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The Beeman R9/HW95 Air Rifle
By Blair Ellin
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As an airgun enthusiast I have tried many flavors of airguns, from low powered pnuematics to high powered gas-spring rifles. A quality air rifle can cost anywhere from $175-$1500, depending on options, quality, and manufacturer. I was in the market for a new rifle and I had a budget of $450.00 to spend on a rifle, scope, mounts and anything else that fell within that range. Even though $450.00 sounds like a lot of money, when it comes to searching for a quality air rifle it s not a whole lot. I researched all of the top manufacturers' rifles and very quickly I narrowed my search down to about 4 rifles. Some of my research included several airgun publications from England.
I figured that the rifle alone would have to cost under $300.00 since I would need a good air rifle scope with mounts. I was looking for a carbine style rifle in .177 that was accurate, powerful, reliable and most of all, high quality. The gun that I found that fit this description best was the Beeman R9. This is the third Beeman air rifle that I have owned, as well as one Beeman pistol and a few RWS rifles. Since I have owned a few Beeman products before, I knew that I could not go wrong with the new R9. The R9 is one of the lower priced rifles that Beeman sells, but there is a lot of bang for the buck. If you compare the R9 s performance with other Beeman/Wheirach rifles, the R9 is very much a magnum performer. I topped my R9 with a Simmons Competition Airgun 4-12X40mm scope with Beeman rings and a muzzle break by DAK. The R9 is a break-barrel gun, but do not let that discourage you from buying it. It is extremely accurate and very powerful. The gun is rated for 1025/fts in .177 and my rifle puts out close to that after only 500 shots, and it s not quite broken it yet. I will expect to get just over 1025/fts when using light(7 gr.) pellets after the rifle is broken in(which is at about 1000-1500 shots). When using Premiers I get about 925-930/fts (15 ft/lbs) and that s plenty power for most field work out to about 40-45 yards. I have tried a variety of pellets and have found the best two types of pellets that are consistent in velocity and very accurate. The Beeman Crow Magnums(8.8 gr) and the Premiers(7.9 gr) seem to work for me. Resting my R9 against the bed of my Ford Ranger, I can keep the Premiers inside of a 3/4 inch bull at 40 yards. That s not bad considering I do all of my shooting outside in all temperatures. However every rifle is a little different, other pellets may work better in someone else s R9. Once this rifle is broken in and the action settles down, the grouping should tighten up.
In the field I have taken squirrels and other pests out to 50 yards. I shoot in the Capitol Area Field Target Association(CAFTA) tournaments and this gun does very well. I have not taken first place in my division yet but I think that it's the shooter that needs work not the gun. This is a rifle that is suited for both FT and hunting. I have recently outfitted my rifle with a customized FT/hunting walnut stock that I help design.
If you are in the market for a great rifle but you do not have a small fortune to spend, the R9 may be just what you are looking for. I know it was for me. I commend Beeman for designing and producing such an inexpensive quality air rifle. I do not own any stock in Beeman nor do I have any contacts or association with them. This is not a promotional advertisement. I just love their product and believe in them.
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