HW 97 out for Jackrabbits

I mentioned that I was recently down in Texas hunting big game and predators with a buddy named Chacho Gonzales, and while I struck out on my oryx, I did manage to take some predators and small game. One of the small game hunts I really enjoyed was when Chacho loaned me his HW 97 to go after jackrabbits. Now the HW 97 is a fine underlever spring piston rifle right out of the box, but this .20 caliber rifle had been tuned by John in PA, and it was one of the smoothest shooting and accurate springers I’ve shot.

This gun was a pleasure to shoot offhand, but surprised me with it’s ability to shoot rested.

The rifle was easy to cock and I do like the locking mechanism for the cocking lever, a push button release at the distal end of the rifle making for a secure lockup. The gun is ergonomic, and the Rekord Match grade trigger is silky smooth and set to be quite light, it’s …. amazing is the word that comes to mind.

Chacho and I with the HW 97 and a big Texas jackrabbit.

Chacho and I were out for a couple hours after jackrabbits and I found the gun a pleasure to shoot, but also very effective on these big desert hares, making a 35 yard headshot offhand was very do-able. I had a lot of fun, as I generally do, getting back to my roots in airgunning with a springer. When I can do that with a great springer it only makes it that much better!

I was at the SHOT Show a couple weeks ago, and there were some very interesting guns and gear coming out that I’ll be getting my hands on shortly. I left for Japan right after the show and returned home a couple days ago, and already have some boxes sitting in my den waiting to be opened! Keep an eye out, there will be a lot of new hunting stories and reviews coming at you in the next few months.

There is something I’d like to ask those of you following this blog; I am planning 30-35 hunts this coming year, and would be very interested hearing what topics you’d like covered. Are the specific guns, power plants, calibers, pellets, optics, accessories, or hunt locations or type of game you’d like me to cover? Please let me know and I’ll do my best to work it into the schedule.

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