So what was the Best Break Barrel Air Rifle Out of the Box ?

[landymick]

Another vote for the Walther LGV Comp Ultra,Master,Master Pro & Challenger I'm leaving out the Century because the early UK ones needed the spring end sorting out, probably due to spring cropping for UK power.

[robs5230]

I have not owned a 280 so I can't comment with any experence.

My 34 is a T01 Have a look at the different pistons
https://imgur.com/MiwqeRR

That top piston looks much better finished.

As I said the issue was not specific to my 280, my 52 T06 had the same problem. Just cheaper manufacturing I guess.
My 280 is very smooth now sorted.