Originally Posted by
Geezer
Yes, basically.
Long version:
Late 84/early85: HW77 comes out. Immediately wins fans in FT, rapidly knocking off the FWB Sport as rifle of choice.
Late 80s or early 90s: Venom produce tiny numbers of their HW-based specials, the Mach 1 and 2.
Around the same time, airgun genius Ken Turner makes an improved version of the HW77 for his own use, in stainless. By early 1992, Air Arms (recognising that the 77 is both better and cheaper than their fixed-barrel springers, and that the Diana 52 is about as good and cheaper) have bought his design and introduce the TX200.
The TX is an improved, mass production, copy of a Venom 77, to the extent that AirGunner accidentally used a picture of a Venom 77 when announcing it.
The TX trigger is allegedly called “CD” because it was “computer designed”. Most of us think it was called CD because a CD was better than a record (Rekord, get it?).
Later, AA produce a rifle inspired by the Mach2, of which only nine or so were made. The Pro Sport.
When the Venom guys moved to work for Webley, they came up with the Tomahawk and Longbow, which are similarly inspired by the Mach1 break-barrel, but based on the Omega, and ultimately on the Vulcan.
At least, that’s how I remember it. But, definitely, the PS is indeed based on the Mach2. Which itself is the result of a night of passion between an HW77 and a BSA Airsporter.
The fact that most, though not all, serious shooters prefer the TX to the PS (that’s a whole other thread, done to death already) suggests that the Mach2/PS design may optimise looks and novelty over functionality. I don’t know. Never had either, so can’t offer informed comment.