I've owned the TX200 MkIII in .22 since 2010 and during this time I’ve fired at least 800 pellets a month. I love the quality, the accuracy and the enjoyment that shooting it brings me. It’s a pleasure knowing that if I do my part the TX200 MkIII will deliver every time. In 2012 I was in Pueblo, Colorado and the only place to shoot legally was at an indoor range. When I asked if the range was open to air rifles, the man replied with a grin; “you mean a pellet gun?” So, every Wednesday night between 7 and 9 you could find me and my TX200 MkIII at the range. During this time other shooters took notice and they commented on the quality and accuracy of the TX200 MkIII. Then, one of the range masters looked at the TX200 MkIII and said; “That’s not a pellet gun, it’s an air rifle.” Until 2012, I did all of my shooting in the fields of Lexington, Tennessee. I set up dove and duck decoys, spinners, walking targets and bottles at 25yds, 35yds, 50yds, and 75yds. Although, some of these targets presented a challenge for me, the TX200 MkIII handled them with ease. When my neighbor’s lawn was assaulted by an armadillo, he came to me and asked if I could solve the problem with my air rifle. Two months later the opportunity presented itself and I dispatched the armadillo with a head shot at just under 20yds. Since 2011 I've dispatched Chipmunk (60+), Grey Fox (1), Possum (1), Porcupine (1), Prairie Dog (25+), Raccoon (1), Rabbit (10+), Rat (25+), Skunk (12+), Squirrel (30+), Turkey (1), and a plethora of birds. All this was done with head shots using the H&N Baracuda Green Pellets. I've developed reasonable expectations and a good understanding of the limitations of my TX200 MkIII. My MkIII is factory original with no tuning and up-to 25 yards killing the quarry with 1 shot is a done deal. The HC (Hunter Carbine) is 3" shorter and weighs less than the MkIII by 8/10ths of a pound. I like the smoother cocking cycle of the MkIII and the 3" additional length isn't noticeable. Both air rifles are heavy because the cocking mechanism and barrel shroud are made of steel. Including the scope, my MkIII is weighing in at just over 11 pounds. I chose the MkIII over the HC, but you will be happy with either of these guns. If you're only going to use the air rifle for target shooting - .177 (in my opinion) is the way to go. If, however, you're going to do some hunting in the future, I would choose the .22.