Wait for the RAW

Yes, I suppose I'm being unreasonable. I am aware of the serial nature of RAW's production paradigm and the skeleton crew involved. It's just that I'm really jonesin' to get my rifle!

Ha, I appreciate that Mick! You are a friend indeed . I would gladly take it too! I didn't realize what a huge hole in my day being without a hunting rifle would be!! I actually almost bought another rifle the other night that was in stock just to hold me over until my baby gets here! But cooler heads prevailed.

Man that glossy walnut sporter is GORGEOUS! She sure is a classic beauty ;-). I almost went with that look. It certainly would have been more practical. More than a pound lighter than the laminate thumbhole, and I've heard reports that the sporter gives a better grip, as well. Oh well. But man, the more I look at your walnut sporter, the more I'm diggin' it. Wait, that came out wrong.


BTW, Steve of AEAC is doing a review on the RAW .25 cal. 60 ft-lbf, which will air soon!

I'm sure it will be, Texas. I did my homework and I'm convinced she is an awesome rifle. The wait makes the eventual delivery of her more sweet, I guess. I just wish I would have waited to sell my FX Impact .30. I was unaware that there was a three month wait time. With the demand, perhaps Martin should consider expanding his operation. Any venture capitalists out there? If I was a younger man, I would seriously consider presenting him with a proposal. I'd love to get a piece of that sweet airgun action!

Yeah, Mick; I've been obsessively checking out RAW's Facebook page! Wait, what? You think I wouldn't?! Haha . I had actually deactivated my Facebook account several months ago for the same reason you gave. I subscribe to virtually all the airgunning channels on YouTube. Not being able to get out in the field to eradicate the planet of those wascally wabbits is driving me nuts. (And for me, that's a short trip!) I have been going over in my mind exactly how I'm going to Chrony her, zero her, range her, carry her in the field, recharge her bottle in the field, etc., etc., etc....

I already have all the implements of destruction:

• 4,500 psi Omega Air Charger
• Two 4,500 psi Omega carbon fiber tanks (75 cu-ft & 12 cu-ft)
• Primos Trigger Stick tripod w/ two-point rifle rest
• Range finder
• Lyman trigger pull gauge
• dB meter
• Chrony
• Binos
• Hawke Sidewinder 4-16x 50 IR scope
• Scope level
• Chairgun profile
• FX No-Limit mounts
• Two tins of JSB 80s
• Eberlestock Gunslinger II rifle scabbard/backpack (the same one the Navy SEALS use in Coronado, right up the street from where I live!)
• Shoot-N-C targets
• Magpul MS3 sling
• .22lr rimfire bullet trap
• Rifle rest
• NO RIFLE!!!!!!

If there's anything else I need, I'm all ears! I tell ya, I like to pride myself in not being a sucker for Madison Avenue, but those Mad Men saw me comin' a mile away when it come to air guns!

John:

Where exactly does it say "12 week wait" in RAW's marketing material? Martin expressly, in writing, told me personally that it would be "8 weeks in total" from my order date to ship my rifle. And this was factoring-in the fact that the Forest Green laminate was not due in for another four weeks at the time. Please give me some contact info on "stocking dealers."

So you've discussed the issue of expanding with Martin personally, have you? Or are you just a mind reader? I disagree with the per se notion that expanding would necessarily have an adverse effect on quality control. Quite the contrary, actually.

Mark who?

I've (literally) shelved the idea of using Bob Vogel's (with an "e") "shinny" [sic] ammo. (I did receive a sample pack of cast bullets from him.) After doing some actual research (imagine that), I learned that the strict bullet design (as opposed to the diabolo design) will not group well beyond 50 yards, given the subsonic velocities and twist rate of the barrel.

Actually, I am cool with the wait. I've heard nothing but good things about RAW. And I do prefer to deal directly with the manufacturer when possible. Martin and Sandra have been great. I've actually gotten used to waiting for upper-end air rifles. There was a five month waiting period for my FX Impact .30! And boy, when she finally arrives! Better'n Christmas and my birthday rolled into one! All that time dreamin' about her and what I'm gonna do with her! Boy, howdy ;-)

I checked with JoeB. He does have several RAWs in stock, but not the HMx .357 130 ft-lbf regulated.

I did perform due diligence, scrane. The wait time disclosures appear only on the deposit pages on-line, and there is no deposit page published for the RAW HMx .357 (130 ft-lbf regulated). I was told expressly, in writing, by Martin that no deposit was necessary, and I would have to order the RAW HMx .357 (130 ft-lbf regulated) via e-mail as no provision was available to order that particular model on-line. I was also told expressly, in writing, by Martin that it would take “8 weeks in total” from my order date to ship my rifle, but only after I had already ordered her. So, with all due respect; next time, do YOUR homework.

Yeah, chasdicapua; I actually consider myself lucky to be getting her in 11 weeks. Only four more weeks! I should be getting my HMx .357 (130 ft-lbf regulated) about the same time you get your BM 500! I have no doubt about Martin's integrity, Sandra's administration, and the workmanship (and workwomanship) of William, Brian, Dottie, David, and Kenny. Martin runs a tight ship over there in Minor Hill.

I have been extremely pleased with the customer service that I have received from RAW. I do appreciate the personalized service and attention to detail that a lean 'n mean crew provides. Martin and Sandra have e-mailed me personally several times to ensure that my rifle is custom-made exactly to my specifications, and to keep me updated on the process.

Which BM 500 are you getting? Man, what a world-class match gun! Like a laser. Quite the thoroughbred she is.

Don't worry, I will put my new RAW through all the paces: Chrony, zero, Chairgun, and ranging. I will certainly post the results on AGN and provide pics!