AIR ARMS PRO SPORT VS TX 200

[THEKUNK]

I AM CONSIDERING BUYING A ONCE IN A LIFE TIME QUALITY SPRINGER

I AM REALLY LOOKING AT THESE TWO FROM AIR ARMS IN .22 CALIBER.

I DO NOT COMPETE, THEY WOULD BE JUST TO ENJOY SHOOTING.

I DO NOT WANT IRON SIGHTS.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

 

[bandg]

I don't own either. Both seem like first class guns. The Pro Sport seems more "classic" in it's appearance but apparently handles a bit differently. Hard decision but either would probably be satisfying.

 

[hitech]

I've owned both. Both are incredible guns out of the box. The prosport is the best looking spring gun hands down, however, cocking it is a different story. The cocking handle is edgy and cumbersome, it's manageable but weird. The TX, is absolutely perfect. A little heavier, but a joy to cock and shoot. If I was buying another springer, it would be a TX or HW97K/HW77K. Also, the cocking linkage on the TX is more robust, I had issues with my Prosport, and while I did get it fixed, I never had any issues with the 3 TXs I had.

 

[Guest]

I have a Prosport in .177. It's a beautifully made gun that is exquisite in appearance. My walnut stock is good to very good in figure and wood-metal fit is excellent, but the finish is dull, thin, crying out for a refinish, I think. The stock checkering is laser cut, with curlicues and all sorts of (to me) weird designs: somebody went bezerk with the laser cutter device? The trigger is excellent, my gun is extremely accurate and well tuned from the factory. It's a very heavy gun, the cocking linkage seems weak, and it's difficult to cock multiple times unless your in really good shape. I've even considered "detuning" the gun make it easier to use?

I suspect this is a gun may have been designed for the european market, but pushed in performance to appeal to the american market? Sometimes I've thought this AG is best reserved for display with your Purdey's and Hollands, or to use when Phil and Queenie invite you up to hunt for paintballs up at Balmoral?

All this snark and criticism notwithstanding, I love the gun, have not had any problems, think of it as a Rolls Royce of airguns. I have no experience with the TX, lots of folks really like them?

 

[Michigander]

Quite a few years ago now I walked into Precision Airguns planning to buy a Pro Sport. But after handling it and trying a few shots I walked out with a TX200HC. The Pro Sport is a beautiful gun, but I just couldn't warm up to the handling characteristics. I would watch the AEAC video on the Pro Sport to get a better idea of the handling differences between it and the more traditional underlever.

 

[EMrider]

I’ve owned my .177 pro sport for about ten years and it has been shot 30,000 times at least. Beautiful gun and incredibly accurate. Heavy, but also quite well balanced. IMHO, the pro sport is optimized when setup to shoot at 12fpe. The cocking linkage is less robust than my hw97k or a TX200. Mine shoots at about 12fpe and I’ve never had a problem, but I wonder if all that shooting at 15fpe might have caused something to wear out over the years? The only nit pick I have with the TX200 is the anti-bear trap design which requires you to manually release the catch when cocking the gun.

If aesthetics matter a lot to you, then go pro sport. It really is a beauty. But if function and durability matter more, then grab the TX200. Truly a win-win decision you have.



R

 

[Yo]

I have a Pro Sport 22 incoming. I have a 177 Paul Watts TX200 and it's great. 

 

[Lewis]

Love them both.

I would post a wanted ad here and take the best example offered. Can't go wrong with either. Who knows you may get exactly what you are looking for and even save a few bucks.

 

[THEKUNK]

Thanks so much for your input.

I am taking all the input in consideration.

This is a great site.

 

[thumper]

My thoughts for a "lifetime" gun that you plan to keep for a long time.....

HW97 in .177

More reliable with less small issues in my experience. No cocking shoe or lockup issues causing short lived breech seals. 

As others have mentioned, the Pro Sport cocking linkage is marginal at sub12 power, and more marginal and cumbersome at higher power. If you plan to shoot it, rather than look at it, I'd get an underlever. 

The TX200 full length will be easier to cock than the Hunter Carbine or Pro Sport if that matters. 

 

[Mossonarock]

Geez, Hw..

A 23J Walther LGV or LGU in .22 cal can be a very gratifying airgun and is certainly high end. The trick is to find one since they aren't made anymore.

I have a 16J LGV and its my favorite gun in my collection.

I'm going to put up my HW97kt for sale sometime soon. I don't like the safety and I don't like the cocking arm among other design issues.

 

[whyzee]

TX200 !!

 

[kelly1]

I have both,the tx 200 is easier but noisier to cock ,more front heavier,so its easier to be accurate.

The prosport is the beauty ,cocking techniqye needs to be played with, lever is harder on the hands if you are doing alot of shooting ,nice and quiet to cock,my favorite modern springer.,kelly

 

[KWK]

I have a Prosport in .177. It's a beautifully made gun that is exquisite in appearance. My walnut stock is good to very good in figure and wood-metal fit is excellent, but the finish is dull, thin, crying out for a refinish, I think. The stock checkering is laser cut, with curlicues and all sorts of (to me) weird designs: somebody went bezerk with the laser cutter device? The trigger is excellent, my gun is extremely accurate and well tuned from the factory. It's a very heavy gun, the cocking linkage seems weak, and it's difficult to cock multiple times unless your in really good shape. I've even considered "detuning" the gun make it easier to use?

I suspect this is a gun may have been designed for the european market, but pushed in performance to appeal to the american market? Sometimes I've thought this AG is best reserved for display with your Purdey's and Hollands, or to use when Phil and Queenie invite you up to hunt for paintballs up at Balmoral?

All this snark and criticism notwithstanding, I love the gun, have not had any problems, think of it as a Rolls Royce of airguns. I have no experience with the TX, lots of folks really like them?

To make cocking the Prosport easier : When cocking with the left hand place the butt on your left hip. Not on your right hip! Now isn't that a lot easier? Works very well with certain guns. Try it and see. Works with BSA Airsporters too. Of course that's where AA got the idea to build the Prosport.. Airsporters came out in 1948. 

If your stock finish is still sound don't refinish it. There are finishes available that will go right on top of the old finish. Arrow for one but you have to follow the directions or you might not be happy. I thin it with naptha and add the slightest bit of japan drier. You must apply it thin and rub or it won't dry.. 

Some people put Tru oil over other finishes. Dull the old finish with fine steel wool to give the new finish some "tooth".

They should make a lighter 12 foot pound version for sporting use. Beautiful rifles but too heavy. Only reason I don't have one. 10 lbs with a scope. 

 

[JAMz]

I had both in .22. I still have my TX200HC. Comparing the two, the TX200 hit harder.

 

[JayJay]

Holy Cow! 10 pounds.Where do they put all the steel? That's an example of unfinished engineering design. In such cases there are obviously parts that can be slimmed down, but the company management doesn't want to spend the money. It's a real shame because the underlying design is so good. Look at the Gamo Varmint. Only 5.5 lbs, but over 1200 fps in .177. I'm not advocating Gamo, but the disparity is striking. Look at the Sig Sauer ASP 20 which puts out. 22 footpounds with an overall weight of 8.5 pounds. I would love a downsized ASP20 that would drop the power, but also the weight. 

 

[Macloaded]

I have both, prosport in 22 and tx200hc in 177. I enjoy shooting the prosport more than the tx but if I am honest with myself the tx shoots just that little bit better. Having said that I put a tbt kit in the tx but haven't got round to doing the prosport. In summary, both great rifles, you should get one of each....... 

 

[THEKUNK]

Thanks for all your input.

I took everything into consideration.

I picked up a used TX200 mk3 in .22 cal.

It has some scuffs on the stock but it is still very nice.

I absolutely love this thing. quality all the way around.

I figure who know's when the stores will have new one's in stock.

So this is my trainer until I can order a new .22 walnut rh.

It came with a UTG 4 X 16 56 SWAT SCOPE, I do not care for it, it is just to big and heavy so I replaced it with an BSA OUTLOOK 3 x 9 x 40.

I posted about the scope and really used that input to lead me down the right path. you guys are great!!!

I was going to sell the scope but just put it on my marlin model 60 22cal. could be fun have to see.

Love this sight!!!!!!!

 

[fojtyk]

Holy Cow! 10 pounds.Where do they put all the steel? That's an example of unfinished engineering design. In such cases there are obviously parts that can be slimmed down, but the company management doesn't want to spend the money. It's a real shame because the underlying design is so good. Look at the Gamo Varmint. Only 5.5 lbs, but over 1200 fps in .177. I'm not advocating Gamo, but the disparity is striking. Look at the Sig Sauer ASP 20 which puts out. 22 footpounds with an overall weight of 8.5 pounds. I would love a downsized ASP20 that would drop the power, but also the weight.

Weight improve accuracy at springer, sory but any springer gamo cant be comparable with prosport. I had many gamo and other budget airguns, but prosport has just another level of precision.

 

[Steveoo]

I AM CONSIDERING BUYING A ONCE IN A LIFE TIME QUALITY SPRINGER

I AM REALLY LOOKING AT THESE TWO FROM AIR ARMS IN .22 CALIBER.

I DO NOT COMPETE, THEY WOULD BE JUST TO ENJOY SHOOTING.

I DO NOT WANT IRON SIGHTS.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

You should also consider the HW97K
Almost no one can separate the accuracy of the TX200 versus the HW97K when tuned (all things being equal)
But many prefer the loading gate of the 97 as it's twice as wide, making in field loading much easier.
The 97 also lacks the loud anti bear ratchet, the curse of the TX when in the woods....
Some prefer the simpler woodwork and traditional chequering.
As regard ultra finish, the TX is in a class of its own...