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Education / Training Air Arms TX200: Part 1

Air Arms TX200: Part 1

by B.B. Pelletier

tx200-web
A light walnut stock is very handsome against the richly blued metal of the TX200.

There has been lots of interest in this report. So much has been requested that I will have to break it into two parts. Today, we’ll look at the .177 TX200 Mark III.

History
The TX200 Mark III is the latest version of the underlever spring rifle that came to market in the early 1990s. It replaced a number of earlier Air Arms sidelever spring guns, such as the Bora, Camargue, Khamsin and Mistral. The first TX200 did not have a safe way to catch the sliding compression chamber. So, if it slipped off the sear while you were loading a pellet, you could lose fingers. The Mark II corrected this with the first ratcheting anti-beartrap catch positioned on the outside of the mainspring tube, but it ratcheted all the time the gun was cocked. Shooters thought it was too noisy, so they learned to hold the catch until the gun was almost cocked. The Mark III changed the ratchet so it only clicks a few times toward the end of the cocking stroke.

tx200-breech-web
This view of the open breech of my TX shows the exposed barrel extending back (the silver tube at the upper right) and the anti-beartrap latch (center of picture) that must be depressed and held when closing the breech.

Mark III
The big change in the Mark III is the baffled barrel. Although the outside of the barrel appears to be about 14″ long, (and Air Arms says the barrel is 357mm, which is just over 14″) the actual length of the rifled Lothar Walther tube is under 10″. What appears to be the barrel on the outside is a hollow steel tube with baffles in it to muffle the sound of the report. The real barrel is housed inside this tube. The shooter will not be able to hear a noise reduction because the sound of the action travels through the bones in his face, but bystanders will notice that the rifle is quieter than most spring guns of equal power. The Mark II version had an exposed steel barrel with no baffling. The value of this sound reduction is small, since the TX is a quiet springer to begin with, but it is executed quite well and looks great.

Mark III is the latest!
You will hear American shooters refer to a Mark IV and especially a Mark V TX200, but these are not factory models. They are the products of aftermarket customization by American custom tuner Jim Maccari, who gave them those designations. The Mark III is the very latest model from the factory and has been around for several years.

Description
The rifle is an underlever spring rifle with a sliding compression chamber. As the underlever is retracted all the way, the compression chamber slides back to expose the rear of the barrel. You reach in and load the pellet directly into the breech. It’s a little tight for large fingers, so most shooters develop a loading technique. I like to hold the rifle butt on my leg and load with the muzzle sticking nearly straight up. I’ve learned how to hold the pellet so it enters the breech nose-first, and I find it easy to load the rifle. But it did take some learning! You will notice that the TX seems to have a pronounced hump where the barrel meets the breech. That’s because they aligned the bore with the center of the piston, so the compressed air flows straight ahead. On most underlevers and nearly all breakbarrels, the transfer port is drilled on an upward angle to correct for the offset of the bore and compression chamber. Many experts believe that the Air Arms design increases efficiency.

What makes the TX200 worth so much?
Good question. When a Gamo CF-X sells for about $200, why does a TX200 cost $479, more than twice as much? I can’t answer that question completely, but I can show you all the features the TX has that the CF-X lacks.

First, the metal finish of a TX is at the top of current spring rifles. The CF-X is somewhere slightly below the middle. Next, the woodwork is very nice. I own the beech version, though I have also owned walnut TXs. The shaping of the stock is perfect for a shooter, in that everything fits as it should. This is also a strong point of the CF-X, so the TX isn’t that far ahead of it, however the checkering on the TX is laser-cut and near-perfect. It’s just a little slippery. Third, the internal powerplant parts are fitted much closer in the TX. When you shoot, the feeling is very dead – exactly like a tuned gun. The CF-X is good for a Gamo, but it’s not in the same class as the TX. I will call the TX’s beartrap safety catch a wash, because the rotary breech on the CF-X negates it. Finally, there is the trigger. The TX200 trigger works like a custom-tuned Rekord trigger, while the Gamo trigger is Third World. It does get better with time, but it will never become a TX trigger. The trigger, stock fit and better firing behavior combine to make shooting a TX200 a rewarding experience. I would call shooting the CF-X a surprising experience, because the rifle performed better than I thought any Gamo could, but it is not in the same class as the TX200.

When you retract the cocking lever of the Gamo, the mechanism is relatively quiet. When you cock the TX200, it is absolutely silent. This difference is brought to you by the better-fitting powerplant parts. The Gamo cocks with little effort. The TX200 requires more effort, but it is progressive – coming at that point in the cocking stroke where you have the most power to give.

Power is roughly the same
If one gun has an edge, it’s the TX200. Mine gets about 30 f.p.s. higher velocity than the Gamo with the same Crosman Premier 7.9-grain pellet. However, I must point out that my TX has 6,000 to 10,000 shots on it, while the CF-X I’m testing has only a few hundred. According to the Air Arms website, the TX200 in .177 is supposed to be a 17.5 foot-pound gun. That would be a 7.9-grain Crosman Premier traveling 999 f.p.s. That would be way too fast for good accuracy, so thankfully the rifle doesn’t live up to it. My gun delivers about 960 with a 7.9-grain Premier, which is 16.17 foot-pounds. That’s more like it, and even then a trifle too fast.

I don’t like to compare one airgun to another, but in this instance so many of you CF-X owners are thinking about getting a TX200 that I have to compare these two. If I owned a CF-X (the one I’m testing is just on loan), I would keep it. I think it’s a classic airgun worthy of a spot in my collection. However, I would shoot the TX200 over the CF-X almost every time. It’s that much nicer, in my opinion. I have owned both an HW 77 and an HW 97. The TX beats them both – even though my 77 was a tuned gun with superior performance.

I’ve not yet addressed the TX200SR, a recoilless version of the rifle that’s no longer made, nor the TX200 Hunter Carbine, an alternative model that is still available. I also have not commented on the .22-caliber version of the rifle. I will cover all of these things tomorrow.

123 thoughts on “Air Arms TX200: Part 1”

  1. bb,
    i know this is off topic, but i am recently very interested in single pump pneumatic air rifle. and i see that u dont make many blogs about them. I mean u make a lot of blogs about springers and PCP, can you make one about single pump pneumatic, about how it works, and its maintenance?
    thanks alot

    haque

  2. Hi B.B.,

    Great post! The wealth of information is well written and eloquent. Seriously! All the top AG manufacturers should give you what you need for the critiques and evaluation.

    You not only provide critical information to the AG communities, you also substantially gave what are needed most (opinions) to the AG manufacturers as well.

    If Gamo executives are reading this, they can learn what product improvements they can do to be the premier provider of AG.

    When you have time, I would like to read your opinions on the RWS 54.

    Thanks!

    Beekeeper

  3. B.B.

    As I have mentioned before on this blog, your informed and rational analysis on airguns is outstanding.

    I have an RWS 46 and 48 and have been thinking of making the leap to a TX200 HC. Please be sure to comment on the HC’s noise control relative to the MIII. If the MIII has a significant advantage in sound I will go for that in spite of increased weight.

    Thanks again – your work is one of a kind.

    Brian

  4. B.B.

    Looking at the Pyramyd AIR website, they don’t show the CF-X in .22 cal. Is it not available? This would be a serious handicap. Also, the CF-X Royal appears to be no longer on the Pyramyd AIR website. Has it been discontinued?

    Thanks,

    jw

  5. dsw,

    What are the similarities between the HW97 and the TX200?

    They’re both underlever spring guns that have a sliding compression chamber. After that, they begin to differ

    Different sights, triggers, makers, alignment of piston to bore, levels of finish, countries of origin.

    I don’t understand what you are getting at.

    B.B.

  6. BB,

    Thank u, i’ll be watching out for ur blogs about single pump pneumatic.
    i have read ur posting about Daisy 953, it’s a fine airgun, no doubt,
    but maybe the power level is too low for me. i was thinking about a gun
    that i can use for plinking and varmint hunting.Beside, i’ve never had single pump airguns before and i would like to know it’s maintenance.
    u see, i have bad memories about spring guns, when i was a kid, my uncle
    lost a pinky (little finger) because of an underlever Diana…
    So i am reluctant to use spring guns. i used and owned 3 multi pump airguns, but
    it’s tiresome, and i want something that cocks more easily, but i wouldnt want
    to buy a pump or drag a tank, so PCP is out of the question too…
    that’s why i want to get a single pump airgun with enough power to hunt in .177.
    because in my country, airgun with caliber above .177 need FAC.

    regards
    haque

  7. haque,

    I was afraid you wanted that. The Daisy 953 is the most powerful single stroke rifle made today!

    There used to be a 12 foot-pound gun made in England. It weighed 11 pounds and cost about USD1,000. But it’s no longer made.

    In an American gun magazine called Shotgun News, I just read about an American who invented a single stroke powerplant that develops twice the power of any other single stroke, but he can’t find anyone to manufacture it!

    So I’m sorry but there won’t be any more powerful single strokes to read about.

    B.B.

  8. Yeah, how about that CF-X Royal disappearance thing???

    In this ‘post Raptor pellet era’ that we live in do you think that Gamo will announce a ‘new’ special CF-X Super 1650fps with a wood stock?

    Hmmm…..

  9. BB,

    Will the daisy strong enough to kill varmints like rats and small squirell?

    and there’s one more thing. i want to put a sling on my benjamin pump up, but i dont know how or where to put it on. any advice?

    Maybe u should make a post about gun sling..

    thanks,
    haque

  10. haque,

    In my opinion, the Daisy 953 is not powerful enough to kill a squirrel humanely.

    Putting a sling on a gun with a swinging forearm is a challenge. You might try some kind of tactical harness in which the sling is only attached to the butt at one place. It would be like a sling on a hideout shotgun, like western gunfighters used to carry under their long coats.

    B.B.

  11. Sling on a swinging forearm?

    Can’t a sling be attatched to one side of the forestock? Is there a piece that would work for that? Great idea, thanks!

    I will let you all know what I come up with.

    dsw

  12. Catalan,

    I’ve owned a ProSport and found it VERY lacking. It has the same too-short barrel as the Hunter, resulting in a harsh firing cycle. It is no more accurate than the TX 200 and it is MUCH harder to cock, due to the cocking linkage having less leverage. All it has going for it is a sleeker profile, in my opinion.

    If I test the ProSport, it will not come out well, compared to the TX 200.

    B.B.

  13. What kind of scope, and mounts, would you recommend for the TX200, if it were used for hunting, and some fun target shooting? Something in $100 range? Also, is there a difference in accuracy between the .177 and .22 TX200?

  14. There should be no difference in accuracy between .177 and .22, but I like the performance curve of the .177 best in the TX 200.

    A goog scope for not too much money would be any Leapers you like. I like the 4 to 16 X 50 that sells for $99.95. I also like and use the AirForce 4 to 16 scope, but it sells for $150.

    B.B.

  15. Performance curve,

    I mean the lowest possible muzzle energy and the highest possible muzzle energy of an accurate pellet of the given caliber.

    The TX 200 is a 13-16 foot-pound air rifle in .177. That’s a good place for a .177 but a .22 can do better. I like .22s to be 20-30 foot-pounds. So I believe the TX 200 isn’t as good a .22 as it is a .177.

    B.B.

  16. FSL,

    The scope I use is not one I’d recommend. It’s a 3 to 9 Leapers with fixed parallax at 35 yards. It just seems to work for me, but I’d sooner see a similar scope with adjustable objective down to 10 yards.

    B.B.

  17. Tasco used to make decent scope before they reorganized. I have heard some bad reports about them since then, however. Perhaps they now are using a different Chinese plant to make the scopes?

    6 to 24 is a good power range for a longer-range rifle like an AirForce Talon or similar gun. Because it is variable, you can use it in lots of situations.

    Uf your gun is a springer, make sure there is clearance to load with the scope mounted.

    B.B.

  18. Hi,

    I am having difficulty choosing between a second hand CF-X and TX200iii for my first air rifle for hunting and field target shooting. I have tried both and certainly prefer the TX200iii as a rifle mostly due to its great trigger and because the weight helped with the control of recoil. Apart from that i found there was not much between them as I was not bothered by the rotary breach or looks of the gamo. However the gamo rifle comes with a far superior scope which I found has much better clarity and magnification than the 3-9X40 on the TX200iii. Thus at longer ranges I found it much easier to line up the crosshairs on the centre of the target, however the heavier trigger pull of the CF-X negated this and i found it difficult to stay exactly on target as i took the shot. I was wondering if it is possible to get used to the heavier trigger pull on an air rifle (seeing as I am slowly getting better with the SA80 assault rifle which has a very clunky trigger)?

    Basically the reason that i am getting my knickers in a twist is because the gamo package is £100 cheaper and if it is possible to get used to the trigger pull then I would choose the better scope and price. I know that the TX200iii scope can be upgraded, but it will be some time before i have the financial means to do so.

    Thanks,
    Ben

  19. Ben,

    Well, the TX will outshoot the Gamo, but not by that much. For field target, the amount does matter, however.

    The Gamo is a wonderful value, and the trigger does get lighter with use. The creep doesn’t go away, however.

    You have a tough choice.

    B.B.

  20. Thanks for the quick reply B.B.

    I doubt that the trigger will get much better as it is a second hand rifle and thus will it surely have softened out already?

    I think that I am just going to bite the pellet and go for the TX200iii. The TX200iii was just such a joy to shoot and I would be seriously annoyed if I got the CF-X and never fully got used to the trigger.

    Thanks again,
    Ben

  21. Hi again,

    Sorry to double post but I have another question! The guys at the shop suggested that I get a bipod for the AA TX200iii. I have heard that using hard rest, in this case a bipod, with spring air rifles actually decreases accuracy… Why is this, seeing as when I shoot the AWSM .338 a bipod is a necessity and recoils far more than the air rifle?

    Btw great reports and I especially liked your posts about choosing a rifle (I feel stupid for asking you now! The TX200iii is a clear winner after reading that) and your description about how to dial in scopes was clearer than when I was instructed one on one.

    Thanks for the advice and great site,

    Ben

  22. Cheers BB,

    I wasn’t seriously considering it as I don’t have the money to get one anyhow, but I keep reading about spring rifles on hard rests and am curious as to why this causes a problem.

    Ben

  23. Ben,

    A pellet doesn’t begin to move until the piston of a spring piston gun is almost stopped. The pellet is inside the barrel while the recoil is beginning and the vibration of the mainspring is happening.

    Anything the stock of a vibrating rifle touches attenuates (changes) the vibration patterns. Those patterns change the way the barrel is vibrating, which changes the location of the muzzle when the pellet exits. The amount of these changes is probably less than one hundredth of an inch, but as the distance increases, it mounts up to fractions of an inch and then whole inches.

    By holding the recoiling spring rifle as lightly as possible, and in the same places every time, the vibration patterns are the same and the pellet leaves the muzzle at more or less the same point.

    Tom Gaylord calls this the Artillery Hold, because a field artillery barrel recoils several feet every time it’s fired, but the gun carriage doesn’t move at all. When shooting a recoiling pellet rifle, the shooter is the gun carriage.

    B.B.

  24. Just wanted to say that I think that the TX200iii is a great air rifle and I have never looked back on the gamo with regret. I have enjoyed many plinking, target shooting and hunting sessions with it already where it has performed brilliantly. However the trigger has definitely become heavier with use, so I plan to readjust that soon. Is this a common problem with adjustable triggers?

  25. I’ve had my TX for over ten years now and purchased it from Maccari,
    who tuned it before shipping. It has a left-handed beech stock and I haven’t done ONE thing to it since taking delivery. I tried all the other airguns, RWS, Beeman, etc., etc…The TX is the only one I kept…sold the others…!!! “Ben”
    P.S.–I even purchased a Whiscombe, which was a mistake…

  26. I could not find the second article that was promised??? Did it ever appear?
    I am interested in the TX200 in .22 for hunting, but noticed you did not think it would make a good .22, because of the performance curve. I was also interested in your opinion regarding the difference between the Hunter Carbine model, with the shorter barrel, and the full length TX200.
    Thank you
    (1st post)

  27. 1st Post,

    Yes, as stated at the bottom of the first post, number two came the next day.

    To locate posts, go to the current post and access the archives by month on the right side of the page.

    Here’s the link:

    /blog/2006/4/air-arms-tx200-part-2/

    B.B.

  28. This may have been asked before, but I have only owned one spring powered gun. I tried a scope on it, but it would not stay on target for very long, since the sledge hammer jar would slide the mounts and, or just knock it out of line. I spent a lot of time resighting the scope in. The best I found was the open sites. I am looking at a new gun. I am considering the RWS 54 or the TX200MKILL. Will these guns support a scope well, or will the sledge hammer jar still be a problem for these guns? I would like to use a scope. But would consider somthing else. Any sugestions.

  29. The TX 200 has plenty of power to take a squirrel and even a raccoon, as long as the shooter is accurate enough to hit what he aims at. Of course you would get the rifle in .22 for hunting.

    There is no easy way to attach a bipod to a TX 200, but one could be attached to the Pro Sport’s barrel.

    B.B.

  30. B.B.

    Thank you in advance. I want to buy one gun only and this looks like it. I just have one last question, any other gun out there you like trigger wise? I just want to know what rifle you favor other than the MKIII TX200 then I can decide. I am tired of returning rifles due to bad triggers.

    Thank you again you are heaven sent 😉

    gino

  31. Gino,

    Spring guns typically have heavier triggers, but the one on the TX200 is the best there is for less than $3,500. You can order a Whiscombe for that.

    If you want a light trigger (that’s usually what someone means when they say a good trigger), then you need to move into PCP rifles. There the choices are almost unlimited. An FWB P70 has a trigger that releases at less than one ounce.

    B.B.

  32. B.B.

    Again you are heaven sent. After months of research I finally got the MKIII TX200.

    I could not wait for a new one so I bought the used right hand unit that Pyramid Air had last week Saturday (lucky me, it was by chance Friday night when I clicked on the used page) in walnut trim and by Friday it will arrive here in Northern CA.

    I hope the unit is fine and has no defects so I need not return it and wait longer. I did get the 3-9 X 40 Center Point Adventure scope and the Leapers one piece 1 ” mount that she/sales person recommended. If that set up wont work then I will seek your advice on a better set up.

    Thank you for the inputs and I will share all the experiences that this rifle will give me. I had an opportunity to shoot one for 20 minutes and I was hooked period.

    Any tips on what to check for since it is a used unit? I shoot in my garage and I have a 10 yard range indoors so I hope they zeroed the rifle close enough to 10 yards .

    Thank you again

    Gino

  33. B.B.

    Checking the rifle as soon as it gets here and I will reply on the .22 cal section of the TX200 MKIII blog since my unit is a .22 cal.

    I will save the .177 cal rifle or handgun purchase for 10 meter shooting etc. This TX200 mk3 will be main grind for me till something comes out better on the springer side of things.

    I have not seen any competition matches here in northern CA just yet on the .22 cal and specially my favorite .177 cal. competition events. I need to do a search on events and places they do these matches so I can join in and be active again in the target shooting world. Living in the bay area and having a business and a day job is really taking its toll and I miss the relaxation that target shooting gives me.

    Maybe we can meet one day here in California when you are in town or when I go visit your side of the USA. I show you around if need be if you are ever in town.

    Thank you again

    Gino

  34. B.B.

    I cant put the rifle down, every chance I get I shoot it. I just need to sort the trigger out. I need help on the trigger. My trigger does not have the feel of when it holds then fires. It feels dead to me and I cant figure out when it will release. As you pull the trigger it just all of a sudden fires with take up about a half an inch.

    I have not even touched the adjustment screws till I know what to do. I can keep shooting like this till I get use to it I suppose.

    Any tips B.B.

    Thank you

    Gino

  35. B.B.

    Thank you again for sharing the TX200 attributes. I now have a rifle I can shoot. I did sort the trigger out and all is fine.

    First I benched the rifle sorting the trigger (someone adjusted it way too light found the second stage adjustment screw was the only thing engaging is why) but I have to compensate a little when aiming because the used Centerpoint 3-9 X 40 W/E wont adjust to the right on the scope they sent me (new one is on the way 4-16 X 50 Airforce AO).

    I have been shooting off hand today and groupings are all inside the 1″ X 1″ black square at 10 meters (shooting off hand is the hardest thing in the world GRRRRRR!. There is a way to make the TX200 stable and you wont even feel the weight if you get the technique down plus you will be as accurate and with a lot of practice it just gets better.

    I found a local firing range (Sunnyvale gun club) that has air rifle matches so I will be joining them soon in the .22 cal.

    Now I need shooting pointers and need a web link I can read to improve my technique. B.B I only have 10 meters I can practice with, any tips/simulation drills so I can be as accurate in the 20 and 50 meters/yards?

    Thank you again B.B.

    🙂

    Gino

  36. Gino,

    I’m confused. You mention the local club has airgun matches, but don’t say what kind. If they are 10-meter matches your rifle won’t be allowed, because all 10-meter shooting is done with open sights.

    If the matches are field target, you will be sitting when you shoot. If they are silhouette, you’ll be standing or prone. The type of match dictates the shooting style.

    What type of matches will you be shooting?

    B.B.

  37. B.B.

    Definitely not 10 meter. Oh and boy you feel the release of the spring in your cheek bones definitely but the MKIII smooth action is nowhere near the other springers I have tried, this one does not jump. But yes it is a bit heavy so I am working it out and it gets lighter as I shoot daily.

    I asked a friend who belongs to the club and they are doing silhouette and shoot standing up(Sunnyvale rod and gun club).

    It was so difficult to do off hand (standing) shooting and I still have to get the technique down. I don’t know how you guys do it with a ten pound gun and a beer belly like mine(hehehe). I will keep practicing but need to know basics. I am 5’7 with a heart/will to shoot standing with a ten pound MKIII.

    Help 🙂 and thank you again.

    gino

  38. B.B.

    I returned the .22 cal and purchased/ordered another (waiting list)the TX200 MK3 in .177 walnut and thank you again for the advice about the caliber that is allowed on the FT matches.

    I read the arcticle you did about off hand shooting in one of the blogs and will sort out a technique that suits me.

    My only problem is that my arms are too short to reach my hips and my arm only reaches my belly/ribs and all I can do is lean it on my rib cage and or my belly also my arm is too short to stablize the rifle if i lean it againts my rib cage. I wind up just holding it and it wobles. Maybe a glove that extends my palm thickness will be the solution.

    Do they sell any adjutable stocks for the TX200’s?

    Thank you again

    Gino

  39. Gino,

    Everyone’s arm rests against their rib cage. If you stand with the rifle coming off your side instead of your front, the arm will tighten up.

    Adjustable stocks exist for the TX 200, but they aren’t standard items. They are made by custom stockmakers. You’ll have to search to find someone to make you one, and it will cost almost as much as the rifle.

    B.B.

  40. B.B.
    I tried that technique last night infront of a mirror and then went to the garage and aimed at the target and yes the rib cage arm stance works for me. It is stable and with breathing controlled, made it more stable. Thank you again.

    I have a question on another gun.

    Whats your take on the Air Arms Pro Sport? The lines look good on that rifle and would be nice to add in the collection or use for FT. Would it be comparable to the TX200 MK2?

    🙂

    gino

  41. B.B.

    Thank you once again. Okay I have everything sorted and this is it for me and I made my final choices/purchases and wound up with the following as of this morning.

    TX200 MK3 in walnut .177 cal., Airforce 4-16X50, Airforce high scope mounts hollow center for weight reduction with stop pin and now the wait will kill me coz the TX200 is out of stock hahahaha.

    Maybe in the future I wil get a 6-24X50 or 56 scope when I get better at off hand stance.

    🙂

    gino

    Pyramid Air rocks !!!! I would buy everything from them. My family and friends know about them now and will give them all the business.

  42. That is perfect. I decided to wait and get the walnut in .177 instead and will use the Airforce see thru high mounts to save weight and the 4-16X50 scope from them as well.

    The other scopes weigh in close or more than 2lbs and the Airforce is only 19.5 oz (1.2lbs) besides the better W/E adjuster and I should be safe on the FT weight side (I cannot be over 11 lbs I read the rules at Sunnyvale gun club) .

    If I missed anything let me know because everything wont ship until the MK3 arrives in May so I can still consider any advice and recommendations.

    Thank you again

    Gino

    Oh and I joined the google blog 🙂

  43. Gino,

    The rules at your club are unique. What sport are they shooting? It isn’t field target, because there are no weight rules there. Or is it a local “Hunter” class of field target?

    I don’t know if you missed anything because I have never heard of a weight limit in any airgun sport.

    B.B.

  44. BB

    You are correct again ( rookie me and is why I ask and thanks again), after reading the rules at this local club the weight limit is for the smallbore rifles etc. and the air rifles have no weight limit but they do allow .22 cal to make it fun for all I guess.

    But here is a link and if you can read for yourself because they do have unique requirements that is a little diferrent.

    http://www.sunnyvalegunclub.com/SportShooting/Silhouette.html#Equipment

    Thank you again we are blessed to have an active pro with a heart like yours. We owe you big time :)…

    I am so tempted to just get the beech stock at pyramid air that they have in stock and get started but I do like the walnut. hehehe

  45. BB

    Im fairly new to shooting and have found I really enjoy field target. Im trying to decide on an FT rifle and would like some advice. I have shot several friends guns and after reading your reviews have decided to go with an Air Arms. I was going to get an s200 because I already own a pcp rifle and have a scuba set up. But all the reviews on the tx200 are great and both guns are at a similar price point. Is there one you would reccomend over the other for someone just starting out in the sport?

    Thanks so much for any help!

    Will

  46. BB

    Sounds good. Thanks so much for sharing your expert opinions with everyone. One last question. Any thoughts on a scope for the s200? Price is not really a concern. And thanks again for the help!

    Will

  47. BB

    Both MK3 rifles (.177 and .22 cal) are in transit. The 22 cal coming in tomorrow and the other left today. I will finaly be at peace now that I know they are coming in finaly.

    I just need to get a scope for the 177 cal that I can use for FT. Would the Airforce 4-16 X 50 work or is there a particular scope that has some advantage for FT usage?

    I was looking at a sidewheel parallax adjutable scope but saw a custom made one with huge wheels for parallax and elevation on the yellowforum.com.

    Can you help recommend a good scope that can be of relative ease in competition FT shooting.

    Thank you again

    Gino

  48. BB

    So I went with the two piece high mounts from Airforce and now I have a better position on my scope.

    I took that heavy Leapers one piece mount off but now I just noticed that the elevation keeps moving on me. Each session/time I shoot I always have to crank it up a few clicks. Is that the ambiant temp messin with me?

    Windage is fine but it has been two days and nights and It keeps wanting a few clicks up (about 3-5 up). Note all sessions are 10 meters. What do you think is happening. Do I need to go back to the one piece and see if it is the scope doing it? This is the replacement scope PA sent.

    Thank you again.

  49. BB

    Could it be that my rifle is gaining back the power/FPS accuracy as it was at least 3 weeks ago when it got fired. I suspect that the rifle is shooting better and more powerfull as I use it and thus it shoots a tad lower.

    I am all confused LMAO..

    🙂

    gino

  50. BB

    Yes it is confirmed at 3/4. I have the stop pins in front and the piñ less mounted inthe rears. What should I look for.

    Want do I need to do?

    Thanks in advance

    Gino

  51. BB

    I reversed the scope mounts with the piñ mounted on the rear instead of forward and the issues are now gone. When i took the acope off the mounts i noticed it was not level at all.
    I need an offset scope mount to position the scope further back. I have to lean forward and it is not natural. On well I will figure this out.

    Thanks again

  52. I have sorted the issues and you can read my comments on part 2. I love the TX200 mk3.

    The TX200 mk3 is the best to date.

    :)thank you again BB.

    Gino

  53. BB

    I would love to share my impressions on both of my TX200 MK3’s. It will help the others understand more about the joy of owning a TX200 MK3 and how it is worth every penny. How do we get started with the guest blog?

    And thank you again

    Gino

  54. B.B

    Forgive me if I missed this in your excellent review or subsequent comments but is it possible to add a silencer to the TX200 Mk3? And would it be worth it, given that it already has a moderator on the barrel. Or would it be better to get the HC if power etc is not such a consideration. I don’t live in the US so owning or using the silencer is not illegal for me and it is as much to keep my neighbours happy as to help me get at least 2 shots off to group of rabbits before they disappear but I really want to be as quiet as I can. Your thoughts would be valuable, many thanks

    JC

  55. Have a Wischo 55 and a Hammerelli Titan, both .177 (CP). Using artillery hold cant group 5 shots the size of a 50 cent piece at 12 yards. Both have 4x scopes and 5 shot groups are round, not strung out in any particular direction. Squirrels not threatened unless the bird feeders are empty. Looking for something consistent and easy to be accurate with (1/2 inch at 12 yards). Can do this with my .22 rifle. Patching up pellet holes in bird feeder not fun. Could the TC200 be an answer for me..?

  56. Jim,

    Your Wischo 55 will group much better than it is at present. It's better than a half inch at 12 yards. You just haven't found the right pellets.

    If it's .177 you should be trying the lite Premiers (7.9 grain).

    I don't know about the Hammerli Titan, but I suspect it will do a lot better, too.

    The TX200 is easier to shoot accurately than a breakbarrel. It is the most accurate spring gun on the market. At 12 yards it will group around one-tenth of an inch, when held properly.

    B.B.

  57. BB,

    I use Crossman Premier Lites 7.9grain (CP). Will review posts on technique to see how to serenade an hold springers and try bench rest. May have to put contracts out on the aformentioned vermin. Does Air Arms offer a bayonet option for the TX200..?

  58. JimB,

    I like the idea of the bayonet option! Maybe inside the cocking lever:).

    You posted on a blog that was written in 2006. They're not alot of us checking the old blogs. B.B. writes a blog Mon-Fri at/blog//. Come pay us a visit JimB and you'll find a bunch of polite, helpful, knowledgable and sometimes very funny folks.

    Looking forward to seeing you there.

    Mr B.

  59. B.B.
    I recently bought a TX200 for use as a multipurpose rifle. I bought some JSB Exact heavy's and it shoots them great. I want to shoot a very informal 10m league with some friends this winter and want to shoot a wadcutter type pellet. I also bought some RWS Meisterkugelens but my TX doesn't shoot them nearly as well. Do you have a suggestion for a wadcutter pellet to use?

  60. B.B.
    I have not shot the RWS magnums yet but have a couple of other questions. First of all my new TX has been shot now about 500 times and it has developed a slight low pitched hum when you cock it at about 90 degrees to the barrel. Also, after reading as much as I could find about the TX you seem to really like the gun. Do you think this was a good choice for me for an all around use gun? I wasn't sure I was wanting to deal with a PCP gun and all the stuff that seems to go with it which is why I stayed away from them.

  61. B.B.
    It is a low frquency hum that only happens when the cocking arm is just in the right place. It is definately not a squeak. If it was I probably couldn't hear it.
    Since I am new to airgun maintenance forgive my lack of intelegence on the matter, but where and how do I oil the chamber. I do have RWS chamber oil but have never used any on any of my guns because I just didn't know what to do with it. Thanks again for your time and help!

    Scott

  62. Scott,

    Here's part 3 of the 3 part series B.B. did that will answer your questions.

    At the top you will see active links to parts 1 & 2. Today you'll want to read part 2. The others will be relevant in the future:

    /blog/2008/11/what-to-oil-part-3-finishing-the-spring-guns/

    kevin

  63. B.B.

    I have never had a TX200, but I am thinking about purchasing a used one which the seller says he purchased new approx 5 years ago. It has a Bushnell 6-18x40mm Trophy Special Airgun Scope. It has the older style checkering and beech the stock. Cosmetically, the gun looks beautiful with the exception of one tiny scratch on the barrel near the muzzle. A few questions:

    1. How do I ensure that this is a MKIII and not a MKII. What would be an obvious distinction?

    2. What is your opinion of the scope for practicality, usability, and quality?

    3. Apparently the gun has not been used in quite some time. In fact the seller says it has only fired around 100 pellets in its lifetime. Are there maintenance concerns I should be aware of since the gun has sat in a gun safe for so long?

    4. What price range would this gun sell for?

    Thanks so much.

  64. westcoaster,

    Two ways a Mark II differs from a Mark III. The Mark II has a ratchet on the right side of the spring tube that holds the sliding compression chamber open. It clicks many times as the gun is cocked. The Mark III has the same device but it only clicks three times. The second difference is that a Mark II has no barrel shroud, while a Mark III has one.

    A used TX 200 goes for about $450 at airgun shows and there is no difference in price between a Mark II and a Mark III. If the rifle has a walnut stock it goes for about $50 more.

    The only maintenance concerns are if the gun has been tuned. The TX never needs tuning, and you have to wonder why anyone would try to tune one, so check the safe operation, especially the trigger.

    The scope on the rifle should add $50 to the price. It is a very good one. I competed with the same scope in field target for two years.

    B.B.

  65. B.B.

    I think I'm going to go for it. A belated Xmas gift from me to me.

    Thanks very much for your help. Hope you're getting overtime today!

    Once again, Happy New Year

    westcoaster

  66. B.B.

    I am thankful for your knowledge of airguns and especially the Air Arms TX MKlll. Do you have new ballistic information on the TX MKlll in .177 and .22 caliber? I see that Pyramyd posts 930fps in .177 and 755fps in .22 with a 14.2gr pellet and would like to know what velocities I could get with .22 with hobby 11.9, bear cat 12.65 and kodiak 21gr pellets. I watched the very informative video you and Paul made that showed 1023fps avg with 7gr hobby pellets in .177 and would like to know what an HN 10.65gr pellet delivers. I am trying to make up my mind between .177 and
    .22 and I like the speed of the .177 and the knock down power of the .22 for hunting.

    Thank you and Have a Blessed New Year,

    LTJ58

  67. LTJ58,

    Sometimes you just have to interpolate to get the numbers you want. I do periodic exercises to sharpen my interpolative skills.

    If a rifle gets 720 f.p.s. with a 14.2 grain pellet, what will it do with a 12-grain pellet? Probably 750-770.

    B.B.

  68. Hello to B.B. and all contributors!

    Thank you for the treasure chest of information found on this blog; I have read all I could find about the Air Arms TX200. I have owned the MKIII in .177 since 9/09, based largely upon the reviews from other owners and have just ordered the .22 version from Pyramyd AIR.

    I had decided to shoot the best pellet available for the new rifle at 50 yards so initially chose the H&N Baracuda Match .22 Cal, 21.14 Grains, Round Nose (details copied from https://www.pyramydair.com). Over the weekend however, I found something which made me question my choice of pellets.

    I am prompted to solicit the experiences of those that may have tread this path before me, as I cannot find any information which specifically addresses my quandary. Although it is regarding pellet choice, it is EXCLUSIVELY about heavy pellets and their potential harm to spring-piston air rifles.

    First, my decision to shoot the Baracuda Match pellet. I had tested this pellet and the Beeman Kodiak Match (in .177) in my TX200 and RWS 54 with excellent accuracy. So when I found that H&N had brought it back, the choice was seemingly simple. I had also found that the Crosman Premier Light would produce tiny groups at 33 feet and decided it would be the main pellet for my .177 TX200.

    Second, the discovery that rattled me. Although a heavy pellet with a high ballistic coefficient would apparently be the best choice at longer ranges, they may not be advisable because they might DAMAGE THE MAINSPRING! Please read the last two sections on the following page: https://www.charliedatuna.com/Tune-ups.htm (I hope that I'm not doing anything illegal/unethical/immoral by posting the URL that I happened to find as part of my search.)

    So here is my request. Can anyone share their experiences with mainsprings that failed directly as a result of having used heavy pellets? If the 21-grain Baracuda Match pellet is too heavy for safe use, the "Crosman Premier .22 Cal, 14.3 Grains, Domed" would be my next choice.

    Thank you and respectfully,
    Sang

  69. mystery2me,

    I think you misread that link. It's the very light pellets that can damage your gun. They don't provid sufficent mass to properly cushion the piston or control its speed.

    By the way you posted your question on a blog that was written in 2006. There arn't alot of people going back into the old bloggs for new posts. You'll get a much larger audience on the current blog/blog//.. Ask your question again there.

    Mr B.

  70. Sang,

    I read charlie da tuna's advice on heavy pellets in spring guns. Although he was/is a great tuner I think it's dangerous to make general statements.

    I've owned a RWS 54 and owned a TX 200. I shot heavy pellets out of each and found that middle weight pellets grouped best for me. The 54 was in .22 cal and the best pellets were the jsb 14.3's (blue tin) and the TX 200 was in .177 with the Crosman Premier lights being the best in that gun followed by jsb's.

    Listen to your gun and quit shooting heavy pellets if it doesn't sound right. In the worse case you'll have to replace the spring sooner rather than later. Springs cost $20-$30 and wear out. Some quicker than others.

    I didn't keep either gun long enough to be a true test of mainspring longevity and didn't shoot heavy pellets very much in either gun since they didn't group as well as quality pellets in the mid weight catagory.

    Follow Mr B's advice and post any other questions in the comments on the most recent article that B.B. has written (copy and paste the link he provided). You'll get a lot more answers and they'll all be better than mine.

    kevin

  71. Mr B.,

    Thank you for recommending that I post my inquiry on/blog//. I had considered doing that but thought this may be the better site because of the relevancy of the TX200. I will repost there.

    Kevin,

    Thank you for sharing your experiences. I wanted to avoid ruining a piece of precision equipment right out of the gate by using too heavy a pellet. I have always cared for my "toys" and didn't want to do anything harmful to a new rifle. It would appear counterintuitive to me that a heavy steel spring could be adversely affected by a pellet weighing 21 grains when a pellet weighing just 7 grains less would be just fine. But I'm no expert in this area, hence my quest for expertise.

    Thank you both for your responses, I have found myself returning to this blog time and again just to re-read the words of wisdom over and over.

    Sang

  72. Mr. B., I am trying to decide between purchasing the TX200MKIII and the AA ProSport in .22 cal. The ProSport is much higher in price. Do the current production units of both shoot at about the same f.p.s.? Is one any more accurate than the other? Is one more noisy than the other? Please offer any other comments you think is apporiate when making a decision between these two Air Rifles. Thanks in advance for your reply,

    Don P.

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