Umarex Ruger Air Hawk Tune for Hunting

AdamRoby

AdamRoby

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Kirkland, Quebec
This has probably already been discussed but did not find anything specific to hunting.
I purchased this air rifle a year or two ago, just for plinking. I am starting to get into hunting and air rifles are allowed for small game, but they need to be > 500 fps.
When I look online, this rifle shows it is capable of more than 500, but because we are in Canada it has been detuned to 495 (or less).

Is it worth taking apart, trying to figure out what spring I need, if there are holes in the piston, shimming the breach seal, etc. or better off just buying a higher powered rifle for hunting?
Is the upgrade straight forward if I do go that route? I have checked various YouTubers but the stats they give on the springs vary a LOT, so I am not really sure what to believe.
Only thing in season (other than Turkey coming up) are Rock Dove which are year round, so I am not pressed for time but would like to use this for grouse and rabbit if strong enough.
 
Hi Adam - I have a Ruger Airhawk that's 'de-tuned and am thinking of just 'plugging' the de-tune hole and using anti-sieze on the spring to get a bit more power. I've read you can get up to 200 or so fps increase just doing that. A new spring will run $50 or more, if you can do the switch yourself. I have a 'fairly good' Nitro (a 1000 fps in.177) that I wouldn't use on anything but small birds unless they're really close. And Nitros will cost about $200+ to start. Some of the 'Nitro-piston' rifles may be enough for a dove or pigeon or grouse if you can shoot it well enough. BUT, you're shooting a pellet that's 1/5 the weight (mass) of a .22 going less than SV .22s. Not a lot of killing power unless you get some nice, close head shots. Any sort of springer can be difficult to keep accurate, and will only be good for 20 yards or so. After that and accuracy and impact power fall off rapidly.
The reality is that for hunting you want more power. Squirrels and rabbits are notably very hard to kill, even if you can get a good head shot more than 20-30 feet may not do it. You could go to a PCP type, but you can get a nice .22 for the same money and it would be more versatile. Savage 64s are under $200 and are nice inexpensive .22s at the lower end, but $4-500 can get a really nice one, like a Savage MkII or B22 or A22, and still have ability to hunt.
Buck
 
For example - here's a nice .22 on the EE - Savage MkII in a nice stock for about $280 obo - http s://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2152186-Savage-Mkii-BV-22LR-Laminate-Stock-280-OBO
 
The thing about springers is they all benefit from some sort of tuning and its a hobby in its self. Study up on what can be done before its apart and have what you need beforehand. If its a .22 then 600fps would be good for squirrels at 30yds easy. Accuracy is whats most important.
 
The de-tuned Airhawk has a hole in the piston that needs plugged. Can be done with a nail or such. YT vids on the process. Also, YT for changing the spring if you want to go 'really' high power, but you get more recoil vibration, too. The Nitro piston has a bit less vibration than regular springers, and maybe a bit more power.
 
I had a Macarri spring put in mine, whatever fits a RWS/Diana 34 fits the Airhawk.Never heard of a bleed hole in a piston just a spring difference. They put holes in Crosman pumpers and C02 .....The Airhawk is now 850 fps and smooth.The stock 1000fps spring is poor Chi-com quality and harsh firing cycle.
 
Sorry - mbogo3 is right. I had the airhawk confused with a crosman - NO hole in the airhawk. But there is a 'new kid' in town - http s://openparliament.ca/bills/43-2/C-21/ - Nitro piston Airhawk !! And Airhawk 'super-tune' - http s://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA9133zbKu4 - This gent was amazing with many YT vids.
 
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