
Originally Posted by
gsxrman
They are the "Bret Hart" of airguns.
The best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be!! (Showing my age a bit)
My Rapid 17FT is 28-29 year old and still holds its own in any hunting scenario, HFT or FT comp.
I admit that they are basic-ish and them Gamo triggers were crap.
Mine is a MK1 with a bespoke reg fitted, the Gold Medal Trigger was polished and fettled and is cracking, Anschutz match barrel is superb. 300 shots to a charge. I'm still using the two original magazines.
There are definitely newer, prettier or more ergonomic options out there, but how would they have faired after 3 decades and what must be over a 100k of pellets put through it and its been out in all weathers.
I have seen tons of other rifles give up and have had to be repaired over the years, Air Arms, Daystates, HWs, made of toffee FXs, even my Ripley went and blew its reg.
I think the only thing wrong with a decent Rapid is that as it is basic a lot of people destroy them in home servicing and tuning.