First thing I did was switch to a smaller, more compact scope than the big 4-12x rifle scope I was using. That big scope just overwhelmed the HW44, so I switched to this Burris Mini straight 6x with AO. It's still a rifle scope, but it does have an AO and fine crosshairs, so a good choice for airgun work.
Good day for longer distance air pistol work, so headed out and set up on our picnic table, which is a lasered 48 yards from my target back stop. Not 50 yards, but close enough.
My only criticism of this HW44 air pistol is the low shot count of 20 shots per fill, given this is the FAC or hunting version of the HW44 with its 800 plus fps. What is FAC? In the air gun world, FAC means the higher power version when a particular model is offered in two power levels. The FAC stands for Firearms Certificate, which is required in England to own any air gun over 12 ft pounds. Anything under 12 ft pounds does not require a Firearms Certificate and anyone can own and shoot one. In Europe, there is another version of the HW44 that shoots at 500 fps, instead of 800 fps, so no FAC needed. That version gets a lot more shots per fill, but 500 fps is a liability for shooting at 50 yards.
Now, 20 shots per fill isn't really a big deal for me, as long as I count my shots/check the air gauge to make sure the pressure is still in the green. Any more than 20 shots and I need to head back to the house and do another fill with the compressor.
Today, while shooting, though, I got a little carried away and went beyond 20 shots, so the pressure dropped and along with that, so did the fps and so did the POI of my shots on the target. Until that happened, though, I was still easily under an inch in those center of the bull shots.
Did I mention the excellent HW44 trigger? Part of the ease of shooting the HW44 is that trigger that breaks at about pound and a half, right out off the box and you can even adjust it lower.
Yup, I think this HW44 air pistol makes a good air pistol equivalent for a Contender or other specialty pistol, at least as far as accuracy.