Air Arms TX200HC review

[baz]

Not sure why you posted this in FAC section

I happen to rate the HC as the best TX ever made, I have tuned them to almost 20ftlb in .22, not bad for such a tiny barrel

Rapidnick, I agree that the HC needs an additional silencer but with one of the suitable models fitted the gun is about same length as the MKIII but quite a bit quieter

Baz

[baz]

A quick way to achieve quiet cocking is to hold the anti bear trap down whilst cocking Or to render it inoperable (not good safety) is slip a bit of plastic under it

baz

[Sub Sea Sniper]

Took out the TX for its first proper hunting session and was well pleased. I zeroed it for about 20 yards then went on a good long rabbit stalking session.

I couldn't near what few rabbits were on the go today (my fault for being too noisy). I eventually reached the limit of my shoot and saw one lonesome rabbit standing near a gate that marks my shoot boundary. I stalked nice and low amongst some rushes and got to about 25 yeards. I couldn't go prone as the rushes were quite tall so I dropped to one knee and took aim. There was a slight side wind which I ignored as it was fluctuating so much. The rabbit was bolt upright, it knew something was up.

I took my time, waited for the wind to drop then fired. The Lazadome whacked the rabbit in the head with a power I found surpisingly strong for such a range. One bunny down. I was really impressed with the power compared to the old gasrammed Webley Tracker I have been using. Unfortunately there was very few rabbits on the go today bu maybe next time.

Sub Sea Sniper

[Sub Sea Sniper]

Was out at my shoot yesterday. I have new land to shoot on that adjoins my existing shoot so I had a lot of ground to cover. Trudged about for about two hours and did notice the weight of the gun. I guess slings would be a good idea but I like having the rifle at the ready as rabbits can pop out and surprise you.

Anyway, I got three rabbits today. Three stalks, three 10-15 metres shots, three down. Can't say fairer than that.

I am gonna build a hide in the whins tomorrow which I reckon will be a good test for the carbine as it will be fairly cramped. I will update this post then.

Sub Sea Sniper

[pipesmoker]

Hi SSS, do you use your Surefire or Scorpian for shooting at night? How effective is it ?
Why did you choose the HC version instead of the Standard version?

[Sub Sea Sniper]

Pipesmoker,

I don't know everything there is to know about flashlights but I use a lot of them as I spend a lot of my time on night shift. As well as providing light to see I use intensely bright flashlights to provide me with a tactical advantage when dealing with suspects / potentially violent offenders.

There are a whole raft of 2 cell lithium torches you can buy now, from the cheapo Madjak torches on Heinnie to the tactical ones from Surefire that will cost you a second mortgage. All of the the 2 cell lith torches throw out about 60-65 lumens of light and they will last an hour or so. Sure the liths are more expensive than normal AA's but they are smaller and if you buy then from the web (7dayshop or similar) they aren't too pricey.

I personally use my Scorpion on my rifle, mounted to the front of the stock with some very sophisticated duck tape. Simple, but effective. I also use a Black Diamond headtorch when I am walking about at night to save the Scorpions batts. The whole thing works well but I don't really do it much now as I am crap at lamping and much better at stalking.

If you are desperate for a metal bodied torch but can't shell out for a Surefire check out the LedWave torches on Heinnie. I got the Z2 Duo which is a two lith with 60 lumen output. It also has a three LED array which puts out 9 lumens and offers greatly extended battery life. I now use this torch exclusively at work. The LEDs for map reading etc and the main bulb for bigger lighting tasks.

As for the HC I was using a Pro-elite before and the weight was way too far forward. I got the HC as it is much better balanced and I do find it is an advantage when I am stalking through whin bushes as some of the gaps are quite tight. I cannot rate this gun highly enough. It has surpassed all my expectations and as people have said about it on this forum it does feel like a tuned springer straight out of the box.

All the best

Sub Sea Sniper

[Sub Sea Sniper]

Another two hunting sessions with the TX and took six on the first shoot and four on the second.

I am now realising that this gun outshoots me by a huge margin. I am relatively new to airgunning and am still trying to improve my technique. I noticed last night that although I can get headhsots from standing at 20 metres they aren't always well placed enough to get a clean kill. I now try to stalk into a position where I can kneel or go prone for my shots as this improves accuracy a lot.

Most of these standing shot mishaps are my fault but I am also aware of the weight of the rifle. It really does pay to practice with this gun regularly to build up the muscles needed to hold the gun steady.

Anyway, I have noticed that my hunting success rate has increased by using this gun, even though it is heavier than the Webley Tracker I used to use. I think this is down to the power and consistency of this gun. Last night I got a rabbit by leaning on a fence post and taking him down from about 25 yards, clean kill. I wouldn't have attempted that shot with the Tracker but I am confident (in the power of the TX, at least) that a well placed shot will take a rabbit down from this range.

It was pouring rain last night and the gun shrugged it off and threw out pellet after pellet with its usual consistency. This gun just gets better and better. I also noticed that although the HC has only the internal plenum silencer when you buy it that there is little, if any, need for an external silencer. I have shot two rabbits in quick succession and they do not seem spooked by the noise. Sure there is a sharp little crack when I fire the TX but downrange this turns into little more than a polite cough.

I am simply stunned by the accuracy, consistency and power this gun delivers time after time. My hunting success and confidence have both increased a lot since buying this gun.

Sub Sea Sniper

[Karlos.]

Not sure why you posted this in FAC section Baz

I don't think he's listening Baz

[krazy_horse]

I don't think he's listening Baz

An air rifle IS classed as a Firearm

(sorry)

JB

[andy_scouser]

An air rifle IS classed as a Firearm

well said, tis a bloomin airgun forum after all !!!!

[Karlos.]

tis a bloomin airgun forum after all !!!!

Yes ostensibly it is an airgun; BBS, and, that's why we have a very large airgun forum section

I believe that this forum was added to allow reviews of rifles/guns etc. that require an FAC/SGC to own and use.

However my post was not a pop at SSS, I just thought it was hilarious that despite Baz ever so gently telling this chap that he had posted in the wrong section, he just carried on banging out post after post. Classic

[dazzpol]

Yes ostensibly it is an airgun; BBS, and, that's why we have a very large airgun forum section

I believe that this forum was added to allow reviews of rifles/guns etc. that require an FAC/SGC to own and use.

However my post was not a pop at SSS, I just thought it was hilarious that despite Baz ever so gently telling this chap that he had posted in the wrong section, he just carried on banging out post after post. Classic

Dazz

[Mike H]

And there was me thinking that airgun reviews just weren't allowed
Mike.

[Chris St. MH]

Given the paltry number of S.1 and S.2 firearms getting reviewed here, I don't think reading a few airgun reviews is going to hurt us. It is kind of funny hearing about the huge difference in lethality between a gasrammed Webley and an HC (of any description) though. I can't remember the last time I hit a rabbit with less than 200ft/lbs and my latest rabbit rifle gun tops 700.

[Airgun Explorer]

Now that you have had it a while is there anything you would like changed on the HC?
I have enjoyed your posts whilst I wait for my TX200mkIII to arrive.
Cheers