New lockhart option - Silver

[Bartok5]

Here is the current iteration of the "Silver" edition Raven 5.56mm. Note the "clean" Magazine Well, which is supposed to be the same for all major components. However, as a "favour" to early Silver adopters Lockhart Tactical decided to give backordered customers the more expensive machining of the Upper and Lower Receivers with "Platinum" style lightening cuts. Later "Silver" rifles will have flat-surfaced Billet Upper and Lower Receivers, better matching the Magazine Well.

Note that those ordering a SIlver rifle must order the $88 LTAC Bolt Catch, which is proprietary to the Raven rifles. A standard Bolt Catch will not work in the Raven, whereas any AR15 Magazine Catch will work just fine - ambi or non.

 

[amumu001]

Nice looking gun, I need to get one, hopefully available to order soon,
Last time I checked with Sam, was told will be available to order “in a few weeks”

 

[adriel]

Bartok5 re: bolt catch, couldn't you just grind the top of the paddle on an AR15 bolt catch a bit? That's what I did to fit an AR15 bolt catch to my Gold package Raven build.

 

[45C]

Anybody try installing a standard safety? The one I installed is to sloppy.

 

[Bartok5]

I installed a Trigger Tech 45 or 90-degree Safety without issue. I like it because it gives you the option of running an Ambi Safety or Single-side for a clean Left or Right side.

Regarding the use of a standard AR15 Bolt Catch in the Raven (Silver, Gold or Platinum), yes if you want to indulge in your Wiley Coyote School of Gunsmithing and bust out the Dremel tool you can reduce the thickness of the Rear Face of the Catch in order to clear the thicker billet wall of the Upper Receiver. That will give you the necesssary clearance behind the top of the catch to be able to release the Bolt from the rearward position. Unfortunately, the minimal clearance between the Bolt Catch and the Upper Receiver won't allow the use of a modified Magpul Bolt Actuation Device (BAD) or the Troy equivalent. A BAD would have to be modified to reach back to the Trigger area in any case, and may not have sufficient length to work due to the longer Lower Receiver/Magazine Well relationship.

E.T.A. - Further to the above, I decided to try installing a modified AR15 Bolt Catch. In addition to grinding away the backside of the top of the Catch in order to clear the Upper Receiver, you must also either increase the diameter of the Pin Hole or decrease the diameter/circumference of the Threaded Retention Pin an appreciable amount. In addition, depending on the actual dimensions of your AR15 Bolt Catch and those of your Raven, you may have to grind down the thickness of the Catch where it fits into the recess of the Lower Receiver. I had to remove a few thousands of an inch from the backside of the AR15 Catch in order to get free movement within the Raven Lower Receiver. So, all things considered, is it worth it to perform all of the necessary modifications to use a "Standard" (albeit somewhat modified) AR15 Bolt Catch? Having actually done it, I'd say no, it is not worth the time nor the effort for such a tiny detail. Once installed it looks and functions fine, but then so did the factory Lockhart Bolt Catch. Sooo, survey says..... why bother? Besides which, you still need the Bolt Catch Spring, Plunger and Threaded Retention Pin which come with the LTAC Kit for your $88 CAD....

 

[mmcintyre1220]

So, is anyone else who ordered a "Silver" edition pissed-off that the Receiver machining is not "basic" as indicated in the pre-sale drawings? I DON"T WANT the fancy "Lightening Cuts", as I do not see them as an upgrade of any sort whatsoever. I do not like the look, period. There is simply far too much going on with the Platinum Rifle. I wanted the simplicity of a standard AR with Right-hand controls and plain, flat billet surfaces.

If the Silver is nothing more than a Platinum made of 6061 Aluminum with a flat Mag Well, then I am not impressed. Lockhart says no cancelled orders, but in this case, where the product is not as visually represented in the pre-sale advertising I'd say that there is a strong case for cancellation without penalty. I am really on the fence about this one now...

No need to be on the fence. If you don't like it I will send you cash tonight for it!!!

 

[Bartok5]

No need to be on the fence. If you don't like it I will send you cash tonight for it!!!

It's a bird in the hand, wth no current alternative. So it will have to do for the time being.... You will either have to order and wait your turn like the rest of us, or over-pay for immediate satisfaction from the EE or GP.

 

[mmcintyre1220]

It's a bird in the hand, wth no current alternative. So it will have to do for the time being.... You will either have to order and wait your turn like the rest of us, or over-pay for immediate satisfaction from the EE or GP.

Haha I had an order but I cancelled it as I was not sure if the rifle or the second coming of Christ would arrive first. Bought an x95 and type 81m to calm the itch but now want a Raven.

 

[mmcintyre1220]

Bartok5 so, how has the silver been to you? I parked the idea for a bit after buying other rifles but now have to chance to buy a bnib silver for regular price. Love to hear your input