Theoben Grand Prix Carbine

[PiterM]

Just sharing my excitement... another English beauty just arrived! Theoben Grand Prix Carbine in .22, HE variant but still so-called early model, which means custom-like quality. Topped with Nikko Stirling 4x40 Gold Ring, a classic scope from Theoben period. And that Grand Prix thumbhole stock!

She's just super smooth as she was in constant use for all those years (gasram shot be used to avoid o-ring deformation). My Grail!

 

[tscktran]

WOW

That's one nice looking one.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[golfer70]

Gorgeous!

 

[Windmill01]

The barrel looks short in the picture, how’s the cocking effort? Also have you cronied it yet and do you know what year of manufacture. Sorry for all questions. She’s a beaut all right.

Gary

 

[JW652]

Beautiful rifle.have a similar GP that was bought in 1988 as my first FT rifle with, a Leupold, fixed 8X scope tricked out by Premier Reticles. However, they differ in that mine is pre-HE and has a longer barrel which originally had a barrel weight bonded on with green Loctite. Stock is identical. Since yours is HE, chopped,, and wears a moderator, it may have been built during the Mid-90s when Theoben brought out the "Classic" line.

Was actually shooting it this afternoon and was surprised to see this thread. At 35 yds, using old, brown box Premiers, it pretty much shot one hole with the fliers still touching the group. I think you are going to love that rifle. After 30 years, it is still my "go to" gun.

 

[PiterM]

Barrel is standard Theoben carbine 7.5" - just like in Fenman. On arrival she was pushing 5.52 Exact 1.03g with 10.5 fpe and after cleaning & relube I get now 11.8 fpe (my local limit without papers is 17J, so about 12.3 fpe). Cocking effort is less than in my .177 Fenman, absolutely manageable for most adults. Year of manufacturing... no idea. But it's HE version, which is good, but still from 'semi custom assembly' times so quality is outstanding. It has carbine barrel, which is quite unusual for Grand Prix, but for me it's a perfect blend of what I want! Actually I have an extra long 177 Theoben barrel somewhere at home so I can play a bit with barrels and calibers in the future. But for now... it's all I want!

BTW, I've got a sling coming for her from UK... canvas safari-style. Can't wait to put it on her. 

 

[Windmill01]

Thank you PiterM also if it were mine I wouldn’t change a thing.

Gary

 

[PiterM]

I wouldn’t change a thing.

Hmmm.... but what about adding a touch of class to that Theoben? Yeah, something just arrived straight from UK... but what can that be?

 

[AirNGasman]

FWIW, I've found the Theoben piston guns more efficient with medium weight pellets (around 8 grains in .177). 

 

[Windmill01]

I believe she’s classy enough but maybe I’d add that sling you’ve got there.

Gary

 

[warlord]

Also have a Sirocco Grand Prix .22 cal pre HE but with open sights (very rare). I have it set just under 12 ft/lbs. Age and injuries restrict my cocking efforts. Pm me with your serial number and I can give year and month of production.

 

[PiterM]

Ok, will check! But in the meantime - sling unpacked. And I’m speechless. Quality goes through the roof... and that top tier leather smell. Yeah. That was a good purchase!

 

[sonnysan]

These guns are as rare as hen's teeth in the states, even 20 years ago. I acquired an FAC specimen around 2000 with a transport attached. Did not know carbines existed. However, once I think about it, the idea does make sense. Theoben seems to have an identical foundation (action) - standard length and carbine. Then different stocks were fitted to expand the product line. Nice gun you have there. If it was a 20ft. lb. version I'd be very envious. 

 

[PiterM]

Next step done... moderator tube hot blued. The key to success is really taking time when polishing the surface. Wet sanding in lathe, down to 2000 grit. But... it was worth every single second spent on polishing!

Plus custom brass cap. Shall I blue it as well? Or leave raw brass to match sling and scope details? Hmmm... choices, choices...

 

[DanT55]

Nice one Pitr! Where did you find this one? Out of the UK?

I am fortunate enough to have found a nice .22 Fenman here in the States and alwasy like to see these classic Theobens.

Looks great and congrats on finding your grail.

Regards,

DanT

 

[kingfisher61]

I got this stock from a guy in England. He said it was from a Grand Prix. Anyone know if it is? 

 

[PiterM]

Nice stock! Yeah!

 

[JW652]

Beautiful stock. Have never seen one that nice from the factory, which makes it possibly a custom item. It appears to be for a Crusader, except that it lacks the fore end checkering.

As far as I know, the "GP' designation does not refer to the action, but rather to the stock itself. My GP has a stock identical to the others pictured above. That is to say, the GP stock is a thumbhole style with an adjustable butt plate. It is a target model named for Gran Prix competition.

 

[sonnysan]

That looks like a Theoben Classic stock less the forearm checkering. Doesn't look factory, as somebody might of used a duplicator from an existing blank. Nicer looking than all other stock Theobens I've seen. I you might of acquired a one-off from the factory. If that is the case I want it.

 

[PiterM]

Brass moderator cap blued (just to add some patina) and installed. Sling on. Theoben GP is now ready to shoot...