Weihrauch HW35
Hermann Weihrauch Sportwaffen GmbH & Co. KG · Rifle · In Production · 1951
Also known as: HW 35, HW35E, HW35K
Overview
The Weihrauch HW35 is a German break-barrel, spring-piston air rifle chambered for .177 (4.5mm) pellets, introduced in 1951 and one of the longest continuously produced air rifles in the world. The barrel is broken through roughly 125 degrees to compress the mainspring before a pellet is loaded directly into the breech. It is famous for being the first air rifle fitted with Weihrauch's adjustable two-stage Rekord trigger and for its distinctive barrel locking catch on the left of the receiver, which gives the rifle a tight, repeatable lock-up between barrel and air cylinder. Built around a beech stock with a steel cylinder and barrel, it is a single-shot design prized by airgunners for its build quality and longevity.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1140 mm (44.88") |
| Barrel Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 16 J (12 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 35 m (38 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Beech |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .177 Air (4.5mm) · primary — also known as .177 caliber, 4.5mm, .177 pellet
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Safety, Anti Beartrap
- Features: Break Barrel Cocking, Rekord Two Stage Adjustable Trigger, Barrel Locking Catch, Open Sights, 11mm Dovetail Rail, Single Shot Loading
Variants
- Weihrauch HW35E - Export
- Weihrauch HW35K - Carbine
- Weihrauch HW35 Luxus - Deluxe
Production
Production years: 1951-present
In continuous production since 1951 with minimal design changes; a limited Jubilee 55 Edition of 1,000 units was made in 2006 to mark 55 years of production.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
Early production used leather piston and breech seals with a 4mm transfer port; from serial number 843636 in the late 1970s Weihrauch switched to synthetic seals and a 2.8mm port. The rifle has a built-in barrel droop by design, often requiring compensating scope mounts. Also offered in .22 (5.5mm).
Background
Introduced in 1951, the HW35 caused a stir with a level of engineering that eclipsed almost all of its rivals and pioneered the Rekord trigger that became Weihrauch's signature. It is often cited as one of the longest-produced air rifles ever made.