Lockhart Tactical Raven - Does anyone actually have one or is it just social media po

Does anybody have any feedback on the 5.56 version regarding which magazines have had the best success? There was a good write-up earlier in the thread by ADHD with some recommendations for the Raven 9 but, unless I missed it, I haven't found anything specific to the preferences of the 5.56.

Would appreciate any feedback by somebody who's played with theirs a bit.
 
ensoitgoes said:
Does anybody have any feedback on the 5.56 version regarding which magazines have had the best success? There was a good write-up earlier in the thread by ADHD with some recommendations for the Raven 9 but, unless I missed it, I haven't found anything specific to the preferences of the 5.56.

Would appreciate any feedback by somebody who's played with theirs a bit.
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For mine, I’ve tried 5 round GI mags, gen2 pmags, 5/30 GI mags, 10 round LAR mags and 10 round MFT mags.

All worked fine except the MFTs, they wouldn’t seat on a closed bolt loaded while loaded to 10 rounds.
 
ensoitgoes said:
Does anybody have any feedback on the 5.56 version regarding which magazines have had the best success? There was a good write-up earlier in the thread by ADHD with some recommendations for the Raven 9 but, unless I missed it, I haven't found anything specific to the preferences of the 5.56.

Would appreciate any feedback by somebody who's played with theirs a bit.
Click to expand...

I've used 5/30 pmags (gen 2 and 3's), 10/10 Cross mags, 5/30 GI mags, and 10/30 ASC pistol mags, 10/30 mags were a little tight on a closed bolt due to the internal blocker being basically EXACTLY 10 rounds, but a relatively generous smack and it went in, functioned flawlessly once I got the gas setting correct (25 clicks for mine, 22 was barely just enough, 21 was too little, set it to 25 clicks to be safe). All the mags I tried ran fine in mine.
 
Anybody know if a FSB A1 style fromt sight post would work for the gas system on these? It’s my understanding that they aren’t piston guns and they use generic AR style gas systems
Thinking of getting a build kit to make a retro AR clone
 
There’s been two unverified instances where recent recipients of the rifle had the new gen2 carrier included in their new rifles. Those with cracked carriers are still waiting though.

Other issues to note:
- a few users have had excess play in their handguards
- recent rifles switched to a rifle length gas system but a batch of the associated barrels came with wrong sized gas ports from their barrel manufacturer.
- some recent rifles have arrived without a mag, apparently they are on back order
- maybe subjective, but sharp edges on the trigger guard bug some folks.
 
P11 said:
This setup certainly has my attention. I would like to get into one if the kinks are resolved.
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The gen BCG has NOT been shipped for anyone yet as confirmed by Lockhart. He basically confirmed that those that ordered first will get it before new rifles start shipping w/ the new carrier. The new barrel issue is frustrating but the fix is available, its disappointing that it wasnt done at the factory. BCG ETA to start shipping out is "2 weeks" but it was also 4 weeks, 5 or 6 weeks ago.


There does seem to be some issues with consistency that seem to be related to tolerances (sticky mag releases, mags not catching) but i've only seen single reports of these issues. Also, wobble in the handguard that seems to be reported by more but not all owners.

The main issue, IMO, is quality control and they seem to be having trouble keeping up with demand but they have been transparent about the issues and offering solutions
 
Mrtemp said:
Heads up, the Gen2 bolt carrier is now up for grabs! I put in for mine, paid zero. Just waiting for the shipping notification now!
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Did you notice the part where they expect you to ship your broken carrier back? I for one have no interest in paying out of pocket to ship a broken warrantied component. Better be a return label in the box.
 
pirate604 said:
I am really on the fence about this one. I am looking at the TNA builders kit but I think it comes with the gen 1 bolt carrier.
Is this rifle worth the cost and risk?
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I took the plunge, picked up the TNA builders kit, and confirmed it comes with the gen 1 bolt carrier.

I'm noticing some compatibility issues with AR parts and suspect it requires some of the proprietary parts to function best. The specific example I ran into is that the AR bolt catch isn't fully compatible with the Raven - the paddle is too big and will mar the Raven's upper receiver and it grinds against the Raven bolt carrier group. I had to remove the AR bolt catch to allow the BCG to go into battery and order the proprietary Lockhart one for the Raven.

I'll need to run it more thoroughly before I can determine if it was worth the cost for myself.
 
I have a buddy that has one. He brought it out for the first time for the last shoot. It worked, the controls were nice, and he build it by cannibalizing an AR15 he had in his safe. I think I am sold on this, but I will wait for a few more shoots to see if it stands up.
 
Some folks in BC have received their Gen2 carriers already!

Observing their pics, the walls of the carrier appear to be twice as thick, a cross brace has been added and problematic squared corners in the carrier have been rounded off.
 
New 556 (Gen 2 bolt carrier, from G4C) shot about 50 rounds of Winchester .223 55gr essentially right out of the box aside from a little bolt lube. Only one malfunction - light primer strike - which happened within the first 10 rounds when chambering is breaking in. Could just as likely have been because I was chamber peaking (cross mags took some breaking in before the bolt could reliably strip the first round).

My Raven 9 (now approaching 500 rounds fired and eats CCI blazer) needed about 10 rounds before chambering was smooth as well, so overall excellent experience so far. We'll see if the 556 settles in the way the 9 has.

Getting good groups at 30yds, cross mags are working smoothly, I'm a happy camper.
 
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