AIR RIFLE REVIEW: NATURAL SELECTION

Created on 14th May 2009

MARK CAMOCCIO tests the new Theoben Evolution gas-ram
break-barrel air rifle and finds it top-class

THE MOST popular type of air rifle is still the break-barrel design and the market is crammed full of models catering for consumers' demans. But while manufacturers jostle for position, many air rifles are fairly cheaply made as they are aimed purely at the entry level or novice sector.

My test rifle here represents something of a top-end product, certainly where break-barrel designs are concerned, and offers a serious alternative to those who favour this style of rifle.

Made by innovative Cambridgeshire gunmaker Theoben Ltd, what we have here is the latest specification of the company's own break-barrel design, which sees the much-vaunted gas-ram system pushed to its limit.

A short history lesson may shed some light if you've never encountered these rifles, so indulge me for a minute. Theoben started life as a two-man band, Dave Theobald and Ben Taylor (hence the name). It was apparently Ben's inspiration, which came from the pneumatically-dampened forks on a motorbike, that sowed the seeds for their invention back in 1982.

Ben realised that by replacing the steel mainspring in the compression cylinder with a sealed chamber full of air (originally gas), the characteristics of the rifle could be altered, and a more maintenance-free rifle developed. Basically, as the barrel is broken and the rifle is cocked in the conventional manner, the air (permanently contained) behind the piston is compressed. Once the rifle is fired, this contained air expands, powering the piston. This in turn compresses the air before it, which powers the pellet in as it exits the barrel.

Sounds complicated? Well, this literally all happens in milliseconds. The result is a super-fast lock time (the time taken from pulling the trigger to the pellet exiting the barrel), which in theory aids accuracy.

For the record, it should be noted that I was actually one of the very first customers to avail themselves of a rather tasty Sirocco (the original version of this rifle) way back in 1982-83. The Sirocco sported a sumptuous piece of English walnut, so I have a soft spot for this company.

This latest version fails to match my original for the quality of timber (I don't know where they sourced those blanks, but they were absolutely stunning). However, it certainly edges ahead with regard to subtle improvements in configuration.

The Sporter-style stock includes a properly pronounced cheekpiece, bringing the eye perfectly in line for scope use. It includes the roll-over style which, while attractive, renders the stock strictly right-handed given the near sharp edge on the reverse side. An ambidextrous beech stock is available, however, which would make the rifle more versatile.

A generous central thumb shelf is scalloped out on the reverse of the pistol-grip, and laser-cut chequering covers both the grip and the extended forend. Sweeping side panels are defined by losing unnecessary wood to the rear of the tapered forend, while the forend tip ends in a gentle swell, adding further character as well as aiding a more positive hold. All the woodwork is treated to a pleasant matte oil finish which nicely enhances the grain on offer.

The action

The test rifle came with a 10.5" barrel fitted with an Evolution silencer, although the Vortex model is available on request. Further options abound where the Evolution is concerned and a carbine model would trim the barrel still further. Personally, I'd forget the carbine as balance would be compromised, but I appreciate there's a market for this sort of extreme trimming exercise.

All the blueing is lustrous, rich, and simply top-class; in fact this is an area that Theoben is somewhat renowned for. Indeed, the only exterior surface not to be beautifully glossed is the trigger-guard, which instead comes complete with a matte grey ‘parkerised' look.

Original Theoben rifles were fitted with integral mounts which, being set in their position, left little flexibility with regard to scope position. Theoben has now abandoned this approach and machined dovetails in the conventional style adorn the cylinder.

The barrel lock-up is superb on the Evolution; another Theoben trait, yet the rifle is fairly easy to cock once a continuous sweeping motion is adopted. The stroke is incredibly smooth, completely devoid of any internal noise. With no spring, any twang and ‘graunchiness' normally associated with this type of rifle is completely removed.

Almost no recoil

Theoben makes much of its latest High Efficiency gas-ram spec, which includes a modified dummy inertia piston (helping to counteract piston bounce at the end of the stroke) and Zephyr grooves, which are now cut into the cylinder wall as opposed to the piston head. These grooves supposedly help to channel away air at the end of the stroke, again to minimise bounce. All this is in a bid to eliminate felt recoil and vibration.

Theoben claims that the rifle is capable of being fired with ‘almost no recoil', and while I wouldn't exactly agree with that assessment, the firing cycle is rare An extremely quick snap sums up the experience, which feels both slick and efficient. Movement is still felt at the shoulder, though, requiring an all-important follow-through technique.

In the aim, the stock feels spot-on. As a Sporter design, it is extremely supportive. I tried a variety of pellets in the larger calibre at 30yd, and with Daystate FT and Logun Penetrator tearing five-shot clusters just shy of ½", the Evolution gave a good account of itself.

Chronograph testing revealed good consistency too, with the Daystate pellets just edging this one, producing a highly creditable 11fps variation over a 10-shot string. One criticism of mine concerns the two-stage trigger, as the first pull weight feels a little over-sprung.

Reducing this could only help the overall release, and improve those groups still further. For the purposes of competition use, namely the Hunter Field Target discipline, any rifle fitted with the gas-ram system would be classed as ‘recoiling', which of course, the Evolution certainly is!

At £439 including the silencer, this test rifle still represents a significant investment for a break-barrel style rifle. There's no avoiding the fact that some rifles out there are easily as accurate as this model from Theoben, for a somewhat smaller price. What they don't all have, though, is the sheer class that oozes from this level of build quality and finish. Theoben has a reputation for fine engineering and some of the best blueing around, and there's no doubting that this all stacks up considerably where ‘pride of ownership' is concerned. Add to that the unique, slick feel of the gas-ram powered action, and you may just begin to see why Theoben has such a loyal fan base.

Related Links

REMINGTON METAMORPHOSIS: KEEPING TRACK

LAURIE HOLLAND's reborn Remy 6BR undergoes one final change - and it's better than ever before I still refer to my Remy 6BR bench-come-F-Class rifle as the 700VS (Varmint Synthetic). However, after yet ...

Read Full Article

SYSS SURGEON: PART TWO SMOOTH OPERATOR

TIM FINLEY puts in a spectacular performance with the Surgeon in the sniper training McQueen's competition - winning the round AS MENTIONED in part one, South Yorkshire Shooting Supplies now has the ...

Read Full Article

RIFLE REVIEW: AS CLEAR AS DAY

MARK CAMOCCIO reviews Daystate's new MK4 ST, which looks good and performs even better AIR RIFLE design is often a source of amazement, for the sheer ingenuity that sees an idea materialise from the ...

Read Full Article

TACTICAL UPGRADE: TAKING STOCK

ROB HUNTER thinks he can improve the AICS stock - and here he sets out how to do it Accuracy International rifles were originally designed by the late Malcolm Cooper and have been around since 1978. In ...

Read Full Article

AIR RIFLE REVIEW: START THEM YOUNG

MARK CAMOCCIO thinks the Magtech ARY400 Junior is the ideal starter gun for young enthusiasts - and his 10-year-old friend likes it too THE FUTURE of any sport is only guaranteed if new blood is both ...

Read Full Article

SHOTGUN REVIEW: A MODERN DAY ICON

RICHARD ATKINS takes a look at the latest Remington model, a gas-operated semi auto Few guns have achieved icon status. It's an elite group with obvious examples being the Browning superposed that spawned ...

Read Full Article

AIR RIFLE REVIEW: HANDLE WITH CARE

DAVE FROGGETT reviews the BSA Scorpion, newly modified to suit the Sporter Air Rifle discipline 10m air rifle shooting as covered by ISSF rules is a very specific event. It requires very precise equipment ...

Read Full Article

SHOTGUN REVIEW: VERY SPECIAL

Fancy a Sporting Clays shotgun but feeling the pinch? Check out the previously owned end of the dealer's rack, suggests RICHARD ATKINS If you're thinking of trying some Sporting Clays, maybe you need ...

Read Full Article

PISTOL REVIEW: A TECHNICAL MASTERPIECE

TIM FINLEY tests the Steyr LP-50 - and finds it the ultimate outdoor air pistol, with top accuracy and ease of use I've shot Field Target outdoor air pistol competitions since the early 1990s when the ...

Read Full Article

RIFLE REVIEW: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

DAVE FROGETT reviews Artax's Staudenmeyer - a muzzleloader for the purists AS MANUFACTURERS of muzzle-loaders go, Artax, a company based in Cellatica, Italy, isn't exactly a household name. However, ...

Read Full Article