Weihrauch HW35E STL air rifle
The Weihrauch HW35 is a classic airgun that has stood the test of time. The Editor tries out the latest, stainless-steel version
The Weihrauch HW35, at 69, is a senior citizen. It has stood the test of time and won the hearts of many an airgunner. There have been a few tweaks to the internals to ensure it keeps pace with modernity but the basic design remains the same. Weihrauch’s ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ approach has to be applauded.
I tested the latest model, which is the HW35E STL. ‘STL’ stands for stainless steel, which is what the barrel and action are made from. Some like the bright steel contrasting with the dark walnut stock, others don’t. On the airgun range at Emmett & Stone
Country Sports in Buckinghamshire, my fellow plinkers’ opinions were divided. Sam, the gun shop employee, liked the steel action and barrel but hated the contrasting black sights and sling swivels. I thought the HW35E STL was a looker. The finish lifted it out of the ordinary and helped to make the rifle look more contemporary.
Sling
What I wasn’t keen on was the sling swivels. I always worry that a sling puts unnecessary strain on the barrel hinge. A way round that is to carry the rifle barrel down, so that the swivel on the stock takes the strain. You could, of course, simply remove them.
Should you wish to opt for the precision of a telescopic sight there are scope rails and three arrestor holes, which make getting the right eye relief on the scope easier. The arrestor system also avoids scope creep, which springers suffer from due to their adverse recoil. That said, the HW35 is wellengineered and all vibration from the spring when released was muted.
Design classic
The basic design of the gun has changed little over the years. A hinged cocking link means less wood needs to be cut from the fore-end to allow for the cocking action. This gives the fore-end more structural integrity. The huge hinge bolt displays the overengineering of this springer and a latch near the breech eases the opening of the gun, so
Many thanks to Emmett & Stone Country Sports Marlow Road, Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 3RR for its help with this article. Its new shop will be opening shortly. We will keep you updated.
Tel: 01628 474187; emmettandstone.co.uk