"DVC" .30cal WARP Review - Part I

[ezman604]

This will be a two part review. This first part will be an introduction, unpacking, fit/finish and initial impressions review. Later on, when I can actually find the time, I'll do a performance review with Chrony numbers for Part II.

Back at the Fun Shoot 2016, I had the pleasure to handle and shoot the prototype WARP from Travis and Jim of Wicked Air Rifles. These were S-W-E-E-T pieces of engineering, so I placed my order for a .30cal model. Then the waiting and the anticipation. That wasn't too much of a deal for me because of my total lack of available trigger time and the stack of projects demanding my attention. And I've learned, you cannot rush perfection. LOL
Travis kept me informed on the progress and sent me teaser photos and videos. Gee thanks...LOL
But the day finally arrived as did my new piece of airgun history. I couldn't wait till I got home, so I unboxed it at work.



Very first impression when picking it up was how solid it felt to be so darned light. Looking it over, the attention to detail is very evident. An big old cheesy smile immediately came to my face as I flipped it over and examined it from all angles.

The photo was with the baffles still in the package and the shroud collapsed. Shows how this marvel of engineering can be collapsed. In the photo you will see that I opted for the optional 480cc bottle in lieu of the standard 215cc model. I then attached the stock.



Here are the separate packaging of the baffles, magazine and single shot tray.



She was well packaged and arrived safely. And before I go any further, let me say this. This is not a paid review. I actually bought this airgun with my own money and this is my unbiased and honest review. This is the only way I will do this and all Travis would accept and expect. So...onward.
I have had the WARP for a couple of weeks now but have had absolutely no time to do much. The evening after it arrived I did manage to mount the new Hawke Sidewinder 30 6-24x56 glass.



And with the handy underside accessory rail, I was debating on what to add. I thought a Blackhawk bipod then decided on a combo grip/bipod setup.



This gives me a freestanding grip as well as a retractable bipod for bench shooting. Not being familiar with these, I did not expect much. I didn't expect it to be very stable.
I placed an order with PA a couple of weeks ago for some .30cal ammo so I had JSB 44.75gr, JSB 50.15gr and Predator Polymag 44.75gr on hand when the airgun arrived. I worked both Saturday and Sunday but I was determined to get in a little trigger time yesterday as I relaxed after a long week. I topped DVC off at 3100psi and grabbed my ammo and headed outside. I set out a target stand at 50 yards and proceeded to get the scope lined up. And to get familiar with my new best friend. LOL
The magazine looks and functions like a MRod magazine. But don't be fooled, .30cal MRod magazines will not work. The WARP mags are a bit thicker. The WARP is supplied with only one so it is my suggestion you order a second. Not that you will be plinking and NEED to have a second mag loaded and ready, but I don't like the thought of having issues with a mag and having to wait for a replacement. Hence the supplied single shot tray for emergency. 
I started with the 44.75gr JSB to get the scope on paper. I seemed to be getting a larger group than I wanted, but they were at most 2" at 50 yards. Could be a couple of things. First, the shooter and getting familiar with the airgun. Or secondly, the power setting may not be ideal for this round. After a mag of these I switched to the JSB 50.15gr. I expected to have to readjust for the change in weight. Not so, they were dead on. And the groups tightened up. A LOT!!! I'll go so far as to throw out this equation. 50gr + 50 yards = DEADLY!!! I had a target with 12 small bullseyes printed on it. Yeah, I know, I'm glassing with a 6-24x56 scope, but I was able to lay rounds consistently inside the 10 ring. I then tried the Predator Polymag. Unfortunately like some calibers of MRod, these rounds will not fit into the magazine. So yet another reason to be happy Travis included a single shot tray. I dropped a few Polymags in and sent them downrange only to find a similar result as the 44.75gr JSB. Being these are the exact same weight, it almost makes it certain to me that the power adjustment for lighter rounds will be in order to make them as deadly as the 50.15gr rounds.
Shooting the airgun was very comfortable. The ergonomics are excellent. I have the adjustable stock extended all the way. The trigger is fantastic, being a match grade Timney trigger. Very positive and light. I have not touched it as far as adjustment. Was spot on right from the box.
I love the large bolt handle, especially for my fat fingers. LOL
It is needed because I will have to say it is a bit harder to cock than my MRods. I could not stay on target and in shooting position to cock for a second shot. I had to come off the gun and really grip the bolt to operate it. But hey, this is a hunter, not a plinker. And to generate good power, it will generally require a special valve and a stiff hammer spring. Again, having worked on several MRods I was not surprised at this so I pressed onward.
The loading is a bit different in design than any other PCP I've owned or shot. When you retract the bolt to cock the hammer and cycle the magazine, you then push the bolt forward to load the round. The bolt has to be pushed a tad bit further to seat the pellet then retracts slightly to drop into the firing position. Not having read everything Travis has made available, my guess is this process actually backs the probe out of the way to allow for unrestricted airflow from the transfer port to the back of the round. It's different and just takes a bit of getting used to. I did find I had to exert a bit of pressure on the bolt to seat the pellet completely. This may also be due to the mechanics not being worn in yet. It may get easier as it is cycled more but it's not a big issue, just an observation. Make SURE you push the bolt all the way to get the pellet seated properly!!!
I live in a rural area and have neighbors fairly close on both sides. Although perfectly legal to shoot just about anything on our property, I'm very neighbor conscious and keep my airguns backyard friendly. Surrounding neighbors shoot semi-auto handguns and long guns as well as shotguns all the time. Let all of the neighborhood attention go to them instead.
But I opted to drop in the 3 supplied baffles and that is the configuration I will keep. When I fired the rounds at the present power setting, it was quite a bit louder than the prototypes I had shot previously. But believe me, it's still very backyard friendly. Your neighbors will hear it if they are outside, but again it is not loud. I believe with my head planted on the stock, I heard more of the mechanics than the report. You can hear the solid smack of the hammer to valve. Again, not too bad. Just reporting what I heard.
It took me longer to write this than the total trigger time I had yesterday. LOL
But to summarize, if you are considering ONE PCP airgun for your collection, this should be the one, maybe in a different caliber. I have no second thoughts or the slightest regrets for investing in this one. I am on the hunt for the perfect Yote getter so this one may get the nod. And this is why I opted for a .30cal build. From the moment I picked it up I was impressed with the quality of the workmanship. It's built like a tank, a very light tank. And the support is as top notch as the airgun itself. Travis is always there to answer any concerns or to supply anything you may need. And THAT alone means a lot when considering a purchase!!! And with the design, my understanding is these can be changed fairly easy as far as caliber? Will let Travis chime in on that one.
I'll close this part of the review with a little explanation. When I ordered it, Travis asked if I wanted anything special put on the gun as it was being built. After a short head scratching I asked that it be labeled "DVC". He made this the serial number.



Some of you may be familiar with the Latin term if you have been into handgun shooting. For those of you not familiar, it stands for “Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas” (accuracy, power, speed). And believe me, this airgun has earned that monker. I told Travis he should incorporate that onto every one of his airguns. I'm impressed.....
Stay tuned for Part II where I will set out the Chrony and do some numbers. And off the top of my head I'll say this baby seems to be pretty darned efficient with air. While testing, I filled to 3100psi. I shot I believe 5 magazines and a couple of Polymags (35+ rounds) and when I finished, the gauge showed just over 2K left in the tank. That's exceptional for the power I FEEL this gal is adjusted for. Will know for sure as soon as I can get more trigger time. The way things are going, it may be 2 weeks before I can get the time to setup for testing. Dooohhhh.....
The agony of waiting. 
Till then....
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[Sfttailrdr46]

  DEz you are killing me. If I weren't leaving on vacation with the bride I would be placing an order right now for one with a slightly longer barrel Sweeet looking pistol/ carbine

[Tater]

Great review Dave. Can't wait to see the accuracy and chrony numbers.

[Tomg]

Nice review!

The tensioned barrel seems to do wonders for repeatable accuracy.

[DocMortal]

Very Informative Review Thankyou

[Voltar1]

D C V ? Typo haha
Nice review

[Habanero69er]

Nice review Dave. Between your & Manny's reviews, I'm definitely considering a WARP in the .25 variety.

[TF89]

Great review, nice gun for sure.

[Addictedtoair]

Sweet setup! Just a really nice piece of technology. Have fun. Great review.


Brett

[Gertrude]

MAN ! That is a SWEET little gun !
 I've wanted one of those since the first time I saw it. Never have had the pleasure of touching one, but maybe someday... 

[mobilemail]

Now all you need is a FLEX to make the set.