The originator, the innovator, the original gas ram, the one and only Theoben. Some beautifully built and finished rifles that are highly sought after especially since closing their doors some years ago. From ultra-compact models to svelte ones to huge brutes the Theoben line has something for just about everyone. Back in the day they were the only gas ram rifles around. Some years back gas ram guns became offered by different companies and so many thought the technology was a new one. Theoben gas ram rifles date back to the early/mid 1980's and intrigued airgunners with a totally new technology not seen or offered before. The ability to vary ram pressure over a wide band especially if full powered without any disassembly was utterly unique. However, like most things some got carried away and to this day think it's OK to pressurize the rams to whatever they choose totally disregarding what Theoben advised. Since there is no spring "twang" is virtually impossible, these guns have a unique recoil that like many things, some love and some hate.
Here are some models made by Theoben I have collected over the years.
Beeman RX1 20 year Anniversary edition- (just 25 were produced) Only offered in 1992 and only in .20cal, they came 2 tone finished with an enameled button on the left side bearing the 20 year mark. A joint venture between Weihrauch and Theoben the RX series consisted of the RX, RX1 & RX2.
Beeman RX2- (aka HW90) there is no mistaking any of the RX series are Theoben products being clearly stamped as such and gas ram equipped.
RWS RA-800- a very rare Theoben model, conjecture points to less than 50 being produced. Marked and marketed by RWS it is a Theoben through and through.
Theoben Sirocco Deluxe- very slim and trim rifles that handle very nicely, they can be carried and shot for long periods without fatigue.
Theoben Olympus- a trim rifle with good power and as many curves as Marilyn Monroe, I love the way these look and handle. The thumbhole stock is ultra comfortable.
Theoben Sirocco Grand Prix- with the open sight option this one is pretty rare and very hard to find. It's much larger, heavier and more potent than the Deluxe.
Theoben SLR carbine sporter- a compact beauty that you do not have to reload for 7 shots. The SLR moniker stands for self loading rifle and uses a rotary magazine.
Theoben SLR thumbhole stock- this one is full rifle length and has the same 7 shot magazine, a single shot tray can also be used on any SLR.
Theoben Eliminator MKI- this is where the Eliminator line started and it came with a thumbhole stock. The earliest versions had a "pull down safety" like the Grand Prix above.
Theoben Eliminator MKIV- The power on the later models increased a bit over the earliest models to around 30fpe pending caliber. This one has a gorgeous Hyedua stock!
Theoben Dual Magnum- the monster! These are the most powerful factory piston guns ever offered. Some will argue or mention another rifle with aftermarket modifications or over pumping but from the factory... these are KING! They are rated to 36fpe and only came only in .22, they were made for just 1 1/2 years. Approximately 104 were made according to the Blue Book of Airguns. As the name alludes to these can be fired at 2 different power levels by cocking the underlever one or two times. The second stroke moves the piston further back in the compression tube for an additional 200fps over the first. On low power these are quite impressive making ~24fpe, the second stroke makes ~36! Pending pellet one of my Dual Magnums makes a whopping 38fpe and I have never touched the ram pressure. The ram can be adjusted to make these operate all the way down to 12 & 20fpe (first and second stroke) for a huge range of power and various applications. There really has never been a rifle like this before or since right from the factory.
Beeman Dual Magnum- identical to the Theoben models they only vary in the color of the stock and spacers of the recoil pad being reversed.
Accuracy on these are reported to be quite good especially considering the huge power levels. 1/2'' at 40 yards and a very respectable 1 1/2'' at 75 yards. The Dual Magnums are capable of exceeding 12fpe at 150 yards with Kodiak pellets. Reports of Rockchucks being taken out to 93 yards are discussed in the book Airgun Odyssey.
Here are some models made by Theoben I have collected over the years.
Beeman RX1 20 year Anniversary edition- (just 25 were produced) Only offered in 1992 and only in .20cal, they came 2 tone finished with an enameled button on the left side bearing the 20 year mark. A joint venture between Weihrauch and Theoben the RX series consisted of the RX, RX1 & RX2.
Beeman RX2- (aka HW90) there is no mistaking any of the RX series are Theoben products being clearly stamped as such and gas ram equipped.
RWS RA-800- a very rare Theoben model, conjecture points to less than 50 being produced. Marked and marketed by RWS it is a Theoben through and through.
Theoben Sirocco Deluxe- very slim and trim rifles that handle very nicely, they can be carried and shot for long periods without fatigue.
Theoben Olympus- a trim rifle with good power and as many curves as Marilyn Monroe, I love the way these look and handle. The thumbhole stock is ultra comfortable.
Theoben Sirocco Grand Prix- with the open sight option this one is pretty rare and very hard to find. It's much larger, heavier and more potent than the Deluxe.
Theoben SLR carbine sporter- a compact beauty that you do not have to reload for 7 shots. The SLR moniker stands for self loading rifle and uses a rotary magazine.
Theoben SLR thumbhole stock- this one is full rifle length and has the same 7 shot magazine, a single shot tray can also be used on any SLR.
Theoben Eliminator MKI- this is where the Eliminator line started and it came with a thumbhole stock. The earliest versions had a "pull down safety" like the Grand Prix above.
Theoben Eliminator MKIV- The power on the later models increased a bit over the earliest models to around 30fpe pending caliber. This one has a gorgeous Hyedua stock!
Theoben Dual Magnum- the monster! These are the most powerful factory piston guns ever offered. Some will argue or mention another rifle with aftermarket modifications or over pumping but from the factory... these are KING! They are rated to 36fpe and only came only in .22, they were made for just 1 1/2 years. Approximately 104 were made according to the Blue Book of Airguns. As the name alludes to these can be fired at 2 different power levels by cocking the underlever one or two times. The second stroke moves the piston further back in the compression tube for an additional 200fps over the first. On low power these are quite impressive making ~24fpe, the second stroke makes ~36! Pending pellet one of my Dual Magnums makes a whopping 38fpe and I have never touched the ram pressure. The ram can be adjusted to make these operate all the way down to 12 & 20fpe (first and second stroke) for a huge range of power and various applications. There really has never been a rifle like this before or since right from the factory.
Beeman Dual Magnum- identical to the Theoben models they only vary in the color of the stock and spacers of the recoil pad being reversed.
Accuracy on these are reported to be quite good especially considering the huge power levels. 1/2'' at 40 yards and a very respectable 1 1/2'' at 75 yards. The Dual Magnums are capable of exceeding 12fpe at 150 yards with Kodiak pellets. Reports of Rockchucks being taken out to 93 yards are discussed in the book Airgun Odyssey.
