the 700f/s rating is a mistake, real world numbers are mid to high 500's depending on the pellet. I'm still impressed by this pistols power and accuracy, I love shooting it. I've been using it to plink at pop cans lately and 40yds is not a problem with JSB Exacts and the open sights. Mulby.
prefer the P1 to the P5. As far as power the Beeman/HW has an edge, and also has the added option of a scope rail. I've read that the P1 has a better trigger, but all I know is that the trigger on my P5 is a great two stage and is adjustable for first and second stage weight. As far as caliber is concerned, the P1 is available in .177, .20, and .22 where the P5 comes in .177 or .22 only. The P1 is more compact than the P5, the P5 is 18 inches long. Without actually owning or shooting a P1, that's about all the comparing I can do. But if you look back through previous posts I recall a thread where someone had both and made first hand comparisons. HTH, Mulby
I've got a Hyscore 815, which is an older, nylon-stocked version of the venerable Diana 5. Mine's a .177. I've also owned a Beeman P1, in .20. The P1 was definitely hotter, but for me, harder to shoot well.
In the Diana pistol, the piston is travelling forward, like a spring rifle. In the P1, it travels rearward, like a Hurricaine/Tempest. I'm not sure if that accounted for the difference, but I could never seem to master the P1, and wound up trading it.
The Hyscore has much nicer balance, IMO, and better ergonomics. The triggers on both pistols are adjustable, and perform equally.
One pet peeve about the P1 is its wannabe military styling. Why can't an air pistol look like an air pistol, rather than something its not? The P1 shares architecture with the Webley pistols, which I find gorgeous. Why dress it up like a toy gun?
You have a great point about air pistols looking like air pistols. I don't quite see the attraction in the fake vents and levers that seem to be finding their way onto air pistols these days (Marksman 2004). This is expecially true of C02 powered guns. I would rather that more attention was paid to ergonomics and performance.
I think the firearms look is there because a lot of the cheapo guns are aimed at enticing the kiddie market. Junior wants a desert eagle looking thing because thats what he uses when he plays nintendo 6 hours a day. I also take away points for the P-1's colt .45 appearance. I still can't understand how that pistol lasted so long and sold so many looking like it does.
I've got a PI (HW45). And i love it. I dont care for the powder burder wannabe styling at all, but apart from that its one of the best spring piston guns ever invented. The trigger is extremly tuneable. And the gun is compact and easily scoped. Having the sights on the same lever that holds tha barrel makes it accurate...its a super gun!
ATM i'm more in love with my RWS 6M, what a gun!! mine is mint and i got it for only $140! Im gonna customize it...(they arent rare in sweden)
