The Beeman R7 - part one

Not a review, but a tribute.

Mid era R7

If you have ever cracked open an auto magazine, chances are you found an article that compared the car being tested to a BMW. Sometimes the manufacturer’s ad will even provide the comparison, a quarter mile time or cornering number that beats or meets the theoretical gold standard of the BMW.

And so it is with the R7, anything that is a soft shooter is offered as an alternative. While both HW and BMW hail from Germany, the difference is the Beeman R7 is attainable by just about anyone and you need not worry about what your neighbors may think if you own one. Anything that pertains to the R7 will also apply to its sibling the HW30S.

So what is there to like about the Beeman R7?

 Fine all metal sights.......

To start the stock is a traditional handsome affair. Classic lines along with no deep cut in the forearm since the cocking lever is double jointed. Long stock versions will have a little more of a groove, but still don’t have the extended cut like most springer’s. Next is the barrel and receiver, nicely polished and blued, with a metal end cap instead of plastic. The sights will differ based on the exact model and year of production, but the majority will have the target style front with inserts and a solid adjustable rear, once again all in metal. If it seems I am infatuated with metal parts, I am. I’ve had a brand new Diana 40 with a broken end cap, brand new Gamo with a cracked trigger guard, older BSA with busted rear sight and on and on. All these were inferior plastic bits on what otherwise were good rifles. Yes I own centerfire handguns with polymer construction, but those are different animals.

Famous trigger:

The trigger is the famous rekord that in my opinion is second to none as far as non target springer rifles. No gimmicks or excuses are needed. It can be tuned and adjusted to the point that it is a lawyer’s nightmare, but still remains safe and predictable. Going back to the receiver, it is ready to accommodate a scope with ease. No worries of a special mount, weak bases really intended for aperture sights, non STD sizes or any other foolishness.

No deep forearm cut

As you might have guessed a solid build and good looks alone did not make the R7 the legend it is. The key is all these superb components come together to make a well balanced air rifle, and we'll get into that on the next post.

Also coming soon:

What caliber to pick...
and The Single Six, no pellets but .....