FWB 65 vs. IZH 46M

Chris Bauer · Post by **Chris Bauer** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 10:56 pm

I am interested in getting a classic FWB 65.

Besides the classic collectable value, how does it shoot, pound for pound, compared to IZH 46M in the hand of an average shooter? Score wise.

Muffo · Post by **Muffo** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 2:33 pm

besides the fact they are a pain to use compared to a compressed air AP they are as good as any gun made as far as score wise, so probably as good if not better

Rover · Post by **Rover** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 4:33 pm

I have nothing to say about the IZH, except that the FWB is absolutely top quality.

After getting my ass (severely) whipped at Camp Perry I walked over to commercial row there and bought a FWB65 from Champions Choice to practice with.

That gun took me from putz to Master. I eventually "upgraded", but would not hesitate to compete with one now.

Some enfeebled weenies complain that it is hard to cock, but regular 16 ounce curls will soon whip you into shape. Besides, you can get them cheap.

mcbrien · Post by **mcbrien** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 9:30 am

Looking at specifications for cocking effort, the FWB 65 requires 12 lb., the IZH 18 lb.[/i]

william · Post by **william** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 9:52 am

Looking at specifications for cocking effort, the FWB 65 requires 12 lb., the IZH 18 lb.

The geometry of the cocking system makes the Izh feel lighter than it is; I can't comment on the FWB. The biggest advantage of the Izh doesn't even punch a hole but should have a big effect on your scores - it allows unlimited dryfiring.

mcbrien · Post by **mcbrien** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:26 am

From a Pyramyd Air Report:

"But the dry-fire feature on the 46 requires you to cock the action by lifting up on the breech cover, then push it closed to the locked position for every shot. Other 10-meter pistols are very light and smooth in dry-fire. The 46 fights you every step of the way. On top of that, when the trigger does break, it doesn't feel the same as when the gun shoots - which is the kiss of death for a dry-fire feature!"

william · Post by **william** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:40 am

From a Pyramyd Air Report:

"But the dry-fire feature on the 46 requires you to cock the action by lifting up on the breech cover, then push it closed to the locked position for every shot. Other 10-meter pistols are very light and smooth in dry-fire. The 46 fights you every step of the way. On top of that, when the trigger does break, it doesn't feel the same as when the gun shoots - which is the kiss of death for a dry-fire feature!"

With all due respect, Pyramyd is not a 10-Meter specialist. If the trigger doesn't feel almost exactly the same when dry or live firing it has a problem. I've seen this exactly once - in a friend's Izh that ended up needing trigger work. The absence of that criticism here is a better indication. Any mechanical trigger requires some effort to recock. Or do all the satisfied Steyr, Pardini, FWB, Benelli, etc. owners not know that their pistols are fighting them every step of the way?

FredB · Post by **FredB** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 12:14 pm

To add to William's comments, my IZH46 trigger feels exactly the same whether dry firing or live firing. And, it is NOT necessary to press the breech cover down to the locked position in order to dry fire. Just raise it to cock and lower it to dry fire. Very little difference from the top-end APs.

Speaking to the original posting, I also have a FWB 80 (very similar to the 65), so I can compare the two. The 80 is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship which will probably hold its value for ever. I do not enjoy shooting it. The IZH is cruder but well made where it counts. I shoot it - and dry fire it - frequently.

FredB

mcbrien · Post by **mcbrien** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 12:36 pm

This is more evidence to not believe everything you read. It seems there was something wrong with the gun evaluated here

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2006/03/ ... istol.html

It was a very positive review except for the part about dry firing.

FredB, if you enjoy shooting the IZH more than your FWB 80, then I am looking forward to trying one. Thanks to you and william for the info.

stubbicatt · Post by **stubbicatt** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:29 am

My IZH had issues, which I posted about on this forum. I sent it to EAA, who repaired it and returned it to me within 10 days of me putting it in the mail.

It has no issues now.

No doubt there are better to be had. I would love a compressed air pistol. But the discipline and practice I get from this pistol carry over into shooting other pistols as well.

Perhaps one day I will get a compressed air pistol, as I would dearly love one. But until that day, I get regular practice and good feedback with the IZH.