Top 10 Spring/Gas Ram Air Rifles

This month, our round-up features a mixture of established favourites, alongside some of the new spring powered or gas-ram driven models that made an appearance over the last year or so. It’s quite a diverse collection, spanning several price sectors, but also serves to illustrate just what a vibrant place the airgun market is at the moment. Don’t forget, all the models featured here have a self-contained, on-board power source, so no pump or diver’s bottle required!

• Air Arms TX200MKIII HC

  

  Contact: Air Arms www.air-arms.co.uk
  
  RRP: £449- £524
  
  Accuracy on test: ¼” @ 30-yards using Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets
  
  

  In 1985, Weihrauch’s HW77 was causing a major stir on the Field Target scene. NSP Engineering/Air Arms responded and with the help of designer Ken Turner, and three times World FT Champion, Nick Jenkinson, project TX200 was born. Like the HW77, the TX used fixed barrel format, but went further with a truly centralized bore, along with the piston running on synthetic bearings; resulting in smoother and more efficient power delivery. The MKIII gun, is a full-length model, which means it can seem rather front-heavy for some. The Hunter Carbine version, shown here, trims the original spec down by some three inches, which makes all the difference in terms of balance. Slick performance straight from the box, the TX200 has gone on to become one of the most successful springers around; need I say more?

• Benjamin Trail NP2

  

  Contact: Anglo Spanish Imports www.a-s-i.co.uk
  
  RRP: £449
  
  Accuracy on test: 1.5” @ 30-yds
  
  

  The Benjamin Trail NP uses a ‘Nitro Piston’ gas-ram system, and it’s a slick looking gun that comes as a package deal. Included in the price is a Centerpoint branded 3-9x40 AO scope and Picatinny ring mounts; which all helps off-set the initial asking price. The hardwood stock is an eye-catching thumb-hole design, and certainly feels comfortable in the aim, whilst an upgraded, 2-stage trigger, full-length silencer, and that revised power plant, complete the spec list. Nitrogen fills the gas-ram, and unlike some rivals attempts to copy the Theoben idea, this model doesn’t disappoint in terms of smooth power delivery. The cocking stroke is easy and incredibly smooth, and yes, I would say a tad easier than the original version. The firing cycle is also smooth and free from twang and resonance; and whilst there is recoil of sorts, it is more of a bounce than a harsh jolt.

• Crosman Nitro Venom Dusk

  

  Contact: Anglo Spanish Imports www.a-s-i.co.uk
  
  RRP: £289
  
  Accuracy on test: sub-1” @ 25-yards with Air Arms Diabolo Express pellets
  
  

  This is another sleek looking rifle from the Crosman stable, offering a general-purpose specification, and sold as a package deal complete with a CenterPoint 4x32 scope and mounts. The Nitro Venom Dusk is fitted with Crosman’s version of the gas-ram system. It all works rather well, keeping the cocking stroke super smooth, and the firing cycle very snappy. Of course, with no spring, there is no twang, but it is still quite noisy. The black synthetic stock is well shaped too, offering an extended forend, thinned down pistol grip, and rubber butt section for grip at the shoulder. Other features include the synthetic hand grip (not a silencer) at the muzzle, and that substantial Picatinny scope rail, for secure mounting of glassware. The test model proved a little pellet-fussy, but with the right ammo, it was reasonably accurate too. A great general purpose or starter model.

• Diana Mauser K98

  

  Contact: Edgar Brothers www.edgarbrothers.com
  
  RRP: £354.75
  
  Accuracy on test: 5/8”@ 30-yards using Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets
  
  

  Diana’s Mauser K98, whilst not quite a true reproduction, closely follows the profile of the famous German military bolt-action. The Diana version offers a full length hardwood stock, and with the inclusion of the top section, originally designed to alleviate the heat of the barrel on the hands, and a robust sling mounting clip around the forend, it certainly looks the part. That authentic look is further enhanced by the protruding under-lever under the muzzle; not entirely dissimilar from the visible barrel cleaning rod on the original. Also, a set of similar iron sights, with an adjustable U-notch at the rear and a hooded blade up front. At 9.6lbs, this (spring-powered) model is not for the feint hearted, but the sliding breech fixed barrel design, and renowned T06 trigger unit, means serious accuracy is on the cards. Cleverly, Diana have included a scope base, but means you can fit glass and get the full accuracy potential of this unique air rifle.

• Gamo MAXXIM Elite

  

  Contact: BSA Guns (UK) Ltd. www.bsaguns.co.uk
  
  RRP: £289
  
  Accuracy on test: 1.25” @ 30-yards
  
  

  Gamo scores a direct hit in the fun stakes, with their new Maxxim Elite, as the innovative design sees a 10-shot, rotary magazine system, built around a break barrel springer! Gamo brought us the Paratrooper repeater break barrel of course several decades ago, but the Maxxim Elite is an altogether tidier design. It’s an exciting idea, and comes as a package deal, including a 3-9x40 Gamo scope and mounts all in for the asking price. The ambidextrous beech stock comes complete with an adjustable cheek piece, rubber butt pad, grip inserts, 2-stage CAT trigger, a patented Whisper Maxxim integral sound moderator, and a recoil reducing raised scope rail. At 46” long, this is an adult rifle in terms of dimensions, but at 6.25lbs, it rather belies its looks. The 10-shot rotary magazine is the main feature of course, and it works well. The mag has a spring-loaded central drum, so it just requires a pellet to be pushed in head first, into each chamber. When it’s full, it’s located in the housing above the barrel. We are now ready for fast fire ten shots, without touching a pellet, just as fast as you can pull the barrel down and cock the gun. Great fun, and unique in the current market!

• Hatsan Dominator 200W

  

  Contact: Edgar Brothers www.edgarbrothers.com
  
  RRP: £509
  
  Accuracy on test: ½” @ 25yds
  
  

  Hatsan’s Dominator 200W is a beefy, bulky airgun, that’s strictly adults-only. At 9.9lbs, this must be one of the heaviest guns of its type, but with a stylish Turkish walnut stock fitted as standard, it remains an appealing option. The spring piston action is a fixed barrel design, which allows direct pellet feed to the barrel. Cocking is via the front-mounted, under-lever, which does admittedly feature an irritating catch arrangement. Get past this niggle, and there are a host of on-board features to enjoy however. Sling swivels and a sling are all provided, along with very usable open sights. A Picatinny-style mounting rail is here too, but the main feature must be that adjustable cheek piece section of the woodwork. An auto safety isn’t so exciting, but Hatsan’s adjustable Quattro trigger, is definitely cause for celebration. Overall then, a serious piece of machinery, slightly lacking in refinement, but a great package nonetheless, capable of good performance.

• KRAL Champion

  

  Contact: Range Right www.range-right.co.uk
  
  RRP: £145
  
  Accuracy on test: sub-1/2” @ 25-yards using Air Arms Diabolo Field
  
  

  Another full-power, break-barrel springer, the Turkish-made Kral Champion has plenty to offer, including a skeleton synthetic stock, that whilst a little shiny, does its job admirably. It certainly looks modern, with that dramatic sweeping thumb-hole grip, stylish cheek piece, and large muzzle assembly all part of the design. Fibre optic open sights come as standard, which is always handy, with finger wheel adjusters, and the long barrel also helps make cocking an easy task, given the extra leverage. Although given the especially subtle breech assembly design, it’s no surprise that barrel lock-up is also reassuringly impressive. A basic trigger and average build quality shouldn’t detract from the fact that this great value model has proved surprisingly accurate, and pleasant to shoot on test. Another good choice for a first gun, or budget hunter.

• Weihrauch HW98

  

  Contact: Hull Cartridge Co. www.hullcartridge.co.uk
  
  RRP: £422
  
  Accuracy on test: ½” @ 35yards using JSB ammo
  
  

  And so, we come to the HW98- surely one of the most appealing models in Weihrauch’s line-up. Best described as a cross between a target rifle and a sporter, the HW98 really is quite unique in what it has to offer. A heavy, bull barrel, breakbarrel action, and of course the Rekord 2-stage trigger, is a great start, but that semi-target woodwork, complete with an adjustable cheek-piece, adjustable butt section, and drop down stippled target grip, all come together extremely well. Set the stock for personal preference and correct eye/scope alignment, and this then becomes an easy gun to shoot straight. Engineering and build quality are well up to Weihrauch’s accepted standards too, making the HW98 an extremely satisfying airgun, to both own and shoot.

• Webley Stingray Hunter OS Quantum

  

  Contact: Highland Outdoors www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk
  
  RRP: £254.99
  
  Accuracy on test: 1.25” @ 30-yards
  
  

  The Webley Stingray Hunter OS Quantum is a good old traditional break-barrel model, with plenty of modern upgrades. Admittedly the cleverly designed synthetic stock is the obvious eye catcher, but it also comes fitted with a smart, full-length barrel shroud (the ‘OS’ denotes over-sleeved barrel), that incorporates sound suppressing features within the body tube, to tame the muzzle report. It’s a full-sized adult airgun, yet given its inherent light weight, it can be equally suited to younger shooters and novices alike. On board features include the Powr-lok Venom designed mainspring, and highly competent Quattro trigger. The moulded pistol grip allows for a comfortable thumb-up hand position too, elevating this gun’s handling way above many rivals. The textured feel works well, and there’s a purposeful profile overall. Metal finish lacks the finesse of some rivals, yet that full-length, hard anodised silencer does have a classy feel to it, even if action noise remains significant. An adjustable breech bolt and keeper/locking screw shows commendable attention to detail where it matters though, and overall, this Webley remains a highly capable, budget sporter, with massive appeal.

• Weihrauch HW97K Blue Laminate

  

  Contact: Hull Cartridge Co. www.hullcartridge.co.uk
  
  RRP: £446
  
  Accuracy on test: ¼” @ 30-yards using Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets
  
  

  Weihrauch’s HW97K is basically an upgraded version of the all-conquering, fixed barrel HW77, and this famous German company now produce several different versions, all built around the same super accurate action. On show here is the Blue Laminate version, and it really is an eye-popping design. All the usual ‘97K features are here, including the sliding breech with direct feed to the barrel, a full silencer/under-lever catch assembly fitted as standard, the renowned Rekord trigger, push button safety, and of course a level of engineering and finish to satisfy the fussiest of airgun aficionados. The beautiful blue grey laminate stock follows the beefed-up profile of the standard sporter design, but also benefits from the technical advantage of laminate being the most stable wood medium available. The result is a top-class springer, that is hard to beat. A haul of silverware on the FT/ HFT competition circuits, is testament to the success of the original design, but this delicious laminate version is one for the serious collector too.