Hepotter,
I agree completely. I sure do like the traditional rifle look, the finer the bluing and the more figuring in the wood grain the better. These AR style platforms really don't do much for me, from an aesthetic viewpoint. That being said, I have a Raptor on order and the current top airgun in my possession is a MAC1 USFT that essentially looks like somebody stuffed a bunch of pipes in a golf club bag and called it a gun, or maybe an AR and the stuff rolling around in the bed of a plumbers truck had a baby. The USFT wins, hands down over every other airgun I own, for accuracy, ergonomics, repeatability/consistency, sublime trigger, etc.
Your assessment that they are shooting machines is spot on. I'm just hoping that I'm as pleased with the Raptor as I am with my other "ugly" airgun, the USFT.
. It is a very well made custom PCP, built like a light tank. The anodizing and all fasteners are all done immaculately. I ordered a .22 black and red with the red accents where I asked. I also upgraded to a 500cc bottle and a TJ slug barrel (I think Dodge has a Lothar Walther in his?). I mounted a Discovery HD 5-20X50 FFP scopes using Warne high rings as Vortex mediums would not clear the magazine. Travis told me to run a full tin of JSB heavies through her before adjusting anything and then shoot slugs. It took about 10 shots to get close to the bullseye, then POI would shift 2-4 clicks up down side to side for about 40 shots but less and less movement at which time I put her over my ProChrono. FPS was between 950-970 at this point. As I got closer to 60 shots I could tell the regulator and valve began to settle in and shots began to group really well hole in hole if I did my part. The trigger was set very very lightly, a tad lighter than my Regal and similar in how they break, crisply. The biathlon side lever on mine is very smooth. The tensioned barrel shroud is very sturdy. The Tatsu makes this a very back yard friendly shooter. I can’t wait to see what slugs she likes! Kudos to Travis, Jacob and Matt all of whom I spoke with during the build process, they are friendly knowledgeable people who are passionate about the builds they put out. Thank you JSAR! Here are a few pucs.
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