Weihrauch HW45 Air Pistol

 

By Todd Cooper

 

 

The German made Weihrauch HW45 is an air pistol I had wanted for a very long time. After owning and shooting many Webley spring-piston air pistols and single stroke pneumatics, the time finally came to try the famous HW45 (Beeman P-1 Magnum). Beeman refers to this pistol as “one of the most powerful spring piston airguns ever made”. The HW45/P-1 is indeed a powerful pistol when compared to the other available spring-piston choices.

 

I located a Weihrauch dealer in Canada who stocked the .22 caliber HW45 (aka P-1) and my order was placed. A week later the pistol was in my hands and ready for much testing, target shooting, and plinking. The .22 caliber version is rated below 500 fps(152.4 m/s) and is not classed as a restricted firearm in Canada. The velocity rating from Weihrauch states 130 m/s, which converts to 426 fps. No pellet weight or energy is mentioned with this rating. The .20 caliber version, with a velocity rating of 500 fps, is also acceptable as a non-restricted/non-registered firearm in Canada. The more plentiful pellet selection in .22 caliber made my choice very easy.

 

The HW45 is an over-lever design similar to the Webley Tempest, except the barrel is housed in an upper frame rather than standing alone. The cocking effort with the HW45 is a bit stiff but I have no trouble shooting 100 or more pellets in a session. The Beeman catalogue rates the effort at 18 pounds for the HW45/P-1 and 25 pounds on the Tempest.

 

The trigger on the HW45 is a two stage design that is adjustable for weight. I have not yet tinkered with the trigger on my gun but it feels crisp and very acceptable. The data from the factory states a 28 oz factory adjusted pull weight out of the box but my testing indicated 39.2 ounces.

 

The grips panels on the HW45 are checkered walnut slabs, fastened with two slotted screws on each side. After market Colt 1911 type grips from Pachmayr and Hogue will fit the HW45 and are a welcome accessory to these pistols. Grips are also available from Beeman and other various sources. Although the HW75/P-2 pistol shares the same standard grip as the HW45, the one-piece HW75 Match Grip will not fit the HW45 unless the grip shank is shortened and drilled to accept a bottom fastener screw.  The HW75 pistol, with Match Grip, will have this alteration performed during the manufacture process.

 

Testing the velocity with the HW45 was an easy task but accuracy testing was a bit of a challenge. Many spring piston pistols often don't perform well when shot off a sandbag rest so I avoided the effort after an initial trial. I found that resting my forearms on a firm pillow and letting the pistol sit only in my hands worked reasonably well but was still not the best method for evaluating performance. This technique does not give a totally clear indication of top accuracy potential. Plenty of unsupported offhand shooting was done to get an idea of the shootability of this pistol. Ergonomics, balance, recoil, trigger feel, and shootability can all be evaluated through offhand shooting. This type of shooting will show how the gun functions without the aid of a rest.

 

 

 

TOPICS OF INTEREST

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HISTORY

 

The HW45/P-1 was born from the design of the Beeman importing company along with the engineering and manufacturing of the Weihrauch company. The close resemblance to the Colt 1911 frame shows the definite American touch. Colt 1911 after market grips even fit the P-1 frame, which was a very nice option to incorporate into this pistol.

 

When this pistol is sold through Beeman dealers it is labelled as the P-1 Magnum but when sold by Weihrauch dealers the label on the left side of the frame says HW45. Both labels have been available since the 1985 origin and Beeman catalogue #12.

 

In 1992 Beeman offered a limited edition P-1 with a duo-tone black/silver finish and deluxe rosewood grips, inset with the 20^th anniversary medallion (17^th edition catalogue). This special collector’s version also came with a black zippered carry case and Beeman literature. Although the Beeman anniversary pistol was a limited edition, the duo-toned HW45 is still available as a Weihrauch label with plain black grip panels (in all 3 calibers).

 

In earlier years Beeman offered the P-1 in .177, .20 and .22 caliber versions. The .22 caliber version seemed to be dropped from the Beeman line around 1994 - 95 with the printing of the 19^th edition catalogue. The .22 version has always remained available in the HW45 label.

 

One of the first prototypes of the P-1 Magnum pistol was the HW75 (Beeman P-2) single stroke pneumatic pistol. This pistol did not deserve the title “Magnum” but was marketed as a recoilless match pistol with firearm styling. The HW75/P-2 is very similar to the P-1 on the exterior, except for the larger functional hammer and the small frame release button. The interior has completely different components along with a more sensitive trigger unit.

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

 

 

** Beeman rated accuracy is “best 3 shot center-to-center group recorded at 10 meters”

 

 

 

VELOCITY RATINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wonder why Beeman reduced the rated energy output form 1993/94 to 1994/95 and then increased it again in 2003. Weihrauch's and Beeman’s current numbers seem to be very close to what is now normal for the HW45/P-1. Beeman’s velocity numbers are always taken with the lightest possible pellet but the accompanied energy rating indicates this fact. Weihrauch velocity numbers are a little slower but a slightly heavier pellet will have this effect. The pistols are the same so they are capable of the same output.

 

 

 

VELOCITY TESTS

 

The first 5 shots from my new .22 caliber HW45 pistol were definitely dieseling and were accompanied by the familiar burnt oil smell, loud noise and higher than normal velocity. This is expected from a new springer airgun with excess internal oils creating too much fuel. By the 25th shot the gun was producing consistent velocity readings with close spreads within shot strings. Energy output at this point was 6.05 to 6.24 foot-pounds of energy using various pellet types.

 

The fastest pellet tested was the 12.1gr RWS Hobby with an average velocity of 482 fps and 6.24 fpe of energy. The 13.9 gr RWS Meisterkugeln was pushed out at 448 fps which produced 6.20 fpe. Here is a sample velocity series during the first few tests:

 

 

After approximately 250 pellets my .22 caliber HW45 seems to have settled down to a slightly lower and more consistent velocity output. Energy output is now 5.6 to 5.8 fpe. The Hobby pellet now averages 461 fps and the Meisterkugeln does 433 fps. A sample velocity test.:

 

 

The gun lost about 5% energy, which is nothing to really be concerned about. With a future moly lube treatment I may even get this power back again. Velocity averages are now:

 

 

I have now put over 350 pellets through the HW45 and velocity is still stable. Waxed pellets (Pledge furniture polish) have been used for the last couple of shooting sessions and accuracy is about the same. Chronograph results were:

 

 

My next chronograph testing was after more than 600 pellets and velocity seems to have stabilized and has not changed in the last 200 pellets. This new tin of FTS pellets seem to be a little lighter than the previous two tins (14.5 vs 14.9). The results were:

 

 

As a final addition I tested the HW45 after more than 3000 pellets have been fired. The only thing I have done to this pistol since it was purchased was add a few gobs of Beeman's M2M moly paste to the mainspring, through the cocking arm slots. Moly was also applied to the hinge pivot pin and the feet on the ends of the cocking arms. Results of the velocity test were:

 

 

Note: The Hobby pellets used in the last velocity test were from a different tin (different lot #) with a slightly heavier weight. The FTS pellets in the last test were from a different lot number with a slightly different weight. The correct weights were used in the energy calculations.

 

The mainspring and piston seal were changed after 7500 pellets, due to a temperature sensitivity issue. The new parts made the pistol a lot less affected by cool temperatures. The original mainspring is still usable so I will keep it as a spare but the original seal was the cause of the problem and was damaged during removal.

 

The new mainspring has shot about 2000 pellets and is functioning fine. 14.5 grain Beeman FTS velocity results were:

 

 

This is a little lower than previous numbers but the pistol is now shooting very lean (no smoke). A little more velocity could likely be had by adding a few drops of spring oil through the cocking slots, as recommended in the Beeman P-1 owner’s manual. I don’t have any spring oil on my shelf but 100% pure silicon oil should work fine. I added 4 small drops onto the exposed mainspring and shot several pellets to distribute the lubricant. A very small amount of smoke was seen with each shot. This oil will help thin out the moly paste and likely increase velocity a tiny bit. The results were:

 

 

After 2000 pellets I am still getting the above results. Every few months the velocity starts to drop 5 to 10 fps because the oil has been used up. The pistol requires this fuel for top performance. Applying a few drops brings things back to normal again.

 

A couple of months after I purchased my .22 caliber HW45 a shooting friend purchased a duo-toned .22 caliber HW45. He preferred a .177 caliber pistol so an extra barrel was ordered through Beeman and installed. After adding some moly to the mainspring I was able to borrow the pistol for a weekend to perform velocity tests for comparison to my .22 caliber version.

 

The below numbers were achieved when my pistol was new and powered by the original seal and spring.

 

 

 

Notes

  did not have enough .22 Hobby pellets to test 5 shots

  the .22 cal CPs were a very loose fit which may be the cause of the low velocity

  the .177 cal CPs were a snug fit

 

 

 

ACCURACY TESTS

 

For accuracy testing I performed: offhand shooting using an isosceles stance, shooting with my forearms supported by a padded rest, and also shooting from a mechanical rest.

 

Testing a recoiling spring pistol for accuracy can be a bit difficult because the groups become erratic if the gun contacts any firm surface during the firing cycle. Freely holding the pistol seemed to give a good indication of the pistol’s shootability and accuracy tendencies but these results are subject to my sighting error and marksmanship ability.

 

After detailed testing is completed it is the shootability that really counts and offhand shooting shows this tendency. If a pistol cannot be shot accurately with a freehand hold, it’s not much fun to own. The clamped style rest is still the best method for determining the pistol’s true accuracy potential without human error.

 

Offhand shooting with the HW45 was performed with a moderate/light grip pressure. The gun was allowed to recoil freely with a focus on good follow-through for tight groups.

 

Offhand Groups

My first offhand group was 10 shots with FTS pellets which formed a cluster measuring 1.5"ctc at the standard 10 metre distance. Two more offhand groups of five shots each with FTS pellets both produced nice 1.25" ctc groups. No bad for a new pistol. I shot another five shot group using RWS Hobby pellets and it was my best at slightly over 1" ctc.

 

Supported Groups

Next I used a pad rest to support my forearms while I shot a few more 5 shot groups at 10 metres. The Beeman FTS pellets made a nice 3/4"ctc group and Crosman WCs went into 1"ctc. With the RWS Meisterkugelns and CZ Boxer pellets I pulled one shot in each 5 shot group. To be sure it was just my error, I shot a 6th pellet, which went right into the main group cluster both times. With the 5 good pellets counting, the Meisters and Boxers shot 7/8" and 3/4" ctc respectively.

 

The best rested 5 shot group of the day went to the RWS Hobby pellet, a beautiful 9/16" ctc group that could be covered by a quarter. Overall I feel the HW45 is an accurate springer pistol. With an optical sight and a better shooter this gun should be capable of consistent cloverleaf groups at 10 meters.

 

More Offhand Groups

On the next testing day I shot a bunch more offhand groups with the HW45. I am amazed at how easy this springer pistol is to shoot at 10 metres, compared to the many Webley's I have owned. All groups were measured with a ruler for center-to-center (ctc) group size. All groups were shot offhand with a two hand isosceles hold:

 

 

Offhand Shooting At Longer Distances

Next was offhand shooting at longer distances using tin cans as targets. I measured off 20, 25, 30, and 40 yards with my tape and then tin cans were placed at these distances. Approximate tin can sizes are:

 

 

My .22 caliber HW45 now wears a Millet SP-1 red dot, secured with Kwik-Site mounts. The red dot helps with long distance aiming and does not magnify any shooter's wobble. The small 3 moa dot size helps with any needed holdover estimates

 

The day was very bright so intensity setting number 8 was used on the Millet. This red dot has 11 intensity levels to choose from and I always opt for the lowest possible setting for the available lighting. Setting number 2 or 3 works fine for indoor shooting.

 

Beeman FTS pellets were used for all of today’s shooting. This pellet is also known as the H&N Field & Target Trophy. The RWS Super-H-Point is another accurate shooter in this pistol but I did the bulk of today's plinking with the 14.5 grain FTS. Both of these pellets shoot approximately 420fps from this pistol.

 

All distances were measured with a 100 foot tape. All shooting was offhand using an isosceles hold.