Gun test: Weihrauch HW80K Luxus

Widely regarded as the ultimate workhorse when it comes to break-barrel rifles, the legendary Weihrauch HW80 is available in a few different formats, including this new carbine (K) Luxus model released earlier this year.

HEAVY HITTER

One of the first things you notice when picking this rifle up is its weight – all 8.6lbs of it, and that’s without a scope attached. Some might turn their noses up at this, what many would consider to be ‘heavy’ rifle, but let me tell you, it’s all for a reason. You see, break-barrel springers actually benefit from the little extra weight compared to PCP rifles. It helps with stability and in turn accuracy when shooting it. The extra pound of weight helps to settle the rifle and deal with the recoil created by the inner workings when the rifle is fired.

LEGENDARY TRIGGER

As you would expect, this model features the world-renowned Rekord trigger unit. Often billed as a ‘match-grade’ trigger, the Rekord is quite rightly regarded by many as the best there is on a spring rifle. It’s a simple design comprising four levers inside the unit. You’ll see a screw situated immediately behind the trigger blade. Turning this screw increases or reduces pressure on the trigger return spring which in turn increases or decreases the trigger pull weight.

Inside the unit there is another small screw, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of pressure for the sear engagement, effectively turning it into a hair trigger, but I’m not one for such things, especially on spring-powered rifles. I like to know that I need a bit of pressure on the pull to release the trigger. In fact, Weihrauch does not recommend touching this screw at all, unless the trigger unit has been damaged in some way.

The Rekord trigger provides a clean, crisp release every time – it’s no wonder it is held in such high regard.

FAULTLESS DESIGN

Time has shown that the HW80 design is one of the very best as far as springers go. It’s one of the most consistent hunting rifles available, and this carbine version only serves to add more appeal to hunters. 

Cocking the rifle is a simple affair, and super-smooth, to boot. Most of the effort expended in this process is actually breaking the barrel to begin with, once that is open, pulling the barrel down until it clicks to cock it is relatively easy, as is returning the barrel into the closed position. It’s worth noting at this point that cocking the rifle engages the automatic safety system – a small button found on the left-hand side at the rear of the action. In order to shoot the rifle you must first push this button to the right to turn the safety off.

Combine this easy cocking action with the Rekord trigger unit and it creates a rather slick firing cycle, which adds to the pleasurable experience of shooting the HW80K out in the field.

The stock is carved from beech wood, but has a ‘walnut finish’ whatever that means? I really like it, and this Luxus model differs from the standard HW80K in a couple of ways. For a start it’s ambidextrous, with raised cheekpieces on both sides. The fore end is slightly longer with angled flutes cut into the very end, and there is extended chequering – the Weihrauch name proudly embossed within it, and this chequering can also be found on the pistol grip.

On the rear end of the stock you’ll find a rubber butt pad. It’s not vented, just solid rubber. On top there is a standard 9-11mm dovetail rail to take your chosen scope, and there are three countersunk holes that can be used with appropriate mounts that have locking screws. These are particularly handy if you want to use two-piece mounts, because you can lock the rear mount in place and it’s not going to go anywhere. We often suggest using single-piece mounts with springers due to the recoil, but Weihrauch has added these recessed holes for those who like to use the more widely available two-piece mounts.

CONCLUSION

For £540 you’re getting one of the very best springer hunting rifles available. Well proven and extremely well manufactured.

The shorter 410mm barrel of this carbine model will certainly appeal to hunters instead of the standard 500mm version, especially with the addition one of Weihrauch’s HE silencers, which comes included in the price.

If you’re after a break-barrel springer that will last a lifetime and perform faultlessly day in day out, then the HW80K Luxus is the rifle for you.

Tech specs

Model: HW80K Luxus
Manufacturer: Weihrauch
UK Distributor: Hull Cartridge
Type: Break-barrel springer
Stock Material: Beech Wood
Cocking: Break-barrel
Trigger: Two-stage, adjustable
Safety: Automatic
Calibres: .177 and .22 or .20 and .25 (special order)
Overall Length: 1060mm (41.33 in)
Barrel Length: 410mm (16.14in)
Weight: 3.9kg (8.6lbs) without scope
Energy of Test Rifle: Avg 11.4 ft.lbs. over 20 shots
Variation (20 shots): 17fps
Websites: www.weihrauch.co.uk and www.hullcartridge.co.uk 
RRP: £540 (£605 for .20 and .25)