Canadian Airgun Forum

Hi everyone,

I am recently getting into air guns, been an avid hunter all my life and for some reason picked up a Benjamin Classic .22 a year ago and fell in love with plinking and hunting small game/pest control with it. I tried my friends Diana 430L Springer recently and absolutely loved it . So I’m looking at making a larger investment in a good air rifle. After doing lots of reading I’m drawn between the Air Arms TX200 Hunter Carbine and the Diana 430L both in .22. So I’m reaching out to the community to see if they can help me with my decision. Is there anyone that has both or used both and could share their opinion.

Thanks so much.


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Just to stir the pot I have the tx and love the gun she is heavy but swings good in the brush while hunting.I like my fixed barrels as I have few but I still find my hw 95 is my go to when in the bush and thick pine.All in 177

More stirring also, HW97KT, has the thumbhole stock and you can choose from wood or synthetic stock which is good for hunting

Two answer the question directly, both are excellent choices. We;re assuming, of course , that you have your PAL. Since you're new to the airgun sport, you might also want to do some reading about the PCP alternative in airgunning before making your first significant investment.

Cheers.

Ok so yeah you’re really stirring the pot, been watching videos and reading about these all night long now.


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Only stirring the pot to whet your appetite

I come from a similar background and two years ago was trying to make the same decision only in .177 cal. I was very impressed with the TX200, but the extra weight was a real concern to me and I ended up purchasing the Diana 430L with a Hawke Airmax 3X9 scope. I have been very happy with the Diana even though I had to have a bolt replaced in the cocking under lever. This "tack driver" is more accurate than I am - LOL. I've also recently added a Beeman R9 to my collection and am still having difficulty in deciding which I like best.

Good luck with your decision & enjoy!

Whichever you choose I recommend you seriously consider installing a tuning kit. For about $100 the kit will transform your experience from a good AG to a great one.

I'm biased, but TX all the way. Really they are all great choices.

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I have some airguns.

I've shot a TX200, I own an HW98 .177 and HWKT97 in .22, P.A.L. rifles. I prefer the 97 over all for shooting and hunting.
It is exceptionally accurate and I've shot gophers to 56 yards with it, head and chest shots. Works a treat even though
it is a .177! I do wish I had purchased it in .22 cal., though. The HW98 is pretty good, but not as accurate as the 97.
I do have a Vortec kit to install in the 98 - one of these days.
The 97 was a Blackline when I bought it. I have since replaced the plastic stock, with a Weihrauch wooden thumbhole stock.

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Best Wishes
Daryl

Between the two, the TX definitely. Quality is just a level above the Diana. Also, it's a bit pricey, but one of the best piston mods available on the market is for the TX/Prosport platform, the Tony Leach 22mm kit. This'll really take the hold insensitivity to a whole new level.

That being said, the other guys are right in saying the TX is a little heavy for walking out in the field all day (and may be a little too pretty for it too). If scratching your stock may be an issue, definitely go with a synthetic HW97kt. My favorite hunting rifle though is an HW98. Just can't beat the synergy of its weight, simplicity and ergonomics (hate the Tx ATB, and find the forestock a bit thick). And within springer airgun ranges (about 50 yds), is just as accurate in hitting a 1.5"x1.5" target again and again as the TX. Out to 70 to 80 yds though, the 22mm TX is in a class of it's own hitting that 1.5x1.5 target. But then again, you won't and shouldn't be taking 70 yd shots. Sorry I know this doesn't really help. lol.

And just to give you even something more to think about, I would suggest sticking to 177 for the flatter trajectory. For airgun size quarry, it'll do the job as well as a 22 with proper shot placement. Actually, some of the other guys in other forums are advocating heavy 177 pellets > 22s.

Cheers!

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the awesome feedback, it’s given me lots to consider. I’ve been reviewing all the air rifles everyone has been recommending, there is an abundant of information out there. Tonight I will be going to a coworkers house who has an older TX200 in .177 so I’ll get a hands on trial of this gun and see what I think. I will post afterward.


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I’ve got to start off by saying I posted something incorrectly. I mentioned I was heading to a friends place to try his TX200 when in all actuality he has an HW98. I think he and I were just over excited to have someone else interested in high end air rifles and the conversation got confused. I must say I’m very glad I did go over for a try because what a beautiful gun. The H98 size and weight very much reminded me of holding my Tikka T3 in .308 which is my large game baby. I think he has me convinced to go for the H98 however the place he picked up his is no longer around. I live in NS so wondering if anyone knows where I can order one in Canada? I seem to be having some bad luck locating one besides osboot.ca which is overpriced for everything they sell.


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Did you try D&L?

I bought all my new HWs from them! Super friendly service and nice all around without doubt ~

I found them have the.22 PAL rated in the stock...

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~Plinkers~
FX-M3-22 Compact#PP700-Carbine#Diana48-177#XS28M-25@26fpe#HW45 Beast#AW-Custom Z-Killer DE
~Competitors~
FWB300SU#Tau-7#IZH-46M#FWB-65#CP88-C
~Target~
HW 30s/35e/97k/40+Extender/P3+Scope/70#CZ200s Laminated@10fpe#AA ProSport-177@12fpe

Thanks so much, heading over to their site now.


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before you make a final decision you should have a look at the Air Arms Pro-Sport



https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Air_Arms_Pro_Sport/177

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"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"