Theoben SLR98 v Airarms TX200HC v Airarms Prosport

[IKSmudge]

All,
what I want to know is:
(1) Which is the best?
(2) How quiet is each one?
(3) Which is the best value?
(4) Which one would you get?
Go on sock it to me!

[Ideot Savant]

Its a bit hard to do a blah vs blah vs blah unless you own all three!
Do some searches on here and youll find lots of stuff.
I prefer the PS over the TX for one reason, its less front heavy, but thats just me.
The slr is very tempting, I've not shot one so wont advise.

[baxterbasics]

The Theoben is a masterpiece of engineering-the Air arms rifles are pretty damn good too. The Theoben,being a gas ram has that characteristic "Snap" when fired-i can`t really get on with them myself:( The Air Arms have a quick lock time also,not quite as snappy as the Theoben but they are "Fast". The Pro sport has its fans-it has sleek lines-people criticise the underlever,saying that it is uncomfortable for long shooting sessions-the tx200 range are nice and easy to cock and shoot,the longer barrel on the 200 over the tx200hc making it easier to cock,the reduced weight on the Hc makes it slightly better balanced.
I know its a predictable thing to say,but i strongly suggest you go to your nearest club and try a few out.

Kindest regards,
Graham:)

[Jon Budd]

I owned all of them - not a fan on the 98, the 88 was better ! PS/TX choice comes down to weight and balance, the guts are essentially the same.

I have a bunch of TXs, sold the 98 and the PS, also got a couple of 88s :)

[IKSmudge]

Thanks all so far - how quiet are each of these - how do they compare with PCP's?
Essentially what I'm after is a rifle without the hassle of the PCP but good quality spring or gas ram and these 3 look to tbe the best on offer.

[baxterbasics]

Consider one of the classic single stroke sidelever pneumatics from the late eighties/early nineties-great self contained pcp`s basically. I had Parker Hale Dragon for a while-great guns.
The nicest theoben i have ever shot,is Rapidnicks Fenman in .20 calibre:)

[birdman]

I've owned all:

Theoben Evolution-light, build quality but can't hit any thing with it.:o
Theoben Sirocco 2000, light, build quality got on with it bit better.:)
I personally find the second stage too heavy and tend to pull each shot.

AA TX200C nice and very accurate but a bit front heavy.

AA Prosport balance very nicely and very accurate, trigger also very good too.

[Rapidnick]

I also have owned all of the rifles mentioned.
The SLR98 is a well made rifle but only available in .22 at the time I owned mine and I have not tried the .177 version. I agree with BuddyBoy that the SLR88 is better. I personally think that the SLR98 is too expensive.
I also agree with BB that your choice between the TX200HC, Mk 3 and PS depends upon your handling preference. I personally like the Pro Sport best and still own one in .177.
I must admit that my favourite general purpose legal limit air rifle is the Fenman in .20.:)

[matthew951]

Its funny that this question has come up as i have exactly the same dilema if you can call it that!

Ive tried the hc and the accuracy is very impressive and from what i can gather from research and peoples other opinions the ps just handles better overall.

The slr 98seems to be a little less well known on this site as ive posted requests from users to give some feedback but not got anything. This is perhaps a demonstration of the high price of the slr as many would just have a high quality pcp instead. One aspect of the slr that i am really impressed with is the multishot capacity as it is the only non pcp multi shot that i have seen so far on the market.

The research continues and eventually i will have to make my decision:)

At the moment it has to be the ps in 0.177:D

[Rapidnick]

Its funny that this question has come up as i have exactly the same dilema if you can call it that!

Ive tried the hc and the accuracy is very impressive and from what i can gather from research and peoples other opinions the ps just handles better overall.

The slr 98seems to be a little less well known on this site as ive posted requests from users to give some feedback but not got anything. This is perhaps a demonstration of the high price of the slr as many would just have a high quality pcp instead. One aspect of the slr that i am really impressed with is the multishot capacity as it is the only non pcp multi shot that i have seen so far on the market.

The research continues and eventually i will have to make my decision:)

At the moment it has to be the ps in 0.177:D

I think you will find enough folk here on the bbs who own-or have owned- a SLR98 to give you enough information. Firstly, how much do you want to spend? The repeater nature of the SLR is great but you are paying a lot for it. Secondly, do you like the 'snappy- short lock time 'abruptness' of the gas ram system? Some do-I for one-but lots of good shooters don't. Thirdly, do you want .22?. I mention calibre because no one on here seems to have evaluated the relatively new .177 version and I have never seen one come up for sale second hand. On the other hand, quite a few .22 versions have been traded on here.
All this means that your choice is made more difficult! All the Air Arms springers are excellent and the Pro Sport offers an owner a rifle in an excellent state of tune as 'standard'. I think that this represents amazing value. Not everyone buys a rifle intending to tune it further-some just want to get on with shooting it!
Personally, I don't think the magazine action of the SLR is worth the extra money over, say, the Fenman which I think is one of the best 'standard legal limit' air rifles on the market today as well as being available in .177, .20 and .22 calibres.
Whatever model you choose, any of the Theoben or Air Arms rifles will give you many many years of shooting pleasure.

[Sam Vimes]

I'm a bit surprised that no one has chucked the Pro-Elite into the mix:eek:

Chris

[matthew951]

On the amount to spend i am willing to save up for any of the rifles mentioned and obviously the slr is going to take even longer but if it is worth the wait why not.

I have looked into the fenman however the only issue is the break barrel which over time could have an effect on the accuracy say compared to an under lever? surely it will have some effect as the scope is not directly attached to the barrel. However compared to all the others the fenman does have the somewhat rare universal .20 cal which is a plus point.

In all honesty whichever rifle i purchase will be excellent buy I feel that the lightning though an excellent starter rifle(cannot fault it) does not have the same accuracy over longer ranges compared to the previous names mentioned.

Its just a difficult decision i wish that i could have all of them:D

[AirgunStan]

If you can get hold of a copy of July 2005 AGW Terry D. - man with the hat:)
did a review of the new SLR in .177 calibre.


HTH

Stan

[matthew951]

Thanks for that i will try and rob that copy of my mate hes into all the reviews.

[Rapidnick]

I'm a bit surprised that no one has chucked the Pro-Elite into the mix:eek:

Chris

Unfortunately the Pro Elite is not in current production Chris! By all accounts a fantastic rifle especially in FAC.

[Rapidnick]

On the amount to spend i am willing to save up for any of the rifles mentioned and obviously the slr is going to take even longer but if it is worth the wait why not.

I have looked into the fenman however the only issue is the break barrel which over time could have an effect on the accuracy say compared to an under lever? surely it will have some effect as the scope is not directly attached to the barrel. However compared to all the others the fenman does have the somewhat rare universal .20 cal which is a plus point.

In all honesty whichever rifle i purchase will be excellent buy I feel that the lightning though an excellent starter rifle(cannot fault it) does not have the same accuracy over longer ranges compared to the previous names mentioned.

Its just a difficult decision i wish that i could have all of them:D

From what you have told us I would advise you to buy a PS or a TX. They both come up pretty regularly on here-unlike the SLR98. I liked my SLR98 but certainly wouldn't pay almost twice as much as a TX for one! Also bear in mind that the TX is freely available in .177. Good luck whatever you choose.:D

[Sam Vimes]

Unfortunately the Pro Elite is not in current production Chris!

Nick,
appreciated, but the same could be said of the Pro-Sport. Try sourcing a brand spanker now!;) :D (I know there should be a new run in the shops soon but they've been saying that for a few months now.)

Chris

[Sam Vimes]

By all accounts a fantastic rifle

Hopefully I'll be able to tell you on Monday.;)

Chris

[Rapidnick]

Nick,
appreciated, but the same could be said of the Pro-Sport. Try sourcing a brand spanker now!;) :D (I know there should be a new run in the shops soon but they've been saying that for a few months now.)

Chris

Know what you mean Chris but there is still a big difference between a 'hard to get' rifle and one that has been out of production for some time.:D