Product Details
A RARE BOXED .22 AIR ARMS PRO ELITE BREAK-BARREL AIR-RIFLE, serial no. 025082,
UK power limit model produced between 1997 to 2003, with blued 16 7/8in. barrel with integral shrouded built-in sound moderator, blued air-chamber with the make and model to the right hand side, push-button safe to rear, chequered right hand beech half-stock, alloy trigger blade, appearing as new in its maker's card carton
Provenance:
Despite the success of the TX range of under-lever rifles since the first one was launched in 1991, Air Arms recognised that there was still demand for break barrel rifles and wanted to add one to their range. As with the TX range, Air Arms enlisted the services of designer Ken Turner and in 1995 Ken produced pre-production prototypes. Over almost 2 years Air Arms carried out a lot of testing and redevelopment. With the high power market of the USA being considered likely to be the most lucrative, the rifle was designed to be capable of providing up to 30ft.lbs muzzle energy. During testing, Air Arms had an employee fire a pre-production model 10000 times at F.A.C. power levels. Reportedly, when they then stripped and checked it not one issue was identified. Early in 1997 Air Arms were finally happy with the rifle and it was released as the Pro-Elite, which they described as "the ultimate tool for the professional pest controller" and "the man sized out and out hunting break barrel". Shortly after release, 300 Pro-Elites were exported to a private company in Saudi Arabia. It is rumoured these were used for training by the Saudi military but this has never been confirmed. Due to telescopic sights being illegal in Saudi Arabia at the time, the rifles exported there were fitted with open sights, but it is believed this option was not offered for the general production models, although Air Arms would always try and accommodate special customer requirements when requested. Production ceased in 2003, giving the Pro-Elite a relatively short life, and the total production was only 1436. Of these, 907 were .22 calibre & 529 were .177 calibre. 806 (56%) of the Pro-Elites produced were exported, the majority of the .22 production. Stock wise, apparently 57 rifles were produced with walnut stocks. In the end, it was always going to be difficult to compete in the pivotal U.S. market with a number of well priced break-barrel options such as the Weihrauch HW80 being readily available. Pre-charged pneumatics were also becoming far more affordable, further hindering sales, and soon most companies, not just Air Arms, had dropped their firearms-rated spring-operated rifles
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Estimate £300-500