The first air rifle I ever purchased was the Air Arms Pro Elite. Have a few more of the break barrel and underlever classics. A few years back discovered the 10 meter target guns. Currently have a FWB 300S, a Walther LGR, and a newly acquired FWB 603. A rather meager collection compared to some. I'm thinking of adding another 10 meter gun. Any recommendations regarding a rifle that would compliment the 3 I already have?
Those come up for sale occasionally and look rather interesting. My concern about them is supposedly finding someone who knows how to work on them can be a challenge. Don't have an idea about parts.
But they are an engineering accomplishment, or so they say. If I see one for sale I will reconsider it. My small collection is an attempt to gather the milestones of spring gun evolution.
If you’re willing to go back a bit farther in time to break-barrel, non-recoilless guns, the Weihrauch HW 55 and Walther LG 55, LGV, and LGV Spezial series are superb. The LGV’s in particular are so smooth they can go toe-to-toe with a lot of recoilless designs (historically, they did indeed remain competitive at pretty high-level matches until the pneumatics and CO2 match guns started showing up).
And if the Diana double-piston setup intrigues you, the break-barrel models 60, 65, and 66, which preceded the model 75, are amazing. Perhaps the ultimate combination of old-time styling and workmanship, with modern recoilless powerplants.
I got mine for $250 with a bad piston seal. After some research, I came to the conclusion that the repair was beyond my capabilities...so I sent it out to David Slade/Airgunwerks for a complete rebuild. When speaking with him,he was shocked at what I paid for it in its condition and told me it was "quite the deal!". He had me remove the rear model 82 sight prior to shipping saying they are quite rare in perfect shape. As of now the sights are put away and replaced with a Hawke Airmax 3-9x40. Just a dream to shoot with Zero felt recoil.
MDriskill,
Thanks for your knowledgeable input into my quest for a small part of air gun history. I have appreciated your jaw dropping photos in the various forums of what I can only assume are parts of your collection. Have been keeping an eye out for a quality Weihrauch HW 55. But as with most sought after and desirable treasures, they are held onto, sell quickly, are in questionable condition, or are out of my price range. Will continue to keep my eyes open.
And the beat goes on...
For sure get a Diana 75 if you can. Mine below is pretty rare. 75U with palm rest and original Model 82 sight from 1982. I got it used a number of years ago and had to wait 8 mo to have it rebuilt with new springs but it was worth the wait. I have a FWB 300SU and 601 (in walnut not laminate) also both LH and both very nice but I light the 75 the best. 
