Air Arms TX200 HC Review

Overall Rating

Out of the box consistency. Accuracy. Looks (then I do have peculiar taste.) Standard stock for an off the peg sporter design.

Trigger unit. Weight. Cocking noise.

I have always preferred the concept of the self contained power plant of the spring gun: Too many failed pneumatics over the years. I have had a MK1 TX200 for about 14 years and won a few competitions with it. Recently a friend bought a TXHC in .22 and allowed me to have a play. It put my .177 MK1 (with MK 11 internals) to shame. I had to have one.
The stock is lifted above the competition by the detailing added by laser etching and the pistol grip embellishment. This wasn't a factor for me as I have converted my Custom Stock CS1000 to take it.
What surprised me the most was the difference in weight between the two calibres. The .177 has to be a full 2 lb heavier than the .22, and heavier than the non-carbine MK 1 to boot. Clearly the short stroking and increased piston weight and stronger spring is considerable but worth it when you shoot the rifle. The cocking effort might prove a struggle for some people but the cocking aid (grip) on the lever ensures no slipping even in the wet. The sensible anti-bear trap takes some getting used to but it works well and negates the need to keep my left hand on the cocking lever. Although the noise can be intrusive if you intend hunting with it. A controlled slow crank is needed rather than banging it home. All underlevers tend to be a little fiddly when it comes to loading up, this is where I think the Weihrauch have the edge, (well that and the trigger.) Having always used large scopes I'm used to it.
The recoil is so controlled it is possible to follow your shot through with practice. Not too many springers I can think of that you can do that with. Too good to be true I hear you say? Yes, quite right, because the trigger creeps like brothel footwear. But I do have an unlucky streak, so perhaps I got a bad one. I changed the unit out for the one off my MK1 which I tuned myself, but due to a change in the manufacturing process the new unit would not fit to the older rifle. Not important really as the older one is a vast improvement in the new Hunter Carbine. I've not had the chance to test it thoroughly yet but even before the trigger change I was getting sub 1" groups at 45 yards and hitting kills (40mm) out to 55 yards 4 out of 5 times. Most misses and flyers being put down to the trigger and me.
I chronoed it at 11.57 ft/lbs with 7.9 grain Crosman Premiers, I expect that it will settle up slightly in power as most spring guns do, which is all to the good. As for consistency, it is as even as my regulated Daystate X2 Sport R.