Ruger Air Hawk 490 FPS version possible tune.

[Freddi79]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to spring rifles and I'm loving it. I have a Ruger Air Hawk 490 FPS version and I would like to make it more powerful. I did a lot of researching myself and found out. That the Ruger Air Hawk internals are similar to the RWS 34 spring rifle.

Is upgrading this rifle possible? Would this be the exact parts I would need for this project? http://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/catalog/item/251488/2514146.htm

Thank you.

[gamo2hammerli]

Hi Freddy, a big welcome to the GTA forum and family.  I can't really answer your question as I've never done anything like that to make my airguns more powerful....other than putting in a abit more stronger spring.

Up in Canada only <500fps airguns are sold easily to the public...any over that speed requires courses and paperwork.  So some airgun brands have different markings on their models for under or over 500fps airguns.  The Crosman Phantom and Quest full power models are about 3" longer....their receivers are longer to contain the longer/more powerful spring.

I've checked the specs for the Ruger Air Hawk.....and the lower and full power models are the same length.  So I'm thinking a few modifications with the powerplant...longer and thicker spring, shorter back spring guide etc. might make the less powerful version the same as the 1000fps one.  Someone here have also mentioned that sometimes the less powerful versions of airguns might have a hole drilled in the piston head to let air escape.  He have welded that hole shut and the power increased.

[Freddi79]

Thanks gamohammerli,

I will be getting my firearms license soon, so most likely I will getting a stronger air rifle. Is there a guide in the forums on how to take a Ruger Air Hawk apart? Or any guns similar to it?

-Cheers.  

[JimL911]

This will work but use a spring compressor to be safe. http://web.mac.com/photomark/iWeb/Airgun%20Adventures/Diana%20RWS%2034%20Spring%20Upgrade.html
  With the articulated cocking arm, you can disengage it from the piston and remove the barrel. Then you can use a 2' bar/pipe clamp.
As mentioned above you need to take some measurements to see what they have done to lower the power. There are only so many ways to decrease power. It could be a simple hole, a longer piston(to decrease the stroke), weaker spring or a combination.
Good luck.