Air Arms TX200 Ultimate Springer - A Perfect Fit

Think quality airguns and the Air Arms brand sits right up there. Their reputation for listening to engineers and enthusiasts in the industry and incorporating proven features and tweaks into their final products, has given them an enviable reputation, along with one of the best records in outdoor airgun competition, be that Field Target, or HFT.

Top of the tree
Their new flagship XTi-50 has been hogging the headlines in the PCP world, causing a stir, and hoovering up top FT events along the way. Yet where spring-powered hardware is concerned, the Air Arms TX200 (and its derivatives), despite remaining among the very best designs available, has seemingly changed little. This ‘problem’ comes about when you get a product largely right from the outset, so it’s not so easy to change the specification. Like it or not, our modern world demands new products and new models, on a reasonably regular basis, yet changing just for the hell of it, isn’t always a wise move.

Slow evolution
For this reason, the TX200 has remained largely the same since its inception, when it incorporated the brilliance of the much-missed designer, Ken Turner. A MKII and then a MKIII version has gently evolved the mechanism, along with subtle tweaks to the stock along the way, but when I heard a clamour for a synthetic stocked version, just to jazz up the range, from certain quarters, something like that did seem needed, to expand the customer base if nothing else.
That said, Air Arms’ sales have apparently held up remarkably well, with the COVID nonsense demonstrating to many shooters their vulnerability, with regard to being dependent upon a diving shop and an external air supply for their PCP. Springers, therefore, have enjoyed a resurgence, and Air Arms’ Sussex-based operation has apparently been flat out in a bid to satisfy demand.

Forward-thinking
OK, so synthetic stocks don’t appear to be on the cards anytime soon, but what we have here on test is a factory-produced special, that pushes the TX200 concept that little bit further. Welcome to the TX200 Ultimate Springer. I say ‘special’, but these are now factory production models. First shown at the Great British Shooting Show at the beginning of 2023, this delicious creation offers the connoisseur the choice of three stock mediums, all offering an adjustable cheekpiece, coupled with an adjustable butt pad. My test gun came supplied with the attractive grey-brown laminate, but there’s also a walnut version with a soft touch cheekpiece, or if you prefer, black stained beech. Added class comes with the new trivalent chrome-plated trigger, so there is plenty to get over-excited about.

Class above
Air Arms gave us the Ultimate Sporter, based around their award-winning S500 PCP action, but as their recent advertising has made clear, their philosophy is ‘to do all we can to help our customers get the most from their shooting, and the new Ultimate Springer is designed to do just that’. Air Arms talk a good game, but whilst many manufacturers make wild claims regularly, it’s fair to say, as alluded to earlier, that Air Arms have backed up their bravado with silverware at the highest level. The TX200 in fairly standard form has won more than its fair share of World titles in FT and HFT, so this new super-slick adjustable version has little to prove, yet looks set to raise the bar still further.
In terms of production quality, let me just say this model oozes class. The stocks are made by industry leader Minelli, and their pin-perfect execution and silky finish are now world-renowned. The intricate laser cut detail looks fabulous but also aids grip. As for the TX200 action, the deep mirror finish of the chemical bluing is just superb. Again, faultlessly executed, and carried out to such a high standard that any prospective owner will initially be too terrified to venture outside into the real world. But you can’t hide away forever! Once you calm down and remember what this gun is designed to do, then it’s time to carefully take it to the range, armed with the supplied Allen keys, to get everything set up.

Setting it up
Bolting a scope onto the lengthy dovetails is easy, and the usual arrestor holes are on the receiver if you need them. Either twin mounts and an arrestor block, or a one-piece mount will work well. Now it’s time to relax, get comfortable, and begin the process of adjusting the butt and cheekpiece so that everything feels just right in the aim. First, slacken off the Allen bolt to allow the removal of the cheekpiece assembly, and all the adjustment options are then on show. Inside the cheekpiece, screws allow for lateral adjustment, then the same ball-joint system utilized in the S500 Ultimate Sporter is here, allowing for tilting and revolving any which way.
Infinitely variable gun fit, in a no-compromise design, is the essence of what Air Arms have set out to achieve with the Ultimate Springer, and as mentioned, it’s beautifully executed. Fine tweaking of each element will take time, and the best approach is not to be in a rush, instead making changes over several shooting sessions. With the lateral adjustment and angles set, raise the cheekpiece so that it applies gentle pressure on the face, at just the right point. Setting the butt pad is all to be done in conjunction, and again, subtle tweaks over time.
The configuration throughout is ambidextrous, although the offset loading chamber is something to consider. My rifle was technically right-handed, so the cut-out was positioned on the right. However, it is possible to order this model with a left-hand loading action. There’s a £20 premium for lefties, but at least Air Arms offers the choice.

Handling and feel
At this point, it is worth mentioning weight, and at 9.7 lbs (without scope), the Ultimate Springer is no lightweight. Try before you buy ideally, and if the added heft is no problem, then welcome to the world of quality hardware.
Release the cocking lever and this model instantly reminds us that the internals are set up on nylon bearings to minimize metal-to-metal contact and friction. The stroke itself is MKIII spec, so it’s longer than the original, but it’s super-smooth, ending with the sound of the trigger and auto safety setting. We can now chamber a pellet directly into the lip of the barrel, allowing us to detect a good fit. With that open sliding breech design, safety is imperative, and here, the TX200 action incorporates a real belt and braces setup. To be able to close the breech, we must first depress the large spring-loaded bar on the right side of the action, then hold it whilst returning the lever to the closed position. It all works well, and just seeing those serious teeth of the ratchet system cut into the breech slide, is enough to remind us of the level of detail behind this model.
The auto safety means the button needs nudging off before the shot can be taken. The 2-stage trigger fitted here is the CD unit, and it’s pretty well on par with Weihrauch’s Rekord unit in terms of adjustment and sensitivity. However, the Ultimate Springer, as mentioned, gets an added touch of class with the trivalent chrome-plated blade. I love the setback profile too, and for me, the trigger just falls naturally. The unit is fully adjustable, but my test rifle came set with such a sweet and predictable release, so I wasn’t tempted to interfere. 
As for energy levels, my test gun proved remarkably consistent with different ammo, and both Air Arms Diabolo Field and Bisley Long Range Gold posted creditable figures, equating to an average of 11.7 ft/lbs apiece. 3/8” groups over 30 yards with both brands was a fair starting point too, and I would expect to hone that down further with some additional pellet testing and evaluation.
The recoil was modest, but it was more the muted feel of the shot cycle, a bounce rather than a kick, that emphasised the sophisticated action, spring guide, softer spring etc.

Verdict
The TX200, in one form or another, has long been a favourite of top competition shooters, not to mention hunters, who appreciate the awesome build quality, subtle features, and fixed barrel accuracy on offer. The new Ultimate Springer just pushes the concept further, offering serious connoisseurs the level of adjustment and handling that will elevate performance to new heights. Everything is beautifully machined and put together, and whilst you pay a premium for the privilege, there’s no doubt this super classy model will deliver when and where it matters.

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this airgun.