Why so scarce?

[CharlesL15]

Hi guys, so recently I purchased a T06 RWS 54 in .22 cal after doing extensive research on the gun. What was really attractive to me was the near-recoilless sliding rail the gun utilizes, reducing the need for the artillery hold. I've had the rifle for a few days now, and I'm really pleased with it. Even with CPHPs and my poor springer shooting ability, I'm getting dime sized groups at 20 yds, and I haven't even stretched out the range. However, another thing that I noticed while researching was that not many people have the 54, or at least compared to the 48, 460, TX200, etc. That got me thinking, why is that? Is there something about the 54 that people don't like? I know the gun is heavy, but I can handle it. And from I've heard, the TX200 isn't a lightweight either. So, what do you guys think? Is there a definitive reason why the 54 isn't as popular?

Here's my gun

[Sfttailrdr46]

Hi guys, so recently I purchased a T06 RWS 54 in .22 cal after doing extensive research on the gun. What was really attractive to me was the near-recoilless sliding rail the gun utilizes, reducing the need for the artillery hold. I've had the rifle for a few days now, and I'm really pleased with it. Even with CPHPs and my poor springer shooting ability, I'm getting dime sized groups at 20 yds, and I haven't even stretched out the range. However, another thing that I noticed while researching was that not many people have the 54, or at least compared to the 48, 460, TX200, etc. That got me thinking, why is that? Is there something about the 54 that people don't like? I know the gun is heavy, but I can handle it. And from I've heard, the TX200 isn't a lightweight either. So, what do you guys think? Is there a definitive reason why the 54 isn't as popular?

Here's my gun

First welcome to the GTA . Now as to the D54  .22 caliber , yes very accurate my issue was I just could not get comfortable with the side cocking lever. Others here love the accuracy and are happy with the overall ergonomics. Sold it to another GTA member and he loves it so it is two happy shooters . 1 seller and 1 Buyer 

[grobe1458]

I ignored it for the facts that I didn't want the extra weight or the extra mechanical parts which require service and care.
I chose the 48 over the 52 because while the stock is nicer, it doesn't increase accuracy plus back when I got it cost was a factor.

[chuckinohio]

  A lot of the shyness towards the 54 platform is due to their reputation that they will chew up a scope in short order.

  While a improperly set up 54 will kill a cheap scope with a quickness, the reputation is ill deserved. By putting a bit of time into the rifle, and using the correct components to mount a scope, they can ad will give good service for a long time.

  Contemplating a purchase of a 48 or 54, and then reading about how the 54 will trash a $400 scope, makes going for the 48  perfectly sensible to someone who doesn't want to be bothered adjusting and tweaking their rifle.

[CharlesL15]

I ignored it for the facts that I didn't want the extra weight or the extra mechanical parts which require service and care.
I chose the 48 over the 52 because while the stock is nicer, it doesn't increase accuracy plus back when I got it cost was a factor.

I do agree that the 54 does have more mechanical parts that need servicing, and I also agree that the accuracy is basically the same, but wouldn't you agree that the sliding rail on the 54 makes it easier and faster for inexperienced shooters like me to shoot the springer accurately?

[CharlesL15]

  A lot of the shyness towards the 54 platform is due to their reputation that they will chew up a scope in short order.

  While a improperly set up 54 will kill a cheap scope with a quickness, the reputation is ill deserved. By putting a bit of time into the rifle, and using the correct components to mount a scope, they can ad will give good service for a long time.

  Contemplating a purchase of a 48 or 54, and then reading about how the 54 will trash a $400 scope, makes going for the 48  perfectly sensible to someone who doesn't want to be bothered adjusting and tweaking their rifle.

That makes sense. When I was rooting around for information on the gun, the term 'scope killer' came up frequently. That's why I spent a good deal of additional time looking for a good quality, glass etched scope to fend off that fearsome recoil.

[Motorhead]

WEIGHT !!!
Nice as these sled rifles are ... there a beast to lug around as a field gun.
Plus there rather pricey when compared to the simpler non sled version.

[chuckinohio]

WEIGHT !!!
Nice as these sled rifles are ... there a beast to lug around as a field gun.
Plus there rather pricey when compared to the simpler non sled version.

  Couple this statement with the 54 reputation as a scope killer, and there is your answer.

[Sfttailrdr46]

  If the sled is adjusted properly no more a scope killer than my D460 or TX 200

[CharlesL15]

WEIGHT !!!
Nice as these sled rifles are ... there a beast to lug around as a field gun.
Plus there rather pricey when compared to the simpler non sled version.

Yes, the 54 is a big rifle, but I also bought a pair of shooting sticks to help me out. Plus, I have a strong build, so cocking and carrying the rifle around isn't too bad, though I understand why it'd be difficult for a younger and/or person with a slighter build to use the gun. It takes a real man (and woman!) to tame the beast!

About the price: I do agree that the rifle is expensive; on pyramidair and amazon it's going around for $650 to as much as $760 or so, which is very expensive, considering that a TX200's only $630 ish. That almost turned me away from the rifle, but as I was searching the web for lower prices, I found the rifle for $550 on AirgunsofArizona and $450 of Amazon, which I ended up buying the last one. However, I consider the gun to be an investment; I'll want to pass it down from generation to generation. (I'm also a bit of a non-conformist; it seems as if everyone and their mothers as well owns a TX200, Hw97, etc. etc.)

[chuckinohio]

but wouldn't you agree that the sliding rail on the 54 makes it easier and faster for inexperienced shooters like me to shoot the springer accurately?

  The recoil sled does away with a lot of the hold sensitivity that plagues springer shooters and their rifle of choice, but follow through is still a necessary component of shooting the rifle accurately. The need for good follow through is increased proportionately in relation to the distance from target.
  Find where the rifle likes to rest, and where you are comfortable behind it, then focus fully on trigger control and follow through. You should be rewarded with suitably small groupings to base your search for favorite pellet on.

[CharlesL15]

The recoil sled does away with a lot of the hold sensitivity that plagues springer shooters and their rifle of choice, but follow through is still a necessary component of shooting the rifle accurately. The need for good follow through is increased proportionately in relation to the distance from target.
  Find where the rifle likes to rest, and where you are comfortable behind it, then focus fully on trigger control and follow through. You should be rewarded with suitably small groupings to base your search for favorite pellet on.
[/quote]

Will do. Thanks for the advice!

[Motorhead]

If the sled is adjusted properly no more a scope killer than my D460 or TX 200

Have to disagree on that one.

The scope mounts Directly on the receiver ... RECOIL of the action jars the scope whether Sled or Solid to stock.
ALL the sled does is buffer the actions recoil between it and the rifles stock 

Now granted a properly adjusted sled has less FELT recoil as far as shooter is concerned .... Optics however feel no difference 

[Sfttailrdr46]

If the sled is adjusted properly no more a scope killer than my D460 or TX 200

Have to disagree on that one.

The scope mounts Directly on the receiver ... RECOIL of the action jars the scope whether Sled or Solid to stock.
ALL the sled does is buffer the actions recoil between it and the rifles stock 

Now granted a properly adjusted sled has less FELT recoil as far as shooter is concerned .... Optics however feel no difference 

Ok I have to remember to read my notes before I pontificate Scott I have to remember not to place my boot in my mouth when you are around to help me get my knee in there with it, you are the best and I will now retire to the basement and remain silent for now. 

[grobe1458]

I ignored it for the facts that I didn't want the extra weight or the extra mechanical parts which require service and care.
I chose the 48 over the 52 because while the stock is nicer, it doesn't increase accuracy plus back when I got it cost was a factor.

I do agree that the 54 does have more mechanical parts that need servicing, and I also agree that the accuracy is basically the same, but wouldn't you agree that the sliding rail on the 54 makes it easier and faster for inexperienced shooters like me to shoot the springer accurately?

it probablt would make it easier I would guess for some, but for me personally the 48 was my very first springer and I don't do easy. there's no challenge in that for me. wasn't worried about scopes being eaten, wasn't interested in the bells and whistles at the time. I think the 48 made me a better shooter as I can pick up anything and handle it proficiently.
not knocking the 54, just not what I wanted in my first springer. I wanted a simple powerful accurate rifle with no frills. my 48 is around 20+ years old. and not one problem.

[Lothringer]

WEIGHT !!!
Nice as these sled rifles are ... there a beast to lug around as a field gun.
Plus there rather pricey when compared to the simpler non sled version.

Yes, the 54 is a big rifle, but I also bought a pair of shooting sticks to help me out. Plus, I have a strong build, so cocking and carrying the rifle around isn't too bad, though I understand why it'd be difficult for a younger and/or person with a slighter build to use the gun. It takes a real man (and woman!) to tame the beast!

About the price: I do agree that the rifle is expensive; on pyramidair and amazon it's going around for $650 to as much as $760 or so, which is very expensive, considering that a TX200's only $630 ish. That almost turned me away from the rifle, but as I was searching the web for lower prices, I found the rifle for $550 on AirgunsofArizona and $450 of Amazon, which I ended up buying the last one. However, I consider the gun to be an investment; I'll want to pass it down from generation to generation. (I'm also a bit of a non-conformist; it seems as if everyone and their mothers as well owns a TX200, Hw97, etc. etc.)

I agree with Charles on that : owning everybody's gun is not exactly what I would call "rewarding" 

[Sfttailrdr46]

  Having everybody's gun is hard to avoid unless you can afford a custom AG from RAW , Mac 1  AG's or some other custom built AG. My thing is finding ones that fit me and I can get good performance without too much fiddling eventually I will send a couple of my nice springers out to Motorhead for some of his TLC. My PCP's will get little more than cleaned and shot for now.

Quote (I agree with Charles on that : owning everybody's gun is not exactly what I would call "rewarding")

[Booger]

Having everybody's gun is hard to avoid unless you can afford a custom AG from RAW , Mac 1  AG's or some other custom built AG. My thing is finding ones that fit me and I can get good performance without too much fiddling eventually I will send a couple of my nice springers out to Motorhead for some of his TLC. My PCP's will get little more than cleaned and shot for now.

Quote (I agree with Charles on that : owning everybody's gun is not exactly what I would call "rewarding")

+1 My R11 is a good example, on the other hand owning everybody's gun can be very rewarding. I got a great Condor that fits me, Sold a MROD for a good price, regretted selling the MROD and bought another one for a very good price.

It can work both ways.

[Springrrrr]

$$$$$$  but that could possibly be the weakest argument against them.  If I had it to do again.  Instead of the 48 I got, it would have been the 54.

[Lothringer]

My personal view on the matter is that people will inevitably tend to buy the guns which get the maximum number of reviews to the detriment of the guns nobody talks about. The HW97 is in that respect a perfect example. The question then is to know whether an air rifle gets reviewed because it is actually a good one or because it was heavily advertised on commercial websites... I think that Diana/RWS air rifles are generally underrated as compared to Weihrauch/Beeman guns, as readily available information will often be harder to find for the former.