Weihrauch HW90
Hermann Weihrauch Revolver- und Waffenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG · Rifle · In Production · 1989
Also known as: HW 90, HW90K, Beeman RX-2, Beeman RX2
Overview
The Weihrauch HW90 is a German single-shot, break-barrel air rifle built around the Theoben gas-ram powerplant developed in cooperation with Theoben of the United Kingdom. Instead of a coiled steel mainspring, it uses a sealed, pressurised gas cylinder that is compressed as the barrel is broken and cocked, giving a very fast lock time, low vibration, and reduced recoil compared with conventional spring-piston rifles. It feeds one pellet at a time and is chambered in .177, .20, .22, and .25 calibre. Fitted with the adjustable 'Elite' two-stage match trigger and automatic safety, it was also marketed in the United States as the Beeman RX-2.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1150 mm (45.28") |
| Barrel Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 240 m/s (787 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 27 J (20 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Beech |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Air (5.5mm) · primary — also known as .22 pellet, 5.5mm, 5.6mm air
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Safety
- Features: Theoben Gas Ram Powerplant, Break Barrel Cocking, Single Shot, Adjustable Gas Ram Pressure, Elite Adjustable Two Stage Trigger, Raised Cheekpiece, Extended Forearm, Rubber Buttplate, 11mm Dovetail Scope Rail, Fast Lock Time
Variants
- Weihrauch HW90K - Carbine
Production
Production years: 1989-present
Long-running gas-ram sporting air rifle offered in .177, .20, .22, and .25 calibre and in the shorter HW90K carbine form
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Theoben Engineering / Weihrauch
Notes
The gas-ram pressure is user-adjustable, allowing the power level to be tuned; higher-power FAC/export .22 examples produce roughly 19-20 ft-lb (about 27 J). The shorter HW90K carbine variant adds an integrated silencer.
Background
Hermann Weihrauch Sport of Mellrichstadt, Germany, founded in 1899, partnered with Britain's Theoben Engineering to bring the gas-ram principle to a mainstream sporting rifle; the resulting HW90 became one of the best-known gas-piston air rifles and was sold in North America under the Beeman RX-2 name.