New to Shooting - Considering a Weihrauch HW97K

bemak

For reasons unbeknownst to myself, I ended up going down a very interesting rabbit hole. A while back I was parked outside an airsoft shop (bear with me) waiting for someone so I popped in to have a look out of interest as I had never really known much about it. Was immediately drawn to the snipers. As I delved further into the rabbit hole of airsoft guns, I naturally crept into air rifles (PCP) and while they looked great, I just wouldn't like to be at that level of power/output. I'd rather me more towards airsoft territory than real-gun territory. But then I came across a Weihrauch HW97K. Beautiful looking gun. In my mind it was almost the sweet-spot between airsoft and PCP (obviously more towards PCP, but you get my meaning). I like that its fully mechanical (no air), one shot at a time (methodical) and I also appreciate that they are very accurate at 30-40m (which is where I'd like to be range wise for plinking).

I have a farm, so it would be useful for a small bit of vermin control but for the most part, plinking is what I'd like one for.

With that in mind, if I was to go down the route of getting a licence, is it enough to show landownership records for the FCA1 form stating the purpose is for vermin control? I wouldn't have any gun clubs in the area, nor would I be interested in one. It's more of a bit of sport for myself in one of the fields.

Maybe I'm mad pursuing this? Fully understand that a gun safe is required.

TheEngineer1

I don't own an air rifle but an air rifle is the perfect tool for culling pigeons in sheds, and the HW97 is a very highly rated air gun. I imagine you would have no issues taking rabbits out to 30m either.

While plinking is not a valid reason for applying for a license, vermin shooting is. So as long as you are at least occasionally using the air rifle for it's stated purpose of controlling vermin, then I can't see anyone coming after you for occasionally shooting targets for the purposes of checking zero, or testing different brands of pellets for accuracy or other perfectly valid reasons such as that.

bemak

ok. good to know. is a land registry map sufficient to verify ownership or would they look for a herd number?

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121735134#Comment_121735134

Given you are the landowner there is no need for either, as the property you shoot on will be the same as your home address on the form, right?

If so then no need for either map or herd number.

bemak

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121735177#Comment_121735177

Yep it will. That's perfect. Thought they might just need a bit of proof is all.

Rescueme0007

I would imagine that if you supplied the details of the folio numbers for your land or the area aid maps that the Dept of Agriculture use the Gardaí would be happy with that.😊

bemak

Are there any ranges using this airgun that I could try it first?

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121735681#Comment_121735681

Where are you based?

bemak

Near Maynooth but farm is in Kerry so rifle would be there

rodneytrotter15

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058335115/new-to-shooting-considering-a-weihrauch-hw97k

FWIW...I had one for a while and it's a great piece of kit. That said I didn't have anything to compare it to.

bemak

i might be just caught up in the idea if it. will need to leave it settle for a bit to see if its something i actually want to get/do. could be notions! 😅

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121745900#Comment_121745900

One point to consider actually, have you shot anything before?

Be that shotgun, rifle, air rifle, etc?

My reason for asking is I know a few folks who licenced air rifles, and within the year subbed to a .22lr or .17 because the air rifle just wasn't their cup of tea in practicality.

Might be worth contacting a few ranges which might be local to you, Harbor House is in Kildare, Midlands in Offaly, etc, and seeing could you try out a manual air rifle and a 22 for example?

Get some hands on information to help make the decision.

Just a thought 😉

bemak

ya thats a good point. I have shot before, few different things so i would be familiar. I like the air rifle idea because the range is plenty, particularly in terms of safety for beyond targets. 40-50m is plenty. I might try a few ranges to see if they have air rifles to get a feel for them though - its a good shout. thanks!

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121746083#Comment_121746083

Definitely worthwhile, even if they don't have the exact model you are looking at it's never a bad thing to get more data before making a decision.

Especially one that has a decently high upfront cost like getting into shooting here, with the cost of the safe, training course, licence, firearm, etc.

It's a lot of time and money to invest to give it a shot, pun very much intended 😉

bemak

just found abbeyfield farm which is only 20 mins from me. has air rifle shooting. ideal! will give it a go and see where it takes me.

i'd say between course, licence, gun and safe, you'd be looking at €1k to get into it.

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121746188#Comment_121746188

Ah excellent!

Yup, well €50-80 for the course, €80 for the licence, that leaves at the low end €870 for safe and gun, which is very doable depending on which of either you go for, or it is the starting price for a lot of new firearms, so yup.

That and ammo and your 1k is quickly spent.

Still, quoting Clarkson here but:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMsUYmgWJbQ&t=75s&ab_channel=NiksV

😁

Kran

I have a Hw97kt for years. Great bit of kit and very accurate. Very safe in around sheds but will put a dent in sheeting etc if you miss your intended target. I fitted a Tinbum internal kit years ago and my one chronographs at 18ftlbs. I think the standard spring that comes in the Irish version is 14ftlbs as we need a license here for any air rifle whereas in the Uk if it’s under 12ftlbs you don’t need a license.

When you are getting a scope double check its spring gun rated as the recoil of a springer air rifle can damage some scopes. Also you need to hold springers loosely and allow them to recoil fully to get the best accuracy. Google artillery hold for springer air rifles.

My gun is most accurate with Field target trophy pellets also but try a few different types to see which groups best.

Also if you fit anything like a light or Night vision on to the scope you have to re-zero as the weight will change the zero point of the scope on a springer.

bemak

Was in Mullingar earlier today and as luck would happen I got a chance to hold a used Air Arms Pro Sport. It's on the list of potentials. Absolutely beautiful. I knew Lakeland were close by so I nipped out to see a weihrauch hw97 for comparison. Very nice too but I think it preferred the AA. Great to see both though