Theoben Rapid 7 MK1 .22 ~ A keeper

I’ve been following with great interest the recent announcement of ‘Airforce Airguns’ in acquiring the ‘Theoben’ brand and also ‘Rapid Air Weapons’, (RAW). 

This is certainly very exciting times for the industry and our sport / hobby; I wish them and all concerned, much success. 

I thought some here might be interested to see my example of a late MK1 Rapid 7, (circa 1999) - completely original, with the not so bad Gamo trigger unit. 

It’s simplicity itself and blisteringly accurate - far from being a show piece, it regularly accompanies me in the field. 


1528653445_11029463185b1d66855e1098.44681158_E98403B2-3B27-4A87-81CF-9018D7762DA9.jpeg


1528653472_14632530505b1d66a01534a5.63822756_DE4612F1-98D2-4D6A-A112-BD32827143A2.jpeg




 
They are great guns, and very easy to repair and mod. I also own an old mark one and love shooting it. For a twenty year old rifle it can still hold its own, although can feel a bit agricultural in the hand compared to a more refined fx or AA. I run mine at 23flb with aa18 grains for crows, tree rats and the odd rabbit.

Very true - my Rapid never fails to put a grin on my face, I really enjoy using it. 

The barrel is not pellet fussy but seems to do best with: JSB Exact Jumbo 15.89gr and AA Field 16gr. 

For a bit of fun, It went head to head with my FX Impact a while back, (both using their favoured pellets), ~ held it’s own very well indeed. 

Edit: British Five pence coin shown in the image is 18mm ~ it’s generally accepted that a rig which can group within this diameter, is deemed acceptable for pest control / hunting. 


1528748939_10757380265b1edb8b5a1388.32747260_86BCDB2B-B630-4D85-9EB6-4F3611D85D45.jpeg



 
Shoto1 I will have to try the 16 grain AA pellets in view of to your results. I also agreed the rapid puts a smile on my face when I shoot it, with a nice industrial bolt action and no nonsense build. All I have done is stick on a quickfill and gauge with a quick service. I would be interested to see the theoben come back gun that is being considered over the pond by airforce, if they can replicate the old guns for a decent price they should be on to a winner
 
"Macloaded"Shoto1 I will have to try the 16 grain AA pellets in view of to your results. I also agreed the rapid puts a smile on my face when I shoot it, with a nice industrial bolt action and no nonsense build. All I have done is stick on a quickfill and gauge with a quick service. I would be interested to see the theoben come back gun that is being considered over the pond by airforce, if they can replicate the old guns for a decent price they should be on to a winner

I’m happy to send you some to try - is so, please PM me details of where to post them. 
(The 5.52mm perform very well through my barrel). 

 
"Macloaded"A very kind offer Shoto1 but no need, I am sure there is a tin kicking about in a gun bag somewhere. I will also try the jsb range as they generally work well
No worries ? 

How many shots per fill are you getting, at the power level stated earlier?

Another very good hunting pellet to consider through your Rapid, is the ‘Crosman Premier Hollow point’ - (lighter at approximately 14.3gr). 
The lead is harder than JSB / AA and accurately hits home in the field

I often use them on grey squirrels, with excellent results. 




 
Will try the Grossman hollow points as generally shooting the rapid out to around 40 odd yards so should hold up well if the barrel likes them. Got a 280cc cylinder right now so get around 35 good shots between 23flb to 21.5flb which avoids any drop off over the ranges I am shooting. Awaiting a 400cc bottle to up this and perhaps flatten out the curve a bit. 
 

Very true - my Rapid never fails to put a grin on my face, I really enjoy using it.

The barrel is not pellet fussy but seems to do best with: JSB Exact Jumbo 15.89gr and AA Field 16gr.

For a bit of fun, It went head to head with my FX Impact a while back, (both using their favoured pellets), ~ held it’s own very well indeed.

Edit: British Five pence coin shown in the image is 18mm ~ it’s generally accepted that a rig which can group within this diameter, is deemed acceptable for pest control / hunting.


View attachment 17090
how far away what yardage
 
Hello All! New to AGN!
Incredible example of a well cared for Theoben. I have a .25 caliber model from an old friend who gave this rifle to me 10+ years ago. Wanted to seek some guidance on a shop or repair facility I can send the rifle for new seals and possibly update the rifle with a regulator and tank. Thank you in advance for any information on this piece of 90' ART!
 
Hello All! New to AGN!
Incredible example of a well cared for Theoben. I have a .25 caliber model from an old friend who gave this rifle to me 10+ years ago. Wanted to seek some guidance on a shop or repair facility I can send the rifle for new seals and possibly update the rifle with a regulator and tank. Thank you in advance for any information on this piece of 90' ART!
Were it mine and I was going to send it out, Martin Rutherford would be the choice.
https://www.airguns-usa.com/
John
 
  • Like
Reactions: tommyb