Questions on the air arms tx200 mk3

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L4z4r0s

L4z4r0s

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Feb 10, 2020
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Athens, Greece
Hello everyone,

After much time I'm considering saving up for an air arms tx200 mk3. It seems to be a really beautifully made air rifle with excellent performance. However while reading about it, I stumbled across some threads on GTA and some British forums where people have reported various issues with the tx200


  1. One of them (the most frequent of them) is that the safety is not always engaging when the gun is cocked.

  2. Another one is that the anti bear trap is not always working correctly... and thus blocks the cocking lever from going back up.

  3. The little rubber buffer in the shroud that prevents direct contact between the shroud and the cocking lever breaks off easily.

    [/LIST=1]



    Most of these issues were reported in pretty old threads (the most recent one I found was from 2014).

    While some of the issues had to do with user error (i.e; the anti bear trap blocking the cocking lever because the user didn't cock the rifle all the way back), some others have been quite prevalent on the tx200 over the years (like the safety not engaging properly on some models).

    I just wanted to ask, have these issues been sorted out in some way? Does the safety issue have to do with user error and doesn't have to be fixed or has it been an issue that air arms has sorted out?

    At first I was quite sure about the rifle but after reading about some of these issues I am quite sceptical/hesitant about it especially considering that it's a really expensive piece (the beechwood runs for about 750 € and the walnut version for about 825 €).



    Any input/knowledge on these issue would be more than welcome...

    Thanks in advance,

    Stay safe out there!!!
 
I have a tx200 and have not experienced issues mentioned. I find the trigger blade substandard due to soft metal and too much wobble that gets worse with use. This is easily fixed by installing a Rowan trigger. 2nd issue was vibration in shot cycle (fac), this is fixed with a Vortek kit. Big positive is the stock ergonomics. Another negative is that it is easy to cross thread the rear block retaining screw but can be corrected after some hair pulling. If using for FT a little height can be added to comb for good cheek weld. Overall a great rifle but the HW97 is a tough competitor.
 
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I have a TX200 MK III and have not had any issues. The safety not engaging is most likely not getting the gun cocked completely. The rubber buffer is a minor issue and can be easily resolved with care or rubber o-rings. I did have some spring vibration as most do with the original spring, so I installed a Vortek tune kit as well. The Vortek kit eliminated the vibration and I believe made the gun quieter and a terrific shooter. I love mine but would agree the HW97K is a very good competitor, but it too will experience some of the same issues regarding the spring.

I might also add it is one of the easiest if not the easiest air rifle to work on.
 
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I just got mine. Less than 100 rounds thru it. Currently my safety only engages when I forcefully cock it. The bear trap is still finicky and sometimes I have to apply a little pressure on the cocking arm to disengage the bear trap.

I spoke to Steve at AEAC, and he said he experienced the same problems initially, then after a few hundred shots neither were an issue again. He attributed it to a regular break in period for springers.

My trigger is awesome and everything else is simply exquisite. 

Screenshot_20211129-192918_Gallery.1638235989.jpg

 
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Been working on TX models since they camevto the US. Most problems are owner inflicted. The safety not engaging is usually caused by spring binding, that isvthe piston stem not going into the trigger block not quite far enough, thus having to use more force when cocking. The beartrap problem is not a problem, it is failure to negotiate its operation. O rings replace the rubber bumper on the xocking arm. All springers have a vibration when new, a simple tune cures this issue. I competed with the first factory lefthand walnut TX that came to the US. Sold it after I retired about 8 years back. Sorry I sold it, so bought a new MK3, great rifle but more barrel heavy than my MK1. A quick tune on the MK3 removed all vibration, proper lube smoothed even more the smooth action. A simple re crown to muzzle and breach improved what was an already accurate rifle. Mine shoots 8.4gn AA pellets at 900 fps and will shoot half inch groups at 50 yds on a good calm day. Prefered the older MK1 for offhand shooting due to better balance, but at my age, not much offhand anymore! The HW97. Is an extremely close competitor, try both and see which one fits you best!! The TX is much easier to work on, but the HW might balance better. Try them both before you buy !!!
 
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I have one each in .177 and .22. I have installed Vortek PG4 steel HO kits in both, though I had to cut two coils off of each of the springs as originally received, to allow them to cock easily. They are both super smooth in the cocking stroke and firing cycle and are super accurate.

The .177 prefers the AA 8.54 4.52 pellet, and the .22 the Predator GTO 11.79 gr.

No cocking or safety issues.


I will never part with mine, but also owning three Weihrauch HW97s, if I could only own one underlever, it would be the 97 for a number of reasons.

Either will provide generations of service if properly maintained.


 
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I just got mine. Less than 100 rounds thru it. Currently my safety only engages when I forcefully cock it. The bear trap is still finicky and sometimes I have to apply a little pressure on the cocking arm to disengage the bear trap.

I spoke to Steve at AEAC, and he said he experienced the same problems initially, then after a few hundred shots neither were an issue again. He attributed it to a regular break in period for springers.

My trigger is awesome and everything else is simply exquisite. 

Screenshot_20211129-192918_Gallery.1638235989.jpg
//www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20210%20140%22%3E%3C/svg%3E
Click to expand...

Wow!!! That rifle is gorgeous!!! That's one of the reasons why I'm considering one... the build quality on this thing is said to be excellent... the problems I've read have made me worry a bit since it's a pretty expensive piece... an hw97k has a lower price and none of the safety and bear trap issues... choices... choices..
 
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I have one each in .177 and .22. I have installed Vortek PG4 steel HO kits in both, though I had to cut two coils off of each of the springs as originally received, to allow them to cock easily. They are both super smooth in the cocking stroke and firing cycle and are super accurate.

The .177 prefers the AA 8.54 4.52 pellet, and the .22 the Predator GTO 11.79 gr.

No cocking or safety issues.


I will never part with mine, but also owning three Weihrauch HW97s, if I could only own one underlever, it would be the 97 for a number of reasons.

Either will provide generations of service if properly maintained.

Click to expand...

Could you elaborate on the reason why you would go with the hw97k? I don't have any experience with either and would like to have as much input/knowledge before making a choice...
 
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The loading port on a 97 is much larger and easier to access. The 97 can be shot either left handed or right handed and easily loaded either way.


The POI on my 97s never seem to shift coming out of my vault after sitting for a few days, while the TX200s often take a click or two of adjustment. 


There is no bear trap to contend with on the 97 and the cocking lever latches into a much better system than on the TX.


I find the 97s, when properly tuned, are much smoother to cock and are silent to cock, where you hear the bear trap ratchet in a TX unless you have slight pressure on the bear trap detention the entire stroke.


The 97 is less money, and the bluing is deep and great, but the TX generally has a nicer level of bluing and finish.


My 97s will generally shoot a 3/8” of less 10 shot group at 20 yards and inside of 1 1/2 at 50 consistently and without fail. My TX200s are “nearly” as good but just not quite.

Again, I love having both of them in my airgun Arsenal - both are really high quality, but if I could only have one, and dependability, accuracy, and consistency were the only criteria (not looks), the 97s easily win I my opinion.


 
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The loading port on a 97 is much larger and easier to access. The 97 can be shot either left handed or right handed and easily loaded either way.


The POI on my 97s never seem to shift coming out of my vault after sitting for a few days, while the TX200s often take a click or two of adjustment. 


There is no bear trap to contend with on the 97 and the cocking lever latches into a much better system than on the TX.


I find the 97s, when properly tuned, are much smoother to cock and are silent to cock, where you hear the bear trap ratchet in a TX unless you have slight pressure on the bear trap detention the entire stroke.


The 97 is less money, and the bluing is deep and great, but the TX generally has a nicer level of bluing and finish.


My 97s will generally shoot a 3/8” of less 10 shot group at 20 yards and inside of 1 1/2 at 50 consistently and without fail. My TX200s are “nearly” as good but just not quite.

Again, I love having both of them in my airgun Arsenal - both are really high quality, but if I could only have one, and dependability, accuracy, and consistency were the only criteria (not looks), the 97s easily win I my opinion.

Click to expand...

I see... should probably just go with the 97k then!!! 
 
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I don’t comment much but I felt compelled to here. 
buy a left handed TX200-3 and get a left handed TX200-3. Its that simple. The loading port is on the left side of the receiver on a left handed rifle. In my opinion the LH TX airgun is the better looking model really since you don’t see the three ugly notches in the slide that the anti-BT mechanism lock into. 


To answer the three concerns you had earlier

1: cock the gun fully

2: again, cock the gun fully

3: never let anyone else handle your airgun and you won’t have the rubber bumper torn off. It’s easy to cock with a little forethought of the bumper and you will never have it torn off. I let someone else handle my TX and even though I asked to beware of the bumper and DO NOT tear off the bumper, it didn’t help. Bumper was torn off. I ordered two replacements. Orings around the cocking lever is the quickest way to make your TX ghetto in appearance. 


lastly I feel that the TX is really harsh to shoot in stock form (mine is .177). Mine was a bloody scatter gun. I felt it was due to the heavy piston, but what do I know as I am not an airgun tuner per se`. I purchased two optional springs from Maccari but didn’t even install them since about the same time I learned of Tony Leach and the 22mm piston kit that he produces. Game changer is an understatement!!! Now it is butter smooth in cocking and shot cycle. I am no marksman, but I will say that my TX200 mk3 TL22 is the only spring gun I have EVER owned that I could put pellet after pellet after pellet through the same hole. Mine is shooting the JSB Exacts 8.44gr. I would like to try the AirArms pellets but haven’t found the need since I have way too much/many pellets on hand. 


I would call the bluing on the TX more of a blacking. It is a mirror finish and second to none. 


No matter what airgun you choose, enjoy it often. Something I don’t do enough
 
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The TX200 is absolutely gorgeous. Absolutely, plain and simple, gorgeous.You know....like when you see that drop dead beautiful woman that makes your heart sink kinda gorgeous! Thats the TX200. One of these days I'll have one maybe. I love my HW97K. Very fine looking rifle and a really sweet shooter.........but that TX200? Mmmm Mmmm.
 
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Whyzee....you are the first I have ever heard that calls a TX with the O rings on the cocking arm "getto" , First thing I do as well as many others have done is to remove that tiny worthless bumper and slip a couple O rings on that cocking arm...I think it looks better, much better. You are correct in detuning the FAC model down to 12 ft lbs, it nakes the shot cycle to slow and affects accuracy, if you can just find a longer 12 ft lb piston is much easier. I have sold all the extras that I had .. Lots of simple tricks to smooth out the FAC version, my own TX shoots 900 fps with 8.4 gn AA pellets yet the shot cycle is so quick it feels more like a 12 ft lb rifle.
 
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The little bumper is an elegant solution that does not detract from the overall appearance, because it is darn near invisible. 
the oring solution is downright ugly, to me the equivalent of duct tape 😀

I’m happy that you can get replacement bumpers

Indeed the TL 22mm skirtless piston kit is lower on power than the FAC version As shipped, but it sure is accurate as well as a smooth shooter. I’m very pleased since I didn’t build my TX to be a hunter. 
 
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One of the other things I have seen and made me worry is the alloys used for the trigger and stock tab... It was mentioned above that the trigger on one gun was made out of soft metal and had wobble.... On gta it was also mentioned that the stock tab (the front part which attaches the stock to the action) is also made from some kind of soft metal.. (that was mentioned on one occasion through GTA... Perhaps it was due to different type of material and this has now changed?)
 
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I have a pair of TX200s, in both .177 & .22, Vortek kit tuned, with literally thousands of shots experienced with each, never a maintenance issue relative to “soft metals” or trigger wobble. They are a joy to own, as are the ‘97s.
Click to expand...

Perhaps it was an issue that only extremely few people experienced... perhaps even due to a lower quality batch of materials used by air arms at the time... I recall reading about a similar issue with the hft500 in a British forum where the cocking arm on it broke and the person having the issue contacted air arms who admitted to using lower quality material for a batch of guns due to material shortage at the time... and of course they took care of him by fixing the gun free of charge!!
 
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