Tips on buying an FWB 300S or similar
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 3:36 pm
I used to shoot a Feinwerkbau 300S at the airgun ranges at Camp Perry 20+ years ago as a high schooler (I went there to compete in the NRA Highpower Championship matches). I was impressed with their quality and worksmanship and really enjoyed playing with them. Fast forward 20 years and I’m a fairly decent Highpower and USPSA shooter, and I run my local club’s Highpower matches. Unfortunately, my club recently shut down for safety reasons.
There are no other ranges locally so I immediately increased my dry fire practice, but I really have the burning desire to throw some lead downrange. So I thought, no problem I’m not an Olympic hopeful, I can get a 1970’s vintage FWB 300S and shoot it in my basement; I figured since it is old technology I should be able to snag a nice one for $400 or so. I was astonished when I bid $325 on one and was instantly outbid, and meanwhile another was on Gunbroker for $750.
So, what’s the going rate on a good condition FWB 300S? Is there a similar vintage sidelever spring-piston air rifle with comparable quality and workmanship that is more reasonably priced? Is there a certain vendor that sells used competition air rifles cheaper? Or are competition airguns a seasonal item? And lastly, I don’t know much about air rifles, so what should I watch out for?
Thanks,
Bill
There are no other ranges locally so I immediately increased my dry fire practice, but I really have the burning desire to throw some lead downrange. So I thought, no problem I’m not an Olympic hopeful, I can get a 1970’s vintage FWB 300S and shoot it in my basement; I figured since it is old technology I should be able to snag a nice one for $400 or so. I was astonished when I bid $325 on one and was instantly outbid, and meanwhile another was on Gunbroker for $750.
So, what’s the going rate on a good condition FWB 300S? Is there a similar vintage sidelever spring-piston air rifle with comparable quality and workmanship that is more reasonably priced? Is there a certain vendor that sells used competition air rifles cheaper? Or are competition airguns a seasonal item? And lastly, I don’t know much about air rifles, so what should I watch out for?
Thanks,
Bill