Super smooth classic! If ever there was a spring-powered rifle that raised the performance bar following its introduction, the Weihrauch HW 80 would be it, says Andy McLachlan
Weihrauch’s renowned Rekord trigger was put to good use on the 80
Originally designed as a collaboration between Dr Robert Beeman and the Weihrauch factory, the HW 80 made strong use of modern design methodologies at the time of its release in the 1980s.
The Venom-engraved and reblued action contains custom-engineered components, including a 25mm piston and cylinder sleeve designed to improve the firing cycle
These resulted in a much more powerful action than that of the earlier HW 35, doing without the barrel lock-up but including a new nylon piston seal and retaining the still-excellent Rekord trigger unit. The compression chamber has large dimensions that allow the gun to develop export levels of power if necessary.
This trigger assembly features a resettable safety catch mechanism
The HW 80 is as accurate today as it was back then. Maintenance is as simple as a wipe-down with a silicone cloth, plus a mainspring and seal change every few years – and that is it.
One of the last stocks completed by master tuner Ivan Hancock before his retirement
Pictured is my own HW 80 Venom Lazahunter, which I bought in 2004. It remains a testament to its outstanding engineering quality. It has had only one mainspring and piston seal change in its working life so far. A genuine classic!
This article originally appeared in the issue 98 of Airgun Shooter magazine. For more great content like this, subscribe today at our secure online store: www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk
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