Which Vortek kit for my TX200?

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Smaug

Smaug

Member
Aug 5, 2016
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midwest, United States
There are two: the 12 FPE and the SHO "Super High Output" (same as stock)

My inclination is to go for the SHO, since it seems like a shame to willingly give up power, if it doesn't come at the cost of accuracy or smoothness.

However, all the guys in my club are recommending the 12 FPE kit. I think most of them did theirs years ago, when the SHO kit wasn't available. They also shoot a lot of field target, and I think there's some advantage to staying under 12 FPE for field target shooting. (kind of like being the heaviest guy in a weight class in wrestling or boxing)

For reference, my other rifles are: (all .177)
  • Weihrauch HW30s @ 6 FPE (thinking of Vorteking this one too...)
  • Stoeger X20 @ 16 FPE
  • Diana 56TH @ 20 FPE
  • Benji Marauder @ 18 FPE
  • Crosman MK177 @ 6 FPE
  • Daisy 953 @ 3? FPE
Looking at the line-up, I seem to have a "hole" at 12 FPE. The low power HW30 is a joy to shoot at only 6 FPE, so maybe the 12 FPE will have that same feeling?

But since I may use this for pest control too, that's tugging me toward the SHO.

What would you do, and why?

Here are the kits:

http://vortekproducts.com/ourstore/TX200-12

http://vortekproducts.com/ourstore/Airgun_Tune_Kits?product_id=223
 
When it comes to springers, power most frequently comes at the expense of a smooth shooting cycle. My first TX200 shot a 12.65 grain pellet at 19 ft/lbs and then settled in at 18 ft/lbs. Accuracy was excellent and life was good. Unfortunately, someone decided that they needed my TX200 more than I did. My second TX200 was shooting the same 12.65 grain pellets at 24 ft/lbs. As you would expect, there was a total loss of accuracy with the 12.65 grain pellet and a noticeable difference in cocking force, recoil and noise. If your primary use is field target the 12 ft/lb spring would be an excellent choice. Remember that it only takes 5 ft/lbs delivered at the point of impact to kill small game. I used "ChairGun" to check on 12 ft/lbs with my current pellet and it shows a 50% energy retention (6 ft/lbs) out to 41 yards. 
 
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Smaug what caliber is your TX200? If it's 0.177 then the 12 ft lb kit will be fine, but if it's in 0.22, you'll likely lose enough velocity to make your trajectory very loopy at greater distances. I looked at the same kits you linked to and decided for my 0.22, the SHO kit would be my choice as I use my guns for hunting/pest control with occasional paper punching so I like a bit more power. 
 
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dr_berettaSmaug what caliber is your TX200? If it's 0.177 then the 12 ft lb kit will be fine, but if it's in 0.22, you'll likely lose enough velocity to make your trajectory very loopy at greater distances. I looked at the same kits you linked to and decided for my 0.22, the SHO kit would be my choice as I use my guns for hunting/pest control with occasional paper punching so I like a bit more power.
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Exactly what I was thinking. Also.....I put a SHO kit in my TX200mk3 .22 and it went from 16 foot pounds to 13.5 foot pounds. It made mine quite a bit more accurate.....but definitely not high powered. I was satisfied because it smoothed out the shot cycle......and accuracy.
 
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"dr_beretta"Smaug what caliber is your TX200? If it's 0.177 then the 12 ft lb kit will be fine, but if it's in 0.22, you'll likely lose enough velocity to make your trajectory very loopy at greater distances. I looked at the same kits you linked to and decided for my 0.22, the SHO kit would be my choice as I use my guns for hunting/pest control with occasional paper punching so I like a bit more power.
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Good point, I had not considered that!

Mine's a .177. Since I rarely get a shot at anything bigger than a squirrel, and then only in my back yard, I figured .177 is enough medicine and has a nice flat trajectory inside 50 yards.

As for my shooting type distribution, I'd say I do about 65% target shooting, between my 14 yard basement range at home and the 100 yard range at my local airgun club, then about 25% field target, and 10% pesting in the back yard.

Another thing I didn't consider is that the 12 FPE kit is probably notably quieter than the 16 FPE one, which would make the TX so I could shoot it in the back yard, instead of just being limited to my Marauder and HW30.
 
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"Marksman3006"Exactly what I was thinking. Also.....I put a SHO kit in my TX200mk3 .22 and it went from 16 foot pounds to 13.5 foot pounds. It made mine quite a bit more accurate.....but definitely not high powered. I was satisfied because it smoothed out the shot cycle......and accuracy.
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You know, lots of folks say they like the smoother shot cycle. To me, that's kind of an ancillary benefit. If accuracy was outstanding, I'd be fine with a twangy shot cycle. But it seems smoother shot cycle goes hand in hand with increased accuracy.
 
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Most any rifle with a tune kit is gonna shoot so much smoother its weird when you first get it installed because it usually doesn't even feel like the same gun . I think I might lean towards the kit that's closer to factory specs with the TX . If the shot cycle is smoother why not have the extra velocity ?
I had a TX that was " Power " tuned ...No idea why it was done that way , it was " tuned " before I bought it . It was crazy harsh but a good lesson for me .
I wish now I had kept it and put in a Vortek kit . It was beautiful . If you got the extra $ it might be kinda cool to order both and do a write up on the differences in the two . I like reading your posts . Keep us updated on what you decide and do a before and after when its finished
 
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Thanks for the kind words, Joe. I wish I could've made it to the show and met all you guys.

I was thinking of writing to Vortek and asking them how much for one kit, but with the spring from the other kit, so I could try it. Word has it that the TX200 is so easy to work on, it doesn't seem like it'd be a big deal.

I'm really hoping the TX can be my "do everything rifle." I figure 12 FPE is enough for backyard hunting as well as field target, and I want "a springer with PCP accuracy," like your beloved FWB300's. I really like springers, they have a lot of character. Kind of like a mutt dog with a great personality, instead of the fancier purebreds.
 
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