Which Gun Would You Buy & Why? Prophet Performance or Taipan Veteran

[TMH]

With the Prophet 2 on the horizon, the Prophet Performance and the Taipan Veteran (beech stock) are now very similarly priced (under $1,450 new), similar in length, kind of similar in weight, but very different in layout. If I bought one it would be in .22 cal & standard length, and I would generally use it for target shooting off the bench out to 100 yards.

Which would you buy and why? 

 

[Franklink]

Own a .22 Vet Long and shot a .22 Prophet for about 2 months as part of a review....

Biggest difference is the power output. The Prophet doesn't even have to try to send the .22/25.4gr MRDs over 1000fps, while the Vet Long (in OEM form) has to try really hard to break 910fps with the same pellet. 

And you mention the Vet Standard, so it'll be even more limited in power d/t shorter barrel (21inch on the long versus 18 inch on the Standard, if memory serves). So, if you're thinking heavy pellets or even slugs for your 100 yard shooting, the Prophet is really the better option to get the most out of a high BC pellet or slug. 

If you're okay with the top end of power output being 38-42fpe, than the Veteran is a more refined experience. (smoother cocking, better trigger, better magazine system). 

If you're after POWER, which is where most go when they're wanting to target shoot 100 yards, than the Prophet is the better option. 

Prophet's trigger is surprisingly good. Prophet's cocking gets a bit stiff on the higher power output tunes. Prophet has an adjustable regulator (Veteran does not). Prophet is more utilitarian. 

Most don't want to admit it, but the Veteran, (again, in OEM format) is really a pellet shooter. Taipan barrels are choked for pellets. I've got 3 sitting on my bench (Short, Standard, Long) that won't shoot the .22/MRDs worth a dang. I've also been part of a project or two on a friend's Vet and it was the same story there, with two different Vet barrels. Taipan barrels are all exceptional with JSBs, 18.13grains and down in weight though. And 18.13s for target shooting off a bench at 100 yards is an exercise in frustration, compared to the MRDs or even lightweight slugs in .22. 

Edit: I remember seeing some comments that the slower twist in the Prophet .22 barrels don't agree with slugs....

 

[Skydivingmiami]

My vote is for Taipan +1 here. 

I have a standard .in 22 that is one of my favorite. 



Edit. Looks like I need to try a prophet with so many good reviews going! 

 

[MikeVV]

I own an RTI, Prophet Performance and a Taipan Compact.

Both nice guns, you won't have a problem with either.

I like both guns for different reasons. But, I find myself shooting the Prophet and my Prophet Compact more than my Taipan.

You're asking which one to buy... If you like pretty, and a gun that needs a bit of care to not ding up the wood stock, get the Veteran. Both guns are mechanically tough. My biggest gripe with the Taipan is the 1990's style, rear mounted cocking lever. Both guns levers can be swapped from side to side. With the RTI, you have a LOT of grip designs to choose from, as they are the same as the AR15 fire arm. If you don't like the grip of the Veteran, there's not much you can easily do about it. The power adjustment is easier on the RTI. The trigger adjustment are pretty much the same on both guns. The Veteran's trigger has one more adjustment than most guns, but I really don't see the big deal that many are wild about.

If you want a gun that doesn't require quite the high care, a gun that you can change to a shorter barrel, or change to a different caliber, if you desire, go with the RTI. NOTE - the different grip availability, they come in the standard angle (about 27°as I recall) all the way to vertical. Can make a big difference in the trigger hand comfort.

A quote from the RTI site - The RTI Prophet is a top-performing platform. You don’t need to just trust us: at the 2019 Extreme Bench Rest competition, the Prophet won both the 50 and 75 yards segments.

Mike

 

[Peskådot671]

Between the two, who has better customer support in regards to replacement parts or service? Also, someone mentioned that the factory regulator on the Taipan Veteran is not adjustable?

 

[Franklink]

Between the two, who has better customer support in regards to replacement parts or service? Also, someone mentioned that the factory regulator on the Taipan Veteran is not adjustable?

That was me, I forgot the important word, "externally" adjustable regulator. 

Vet has an adjustable reg, just gotta degas the gun and go into the airtube. 

Prophet is adjustable without all that. 

 

[Peskådot671]

Between the two, who has better customer support in regards to replacement parts or service? Also, someone mentioned that the factory regulator on the Taipan Veteran is not adjustable?

That was me, I forgot the important word, "externally" adjustable regulator. 

Vet has an adjustable reg, just gotta degas the gun and go into the airtube. 

Prophet is adjustable without all that.

Thanks. I was starting to wonder how everyone else was adjusting theirs. BTW, that's a good comparison between the two in your previous post above.

 

[Dairyboy]

Having owned both I'd pick the Prophet. I think I have FINALLY found the airgun for me. Now I don't think there for everyone as some don't like the ergonomics being very utilitarian. But for me and my shooting have zero issues with it. I love the gun. I think I'm gonna pick up a long shroud and LR barrel for the gun if I can to have both compact and long gun.

Now I have been a big fan of Taipan for quite a few years so there's no doubt there a phenomenal gun also. I had a long that did very well with the RD Monsters. But never tried it really long range. Loved 18gr JSBs like none other though. Shot some sub 1" groups with it at 100yds. Haven't shot the RTI on paper that far but with the pests Ive taken past 100yds I don't doubt it's ability to perform. The LR barrel with RD monsters I guess are just stupid accurate. I think one shooting in a sweet spot of 880fps would be nice. Would see if it's morel accurate higher up but not necessary for my needs.

 

[av8r]

My customer service experience with my Taipan has been very poor. Essentially no parts that I have been able to get, even after emails with the company. No support woulf make me recommend something beside a Taipan. I really enjoy shooting it now that I put an FX barrel on it. No external reg adjustment is annoying also.

 

[Nomadic Pirate 66]

I understand that the prophet is well liked and gets great reviews but I just cannot get over the looks, personally I could never get a gun that I can't look at

 

[rangur1]

For target , I’d get the prophet. I’m a long standing taipan fan, but for target you will probably like the prophet better. 

 

[Scotty1]

I recently picked up a Prophet Performance from the classifieds, and have an older Priest 2 with upgrades and .22, .25 barrels. I’m really enjoying the Prophet! Very simple gun and super easy to tune. I’ve been shooting 18.13’s around 940 fps very accurately out to my current limit of 97 yards. I haven’t shot groups out there, but regularly tagging my 1.5” and 1” spinners in no to low winds. Cocking is left side and while not FX smooth, can be improved by polishing the chamfer on the back of the hammer, where spring is inserted. Some think it’s fugly, but I like it’s utilitarian vibe. Great, solid LW poly barrel. Very happy with it!

 

[Removed]

Both are excellent build quality, as far as performance goes the upper hand goes to the Prophet, especially at long range. Something to consider as mentioned is service and warranty that I believe the Prophet stands above as well. 

 

[Goldwing]

Neather, because having the magazine below your ears is stupid loud

 

[douger]

RTI FOR SURE 

 

[boscoebrea]

Prophet, one because it is well-liked, easy to change barrels, and has the charging lever on the side I want it on.

It is also lightweight..,I would start with the .22.

 

[ClarkT]

My third Prophet will hopefully be on the way soon. Just recently I went back and forth between getting an Impact M3, Taipan or Prophet II. I ended up ordering a Prophet II. The one thing I will say again and again other than these guns perform great, is Mr. Rob and his customer service is second to none!! I assume others have experienced the same with him and that goes a long way 

 

[igolfat8]

I own a compact and LR both in .22. I’ve had 3 Vets and they get a slight edge in higher end machine work, fitting and bluing but not by much. Triggers on both are very good but quite different in feel. I find myself shooting my compact more. It’s so small and easy to shoot off hand or rested so it gets the edge in versatility. I have tried to get comfortable with rear cocking on the Vets but I just can’t. The LR is stupid accurate but it’s too heavy (for me) for a field gun but is an excellent bench gun. AOA has most parts you will ever need and Mr. Rob at RTI is quick to answer emails. The very early RTI versions had some regulator creeping issues but on all the later models the reg issues have been corrected. I like the ease of tuning the RTI’s because it doesn’t require disassembly only two hex keys and you can tune them to any speed or pellet or slug you prefer. The LR barrels are not known for being slug friendly but many have had success if that is what you want to do. The .22LR was specifically designed to shoot the 25.4 MRDs and it accomplishes that very well.