I know there still should be some guys on this site to appreciate my excitement in finding this gem!!!
2008 was the first time I ever layed eyes on one and drooled over owning one ever since... Well that time has come and a beauty she is!!! Beeman branded and in perfect condition shooting right at 16fpe with JSB 15.89s
Only had time yesterday for a short shooting session and after a few sight in shots it printed this 7 shot (full mag) group at 25 yards ! The shot cycle is like no other...now I want one in .177...lol
Hi Jim - Couldn't find your pm, but did find this thread.
Your rifle seems to be an early model SLR 98. The 98 is an updated version of the Imperator single shot FT rifle and the magazine fed SLR 88 designed for Theoben by Steve Lilly (SL). Yours has an 8" barrel and appears to have the moderator that spits air blast down into the cocking lever. It utilizes the later HE gas piston system. The stock is Hydua (African). The 16 fpe is great for the short barrel model, and the accuracy speaks for itself.
The only issues I have had with these rifles is that with some magazines it is possible to dry fire the rifle after seven shots. Just be aware of the possibility. A single shot tray moots the issue.
Congrats on the find. They only rarely appear in the ads, as folks have a tendency to hold on to them.
The clip shows white on next to last shot, and red is the last shot. I've never dry fired an slr98 or 88. They are extremely accurate and reliable. Wish the 98 stock was not so bland. Back in the day you could purchase a 98 without a problem (like Crow Magnums). Most people primarily complained about the price. The second complaint would be not enough power. 20 years later guys will give their left nut for one. Go figure.
Sweet! I was thinking the SLR98 was a 12 FPE gun. But, that was years ago. They didn't seen to sell well due to being "underpowered". PCPs now sate the power crave and people are once again enjoying more gentlemanly springers. Congratulations on a sweet find.
I've drooled over the SLR for years. My preference would be a .177 caliber one. That one is a fine example.... nice catch!!
edit... my 'preference' would be a .177, but I sure wouldnt snub my nose at a .22 or .20.
Thanks Rob,
I ran across this by bum luck and its brand new...only had about 100 shots through it and not even broke in yet ! A safe queen...but will be soon! Lol.
Its # 227/98 on the scope mount rail and little bit I've found out all points to being an early model although I would like to know what year! And I have 2 original mags that have the paint dots to warn you ...white for one shot left and red for change mags...
It been cold windy and rainy the last couple days but gonna get pretty nice on Thursday...woodchucks are coming out and my power tuned Cricket carbine .25 is ready! 60+ fpe with 33.5 grain slugs...
I think the 460 is still king of the Poo- pile for power but doesn't have a 7 shot magazine...lol.
From what I've noticed since owning it for a while!
First thing is the stock is absolutely gorgeous and fits me like a glove...they had a different maker from the theobens.
The fit and finish of the metal works is slightly below what I consider theoben quality...the breech block has a couple spots where the final sanding and polishing are a little crooked and the cocking linkage has a little rattle to it...but other than that it's a solid shooter and stacks up against any theoben I've shot...cocks like a bear even at only the 14fpe its producing!
All in all I would buy another if I ran across it....and even though they are pretty rare they don't bring the same money as theobens. I think mostly because no one really knows much about them..
For those that aren't familiar with the SLR they are highly valued and sought after. I remember Larry White from the old Straight Shooters brown forum had one in his elaborate harem of airguns. I recall him posting more about the SLR than any of them. I still want one. I'd say if one was posted for sale in the morning, it would gone before sundown if not moments after the listing. I'm not sure of the current market value of a left nut, but yeah, its like that.
Jim I agree. The SLR 98's are quite unique. I have one, carbine in .22. It is definitely one of the most interesting, beautiful, and really sweet airguns ever. Bought mine new from Beeman and only had one problem in all these years. Don't EVER dryfire it! Only took one dryfire to ruin the piston seal. Beeman took care of it under warranty. Just a gem. Glad you have an airgun that you love that much.
The SLR 98's are exceptional guns, no doubt! I was fortunate to purchase my 3rd one about a year ago, after foolishly letting go of the first two. One of those was a sporter, walnut stock in.177 cal. and the other a thumbhole, walnut stock in .22 cal. For some reason I could not warm up to the thumbhole stock and now, once again I have a .22 cal.walnut sporter stock version. My walnut versions have been somewhat bland, but, acceptable. I am blessed to have an Eliminator with, what I believe to be an African Hyedua stock(very nice figuring & grain) and an Evolution with a very nice walnut stock( thank you Mr. Cox!). Yes, you do have to pay attention when shooting these beauties as you certainly don't want to dry fire a gas ram. But, it's part of the responsibilities of owning an SLR-98, don't get distracted and err on the side of caution. When in doubt, pull the lever back and hold it, pull out the magazine and check it. No big deal. The Theobens are quickly becoming extinct, but they can be found. No they aren't the latest thing since sliced bread, but the craftsmanship and beauty are there, nonetheless.
@tullja Yes sir exceptional is a good word! Since this post ive acquired a walnut thumb hole stocked carbine version in .177 too!!!
Now I'm on the look for a full length rifle version in .22 to add to the heard...also picked up an Eliminator walnut stock .22 a few weeks ago and it's a shooter!!! The guy I bought it from had it seriously detuned to 17fpe...I now have it back up to just over 23fpe and the shot cycle and accuracy are fonominal. Dumped a red squirrel at 42 yards the other day with a 15.89 JSB which it loves!
While I'd certainly like to jump on the bandwagon, alas the funds have been spent from the AG purse for the better part of this year. But those in the market should maybe look at this:
The CARM website has a couple of mags for Theobens. I'm not familiar enough to know if they will work for the SLR. But if there is a market, I believe he will usually start making them:
My apologies for being so late to reply. I should've been checking my messages, but I've gotten distracted. Very nice specimen that you have there! Theobens can be like lay's potato chips- you're always wanting one more!
