Here' s an interesting question. What is a HW97? And what is its function in the larger world of air rifles. Believe it or not it is a close relative of the Beeman R9. It shares many internal parts including the mainspring. The trigger group is the deservedly famous Rekord, same as the R9 and many other Weihrauch air rifles.

The key Difference is the HW97 has a fixed barrel. Not to indicate that the R9 barrel is in any way broken. Fixed as in stationary in relation to the stock and receiver tube as opposed to the R9s break barrel cocking action.

The HW97 is a target rifle, Field Target is it's game. What is Field Target? Its a target match for score where the targets are placed in a naturalistic setting and is scored by knocking down targets. This is done by shooting target activation paddles that are guarded by a hole in the target itself. You need to get the pellet cleanly through the hole to hit the paddle.
The targets can be as close as 10 yds or as far as 55 yds.

Gamo Squirrel Target Field Target By Gamo

Ok, now we know why lets explore how. First off this rifle is built like a tank at about 9 lb. compared to the R9 at 7.5 lb. The wood and metal fit and finish on my test subject is near perfect. All metal except the trigger and trigger guard are a nice deep blue. The wood displaying even clean checkering and consistent smooth stained surfaces.

The wood is carved with attractive curves and razor straight lines at the inletting. The checkering resembles the Beeman R1 pattern and is neither too much or too little.

Reverse angle forward edge of the fore stock and the geometric cheek rest gives it a modern look without sacrificing class.

The HW97 is also available in a blue and silver laminate stock which is just beautiful to behold. Pictures don't do it justice.

The trigger is finished in gold (on this model and silver in the laminate) and the Trigger guard is black painted metal.

I used a Bushnell 4x12x40 AO: Matte Finish Banner
Dusk & Dawn® Riflescopes feature Dusk & Dawn Brightness™ (DDB) multi-coated lenses for clarity in low and full light, so you can get the most out of your hunting day.

A fast-focus eyepiece and wide-angle field of view let you focus on and follow game easily. With the Bushnell 4x12x40 riflescope mounted it looks like a Beeman Goldfinger!

I found the cocking action smooth and fairly light. It shot with just a bit of a shutter when the sear released. As things need to wear in I'm sure this rifle will settle down a bit more. The loading port is large and easy to access and if you are occasionally butter fingered like me you will be pleased to know that retrieving pellets dropped in the action is easy.

 Hold sensitivity is a fair amount less than I experienced with my own R9. Your experience may differ.

I would say that everything good ever said about the R9 can be said about the Beeman HW97.

As a bench rifle it is clearly superior in accuracy and hold sensitivity. The R9 might be a better hunting air gun because of the barrel cocking action gives easy access to the breech allowing for a quick second shot. It's also lighter.

So let me sum this up: Quality built in Germany. Adjustable Rekord trigger! Superior fit and finish. Solid fixed barrel construction. Target and plinking. Very very accurate. A champion on the Field Target course. RK

 

• Weight: 9.20 lbs
• Barrel Length:11.50"
• Overall Length: 40.25"
• Capacity: 1 round(s)
• Cocking Effort:35 lbs.
• Barrel: Rifled
• Front Sight: None
• Rear Sight: None

• Scopeable: 11mm dovetail
• Trigger adj.: Two-stage adjustable
• Buttpad: Soft rubber recoil pad
• Suggested for: Small game hunting/target practice
• Action: Underlever
• Powerplant: Spring-piston
• Safety: Automatic
• Repeater: No/Single-shot