Lockhart Tactical Raven 9 thoughts, impressions and reviews
- Thread starter CV32
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AlphaCharlieDelta
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- The Wet Coast
I got to fondle FarmerDanz Raven today... gotta say she is very well built from the limited time I got to play with it.
Guess I know what my next PCC will be....
Guess I know what my next PCC will be....
I would not think the 223 Upper would require as heavy a buffer due to it's impingement system. Why not ask Lockhart. Their website has a contact computer entrance. I am sure they would answer your question and advise you on the buffer weight you would need if a change is necessary. They have been very helpful to me when I asked them questions about the Raven9.
Maple Leaf Up
Bob
You definitely need very different buffer and spring weights. A straight blowback action needs a ton of extra mass to keep the bolt in battery long enough. The rotating bolt system uses gas/the piston to unlock the bolt- The only thing the bolt carrier mass needs to do is push the bolt forward reliably enough to chamber the round and lock the bolt.
Seeking advice from those who already purchased Raven 9mm.
Platinum seems worthwhile over Gold. I could live without the bolt action features, but for the sake of $200 sure, nice to have.
What I'm stuck on is the "Remove Handguard + Barrel Nut" option. $200 saved. When I held the Raven I wasn't a big fan of that handguard length. Weight was OK, quality seemed good, but I doubt I'd mount anything further than 16", probably not beyond 14", so don't really want the extended bulk. I don't have spare handguards so would be buying a new handguard specifically for this, with a budget of <$350.
Did you go this option? What handguard did you use and what was needed?
Thanks
Platinum seems worthwhile over Gold. I could live without the bolt action features, but for the sake of $200 sure, nice to have.
What I'm stuck on is the "Remove Handguard + Barrel Nut" option. $200 saved. When I held the Raven I wasn't a big fan of that handguard length. Weight was OK, quality seemed good, but I doubt I'd mount anything further than 16", probably not beyond 14", so don't really want the extended bulk. I don't have spare handguards so would be buying a new handguard specifically for this, with a budget of <$350.
Did you go this option? What handguard did you use and what was needed?
Thanks
I just purchased the Platinum version. When I shoot my carbines I want my support hand as far out on the barrel as possible - that would be longer than 14". The gun balances well with the full length handguard and I wanted the non-restricted barrel so I just left it stock. I won't be hanging anything on the forearm either but the longer forearm meets my shooting method. Lighter handguards can be sourced if you are into a build. You can make wicked changes to this gun to fit almost any need or desire it just empties your wallet faster. My friend John T. has turned his Raven into breathing fire competitive wonder at some additional cost but to each his own. Unless you are really into a build I would go with the stock Platinum and the accessories of your choice. The Competition trigger sings like a sewing machine and is significantly better than the standard trigger.
Take Care
Bob
ps it is one hell of a carbine, well built and accurate. I have not finished with the break in period so I have no comment on reliability or magazine choices etc.
Take Care
Bob
ps it is one hell of a carbine, well built and accurate. I have not finished with the break in period so I have no comment on reliability or magazine choices etc.
Yes they are different. 223 runs lighter
I had the chance to run mine for a bit today. Installed the comp and adjustable buffer with all the heavy pellets installed.
It ran without a malfunction all day with magpul and KCI mags. Didn't try anything else.
It shoots, too. Way easier to drop fast doubles vs the jr carbine. I'm happy with it so far.
It ran without a malfunction all day with magpul and KCI mags. Didn't try anything else.
It shoots, too. Way easier to drop fast doubles vs the jr carbine. I'm happy with it so far.
I put 161 rounds down range testing my limited mag collection. I was using 125gr BDX FMJ RN bullets over 4.5 gr 231. I was more interested in mag performance but it has to be said the bullets went where the sights and barrel were aiming.
My two OEM 10 rd Glock mags all choked on the first round or about mid way thru the 10 rd mag. I think it is a spring issue. The Glock mags I have appear to be lightly sprung.
KCI 10 rd mag worked flawlessly*
KCI 10/32 mag worked flawlessly
ETE 10 round mag worked flawlessly*
RWB Korean 10/30 mag ran flawlessly*
SHK Korean 10/30 mag ran flawlessly
The Raven 9 choked on 147 gr CanPro RNFP plated using asterisk noted mags above. All the OEM mags choked on the 147gr. Not a problem as I intend to use 125 gr BDX bullets in the gun exclusively. I'll try the 147 gr plated later at around the 500 rd count.
I have the Lockhart Comp/Brake on the gun so I have not tried my lead bullets on it. I may decide to remove the Comp/Brake for practice using my lead bullets. Not a real issue. I also will have the adjustable buffer here this week and I plan to weight the buffer 10 oz per CV32's comments and experience. Overall the gun has performed well.
Maple Leaf Up
Bob
My two OEM 10 rd Glock mags all choked on the first round or about mid way thru the 10 rd mag. I think it is a spring issue. The Glock mags I have appear to be lightly sprung.
KCI 10 rd mag worked flawlessly*
KCI 10/32 mag worked flawlessly
ETE 10 round mag worked flawlessly*
RWB Korean 10/30 mag ran flawlessly*
SHK Korean 10/30 mag ran flawlessly
The Raven 9 choked on 147 gr CanPro RNFP plated using asterisk noted mags above. All the OEM mags choked on the 147gr. Not a problem as I intend to use 125 gr BDX bullets in the gun exclusively. I'll try the 147 gr plated later at around the 500 rd count.
I have the Lockhart Comp/Brake on the gun so I have not tried my lead bullets on it. I may decide to remove the Comp/Brake for practice using my lead bullets. Not a real issue. I also will have the adjustable buffer here this week and I plan to weight the buffer 10 oz per CV32's comments and experience. Overall the gun has performed well.
Maple Leaf Up
Bob
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That's warm
Have you ever chronod the loads out of a handgun? I ask to see what the gain is 5" vs 18.5" barrel. IDPA has a PF requirement of 135 and getting there with a 10" barrel might be a struggle or at least a test
IPSC is more realistic at 125.
Maple Leaf Up
Bob
Have you ever chronod the loads out of a handgun? I ask to see what the gain is 5" vs 18.5" barrel. IDPA has a PF requirement of 135 and getting there with a 10" barrel might be a struggle or at least a test
IPSC is more realistic at 125.
Maple Leaf Up
Bob
The same ammo the same day was around 140 to 143pf from two x5 legions
Thanks for the info. That saves me testing time. While not absolute it looks like I can expect an increase of 20 units of PF. I run my pistol loads around 130 - 135 pf which suggests I should be good to go for PCC Division and IPSC if I play club matches with my carbine. I'll.probably run a match load over the chrono of I go south to shoot a Level 4 match in the US or shoot a Classifier.
Take Care
Bob
The site is supposed to be going down for a couple of days this month so they can release their new site. There is nothing wrong with their guns but that is only an initial assessment. My Raven definitely prefers 125 gr RN FMJ BDX bullets over 147 gr RNFP Can-Pro plated. I have no 115 gr cartridges in hand so I can't comment on that weight of bullet. My rifle has proven to be very accurate with the 125 grainers.
Take Care
Bob
Take Care
Bob
