.

HW95L
HW50S

I had just seen the standard HW50s.

What make of scopes are on these guns? Something I will have to turn around and replace?
6/8/2023 3:40:55 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By swampfoxoutdoors:


As someone new to air guns why is the 48 harder on scopes than the 50S?
View Quote

I understand it has a larger spring.
Chicken Farmer by choice hunter of shade tree's and hiding spots by nature.
6/9/2023 11:03:37 PM EDT
[#10]
Current Weihrauch is better by a significant margin over RWS IMO. I would get the HW50 if hunting/carrying around. The HW50 will be more pleasant to carry in the field, more akin to a modern rimfire. The HW95 is a great spring gun but will feel a bit large if carrying much. I also would stick with .177 instead of .22 unless mainly hunting rabbit sized game. Trajectory difference(range estimation) is significant between the two calibers but terminal performance is not. Making an accurate shot in the field is easier with the .177. All said and done, these are pellet guns and shot placement is key. And yes, I have both brands and calibers, used to keep vermin out of some 15 fruit trees and 2 gardens.
6/10/2023 7:37:07 AM EDT
[#11]
I've previously owned a Diana 48 in .22. Great gun but the weight and bulkiness were a drawback,especially when my grandsons were shooting it. Got a HW50 in .177 a few years ago. Relatively easy to cock and with a scope its a laser. Wish I had gotten one earlier.
6/10/2023 7:45:35 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Bladeswitcher][Edited] [#12]
I encourage you to look at the Beeman R9/Weihruach HW95. In my opinion, this is about the perfect balance of weight, power, cocking force, firing behavior.

The 48 is simply too big and stout for extended shooting comfort. The modern HW50 packs too much power into too small of a package so you get increased cocking effort and harsh behavior. (The previous 1960-'80s version of the HW50 was a pussycat, however).

With spring guns, it's a mistake to chase power. You should be looking at firing behavior, smoothness, etc. You've got to find a balance of power, size, weight and cocking effort. You don't get that when you try to push the limits.

As for caliber, I prefer .177 and that would be my choice in either the HW50 or HW95. For the 48, I would stick to .22 though. You'll need the heavier pellets to calm the gun down.

10/18/2023 7:01:13 PM EDT
[#13]
Having a Beeman R7 in .177 and an RWS 48 in .177... the Beeman is "easier" to be accurate with but decidedly less potent of course. I have read numerous times how much more rewarding it is to have an accurate, easy shooting pellet gun in the 12 ft/lb range or less. Although I will not get rid of my RWS48, my R7 gets shot much more frequently. It is only a 6-7ft/lb gun but ...it is so choice, if you have the means I recommend it.
7/23/2024 1:02:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: JimGriff][Edited] [#14]
RWS 48, because I've had one for 10+ years.
I like the side cocking lever better than the break barrel because the whole thing seems more solid.
Subjective, I know.

Also, make sure you use the "Artillery Hold" with these big springers.
Support hand goes at or near the balance point, gently.
Just kinda cradle the gun and then let it move when you pull the trigger and that big bolt slams forward. Don't fight it.
This, and the right pellet, should go a long way toward solving your accuracy problems. Mine likes 14.3 grain Crosman Premier HP pellets the best so far (Walmart, Amazon)

Edit: you may find it helpful to put inner tube strips between the rings and your scope, which mitigates the same bolt shock
7/23/2024 4:38:19 PM EDT
[#15]
I had an RWS 48 .22 and I have an RWS 34 .177. I have since graduated from springers to PCP air rifles. Perhaps you could consider getting a PCP in .22?  They handle more like a regular rifle and they are kinder to optics.
7/27/2024 8:37:15 PM EDT
[#16]
A used Air Arms TX200
7/27/2024 9:13:04 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jagdterrier:
A used Air Arms TX200
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I plan to get one of these some time.  

I was in the market about a year ago for ridding my idled factory of pigeons.  I wanted the Diana 48 or 52 for power.  Called Air guns of Arizona, told him what I was going to do with it and he steered me to the HW50S, far all the reasons mentioned.

Glad he did.  I could carry it around for hours.  It wasn't the most powerful but could drop pigeons at 75 yards (when I hit them!)  This was .22 cal.

It likes the lightweight green pellets and they seemed to kill better, maybe because they are more accurate.  I stopped counting at 100 pigeons.

Great gun.  The included 4x scope is plenty good for hunting and the light weight is good.

Recommend highly.  

And if there is plastic on it it's hard to find.
Ohio weather STILL sucks, even more!
7/28/2024 8:19:01 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Originally Posted By sparkyD:

That is on my list just not yet.
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Quote History
Originally Posted By sparkyD:
Originally Posted By Number1gun:
.25 cal master race. Can’t help.

That is on my list just not yet.

Keep an eye out on Amazon, they have some great deals on the 25's pretty regularly.

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