Some classic break barrels that have stood the test of time and have been enjoyed by so many shooters. My first break barrel was a Crosman 6100 (aka RWS 45) which I bought in about 1984. I really enjoyed its power, simplicity and accuracy it's one of the very few airguns I have parted with. After that I began looking at Beeman airguns and fell in love with the R1 and got my first in '85 or '86. Having the R1 as my only break barrel for many years I found my first Air Arms Pro Elite and things went on from there. Here are some of what I would call my classic break barrels. Of course there are more break barrels out there and even a number I did not include in this post but these are what comes to my mind when I say or hear about classic break barrel air rifles.
Beeman R1 a powerhouse in it's day it stil has quite a following, it's still highly regarded today. It came in as wide a variety of factory offered stocks, finishes, barrel lengths, calibers and even power levels e.g. Laser versions
(standard, FT, Tyro & Laser MKI)
R7 often referred to as a junior rifle but it is not, LOP is the same as an R1. Easy to shoot and super accurate they can be handled by most anyone.
R9 a true all around air rifle that many find has all they are looking for or need.
(.177 w/barrel sleeve, adjustable recoil pad & my own custom rosewood and brass pistol grip cap, .20, .22 w/sleeve)
R11 an R9 all dressed up and ready to go, these were developed with FT shooters in mind. The forearm stock has grown a bit over the years but the main action remains the same for all after the MKI.
(v1, v3, v4)
Beeman RX series, HW's venture into the gas ram and the most potent break barrel they offer.
RX1 20 year commemorative.
RX2
HW55 a "barrel locking" break barrel which tried to squeeze as much accuracy as possible out the platform by having the barrel held in place by a "lock lever". This one a heavy barrel sleeve option.
HW35 the longest "in production" spring air rifle, it also uses a barrel "locking" mechanism but differs from the 55. It is spring loaded and resets itself when the barrel is closed
FWB 124 among the very first to garner the title "magnum" it pales in power to todays potent rifles but still loved by so many for its light weight, accuracy and handling.
124 S San Anselmo
124 D Jnc
FWB 127 (.22) not quite as popular as the 124 (.177) but still a great rifle. It's often considered a little underpowered by many.
127 S San Anselmo
127 D Jnc
Air Arms Pro Elite, the only break barrel AA ever made. An air rifle with heft, performance and scarcity, a little over 1400 were produced. The .177 & factory walnut stock versions are very rare.
.177 walnut & .22 beech
Webley Patriot a legitimate monster even by todays break barrel standards making up to 30fpe.
.25
Webley Tomahawk another strong performer in the 20-24fpe range that was easier to handle than Patriot.
.22
Theoben Eliminator the original gas ram cannon making around 30fpe it still highly desirable and a beautifully crafted machine.
v1 & v4 .22
not quite a classic like the others but at the beginning of break barrels, the Markham Chicago model. Produced from 1887-1910 these are the world's first BB guns.
Beeman R1 a powerhouse in it's day it stil has quite a following, it's still highly regarded today. It came in as wide a variety of factory offered stocks, finishes, barrel lengths, calibers and even power levels e.g. Laser versions
(standard, FT, Tyro & Laser MKI)
R7 often referred to as a junior rifle but it is not, LOP is the same as an R1. Easy to shoot and super accurate they can be handled by most anyone.
R9 a true all around air rifle that many find has all they are looking for or need.
(.177 w/barrel sleeve, adjustable recoil pad & my own custom rosewood and brass pistol grip cap, .20, .22 w/sleeve)
R11 an R9 all dressed up and ready to go, these were developed with FT shooters in mind. The forearm stock has grown a bit over the years but the main action remains the same for all after the MKI.
(v1, v3, v4)
Beeman RX series, HW's venture into the gas ram and the most potent break barrel they offer.
RX1 20 year commemorative.
RX2
HW55 a "barrel locking" break barrel which tried to squeeze as much accuracy as possible out the platform by having the barrel held in place by a "lock lever". This one a heavy barrel sleeve option.
HW35 the longest "in production" spring air rifle, it also uses a barrel "locking" mechanism but differs from the 55. It is spring loaded and resets itself when the barrel is closed
FWB 124 among the very first to garner the title "magnum" it pales in power to todays potent rifles but still loved by so many for its light weight, accuracy and handling.
124 S San Anselmo
124 D Jnc
FWB 127 (.22) not quite as popular as the 124 (.177) but still a great rifle. It's often considered a little underpowered by many.
127 S San Anselmo
127 D Jnc
Air Arms Pro Elite, the only break barrel AA ever made. An air rifle with heft, performance and scarcity, a little over 1400 were produced. The .177 & factory walnut stock versions are very rare.
.177 walnut & .22 beech
Webley Patriot a legitimate monster even by todays break barrel standards making up to 30fpe.
.25
Webley Tomahawk another strong performer in the 20-24fpe range that was easier to handle than Patriot.
.22
Theoben Eliminator the original gas ram cannon making around 30fpe it still highly desirable and a beautifully crafted machine.
v1 & v4 .22
not quite a classic like the others but at the beginning of break barrels, the Markham Chicago model. Produced from 1887-1910 these are the world's first BB guns.
Last edited:
