The Air Arms TX200 MKIII stands as a testament to precision engineering in the world of spring-piston air rifles. Since its introduction in the mid-1980s, this British-made masterpiece has earned its reputation as “The Spring-piston rifle to which all are compared.” This comprehensive review explores why the TX200 continues to dominate the field target competition scene and remains a coveted choice for serious airgunners worldwide.
Design and Construction
Engineering Excellence
The TX200 MKIII embodies a philosophy of achieving quality through simplicity. Rather than pursuing complexity, Air Arms has refined the traditional spring-piston design to near perfection. The underlever cocking mechanism, requiring approximately 27-34 pounds of force, operates with remarkable smoothness and incorporates an essential anti-bear trap safety device introduced in the MKII iteration.
The heart of the rifle features a precision-machined compression chamber housing a high-grade spring steel powerplant. This system is optimized for consistency rather than maximum velocity, delivering an ideal balance of power and accuracy that serious shooters demand.
Premium Materials and Finish
The rifle’s exterior showcases Air Arms’ commitment to quality. The metal surfaces feature what many consider the finest bluing in the airgun industry, with a glossy black finish that literally reflects the company’s attention to detail. Available in both walnut and beech stocks, each version offers distinct advantages:
- Walnut: Lighter weight, superior aesthetics, traditional appeal
- Beech: Greater durability, increased stability, more affordable option
Both stock variants feature exquisitely carved fish scale checkering patterns on the forearm and grip, providing both functional grip enhancement and aesthetic beauty. The stock design includes a tall Monte Carlo cheek piece optimized for scope use and a flat spot on the forearm that proves invaluable for off-hand shooting.
Performance
Velocity and Power
Chrony tests
| Calibers | Pellets | FPS | FPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 | JSB 18.31 grain pellets | 572 | 11.29 |
| .22 | 14.66 grain H&N Field Target Trophies | 635 | 13.13 |
| .177 | RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr | 932 | 15.82 |
| .177 | RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr | 936 | 15.95 |
| .177 | RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr | 941 | 16.13 |
| .177 | RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr | 931 | 15.78 |
| .177 | RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr | 937 | 15.99 |
| .22 | Air Arms Diabolo Field 16 gr | 620 | 13.66 |
| .177 | JSB Exact Heavy Diabolo 10.34 gr | 787.89 | 14.26 |
| .177 | JSB Match Diabolo 7.87 gr | 898 | 14.1 |
| .177 | Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy 10.3 gr | 830 | 15.76 |
| .177 | H&N Sport Baracuda 10.65 | 803 | 15.25 |
| .22 | Crosman 14.3 gr | 750 | 17.87 |
| .177 | Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy 10.3 gr | 825 | 15.57 |
| .177 | Crosman Premier Light 7.9 gr | 880 | 13.59 |
| .177 | Beeman Laser 7.16 gr | 966 | 14.84 |
| .22 | Crosman Premier hunting pellets 14.3 gr | 735 | 17.16 |
| .177 | RWS Hobby 7 gr | 960 | 14.33 |
| .177 | JSB Diabolo 8.4 gr | 732 | 10 |
| .177 | Air Arms Diabolo Field 8.44 gr | 908 | 15.46 |
Accuracy
| Calibers | Pellets | Distances | Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 | JSB 18.31 grain pellets | 50 yards | < 1 inch |
| .22 | 14.66 grain H&N Field Target Trophy | 50 yards | < 1 inch |
| .177 | JSB Exact Heavy Diabolo 10.34 gr | 20 yards | 0.21" |
| .22 | Air Arms Diabolo Fields | 12 meters | 1/2 inch |
| .177 | JSB Exact Heavy Diabolo 10.34 gr | 25 meters | < 1 cm |
| .177 | H&N Sport Baracuda 10.65 | 50 yards | 0.88" |
| .177 | Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy 10.3 gr | 25 yards | 0.44" |
| .177 | JSB Match Diabolo 7.87 gr | 25 yards | 0.33" |
| .177 | JSB 10.34 gr | 25 yards | 0.25" |
| .177 | Air Arms Field 8.4 gr | 35 yards | 0.7" |
| .177 | Air Arms 10.3 gr | 40 yards | dime size |
| .177 | Air Arms 10.3 gr | 50 yards | 1/4" |
| .177 | H&N Sport Baracuda 10.65 | 20 yards | 1/4" |
| .22 | Crossman Premier domed 14.3 gr | 35 yards | 1/2" |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 gr | 50 yards | 1/4" |
| .22 | H&N Baracuda Green 12.65 gr | 25 yards | one hole |
| .177 | Air Arms 10.3 gr | 50 yards | 1/2" |
The Legendary Trigger System
Perhaps the TX200’s most celebrated feature is its trigger mechanism, a refined version of the famous Rekord design. Air Arms has enhanced the original concept with several notable improvements:
- Riveted steel construction replacing bent sheet metal
- Addition of bearing-supported pivot points
- Adjustable first-stage pre-travel
- Exceptionally consistent pull weight (varying only ±4 oz)
Out of the box, the trigger typically breaks at around 1.65 pounds, with a clear distinction between stages and a glass-like break. While adjustable, most users find the factory setting nearly perfect for both competition and field use.
Competition and Field Use
Field Target Optimization
The TX200’s design clearly reflects its competition heritage:
- Weight distribution aids stability in various shooting positions
- Stock geometry accommodates both seated and standing shots
- Precision trigger control enables fine shot placement
- Consistent point of impact across temperature ranges
At approximately 11 pounds with scope mounted, the rifle is decidedly heavy. However, this mass contributes to stability and helps manage recoil, making it easier to maintain accuracy during extended shooting sessions.
Maintenance
Maintenance requirements are minimal but important:
- Periodic stock screw checking, particularly the rear trigger guard screw
- Annual spring lubrication with appropriate products
- Basic cleaning after extensive use
- Regular scope mount verification
Noise and Neighbor Considerations
The MKIII’s barrel shroud effectively manages sound levels, producing approximately 71 dB at the muzzle. This places it firmly in the “backyard friendly” category, though shooters should note that the powerplant’s operation will be more noticeable to the shooter than to others downrange.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its excellence, the TX200 MKIII has a few minor issues:
- Difficult underlever release mechanism
- Tendency for the rear stock screw to loosen
- Fragile rubber bumper on the barrel (easily resolved with O-ring mod)
- Weight may be excessive for extended field carry
Target Market and Value Proposition
The TX200 MKIII clearly targets serious airgunners:
- Competition shooters
- Precision hunting enthusiasts
- Collectors valuing quality
- Dedicated target shooters
While the price point exceeds many spring-piston rifles, the combination of accuracy, quality, and longevity provides excellent value for the dedicated shooter.
Features
- Spring-piston
- Underlever
- Single-shot
- Sliding breech cover exposes loading port during cocking cycle
- 2-stage adjustable match trigger
- Lothar Walther barrel
- 11mm optics dovetail grooves
- No open sights
- Beech Monte Carlo stock
- Raised right-hand cheekpiece
- Checkered forearm and pistol grip
- Ventilated rubber recoil pad
- Shrouded barrel
Recommended uses:
- Target shooting/Plinking
- Pest Control/ Small game hunting: Armadillos, Chipmunks, Grey Foxs, Possums, Porcupines, Prairie Dogs, Crows, Pigeons, Raccoons, Rabbits, Rats, Skunks, Squirrels, and Turkeys.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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Conclusion
For shooters seeking the finest in spring-piston powerplant, who value precision engineering and are willing to invest in quality, the TX200 MKIII offers an unmatched shooting experience. Its continued success in field target competition and enduring popularity among serious airgunners testify to its exceptional design and execution. The TX200 MKIII isn’t just an air rifle; it’s a precision instrument that rewards proper technique with outstanding performance.
