NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS

We know that the Weihrauch HW98 is a great gun, but can it be made even better?

PETE EVANS DIY

I’ve been continuing to use the HW98 on a regular basis. Its appeal remains undiminished, and I do wonder why I have left it so long before trying one. One other thing has not diminished with use, that being the excessive mechanical report on discharge, which we have come to know as a malady common in many springers. This is a relatively straightforward symptom to remedy; a choice between using some well-fitting guides and perhaps a piston liner, or going the whole hog and changing all the internal propulsion parts in favour of custom versions, of which there are several choices. Whichever path is chosen, there will be varying results, and it’s up to the end user what they really want to achieve from the work.

BORN IN THE USA

Shooting sports in the UK and the USA do seem to vary considerably, and this will be due undoubtedly, to the ease at which powderburning guns can be owned across the Atlantic. I’ve always felt that Europe has led the way in airgun design and manufacture, which is quite understandable because it is something we have needed to do if we are to continue our sport. Thanks to the efforts of individuals such as Dr R. Beeman, the airgun has been promoted in the land of the free, and I think that many have realised just what they are missing out on.

Tom Gore, owner and designer at Vortek Products Inc., is an example of an American who has been enlightened to the potential of airguns. He has been making custom parts for airguns since 1989, his ever-increasing portfolio containing complete drop-in tuning kits and custom seals for Weihrauch, Air Arms, and Diana air rifles. Thanks to the magic of the Internet, I have heard a lot of positive comments about these kits, but of course, importing such an item can sometimes be problematic, until now, that is.

HOME TURF

Tony Burton, owner of AGR Airgun Tuning, is someone who knows a good thing when he sees it, and to this end he has been dealing with Vortek products since 2014, culminating in him becoming the exclusive Vortek supplier and fitter for the UK.

Tony boasts a long history of airgunsmithing – 45 years to be precise – and he cannot speak highly enough of the Vortek range. Any airgunsmith worth his salt needs to be able to offer a full repair service for all types of airguns, although Tony by his own admission, has more than a small soft spot for the ever-popular springer.

Tony is able to deliver the full airgun service; the complete tuning package, or supply only for you to fit yourself. Flexibility is the name of the game here because Tony can service your gun with standard parts, but in practice, finds that 99 per cent of customers choose Vortek parts.

I have never met Tony, but judging by our emails, it is clear that he is passionate about his work, keen to give friendly guidance and advice at every opportunity. In a very short time, I received a Vortek PG3 tuning kit, which I could hardly wait to fit, but first we need to get the HW98 apart.

COMING APART

Although the stock is unconventional in its design, its removal is classic Weihrauch two screws at the fore end, two through the trigger guard.