RTI Arms Priest 0033 Ongoing Review

[Jman2311]

The link above is for an album of my day 1 findings on the Priest.  Since I am a newbie on this forum take out the unnecessary spaces to get to the album
So some of the pictures I post here are going to be redundant to the album but this way you guys won't have to go to other sites just to see the picture although the quality of the image is going to be much higher in the album.

LOOK AND FEEL:
Well I wanted to show it next to an AR because that is a system many of us are very familiar with.  Length of pull is basically the same, shouldering is the same, cheek weld at least for me is basically the same, weight distribution is similar although I didn't weigh either gun.  I think it is sufficient to say that if you like the AR platform the Priest will feel at home in your hands.  It isn't heavy but it does have quite a bit of heft on it.  Not too bad off hand shooting but great using a tree as a stabilizer.
Here is another picture with the setup I had to sight in, basically just a gripod I had added but don't intend to use all the time.


MECHANICS:



So the top 2 images show behind the left side cover.  Here you will see the Bolt/Pellet Probe (from here on I will refer to this as the bolt) and I think it should quell a lot of concern about blowback.  Needless to say they have that part covered.  The one thing that the shooter needs to know is that the charging handle is spring loaded forward but not enough to cam the bolt down and lock it in.  This has to be done manually so be sure that you push to charging handle all the way to the front and you will feel and hear the click of the bolt camming into its locked position.

The charging handle is a ()&(^)(&() bear.  If you have ever fired a M2 .50cal, I joked around about the charging handle on the Priest being harder to work.  Right now it isn't smooth and it take a very strong, deliberate, and swift rearward motion and then easy to the front with that last click to cam the bolt down.  In plain words, NO, I don't like it.  But it works...

The trigger isn't bad but it isn't great.  The trigger linkage is like a long ramp acting on the sear.  As for the "adjustment" on the second stage. I am going to through out a SAFETY WARNING that is also clearly and plainly put into the manual which I really hope every one who buys this reads.  The set screw for the second stage adjustment works purely off reducing the sear engagement to the hammer.  IF YOU SCREW IT IN TOO FAR IT WILL FIRE!!  IF YOU DON'T LEAVE ENOUGH SEAR ENGAGEMENT, THE HAMMER MAY FALL WITHOUT THE TRIGGER BEING PULLED.  I am not a safety addict but I backed that set screw out basically til it is like it isn't even there.  There are a few problems with this though that I'll try to cover.
1.)If you interrupt your trigger pull you must keep in mind that the sear is LESS engaged that it was to start out with and this could mean unintentional firing.  I have seen many other guns that have this issue and it is simply a physics thing that you have to know.
2.)If you interrupt your trigger pull you can not pull the bolt back again to bring the hammer back enough to fully reset the sear back onto the hammer face less you remove the mag as you will load another pellet into the barrel.  Then once that shot is fired obviously you will have to reload the mag.  Not the end of the world but it is annoying.
3.)With the "trigger adjustment" set screw backed off as far as I have it, the trigger breaks clean but will have a lot of creep.  It isn't stagey or heavy but you can feel as the linkage ramps up on the sear for quite a ways to a clean break.
Now.  I am a trigger snob.  Always have been.  I can work with any trigger but I like them light, short, and effective.  Now I may be asking too much here out of this gun because in it's favor the trigger is very simple and I don't see any issues with the way that it is made of failing.  But I am going to come right out and say that I don't like it but it is usable and I will have to get used to it.  The issue that I have is because of it's simplicity and its sear I don't know that I can devise a way to make it better.

Now, for the tuners, the mechanics on this gun are so crude and simple that I dont see how coming up with parts to make the hammer spring tunable will be hard.  However, and this is big, I don't think it can be done without machining a new back plate.  When the charging handle is all the way to the rear the hammer is basically touching the rear plate.  Not exactly tuner friendly.  Replacement springs will likely have to be made but I will put more on that later when I get more time.

PERFORMANCE:

Here is where the good bits come in.  This gun is ACCURATE.  At least it was at the 35 yards I shot it at.  Now I didn't post any pictures of the targets I shot but I will after this weekend but after I sighted the gun it the pellets drilled where my crosshairs were every single freaking time.  I fired about 75 rounds and even took my first dove.  He was a bit farther than 35 yards but not too much... 40 or 45 so I aimed at the top of his head anticipating a bit of drop and it practically took the bird's head off.  I couldn't be more pleased with that considering I don't really know this gun yet.  My chrony was being a royal pain in the @@@ because I think it had too much sunlight but when I did get readings they were all between 885 and 890 fps. I was a bit upset with that considering the card I got from RL showing 910ish.  Maybe it has to do with Pueblo's 4500' altitude vs my 750' in Charlotte, NC but never the less either there is a chrony discrepancy or something but I need a better day with more consistent testing to be sure.  More on that to come.  I am happy with it's performance so far.

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS:
I don't dislike the gun but I am not in love yet.  I really love it's downrange performance.  I didn't talk about noise too much because I have a Fatboy on mine and the report is quiet enough.  The regulator squealch is right by your head and although that sound isn't loud, it is loud enough and long enough that I can really focus in on the report.  I took the shround off and I didn't find the vent hole Gregor refered to and I have my doubts about how it would quiet the report on this gun even if it was there.  Truthfully the closest comparison I have for report is my son's Crosman 760 pumpmaster.  They sound about the same with the Fatboy on it but with just the gun it is louder, on the verge on not backyard friendly but I would use it anyway.  That's just me though.  I really wish I could compare this to a Cricket .25 and if anyone is close to Charlotte, NC I would really like to meet up for a shooting and compare the guns.  Cricket initially caught my attention but the look, flexibility, and price of the Priest got me.  I could go on but I am going to stop and if anyone has questions I'll do my best to answer them.

[Motorhead]

They look really sweet ...

Reading early postings by new owners over on the TAG & YELLOW forums, reads like most over there are lukewarm to the gun as well.  Seems universally felt there WAY TOO noisy ... Regulator noise VERY annoying ... Cocking is crude & rough not appearing to get better with use.

We all sorta figured the first guys owning them would be the Real World Beta Testers !
Just hope things break in, settle down and become awesome with some more cycles & pellets down range.

Wishing you all the best in luck with your new gun 

[oldpro]

 Reviews not great but still for the price one can work out the bugs and make it a nice shooter Im sure. First thing id do is ditch that bottle for a carbon bottle.

[Jman2311]

Oldpro I think you're right about it being a good shooter. I am playing with the idea of going to a CF bottle.  The only turn off for that is the regulator. I am not very well educated on the subject and I would have to know that the replacement is suitable. I know one guy did that right away with a ninja reg set at 2200psi.  The squelch of the reg really isn't that bad or loud but I don't think anyone anticipated that our guns would make this sound at all.  So it is a minor annoyance. 

Report is up there but nothing even close to one that has no shroud at all.  Much better with Donny's part.  The big plus to the gun is, at least what I have tested so far, is that it hits where you aim.  I am just not as steady as I would like to be but when I call it high or right the impact is exactly where I thought it would be.  This is a good sign. The price is what is attractive.  Although there are some operational things to have to get accustomed to I don't think they will be any worse than say, a Cricket for example.  All I see from those guns is good reports save some annoyances.  The on thing I would change about the gun is the charging of it.  I would really like a side lever and personally I feel that should just be the standards.  I mean physics is the one thing we gotta live with so let's make it work to our advantage.

[oldpro]

You can get m18 X1.5 regulators and put in ninja guts and buy a carbon bottle and put it on. This will look far better/shave weight/allow for higher fill rates. The only downside is the added expense takes the inexpensive gun and pushes it up to high end gun prices.

[aluminumfetish]

Thank you so much for posting this. There a LOT of people that have been curious about this rifle. That  string looked great and at 35 yards, great group. I hope once it breaks in, you'll post some longer range groups.

Congrats and thanks !

[Jman2311]

Shot a couple mags today. The targets in the orange circle were me attempting to rezero the scope after I took the gun apart last night. After that I wanted to see if I could hit 10 dots... Needless to say I am not the best shooter with this gun yet. I shot prone with the gripod at 35 yards again in the backyard but even the ones I missed I knew I pulled it. Even with my "trigger adjustment" set screw all the way out the trigger isn't heavy. I'm sure I'll improve with time but everyone is asking for targets. I'll have some to post this weekend for sure but for now this is the best I can do.

I should add that once I went in and cleaned all the excess grease out left a very light coat of silicone grease plus the working of the charging handle the cocking effort is either going down or I am refining the technique. It still requires a very deliberate straight back motion and riding it home but I am happy that it's trending to get better.

[Hunt4dinner]

I'm sure RTI will get the bugs worked out of these as they progress and other machinists will start tinkering with them soon to improve any flaws. Hopefully RTI gets the flaws worked out and it doesn't raise the price any. I'll be watching to see the results of any longer range accuracy!

[Jman2311]

The only real bugs to work out in the guns current form is the reg squelch and that is just really an annoyance.  I had my son take a few shots while I stood on the front end of the gun about 10 feet out.  From there I couldn't really distinguish the reg squelch but the shooter certainly will hear it.  Mind you that was with a Donny part.  So I care less about it now.  I am anxious about taking her out to 100 yards but don't expect my targets to show off the guns accuracy. When I sight in my guns I shoot with a bipod while prone.  No bags. Every other time I am walking so I shoot off hand or support with what I can make an opportunity out of.  Very occasionally I'll bring a monopod stick but it tends to be cumbersome so I don't bring it much.  I'll see about getting bags or a sled and lock in the gun so it can show its stuff.  Honestly I anticipate great results that myself as a shooter won't be able to redo without the shooting aids and that isn't how I employ the gun so it just isn't in my normal testing.  I'll do it though for the sake of review.

If RTI wants to tweak this one or use it as a template for future guns I would want a side lever.  I can live without the easy adjustment but I would like to see a buffet line of springs, hammer weights, or whatever to give a set speed with the 125 bar(LP) or 150 bar(HP) and a given pellet, likely JSB.  I don't adjust much so I don't really care for easy adjustability. Plus an hst that is easily adjustable always has the chance it may change without your intent.  So it's a compromise.  Take what's good and don't worry about what it isn't.  I'd like to see a more sophisticated trigger system but looks at the mutants trigger system does some funny things to me in some funny places.  Of course the reg squelch and I think I can live with the rest.  I like the former factor. It is simple and so far effective. Now if I can just find a way to effectively sling it for my liking.

[Hunt4dinner]

I hear ya. No gun is perfect that's for sure. From what I've read the two biggest complaints are the regulator squelch and it's hard cocking. Both of which I would guess would be an easy fix for someone who knows what they're doing. Hopefully you have luck with it shooting out to 100 yards plus.

[Jman2311]

Obligatory proud Dad picture

This was where I was standing when I decided that the report was managible and the squelch was just something to tolerate for now.

Got a bit more time to play today.  The cocking is getting easier.  I am testing some inserts inside the hammer to see what if I can get a bit more velocity.  I want to see 920fps and right now I am about 30 shy so more on that to come.  I wish I was able to fully comprehend earlier just how much these .25's hit with authority.  Even from about 30 yards the sound on the impact of the bird below was like taking a wooden dowel and smacking it against a sheet of paper.  Very high pitched cracking sound similar to supersonic rounds.  Just wow.
Entry
Exit

[Motorhead]

Can't tell ? ... Crow or Grackle

good shot either way

[Jman2311]

Grackle.  I should add that was an offhand shot.  I am finding this gun to be very manageable this way.  YMMV but I like it.

[GKid]

as much as I cheer your successful efforts in ridding the world of one of these flying  vermin, you might not want to post a pic of that grackle.   I believe
they are classified as "migratory" and are federally protected.

[Jman2311]

Thanks for the info Gkid. 

Umm...  for the record,   wasn't me.

[Hunt4dinner]

as much as I cheer your successful efforts in ridding the world of one of these flying  vermin, you might not want to post a pic of that grackle.   I believe
they are classified as "migratory" and are federally protected.

This is from North Carolina's website.

BLACKBIRDS
Black Birds are federally protected migratory species.
 Non-lethal Methods (required before attempting lethal methods):
o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property. o Exclusion
o Harassment
o Landscape modification
 Lethal Methods:
o State Depredation Permit always required o Federal Permit Required:
The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta.
Exceptions:
 Federal law states that blackbirds (yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, Brewer’s, cowbirds, and all grackles) causing or about to cause damage to personal property, crops, trees, livestock, or wildlife may be shot without having to obtain a federal permit.
 Blackbirds (yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, Brewer’s, cowbirds, and all grackles) concentrated in such numbers as to constitute a health hazard may also be shot without a federal permit (if discharge of firearms is allowed by city and/or local ordinances).
 It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits.
 Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services.
 

[BigTinBoat]

.

[anti-squirrel]

In spite of the shortcomings, this pellet-delivery platform is very appealing.  Cleaning and polishing will likely ease up the cocking, and once a few more sets of eyes start digging in and some mills and lathes start spitting out tuner parts, I think the Priest is going to be a real performer.  I'd call it a diamond in the rough.  If RTI starts adding SSGs and all kinds of other improvements from the get-go, it will raise the price.  Dang it, now I really want this airgun.


I love the verbiage on Grackles in NC; VA has the exact same thing:    ~ concentrated in such numbers as to constitute a health hazard may also be shot ~  Health hazard to me means deposition of fecal matter in a clustered area.  That's the same type of guideline we used when I was doing avian pest control in the SF Bay Area. 

[Jman2311]

Got home from work and ran a couple mags through to get sighted in at 50 yards.  Top right is a 10 shot group after I used the others as sighters.  Prone with gripod.  Not as stable as I would like to be due to the bipod essentially being right under the trigger but I was quite pleased with that one group.  Taking her out tomorrow for some longer range business.  Hope it stays as hot as it did at 50.  Til tomorrow.




I'll add this one last thing.  My heaviest complaint on day 1 was the extremely rough cocking...  It is getting much much better.  A non issue to me at this point after a bit of lube and working it in.

[Motorhead]

If you can ... take ALL the cocking mechanics apart, clean up real well, polish any of the bare steel parts reassembling with a HIGH Moly content grease .... should slick it up real well too