Weihrauch HW50 S 1899 Ltd Ed .177/.22 | Top Airguns

Weihrauch HW50 S 1899 Series Limited Edition: The 125th Anniversary Review

To celebrate 125 years of German engineering excellence (1899-2024), Weihrauch released a trio of stunning limited edition rifles featuring a striking red and black laminate stock. Among these is the HW50 S, a break barrel spring-piston rifle that holds special historical significance as a remake of Weihrauch’s very first air rifle, originally designed and produced around 1950 . Known internally as the “1899 Series,” this limited edition combines the nostalgic charm of the original HW50 with modern materials and the legendary Rekord trigger system. At Top Airguns, we are proud to present this model, which is not just a superb shooting tool but a genuine piece of airgun history. With only 900 units of the HW50 S produced worldwide—400 of which were allocated to the UK market—this rifle represents a rare opportunity for collectors and shooters alike .

Historical Significance and Design Heritage

Selecting the HW50 as one of the special anniversary models was a deliberate nod to Weihrauch’s origins in the airgun world . The original HW50 launched around 1950 as a lightweight, all-purpose break barrel rifle, and it is believed to have been one of Hermann Weihrauch’s personal favorite models . This 125th Anniversary edition faithfully honors that heritage while incorporating modern improvements. The rifle features a solid construction with a powerful spring piston that delivers consistent velocity, and it is exceptionally well-suited for shooting sport, training purposes, and backyard plinking . The metalwork is polished to a deep, mirror-like chemical bluing finish, and the left side of the breech features gold laser etching marking the caliber and official distributor, while the main cylinder displays the individual rifle number within the limited edition series .

Distinctive Red Laminate Stock and Ergonomics

The most visually striking feature of this 1899 Series rifle is undoubtedly the red and black laminate stock, crafted by the renowned Italian stock maker Minelli . This material is not merely aesthetic; it is incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and provides a rigid platform for the action, ensuring your zero remains stable in all conditions . The ambidextrous sporter configuration means anyone can pick up the HW50 S and feel at home, featuring laser-cut stippling on both sides of the pistol grip and fore-end for a secure hold . The pistol grip is hallmarked with a large ‘125’ figure, celebrating the anniversary milestone, while the fore-end features the Weihrauch brand name. The stock is finished with a rubber butt plate for added comfort during extended shooting sessions .

Legendary Rekord Trigger and Sights

At the heart of the HW50 S lies the famous and highly respected Rekord trigger unit, widely regarded as the best two-stage adjustable match trigger in the airgun industry . For this limited edition, the trigger receives a special gold anodized finish, which beautifully complements the red and black laminate stock . The trigger offers a light, predictable first stage followed by a crisp, clean break that allows for surgical accuracy. The rifle comes equipped with high-quality all-metal open sights as standard . The hooded front sight features interchangeable inserts for customization, while the rear sight is a fully adjustable micrometer unit for both windage and elevation, with four different rear sight cutouts to suit shooter preference . An 11mm dovetail scope rail is also provided on top of the action for easy scope mounting .

Performance, Accuracy, and Shooting Experience

The HW50 S features a break barrel cocking system that requires a firm but manageable effort—light enough that even younger shooters can operate it comfortably . Once cocked, the automatic safety engages, and the rifle is ready to fire. On test, the HW50 S produces approximately 11 ft/lbs of muzzle energy in sub-12 ft/lb markets, with a 10-shot string spread of just 7-10 fps using quality pellets . Accuracy is outstanding for a rifle of this class, with testers achieving groups of around 3/8 inch at 30 yards from a rested position . The rifle is not pellet fussy, performing well with AA Fields, QYS, and JSB pellets . With a weight of just 3.1 kg (6.8 lbs) and an overall length of 1030 mm (40.5 inches), the HW50 S is perfectly balanced and easy to handle for shooters of all ages and skill levels .

Detailed Specifications and Limited Availability

To help you understand the build of this anniversary model, here are the verified specifications for the Weihrauch HW50 S 1899 Series Limited Edition.

• Manufacturer: Weihrauch

• Model: HW50 S “1899 Series” 125th Anniversary

• Available Calibers: .177 (4.5mm) | .22 (5.5mm)

• Stock: High-grade Red & Black Laminate (Ambidextrous Sporter)

• Action: Break Barrel Spring Piston

• Trigger: Two-stage adjustable Rekord match trigger (Gold anodized finish)

• Cocking System: Break barrel

• Barrel Length: 395 mm (15.5 inches)

• Overall Length: 1030 mm (40.5 inches)

• Weight: 3.1 kg (6.8 lbs)

• Muzzle Energy: Approx. 11 ft/lbs (sub-12 version) | 16 Joules (export version)

• Sights: Hooded front sight with interchangeable inserts, fully adjustable micrometer rear sight

• Optic Rail: 11mm Dovetail

• Safety: Automatic, reversible for left-handed use

• Country of Manufacture: Germany

• Production Run: 900 units worldwide (400 allocated to the UK)

Collector’s Edition Packaging and Availability at Top Airguns

As a specialist retailer of premium European airguns, Top Airguns is excited to offer this limited edition HW50 S. The rifle comes beautifully presented with special edition packaging that includes a Weihrauch shooting baseball cap, a Weihrauch red pen, a 125-year metal pin badge, and the user manual . Each rifle is individually numbered, adding to its collector appeal . Whether you are a target shooter, a plinker, a hunter, or a collector of fine German airguns, the HW50 S 1899 Series represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Weihrauch’s 125-year heritage. With only 900 units available globally, these rifles are becoming increasingly scarce. Secure one of these individually numbered rifles from Top Airguns before they become a permanent part of airgun history.