"For those on a Budget" ???

“"For those on a Budget" ??? ”

Written on: 17/07/2012 by thesmudger (1 review written)

I have just recently returned to the world of Air Rifles and, apart from a couple of "modern" CO2 pistols, I have remained faithful to the old barrel real springer models that I had been used to.

That was until I tried an Air Arms 200, and I was hooked.

This model is variously described in the literature as "A Budget Model", "for beginners" and "the ideal gun for a lady or child". Don't believe a word of it. Budget Model - yes, in terms of its stable mates, but it is none the worse for that - it is a lovely gun. I can get the cylinder charged close by for a pound so, at the moment having to have access to a pump or air tank is not an immediate problem (but a problem you may have to consider). The literature gives this gun a 50 or so shoots per charge. Sadly, I haven't run this many pellets through the gun yet, but we are getting there so it would seem that information is pretty accurate.

The finish is fair,"basic" but not over done.

This is a small, light weight gun, even when fitted with a scope (it doe snot have its own iron sights) hence it being advertised as for Children or the lady shooter. I have to say, not being heavily built (Arnold Schwarzenegger I am NOT) this rifle is the good, usable size for me. I could imagine that, should you be a hunter (which I am not) this has a comfortable carrying weight that would allow you to wander around without putting to much strain on your arms and shoulders.

I have the .22 version which I got centered in very quickly.
The only major snag that I can see is the loading of the pellet. It is quite fiddly (until you get used to it)to place the pellet into the chamber with the scope in place - although this maybe eliminated by purchasing the after market 10 shot magazine. An option that I may consider in the future.

I have to say, I am not sorry that I purchased this rifle, although I can equally see why this wouldn't be the rifle for everyone (and I would always recommend heading down to your local supplier/range and give the various models a try out). I will be out in the fresh air, once this summers rains have passed, enjoying shooting this rifle