Original 50 T01- Maligned by Some

[jonnyone]

Whats the point? if the 45 is more accurate/ powerful why bother with the 50T01. Thats always been my thinking.

Perhaps on a pure accuracy and ease of loading front you have a point. But collecting is a bit more than that. I've often said that the Sterling HR81 fell from the ugly tree and hit every branch coming down but I have come to appreciate its quirks, maybe to a degree its looks and functionality but more than that its collectability.
I own two T01s, one in each calibre. For the reasons already set out above the 45 will always edge it. However these guns were stable mates in the Diana or should we say Original range back in the day and I think to put them into a collection together is quite appropriate indeed desirable in my book.
The gun represents M&Gs last stab at producing a punchy underlever from the long established 50 format. As we all recall the 77 came along and swept all before it. As such the T01 did.not have that long as live and I'm not sure if this and maybe the Airsporter were the last of the tap loaders. A throwback to an older generation of guns.
But dismiss the T01 at leisure and you may well be.missing out on a cracking bit of airgun nostalgia and general shooting fun. Sure it maybe cant hold a candle to some of the modern super breed springers but it can hold its own in amongst its contemporaries and even give some modern guns a run for their money. Some would say that its elongated and protruding underlever detracts from its forerunner but for ne I celebrate that difference not least because if like me you looked around for one to buy you will have a long wait.
The quality of manufacturing still shines with the T01 and I fully enjoy using the tap loader as a change to a break barrel. As already said my two examples are nice n accurate but clearly as with all marques you will get examples that perhaps defy all attempts to group well. I think that will always be the case with the occasional odd gun.
Mine is currently being used against the local grey squirrels quite effectively and any failings in its use have been on my part. Ive fettled the old girl and to me I cannot give it more respect than to reach for it from the rack in preference to my well fettled HW80.
Glad you are enjoying yours Drew. Seems like we are a small band of enlightened fans your mate, you, n I
I see you are north of the wall and so shouldn't have that many greys to worry over but if you do espy one of the little buggers I'm sure your T01 will spoil its fun and send it onto treetops new
Dave