Weihrauch HW90 Review

You can never go wrong with a Weihrauch air gun.

And the HW90 certainly proves it.

The HW90 delivers blasting power while retaining impressive accuracy.

The fact that this gun still holds a place in the modern era

And continues to compete with all the classics proving that this gun will not disappoint.

Weihrauch HW90 Gun Type

The Weihrauch HW90 is a gas piston-powered gun.

A gas-powered gun works the same as a spring-powered one; however; in this case, the coiled spring in the chamber is replaced with a gas strut.

The air in the strut is already compressed and when the gun is cocked, more pressure is applied to it.

The pressurized air is kept under tension until the trigger is pulled.

When the gun is fired, the pellet is propelled downrange in the barrel due to the propellant force from the compressed air.

A gas piston rifle has no spring fatigue or spring torque, even if left cocked for hours.

(For more on the 5 types of air rifles you need to know before buying, see this post.)

It provides you with smoother cocking and shooting with less recoil.

It also functions perfectly in low temperatures such as in springtime

When metal springs might normally be affected by harsh weather conditions.

Weihrauch HW90 air rifle has a caliber (the internal diameter of the bore) of:

• .177 (4.5 millimeters),
• .22 (5.5 millimeters)
• and .25 (6.35 millimeter).

Weihrauch HW90 is a break-barrel gun.

To cock it, you need to pull the barrel downwards while holding the gun upwards; insert the pellet and swing it back to its natural position.

The first few times may seem difficult but after a couple of tries, you’ll be able to work it perfectly.

Break barrel guns give you unlimited shooting capacity.

You can shoot thousands of rounds without worrying about running out of gunpowder.

Also, the Weihrauch HW90 is a single shotgun, which means that you can only shoot one pellet at a time.

After each shot, you’ll have to manually cock it and insert another pellet.

Single-shot action gives you control over what type of pellet you want to shoot and how you want to shoot it.

It also improves your shooting skills because you’ll always want your first shot to count. 

Ammo for Weihrauch HW90

Since it can hold three different types of calibers, Weihrauch HW90 produces ammo for each caliber:

• .177 cals uses .177 pellets,
• .22 cal uses .22 pellets,
• .25 call uses .25 pellets.

.177 pellets are lightweight, popular, and very cheap.

This makes them cost-effective and suitable for plinking and target shooting.

.22 pellets are heavier than .177 pellets.

They also produce more downrange knockdown power and have a more stable trajectory (their path toward their target).

This makes it suitable for field hunting and pest control.

For more on the differences between .177 & .22 and which jobs they do best, see this post.

The .25 pellets are heavier than .22 but produce less velocity than .22.

If you’re hunting small games, the .25 will surely take down critters with a single shot. There isn’t much difference with the .22.

However; if you have larger critters like raccoons, you may notice a substantial difference in placement and range

Since .22 requires a precise headshot while a .25 can do the job with a chest shot.

(For more on how to choose the right air gun caliber for your game, see this post.)

Nice Stock

With a plain beech and beautiful varnish, the stock on the Weihrauch HW90 is pure beauty.

It has a well-rounded shape and includes a substantial pistol grip with pressed checkering panels.

The butt has a nice subtle rubber recoil pad and the stock is comfortable on aim.

The Beech stock provides a lot of advantages.

The beech’s hardness is highly resistant to abrasion.

It is also a beautiful wooden texture, which provides a classic feel.

The beech stock has a very nice finish as well as a nice uniform and gorgeous texture. 

(For more on the in-depth comparison between synthetic and wood stock, see this post.)

The substantial pistol grip allows you better leverage on the gun.

The raised cheekpiece allows your eye to align with the scope

While keeping your cheek firmly rested on the solid surface of the firearm for maximum stability. 

The stock is ambidextrous, meaning both left-handed and right-handed folks can use it comfortably.

Weihrauch HW90 Sight and Scope

The sight on the Weihrauch HW90 is a globe front sight and a fully adjustable rear sight.

The front globe sight consists of a hollow cylinder with a threaded cap which allows you to interchange the front sight elements.

The most accurate iron sight shooters like Olympic and international competitions (50m, 3-position) use globe sights

Where the front sight is not a post but an aperture.

The rear sights are fully adjustable for windage and for elevation.

(For more on how many types of air gun sights are out there and which one is suitable for you, see this post.)

Scope Mount:

The scope mount on the Weihrauch HW90 is an 11mm dovetail.

The dovetail is a set of parallel grooves that run along the top of the receiver on which you clamp the base of your scope.

The dovetail is lightweight so it doesn’t add much extra weight and it ensures your scope is nice and tight to the bore.

Surprising Trigger

The Weihrauch HW90 comes with an elite two-stage adjustable trigger.

This amazing trigger allows you to adjust the weight of the pull and the weight of the travel. 

Trigger Safety: A safety device has been incorporated to eliminate the possibility of accidents that occur due to accidental discharges.

The safety engages immediately once the gun is cocked back.

To cock and load the Weihrauch HW90, simply:

Cocking effort and loading

• Place the gun with the butt stock on your lap, while holding it upwards
• Slap the barrel downwards and pull it down until it reaches its limit
• Into the now open breech, insert your pellet into the barrel
• Cock it back into place and you are ready to shoot

Great velocity, accuracy and power

The velocity of the Weihrauch HW90 is:

• 1,050 FPS with 0.177 caliber pellets,
• 853 FPS with 0.22 caliber pellets
• And 625 FPS with 0.25 caliber pellets. 
  

Chrony tests have given us the results as:

With .177 caliber pellets

Pellet Name	Pellet Weight In Grains	Velocity     (FPS)	Muzzle Energy (ft.lbs)
Laser	6.50	1084	17
Hobby	6.90	1091	19
R10 Lite	7.00	1048	19
Silver Bear	7.10	1092	19
Club	7.11	1097	19
Super H-point	7.40	1097	20
H&N Match HS	7.70	1087	19
Laser Sport	7.70	1040	19
CO2	7.70	1032	19
Meisterkuglen Pistol	7.70	1054	19
Napier Pro Hunter	7.72	1052	17
Trophy	7.88	998	18
CP Lite	7.90	1006	18
Accupell	7.90	1021	18
JSB Express	7.90	1000	17
Bearcub	8.09	1001	19
JSB Predator	8.10	1021	18
Silver Ace	8.12	1000	16
JSB Stratton	8.20	1001	16
H&N Match	8.20	1026	19
Super Point	8.30	988	20
Superdome	8.30	939	19
R10 Heavy	8.30	943	19

With .22 Caliber pellets

Pellet Name	Weight in Grains	Velocity (FPS)	Muzzle Energy (ft.lbs)
Hobby	11.90	840	19
Silver Bear	12.80	830	20
Laser	13.36	818	19
H&N Match	13.75	793	19
Meisterkuglen	13.90	785	19
Super H Point	13.90	779	20
Trophy	14.00	782	20
Accupell	14.30	768	19
Crosman Premier	14.30	779	19
JSB Express	14.30	775	19
Bearcub	14.44	768	20
SuperPoint	14.50	796	19
Superdome	14.50	767	19
Beeman FTS	14.60	778	19
Ram Jet	14.76	737	19
Silver Ace	15.24	707	18
Napier Pro Hunter	15.40	796	21
Silver Sting	15.74	743	19
JSB Exact	15.90	743	19
JSB Predator	16.10	721	19
Silver Arrow	17.10	692	19
Crow Magnum	18.20	684	19
Kodiak	21.10	621	18

With .25 Caliber Pellets:

Pellet Name	Pellet Weight In Grains	Velocity (FPS)	Muzzle Energy (ft.lbs)
Laser	17.30	678	14
FTS	20.00	660	17
Silver Ace	23.50	586	15
H&N Match	21.00	640	16
Perfect Rounds	24.00	584	16
Ram Jet	24.00	602	16
Silver Arrow	24.20	573	15
Silver Sting	25.00	576	16
Crow Magnum	26.00	580	17
Silver Bear	26.10	577	17
Ram Point	26.90	564	16
Kodiak	30.70	526	17
Kodiak Match	30.80	523	17

Crane Hard TV did an intensive penetration test on the HW90 here:

The quiet airgun

This rifle has a great reputation for being a quiet gun.

The silencer included has done a great job in minimizing the sound.

Throughout the multitude of customer reviews, there was not a single complaint regarding the noise.

It’s certainly suitable for backyard usage and urban areas.

Maintain in the right way

The Weihrauch HW90 hardly requires lots of care;

However, you can take these precautions to make sure your air gun remains as good as new: 

• Maintain your bluing:
  • The outer metalwork of your air gun has a finish known as bluing.
  • Make sure to always keep your rifle dry as this can rust, even when in a damp atmosphere.
  • Clean the dry surfaces with an oily rag; you can use WD40 or 3-in-1.
• Get a rifle rest:
  • Buy or make a combined toolbox and rifle stand to make working on your gun easier.
  • With additional support, both of your hands are free to work, which makes it easier to work and prevents the possibility of your rifle falling. 
• Preserve your gun:
  • Keep your guns away safely.
  • Gun cabinets are perfect for keeping your guns safe and dry; just make sure your guns are dried because storing them.
• Love your stock:
  • Your gunstock is probably the best part of your air gun.
  • Oil finished stocks should be oiled regularly to keep their appearance.
  • The wood needs to be dry and the stock oil should be applied by hand; the heat from your hand warms the oil to help it penetrate the grain.
  • Lacquered stock can be protected using furniture wax or beeswax.
• Also, remember to oil your gun every 250 shots and to clean the barrel with a cleaning rod every 500 shots.

Shooting purpose

The effective shooting range of the Weihrauch HW90 is up to 50 yards.

Many customer reviews have acknowledged the power it produces within this range.

This gun is suitable for small game hunting, pest elimination, and target practice.

(For more on the best air rifle for squirrels, see this post)

Warranty period

As of this date, the Weihrauch HW90 has a one-year limited warranty.

Specifications

• Caliber: 0.177 (4.5mm), 0.22 (5.5mm), 0.25 (6.35mm).
• Loudness: 3-medium
• Barrel Length: 19.69 inches
• Overall Length: 45.28 inches
• Shot Capacity: one
• Cocking Effort: 46 pounds
• Barrel: rifled
• Front Sight: globe with aperture Inserts
• Rear Sight: adjustable for windage and elevation
• Scopable: 11mm dovetail
• Trigger: two-stage adjustable
• Butt plate: rubber
• Suggested for: small game hunting/plinking
• Action: break barrel
• Safety: automatic
• Power plant: gas piston
• Function: single-shot
• Body Type: rifle
• Weight: 8.82 pounds

Customer evaluation

If you look at customer reviews for the Weihrauch HW90 on YouTube or PyramydAir, you’ll see some interesting and positive reviews.

They don’t just give the gun five stars; no they go completely insane about it.

Many customers have acknowledged that it’s an absolute joy to own and that it is worth every single penny.

Lots of customers have talked about the splitting power this rifle produces, along with great accuracy and consistent shots.

This air rifle manages to provide consistent ratings in velocity and power, even with different pellets.

Many other customers have testified that the rifle stands the test of time

Since most of them bought theirs in the ’70s and they still function to date.

However; some negative reviews complain about the weight and cocking effort of this rifle.

These are minor issues that you can easily get used to.

Pros and Cons

Price for a quality break barrel air rifle

As of this date, this rifle sells for about $650

Yes, you read that right – this break barrel gun is in the price range of the PCP air rifle.

But for all the features and impressive power it has, this price is justified

And you know you can trust this rifle to accompany you in the field for years to come.

Summary

Weihrauch has been setting the bar on air rifles for over 50 years, and the HW90 certainly delivers.

Its beastly power and accuracy are commendable and that certainly makes it one of the best air rifles on the market today.