Canadian Airgun Forum

Which would you prefer? CZ200T or Tau200...Pros & Cons

Thanks in advance for your feedback...

I haven't had any personal experience with the TAU 200, but I own an Air Arms S200 (same gun as the CZ200) and am very impressed with it. The first big difference between these guns is thier powerplant. CO2 and HPA are very different. The CZ being a PCP will be more consistent (especially in the cold), but requires an expensive PCP fill system like a pump or tank. The TAU's CO2 powerplant will be less consistent than a PCP, but it is fairly cheap to set up a bulk CO2 fill station. As for ergonimics they look about the same. I can say for sure the CZ feels very nice on the shoulder, and it is very light weight so your arms never get fatigued while shooting. The trigger on the CZ is good... not the best in the entire world but very respectable. A slight bit heavy for my taste. Now the big question... accuracy. I don't know what the TAU's capable of, but my CZ gets single-ragged-hole groups out to 20 yards, and very tight clusters out to 35 yards.

So, in conclusion I think both rifles would be an excellent choice. The main thing is what powerplant do you want? A PCP or CO2? That will be the deciding factor I reckon.

Let us know what you choose and good luck!

_________________
-Canadian Plinker

Thanks for your inputs CP.

I actually have a CZ200T (actually not mine but my son's). I am getting another rifle for my elder son. I have both PCP and CO2 set up for fills so charging is not a concern. I personally like the CZ200T. As you've already mentioned, it very accurate, light weight, and the aesthethics of the rifle is really good. Now I'm contemplating on getting another CZ or a Tau 200 for my elder son. Below are some pictures of my son's CZ and our filling station.











I have not handled or seen a Tau 200 in person but based on a review by TCooper, it seems to be a very good rifle. The only thing is, it's the only review I've seen in my search. Unlike the CZ200, there are lots of reviews which led me to conclude that I can't go wrong with the CZ. I want to be sure I make the right choice if I am to purchase a TAU 200.

Again, thanks for your inputs and I will post what the final verdict will be.

Ohh sorry for all the info about the CZ200 then... I thought you we're considering it too. Thanks for the pics, you have a very nice rifle and nice looking fill station.

Here's my baby:

_________________
-Canadian Plinker

Oh, I do appreciate your inputs. It reinforces other reviews and what I have experienced with the rifle.

I like your quick fill cylinder....the only drawback I have with the CZ is filling. We need to take out the muzzle brake everytime we refill....hopefully I can have portion of the muzzle brake shaven off but I still can't find a machine shop that will do this small job...by the way...I emailed AGS ( as you suggested in another thread) regarding quick fill cylinder. They are expecting it to come in May...so that's good news...I wonder how much it will retail for...

Cheers...

That's good! I do find the quick fill handy, but I would also like a pressure guage. Have to comprimise I guess. Glad AGS could help you out, happy shooting!

_________________
-Canadian Plinker

In my continuing search for Tau 200 reviews, I found that Tau Brno has come up with new versions of the TAU 200 rifles and new models in PCP. Pictures below borrowed from TAU Brno site:

TAU 200 Match


TAU 200 BT


Tau MK 300 PCP




Tau MK 300 sniper version


Looks like the finish of new Tau has improved significantly compared to older models.

Wow! Those new PCP's are beautiful, especially the Mk300 and Mk300 Sniper versions! I might just have to get one for myself!
Thanks for posting those pics, I will keep an eye open if they ever come to Canada. Personally I have always prefered the consistency of a PCP over CO2, so I think these Tau's will be a hit.

_________________
-Canadian Plinker

IF you are not shooting in COLD weather (like outdoors in the winter), CO is just fine. I shoot a CO2 Walther CPM-1 down to about 45F. I usually give up before it hits 50F as my trigger finger starts to get so cold that I can't feel the trigger.

The TAU is available in both a FULL size and junior size rifle, the CZ200T is a junior size rifle. So fit will depend on your son's size. I would say the CZ is OK to about 5ft4in or so. Much beyond that, a full size rifle will fit better. I am 5ft4in and I shoot a junior size target rifle. I tried the full size rifles, and the junior size rifles fit me much better.

I only shot an Avanti/S200T/CZ200T once many years ago, so I am by no means familiar with the rifle.
But I do remember that it fit me VERY nicely. In a world of rifles that are too big for me, the fit was my biggest impression of the rifle.
I think the Avanti's trigger felt much better than my TAU-200-junior (which is the same as the TAU-200 senior). My memory is rather fuzzy on this item. Neither trigger is up at the level of a tier-1 rifle (FWB, Anschutz, Walther, Styer), but you are not paying the $$$$ cost of a tier 1 rifle either.
I have not shot my TAU for a long time, and my memory is fuzzy, so I can't speak with current input.

The other thing is for regulation match shooting, weight is your friend. A heavier rifle dampens out the wobble better than a lighter rifle. My AR coach recommended that I switch from the junior rifle to a full size rifle primarily for the extra weight. The one caution is in the standing position. w/o a shooting jacket or a back belt (the belt is not allowed in competition) to support the back, a heavy rifle can be hard on the lower back. I shoot a junior rifle with a back belt.

What did you end up getting? Impressions?

I ended up building a custom 2240. Still work in progress.

So far I have the following installed:

Crosman 18 inch barrel
Crosman steel breech
Crosman stock
BKL 2 piece mount
Hawke HD IR series 3x9x40 AO

Waiting for the following parts in the mail:
GMAC powerlet eliminator
GMAC adjustable replacement trigger kit
GMAC brass safety bar
GMAC stainless screw set
Don Cothran Long Stainless steel breech set
Don Cothran Tube set
Don Cothran Power Adjuster
Don Cothran stainless safety bar
QB79 Tank Block kit
Muzzle Mack 22xx BFA
Muzzle Mack 4" muzzle break
HiPac Power Max
7oz CO2 cylinder with on/off valve
3oz CO2 adapter
On/off adaptor w/ guage


I'm very happy with the performance of the carbine given the current set up. Accuracy, it groups well beyond my expectations and I am amazed with it. This is my first crosman (first build as well) and I enjoy shooting it as much as I enjoy shooting my CZ rifle and FWB pistols.

I'm planning on two builds, hence the extra parts mentioned earlier. I will try different bulk fill setups to find out which best suits me.

Current set (basically all stock except the barrel, stock, and breech).


I will update again as I progress with my build.

Some updates on my 2240 build...

I finally completed (well...almost...) my 2240 builds.

First up....after trying various approach to bulk fill my build (tank block and 7oz cylinder; powerlet eliminator and cylinder; 2260 tube with muzzle mack valve bulk fill adapter and disco bulk nipple) I finally decided to go for the simplest approach (atleast for me), 2260 tube with muzzle mack valve bulk fill adapter and disco nipple.

The biggest challenge for me in this build/conversion is to get the velocity down to 500fps. After reading various post on detune and velocity issues, I choose to take this route:

1. replace 2240 valve with smaller diameter valve (c/o Eric...thank you Sir)
2. replace 2240 hammer with lightened hammer (again c/o Eric....most parts are c/o Eric...simply the best)
3. clip spring 1/2 to 1/4 of the coil at a time until the desired velocity is achieved. This is tedious as I have to test for velocity every cut. Infact, I over cut and to compensate, I inserted an Oring as a quick fix.









Below is the result of the velocity test using JSB match diabolo 4.5mm (green can). Testing was done in the basement with ambient temperature. This is a single fill 5 string test.

String 1
1 488
2 488
3 error
4 492
5 496
6 501
7 501
8 error
9 498
10 494

String 2
1 480
2 467
3 478
4 473
5 473
6 479
7 450
8 error
9 486
10 484

String 3
1 481
2 489
3 486
4 error
5 484
6 error
7 488
8 485
9 490
10 error

String 4
1 499
2 error
3 490
4 error
5 483
6 486
7 494
8 error
9 error
10 483

String 5
1 484
2 486
3 error
4 490
5 483
6 487
7 error
8 484
9 error
10 482

In summary, I'm very happy with the outcome of this build. I was able to achieve the velocity, the caliber, and bulk fill set up that is simple and light. This build would have not been possible if not for the valuable contribution of forum members who have shared their knowledge and experience to crosman newbie like me. Thank you very much.

Till my next build....2240 with DC breech and tube

Those turned out real nice, good job!
I think the desert brown paintjob looks great too.

_________________
-Canadian Plinker

Thanks CP.

It was a good learning experience and it was certainly fun to build and bonding with my boys. They have more fun now shooting their own rifle.

Time to build my own....

Oh man I have to have that mk300 sniper version, I hope D&L can get it in!