I hear a lot about raw and their air rifles. I've heard a lot of people on the forum say raw is their dream gun. I am pretty new to air gun shooting can you guys please explain to me what makes raw such a good air gun?
Raw
- Thread starter JustHotAir
- Start date
Handmade in the USA, and you can talk to the man that is going to make your gun,
Martin will build it to your specs, they are beautiful, and accurate. The perfect recipe!
Martin will build it to your specs, they are beautiful, and accurate. The perfect recipe!
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Rapid Air Weapons have a long lineage going back decades with the Theoben company of England. They made the Rapid line of air rifles that are highly respected the world over. The owner Martin bought the rights to make the Rapid and moved to the US. Martin worked for Theoben for like 30 years. He has updated and improved the design and continues to do so.
They are basically hand made and tuned. They make their own stocks also. They can make a gun to your specs. You can ask for custom details and options. I'm waiting 12-14 weeks for mine to be made. Its my understanding that Martin test shoots every gun before it ships to make sure they meet his standards.
From what I can determine from my research they are probably the most consistent from shot to shot of about any gun out there. That makes for very good groups at long distance. Particularly the regulated versions. Although the non reg ones are no slouches.
Their Target Master (TM) models are competition winning guns. HM 1000x models are coming on strong in long range bench rest events also.
Straight Shooters has some interesting test results on their site. Here is the one I ordered. http://www.straightshooters.com/rapid-air-hm1000x-.25-regulated-walnut-right-hand-t-h-with-quick-fill-gauge-carbon-fiber-bottle.html Check out their "our take" info on this page.
They are basically hand made and tuned. They make their own stocks also. They can make a gun to your specs. You can ask for custom details and options. I'm waiting 12-14 weeks for mine to be made. Its my understanding that Martin test shoots every gun before it ships to make sure they meet his standards.
From what I can determine from my research they are probably the most consistent from shot to shot of about any gun out there. That makes for very good groups at long distance. Particularly the regulated versions. Although the non reg ones are no slouches.
Their Target Master (TM) models are competition winning guns. HM 1000x models are coming on strong in long range bench rest events also.
Straight Shooters has some interesting test results on their site. Here is the one I ordered. http://www.straightshooters.com/rapid-air-hm1000x-.25-regulated-walnut-right-hand-t-h-with-quick-fill-gauge-carbon-fiber-bottle.html Check out their "our take" info on this page.
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Also Mike Manabe of our manabe challenge in the Target forum used his HM1000x .22 to set the standard that many around here strive to equal.
Check out his review of his RAW in the review forum.
Check out his review of his RAW in the review forum.
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"30cal"Also Mike Manabe of our manabe challenge in the Target forum used his HM1000x .22 to set the standard that many around here strive to equal.
Check out his review of his RAW in the review forum.
Thank you 30 cal....very kind of you to mention.
When I think of the rifles coming out of RAW, I am excitited with what I see. I see a rifle that has the potential to bring out the best shooter you can be. With a little practice and a lot of determination, and a RAW in your hands, anything is possible. One of the best guns made in the USA.
Mike
Check out his review of his RAW in the review forum.
Thank you 30 cal....very kind of you to mention.
When I think of the rifles coming out of RAW, I am excitited with what I see. I see a rifle that has the potential to bring out the best shooter you can be. With a little practice and a lot of determination, and a RAW in your hands, anything is possible. One of the best guns made in the USA.
Mike
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They are all top tier airguns. If I could afford it I would have one of each. Just personal preference. You can't go wrong with any of them. For me I like that RAW is a U.S. company making a very high quality semi custom product.
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I've never even heard of Rapid Air Weapons. I've been on another forum before and I've never heard them brought up there either, at least not that I've noticed. Everyone talks about Air Arms, FX, Air Force, Benjamin, etc... What do you think leaves RAW out of the conversations?
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"CptMoonlight"I've never even heard of Rapid Air Weapons. I've been on another forum before and I've never heard them brought up there either, at least not that I've noticed. Everyone talks about Air Arms, FX, Air Force, Benjamin, etc... What do you think leaves RAW out of the conversations?
My guesses:
RAW is a smaller company with small marketing budget, not widely distributed by big airgun mail-order houses, and there is a long back-order wait for them. Martin seems like one of those increasingly rare perfectionists who cares more about quality than profit. I just got a HM1000/22 after a long wait, during which I was sorely tempted to buy a Daystate or such because they can be shipped pronto!
Very glad I waited, as the quality, beauty, consistency, and accuracy is well worth the wait - and they're less expensive than comparable guns.
My guesses:
RAW is a smaller company with small marketing budget, not widely distributed by big airgun mail-order houses, and there is a long back-order wait for them. Martin seems like one of those increasingly rare perfectionists who cares more about quality than profit. I just got a HM1000/22 after a long wait, during which I was sorely tempted to buy a Daystate or such because they can be shipped pronto!
Very glad I waited, as the quality, beauty, consistency, and accuracy is well worth the wait - and they're less expensive than comparable guns.
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Thank you, Kim! I have been looking at next tier hunting rifles for some time and I had pretty much decided on an Air Arms. However, if RAW is standing up to the quality test, I would prefer to purchase a US made product. Nothing against other manufacturers. I just like to support American companies.
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Yes I think Kim nailed it.
The basic design they use has been around for a very long time. It is well proven and refined. Hard to go wrong with a time tested design and the quality and attention to detail that a smaller company can bring to the table. They seem to rely on word of mouth and can barely keep up with orders as it is.
The basic design they use has been around for a very long time. It is well proven and refined. Hard to go wrong with a time tested design and the quality and attention to detail that a smaller company can bring to the table. They seem to rely on word of mouth and can barely keep up with orders as it is.
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"CptMoonlight"Thank you, Kim! I have been looking at next tier hunting rifles for some time and I had pretty much decided on an Air Arms. However, if RAW is standing up to the quality test, I would prefer to purchase a US made product. Nothing against other manufacturers. I just like to support American companies.
I would add that my HM scoped is quite heavy, especially compared to (say) a Marauder. I don't hunt, but you might want to put your hands on one before ordering. Mine is set up for target shooting and my Mrod 25 is a much lighter setup for pest control / carrying with a lighter adjustable Hawke Airmax EV scope. The Mrod is not as accurate but good enough for pesting at 20-50yd, and very inexpensive.
OTOH the 500cc bottle and regulator makes for many shots between fills, which should be good for hunters.
I would add that my HM scoped is quite heavy, especially compared to (say) a Marauder. I don't hunt, but you might want to put your hands on one before ordering. Mine is set up for target shooting and my Mrod 25 is a much lighter setup for pest control / carrying with a lighter adjustable Hawke Airmax EV scope. The Mrod is not as accurate but good enough for pesting at 20-50yd, and very inexpensive.
OTOH the 500cc bottle and regulator makes for many shots between fills, which should be good for hunters.
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Thanks again. I noticed they were heavy. I shoot a Disco now, and it seems the critters have learned to stay just out of range, so when I step up, I want to have a rifle that can really reach out and touch with authority from a distance. I would probably set it up with a bi or tripod and shoot from prone if at all possible, or a high bi or tripod and shoot from seated. I really appreciate your insight!
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Get the carbon fiber bottle and the walnut stock for lowest weight. Saves about two lbs. Over the standard version.
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Kim, can you tell us the difference in sound level between you HM and marauder? are both .25 cal?
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"rkave"Kim, can you tell us the difference in sound level between you HM and marauder? are both .25 cal?
Martin's moderator is very effective and he can make it longer to quiet the gun even more. The barrel on my rifle is long so we decided to go shorter on the moderator, but still very quiet. My .22 RAW is about the same or slightly louder than my .25 Mrod (which is very quiet).
I recently shot outdoor practice with some pro benchrest folks. None of them had moderators and the RAW was striking for its lack of noise. (And yes it had impressive accuracy too!)
Martin's moderator is very effective and he can make it longer to quiet the gun even more. The barrel on my rifle is long so we decided to go shorter on the moderator, but still very quiet. My .22 RAW is about the same or slightly louder than my .25 Mrod (which is very quiet).
I recently shot outdoor practice with some pro benchrest folks. None of them had moderators and the RAW was striking for its lack of noise. (And yes it had impressive accuracy too!)
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I've have a few guns, TX200, R7, 1720t, and Air Arms S-410. Love them all. Spent about a year studying for a longer range gun and decided on RAW HM1000x, .25 hunter version with carbon bottle and walnut stock to save weight. My reasons were the same as those posted above.
For under 75 yards, my .22 Air Arms is still my strongest choice, especially for the price. Can dial power down to half and shoot 100 shots.
For under 75 yards, my .22 Air Arms is still my strongest choice, especially for the price. Can dial power down to half and shoot 100 shots.
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JHA-
I consider myself fortunate to have been able to shoot many, many air guns and to have owned many as well over the years, ie. FX, Daystate, Air Arms, BSA, QB, Air Arms, Beeman, Theoben and RAW. ( I am sure I forgot two or three)
I have settled on RAW because they are reliable and accurate. A proven format and design that is simple and customer service that can't be beat. Hunter
I consider myself fortunate to have been able to shoot many, many air guns and to have owned many as well over the years, ie. FX, Daystate, Air Arms, BSA, QB, Air Arms, Beeman, Theoben and RAW. ( I am sure I forgot two or three)
I have settled on RAW because they are reliable and accurate. A proven format and design that is simple and customer service that can't be beat. Hunter
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