Weihrauch HW45
Beeman P1-Magnum

The HW45 is an over-lever design similar to the Webley Tempest, except the barrel is housed in an upper frame rather than standing alone. The cocking effort with the HW45 is a bit stiff, and is rated at 18 pounds for the HW45/P-1 and 25 pounds on the Tempest. To cock the pistol the rear hammer is pulled back, where upon the top frame pops up. Then lever the frame upwards to cock it. Once cocked, the top frame is lowered, which locks back into the hammer. 

There is an ambidextrous lever safety on the frame behind the trigger.
The trigger on the HW45 is a two stage design that is adjustable for weight.

 HISTORY

The HW45/P-1 was born from the design of the Beeman importing company along with the engineering and manufacturing of the Weihrauch Company. The close resemblance to the Colt 1911 frame shows the definite American touch. Colt 1911 after market grips even fit the HW45 / P-1 frame, which was a very nice option to incorporate into this pistol.

When this pistol is sold through Beeman dealers it is labelled as the P-1 Magnum but when sold by Weihrauch dealers the label on the left side of the frame says HW45. Both labels have been available since the 1985.

In 1992 Beeman offered a limited edition P-1 with a duo-tone black/silver finish and deluxe rosewood grips, inset with the 20th anniversary medallion. This special collector’s version also came with a black zippered carry case and Beeman literature. Although the Beeman anniversary pistol was a limited edition, the duo-toned HW45 is still available as a Weihrauch label with plain black grip panels (in all 3 calibres).

In earlier years Beeman offered the P-1 in .177, .20 and .22 calibre versions. The .22 calibre version seemed to be dropped from the Beeman line around 1994 - 95. The .22 version has always remained available in the HW45 label.

 SPECIFICATIONS 

Overall Length

11.0”

Barrel Length

6.7”

Rifling

12 grooves

Calibres Available

.177, .20, .22

Weight

2 lbs 8.8 oz

Rear Sight

adjustable for elevation and windage

Sight Radius

9.38”

Scope Groove

5.1” of usable length

Grips

Walnut

Beeman Rated Accuracy

.177 calibre = .30”,

.20 calibre = .31”,

.22 calibre = .40” **

Velocity Ratings

see list below

Safety

manual lever type

VELOCITY RATINGS

WEIHRAUCH CATALOGUE (2004)

.177 calibre HW45

558 fps

.20 calibre HW45

available but no data listed

.22 calibre HW45

426 fps

PERSONAL OPINION

The HW45 / P1 are a rather large pistol, with a good weight to it. I changed the standard wood grips to a set of Rubber Hogue grips. It gives the pistol a better wider feel in the hand & makes it look a whole lot better.

I find placing the pellets into the barrel a bit fiddly because the barrel being inside the frame. The sights are clear with good windage & elevation. Shooting one handed I struggle with as the recoil is sharp, but it’s much more manageable two handed. The safety is easy to use & get to. Shooting the HW45 is great run & challenging. It has the power & if you get the grip right can be very accurate.

 

Pad. E