Model: HW77K
Manufacturer/Importer: H. Weihrauch/Beeman
Powerplant: Spring
Calibers available: .177
Caliber tested: .177
Velocity: '850fps' (advertised) 700-800fps (under test)
The HW77K is unusual among the guns sold by Beeman in the past in that it was sold in a more-or-less identical form to its European version, rather than as a restocked and renamed Beeman version. Beeman no longer appears to import this gun, and I'm not sure who does, but it's still quite popular overseas.
The HW77K is the carbine version of the HW77, a very accurate underlever, breech loading spring gun that for years ruled Field Target competition in England until the precharged pneumatics came along. While a number of new spring guns have come along in recent years from BSA, Air Arms and others, the 77K still remains a popular gun. HW has recently released a new gun that's really a sort of improved '77 called the HW97, sort of a updated 77 with some improvements, more oriented to field use.
The 77's trigger is again the 5-lever Rekord unit, and as always delivers an exceptionally crisp let-off with no creep. The 2-stage trigger is adjustable over a wide range for weight. The underlever is extrememly smooth and easy in operation, and loading is exceptionally easy via the huge breech opening. Those familiar with the inexpensive Chinese sidelever guns will immediately recognize the loading port and breech seal as being copied from the 77.
Tests done in 1994 indicated that the 7.9 grain Crosman Premier was an excellent choice for this gun, given good accuracy at speeds of around 780fps. Higher power springs are availible from a number of sources, including Jim Maccari in this country and a number of British suppliers. I obtained a Maccari spring but haven't installed it yet.
Overall summary: Typical HW quality in a solid and accurate gun. Heavy, but with a tremendous feeling of solidity. Like most HW guns, with minor maintainance it will out live the owner.