Tips on buying an FWB 300S or similar

[Blazin]

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

[Rover]

The 300 ruled the roost until the Walther LGR came along. It is also nicer to maintain.

Pilk has two for sale right now.

[Tony C.]

FWB 300 in mint or excellent condition are highly desirable collectors item, hence the high price, however $750 seems a bit much, $500-$600 would be more reasonable, Gunbroker price are highly inflated, better keep an eye on the Buy, Sell and Trade section of this site, used AR do come up for sale from time to time.

Other AR to keep in mind are the FWB 600 series, Walther LGR, or if you insisted on a spring gun, Anschutz 380, $400-$700 would be fair price for one of these used AR in good condition.