![]() With Theoben rightly renowned for their high quality chemical bluing, in addition to their engineering prowess, it comes as no surprise that the overall impression of my test rifle is highly favourable. With all the woodwork (manufactured by Custom Stock in Sheffield incidentally), treated to a pleasant matt oil finish, nicely enhancing the grain in the process, the overall appearance and finish is excellent. Laser-cut chequering covers both the grip and that tastefully angular and stylish fore-end, improving both handling and aesthetic appeal. This allows for the classic ‘thumb up’ hand position, which can really make a difference where trigger control is concerned. ![]() In my book a thumb shelf makes such a difference, and this stock is perfectly shaped in this regard, with a generous central groove scalloped out on the reverse of the pistol grip. An ambidextrous beech stock may still be available, however, which would bring added versatility and flexibility if necessary.The thumbhole allows for a ‘thumb through’ grip, but you can also go the ‘thumb up’ route as the Evolution stock has a thumb shelf. The walnut thumbhole sporter stock includes a well defined and pronounced cheek piece, bringing the eye perfectly in line for scope use, and includes the roll-over style with a right hand bias. ![]() Picking up the Evolution is an instant reminder as to just how far Theoben have come with these rifles, with the level of sophistication and standard of finish, aimed fairly and squarely at the discerning shooter. This latest spec model takes the concept to new levels though, and whilst my original timber, with its quite exceptional figuring, is rarely equalled, there’s no doubting the subtle improvements in configuration, handling and overall performance, now on offer. As one of the first customers to snap up a custom stocked version of the Sirocco (the original version of this rifle) way back in the early eighties – sporting a mouth watering piece of English Walnut, I still understandably harbour something of a soft spot for the brand. Once the rifle is fired, this contained air expands - powering the piston, which in turn, compresses the free air in front of it, thus propelling the pellet in the normal way.This literally all happens in milliseconds, and the result is a super-fast lock time - the time taken from pulling the trigger, to the pellet exiting the barrel - in theory aiding accuracy. Basically, as the barrel is broken and the rifle is cocked in the conventional manner, the air (permanently contained) behind the piston, is compressed. Inspiration for the gas-ram design apparently came from the pneumatically dampened forks on a motorbike, which led to this Cambridgeshire based company patenting their ground breaking work back in 1982.īy 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. If you‘ve never encountered these rifles, then let me bring you up to speed, for it was Theoben that originated the design, having now been copied or adopted by various other manufacturers with varying degrees of success. What we have here is the latest spec of their own break-barrel design, that sees that much vaunted replacement power plant pushed to it’s limit. But whilst manufacturers jostle for position, and a slice of the cake where sales are concerned, many offerings are fairly crude, aimed purely at the entry level shooter.Representing something of a top end product where break-barrels are concerned, Theoben’s position in the market place has never been in question and with their highly innovative gas-ram concept, they offer a serious alternative to those who favour this style of rifle. With break barrels undoubtedly still the most popular type of air-rifle available, an abundance of models exist to cater for the demand.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |