Lockhart Tactical Raven 9 thoughts, impressions and reviews

OK, I dropped the hammer on a Raven Platinum today. I was hesitant at first but after handling and shooting one the purchase decision was relatively easy. So, I am, just over 2 grand lighter after taxes and postage. I intend to mount a Primary Arms SLX optic on it. I'll have the gun in about two weeks. Time to develop a load for 135PF using Titegroup and 125 BDX Bullets. Any suggestions?

Maple Leaf Up

Bob
 
Horilka said:
Is current $1,599.00 price tag regular price for Platinum or is it sale price?
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There are a number of inhouse accessories available that can take the gun up to about $2,700. The base Platinum, $1,599, is great as it is but if you want the competition trigger or a magwell or a few other goodies the final nut can add up fast. I have the Lockhart magwell and competition trigger in hand so that kept the price down but having an ego can be costly. I'll most assuredly suck at PCC but thankfully IDPA has two mortal capable divisions that are about where I will end up with or without the extra goodies but what the hell the end is closer than the beginning by a lot so ..."the difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys". I know a couple of guys who have posted above who are certainly capable of taking full advantage of some of the add ons I just had to have...I'm likely not just one of them but even old dogs get lucky once in awhile I have read. :>)

Horilka go to their website, click on the Raven9 and build your gun and see where you end up. I went with the Black Cerecote which adds nothing to the cost. Going with a green colour adds $95. to the gun. At the best of times I look more like an out of shape mall ninja as opposed to Tactical Andy so going Army green I figured was maybe a bit over the top. Now Navy blue.....

Maple Leaf Up

Bob
 
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Thanks, Bob. I actually went to their web site and aside of extremely confusing options I was just wondering if base bare-bones Platinum price had always been $1599?
 
Horilka said:
Thanks, Bob. I actually went to their web site and aside of extremely confusing options I was just wondering if base bare-bones Platinum price had always been $1599?
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I'm not sure. I wanted the lock back function as well as the other goodies you get so I went Platinum. If you are not going to shoot competitions the base Platinum has all the features you need. Some of the options are nice to have though.

Maple Leaf Up

Bob
 
Horilka said:
Thanks, Bob. I actually went to their web site and aside of extremely confusing options I was just wondering if base bare-bones Platinum price had always been $1599?
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Yes unless you get the top charging handle from them (most AR15 charging handles can be substituted)
 
Canuck44 said:
Time to develop a load for 135PF using Titegroup and 125 BDX Bullets. Any suggestions?
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I've kept it to using factory ammo so far, but based on my production loads of titegroup in handguns, I'm thinking that is going to be exceptionally filthy.

I'd maybe consider VV or another powder known for being clean burning?
 
I have long concluded blow back action run dirty no matter the brand of powder, some less filthy but filthy none the less. I clean my guns after every match and extended range visit so the question is a bit moot.

Maple Leaf Up
Bob
 
I’m using blazer brass 124 gr. I won’t hand load for it until I get a progressive press. As far as them being dirty, yup they are but the Raven is very easy to clean. I’m going to quit cleaning mine and run it until I have issues.
 
Smokinyotes said:
I’m using blazer brass 124 gr. I won’t hand load for it until I get a progressive press. As far as them being dirty, yup they are but the Raven is very easy to clean. I’m going to quit cleaning mine and run it until I have issues.
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Why? Your gun, but whatever the round count it will eventually fail hopefully without incident. It won't prove anything other than it failed and you know eventually it will. Run it clean, the gun will last longer.

Maple Leaf Up

Bob
 
Well if you don't clean your Raven it will eventually quit working cuz blow back actions attract carbon fouling like ants to a picnic.
Lockharts website has a video with a gun with over 2K rounds through it and it was still running. That's over $800 worth of ammo just saying.

Maple Leaf Up
Bob
 
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I think you guys are all correct, there are pros and cons with every cleaning regimen.

But I will say that for some people, it's really useful to know just how dirty your gun can get before you start having fouling-related problems. And it's useful to know what kind of malfunctions you are likely to get when that happens.
 
Good point alpining for sure. If you believe Lockhart's 2000 rd claim though it will cost you about $800 or more to determine when your gun needs cleaning which is somewhat more than a couple of dollars worth of gun cleaner just saying. I seldom, if ever clean the bores of my .22LR rifles believing more bores and crowns have been ruined by over zealous cleaning when it really was not necessary. I don't think my Cooey SureShot has been cleaned twice in the last 30 years of use but it soldiers on. I am not sure I would follow this cleaning regimen when addressing my 9MM carbines and pistols though. Getting baked on carbon fouling out of the breach area can be more than a PITA to CV32's point.

Take Care

Bob
 
So I was humming and hawing and decided to buy one of these directly from Lockhart. It shipped the day after payment and arrived two days later.

Emails were quick.

For me, it was great customer service.

Notes:
Gun came dry with zero lube. Lube before shooting.
The way you submit pal info in the checkout was a bit tricky to figure out but no big deal.

Hopefully it runs as good as it looks and handles. Im very happy with the purchase.
 
FtmerDanz that makes two in a row for service. Seems like they are working a decent trend line. I expect mine Monday morning. Their website says Tuesday but they often beat it by a day. Left Richmond this morning.

Maple Leaf Up

Bob
 
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