I was very lucky to add an R8 to my stash recently. Here in the US, this is perhaps the best-known member of Weihrauch’s original HW 50 rifle “family.”
The HW 50 was introduced in 1951 or so—HW’s first post-war air rifle design—and made for 45+ years in many variants (the current “HW 50” is quite different, introduced as the “HW 99” in the late 90’s). The excellent HW 55 target rifle was made from the same basic kit of parts. The old 50’s and 55’s are very solid rifles--the smallest HW design using the famous threaded-on rear receiver--and with the R8, the action gained not only a more “American” stock, but a synthetic piston seal and auto safety.
Here are two shots of the R8 (bottom rifle), together with a 1960-ish HW 50 with deluxe checkered stock, and an early-70’s HW 50S with plain wood and Williams aperture sight:
And a couple solo shots of the new toy. I gotta hand it to Doc Beeman on this creation—the Gary Goudy styling, lovely finish, and well-executed details make for a very appealing rifle. You get the feeling this is what an R7 wants to be when it grows up!
It’s interesting to compare the handling of these guns. The plain-jane 50S is really the most comfortable overall to me; it’s slender and rounded in the hand, balances slightly nose-heavy, and I love the secure feeling of my fingers sinking into those fore end grooves. Dimensionally it fits me like a custom bird gun, coming to the shoulder quickly with the sights perfectly aligned.
The R8 handles well too, of course, but differently. It's noticeably heavier, with the balance point about 1.5” farther to the rear; and more comfortable around the grip, adding really excellent checkering and placing the hand closer to the trigger. It sits slightly higher on your shoulder so I imagine would be a bit better for scope use.
Mike, I am glad you got an R8. I know that I have seen a couple on the auction sites and perhaps here lately. That one is VERY nice looking. You are also correct about the nice grip feel of this stock design. I find the whole feel to be superb, and on the same lines as a nice trim old world hunting firearm. Pride of ownership, quality, and beautiful lines and proportions. You obviously needed one to go in your collection with the 50s, and your 55s. Mine was my 2nd "nice" airgun after my initiation with a T03 RWS 24. Many airguns later, I still consider the R8 to be near perfection. Mine fits me particularly well with a Williams peep. You can't do much better than the JM kit in the R8. Enjoy.
Good find. Looks like a nice addition to your collection. And great photos, too. Especially like the ones showing the different versions. What trigger does the HW50 Deluxe have?
Jim, by sheer dumb luck I stumbled on the archive version of my own old post on the vintage HW 50 Deluxe yesterday! You can see the trigger and other details here:
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/AmericanVintageAirguns/burgo-model-50-t5024.html
Long story short, this gun dates from the brief period after Weihrauch introduced the longer rear threaded-on section, but before the Rekord trigger was added to the HW 50. It’s a pretty simple design with a simple sear-engagement adjustment, but still gives a nice crisp break.
Thanks for the info and link, Mike. Outside of my rocker safety Sheridan and an old .22cal "Minuteman" (Slavia) break barrel, I don't really have any vintage AGs so I often (sadly) forget what a great resource the AVA is.
I would love to have a Goudy style stock like that for my HW30S. The standard factory stock does what it's supposed to do but it lacks character, lol. The Goudy style stocks not only have character but they also have an eye catching style to them as well.
I know this doesn't need saying but, enjoy your recent adoption (as Daveshoot calls his acquisitions, lol).
Beautiful rifle in pristine shape! Lovely acquisition sir.
Nice Mike,
Very nice example! And nice pics as always.
I'm always impressed when I shoot mine how easily they stack pellets. A real "no-brainer" IMHO but then modest powered springers don't get much love with the masses. Otherwise maybe they would still be in production.
The sling stud on yours seems to match the one on your HW50 so I'm betting that's a Beeman installed option?
Enjoy,
Mark N
Thanks Mark. My predilection for slower springers is well-known, LOL. To me, light sporter rifles are where the handling, power, and firing behavior of spring-piston guns all come together with the fewest compromises. This class of guns is delightful shooting for the most part.
I got both rifles used, so I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think these are dealer-installed sling fittings. They look like good old owner-installed Uncle Mike’s aftermarket bits to me, though neatly done.
The front swivel base on the R8 was on a small square plate that was mounted to the gun with two small screws, and has been removed. It didn’t look like a very strong attachment, in addition to being rather aesthetically unfortunate!
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