My main question is how does it stack up against the SG540, Bren 2, Crusader, Rk18. I'm looking at getting back into the 5.56 calibre and trying to decide between all these fun options! Also this is my second post to join the gun trading forum so hoping to see the cool stuff yall are looking to trade or sell here in a bit!
How is anyones experience with the Lockhart Raven?
- Thread starter HK420
- Start date
Unfortunately, I may have a busy Nov/Dec testing a new .308 cal, AR180B-based platform for another vendor. A Raven review would likely have to wait until the New Year.
What I REALLY want to review is one of these new Makasi AR15/FN FAL "Mash-Up" rifles, which ought to be classified NR if someone (like IRG) will import ra ebarrelled 18.5" for the RCMP Lab's review. Receivers and major components are proprietary, so there ought to be no question of pedigree. It is a unique platform that is gathering good reviews.
What I REALLY want to review is one of these new Makasi AR15/FN FAL "Mash-Up" rifles, which ought to be classified NR if someone (like IRG) will import ra ebarrelled 18.5" for the RCMP Lab's review. Receivers and major components are proprietary, so there ought to be no question of pedigree. It is a unique platform that is gathering good reviews.
Having thoroughly examined, tinkered with, and fired my new Raven with replacement Mid-Length Gas System Barrel, I have to say that the Lockhart Tactical (LTAC) Raven is a more refined option than just about everything on your lest excepting the Bren 2. Think AR15, and you are awfully close in terms of the handling and firing experience. Accuracy is above average at under 2 MOA with bulk 55gr ammo and reliability with the new Barrel and Gas System is outstanding so far. The ambi controls and their familiar layout make the Raven very fast and intuitive to handle. The weight and balance are excellent, making the Raven very fast handling and lively in the hands.
Based on all of the above, I am impressed with the Raven thus far. I think that it has great potential to replace the AR15 within many Canadian shooters' collections, being just different enough to be its own, unique firearm. Although mine had initial issues with the Barrel being improperly machined, LTAC's Customer Service was outstanding in every regard and they got me back up and running with a new, mid-length Barrel within 5 business days, free of charge (of course). You quite honestly couldn't ask for more, other than the Barrel to have been correct from the outset. Blame that one on the sub-contractor who got it wrong just in time for the rifle's launch....
The LTAC Raven "Platinum" edition with a few extras (Brass Deflector, Left Side Cocking Slot Cover) came out to approximately $3400, so considerably less expensive than a converted NR Bren 2 with a non-CHF after-market Barrel at close to $5K. And with the LTAC Raven you get the switch-caliber capability with the unique 2-part Lower Receiver.
Based on all of the above, I am impressed with the Raven thus far. I think that it has great potential to replace the AR15 within many Canadian shooters' collections, being just different enough to be its own, unique firearm. Although mine had initial issues with the Barrel being improperly machined, LTAC's Customer Service was outstanding in every regard and they got me back up and running with a new, mid-length Barrel within 5 business days, free of charge (of course). You quite honestly couldn't ask for more, other than the Barrel to have been correct from the outset. Blame that one on the sub-contractor who got it wrong just in time for the rifle's launch....
The LTAC Raven "Platinum" edition with a few extras (Brass Deflector, Left Side Cocking Slot Cover) came out to approximately $3400, so considerably less expensive than a converted NR Bren 2 with a non-CHF after-market Barrel at close to $5K. And with the LTAC Raven you get the switch-caliber capability with the unique 2-part Lower Receiver.
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Trying to decide on which look I prefer for my Raven. At first, I hated the full-length Handguard, but I must admit that it has been steadily growing on me. What do you guys think? Full-length, or 13.5" partial Handguard?
Huh..I have been in this same conundrum. Off the batt I really like the OEM handguard length. After time with the rifle and the play that has come with its use. I find myself looking at the same handguard offering of which you have, however I have been looking at the 15"/17" offerings. I like less barrel showing and do not want to run a fake can to take up exposed barrel. That 13" does look good and the more I look at that I find myself like it more. Maybe it is just cause I dont have it! What is the muzzle device you have installed with the factory HG Bartok?
No bushing appears to be required to "fill in" the missing Handguard piece with the Front Takedown Pin. The shorter Handguard came with its own Barrel Nut, but it also just slid right over the LTAC Nut, so I just left the original Barrel Nut in place.
An aftermarket Handguard will definitely provide you with the rigidity that you desire, thus ensuring that the Gas Block does not contact the Handguard, etc. My 13.5" Handguard is rock-solid on the OEM Barrel Nut. There is zero slop/play, unlike the LTAC arrangement with the Handguard retained by the Front Takedown Pin. Take a look at the Raven thread that I started under "Black and Green Rifles" - on page 2 there are caliper measurements for the Barrel Nut and the Handguard, with .002" difference accounting for the Handguard wobble/slop. One way to reduce (if not eliminate) the Handguard wobble is to apply a layer of the thin, self-adhesive Aluminum Duct Tape to the Barrel Nut in order to eliminate that .002" of slop. It makes the OEM handguard more difficult to remove and replace, but the extra layer over part of the Barrel Nut makes all the difference in taking the slack out of the Handguard/Barrel Nut interface.
The Muzzle Device on the rifle in Factory Handguard configuration is a Griffin Armament Gen 1, Slide-Lock, Blast Diffuser/Flash-Can over top of the indexed Griffin Flash-Comp seen in the 2nd Photo.
Thanks for the info. Considered adding the duct tape to the nut however I have learnt to deal with it. Making my mind up on whatever handguard I choose. TNA units look to be a great fit and bang for your buck. Damn near fit the "body lines" perfect.
Threw a S&J micro linear comp on for a different look today, not sure how it would look with 3" of barrel between it and the HG.
Open to all ideas!
Threw a S&J micro linear comp on for a different look today, not sure how it would look with 3" of barrel between it and the HG.
Open to all ideas!
If you do add tape to the Barrel Nut, be sure to use the solid aluminum tape (like pop-tin material, only much thinner), as anything with material or plastic involved will obviously melt when your chamber temps climb.
The TNA basic Handguard for $150 lines up perfectly with the contours of the Raven Upper Receiver - like they were made for one another.
Good luck! Post some pics once you decide what to do, or multiple pics like I did if you want opinions....
LOVE the shorter handrail
Shorter handrail for sure, looks badass. I am very much considering the Raven 556 as my first Semi sporting rifle.
Is this the one? Is it a direct drop in? I am by no means a gun tech (VERY much a newbie) and hoping I wont need to do any customization.
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Shorter handrail for sure, looks badass. I am very much considering the Raven 556 as my first Semi sporting rifle.
Is this the one? Is it a direct drop in? I am by no means a gun tech (VERY much a newbie) and hoping I wont need to do any customization.
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Yes, you can specify the upgraded TriggerTech AR15 "Duty" Trigger with a non-adjustable, 3.5 lb single-stage pull for a $243 Upcharge. That is cheaper than you could purchase the same trigger as an after-market accessory, so it makes sense to upgrade at the time of ordering your rifle. Other things that make sense at the time of ordering are the Top Charging Handle, the Extended Take-Down Pins, the Aluminum Empty Casing Deflector (which works in conjunction the Dust Cover if you want to install one of those) and the Left Side Cocking Slot Cover. The latter 2 items are available cheaper on ####### as 3D-printed accessories, however the factory aluminum examples are much nicer in appearance. Don't bother ordering any of the following parts/accessories (unless you genuinely want them):
- Anti-Walk Trigger/Hammer Pin Set
- Extended Safety Selector
- Muzzle Brake (OK, but different designs are avaliable cheaper elsewhere such as True North Arms (TNA))
- Rear 3-Way Sling Mount
- Adjustable Buffer (you are better off to buy a standard H or H1 Buffer with the Tungsten Powder inside to prevent Bolt-Carrier-Bounce)
- Competition Flared Magwell
- Picatinny Rails (cheaper elsewhere)
- QD Sling Mount
- Harris Bipod Mount (not necessary unless running a Harris brand Bipod)
- Wear Parts Kit (not necessary - buy replacement parts once you know what you need)
- Upgraded Magpul Furniture
- Magazines (cheaper elsewhere by ordering online from the various site sponsors)
Anything that you miss can always be ordered after the fact using LTAC's Parts Pages at no additional cost (aside from postage). So no need to worry about ordering any of the "extras" right away.
Hope this helps!
