RAW HW1000x Production Model

[canoe]

Recently, I ordered a RAW HW1000x from Utah Airguns.  I thought that I would create a post that detailed my decision making process.  I am a retired Professional Engineer.  I have little experience with airguns but more with firearms, particularly double barrel shotguns.  My country home consists of a 3 acre parcel on which I constructed a 90+ yd airgun range.  I am intrigued by the prospect of having an airgun capable of sub-MOA groups at 90yds and beyond (whether or not I personally have that capability is another thing altogether).  I read many of the prior posts on the RAW and watched most of the Youtube video's available.  The following consolidates what  I have learned regarding the changes made in the production level RAW since the AirForce Arms acquisition.  These are my personal observations based on what I have read, and I certainly do not wish to impugn what others have stated good or otherwise (as I have learned a great deal from their comments).  Lastly, if I've gotten facts wrong, please do not hesitate to correct.

With respect to cosmetic changes to the stock.  Personally, I like the newer stock pistol grip formation over the older thumb hole.  I note that this configuration closely matches the costlier GRS FX Crown Model.  With respect to the elimination of the stock overlap near the top of the bottle, I personally think that those protuberances served no practical purpose and likely were subject to breaking.  The change in the adjustable butt (from Aluminum to plastic) is something I'll have to evaluate once I get the gun.  At any rate it would be an inexpensive upgrade.  I am curious as to how much fitting is required if one should choose to replace with a Bisley or Air Arms Adjustable Pad.  Lastly, the new stock has M-Lok built into the forearm.  Unsure if this option was on the older model's stocks?

With respect to the moderator - personally, I didn't much care for the looks of the replaced offset moderator.  The fact that most reviewer's stated that it didn't really moderate (>100db) the gun's bark seemingly required that it be replaced.  Again, I don't mind the looks of the newer larger moderator as long as it does its job.  Current reviewer's seem to agree that it does, and I suspect at 5X and above there should be no issues with obstructing the scope FOV.  Kudos to RAW for responding to something that was fairly uniformly criticized.

My understanding is that RAW (for production reasons) now has one receiver that is used for all calibers (the over-sized receiver).  The advantage is that by nature all calibers now have the benefit of a larger plenum.  The downside is that there might be a slightly longer side-lever throw for smaller calibers.  I assume this hasn't been an issue as I have seen no posts regarding this.  The upside is the new RAW is capable of delivering more power when using heavier pellets and slugs.

I read a post that commented on the way the gun was shipped (too long for the box).  Perhaps, that is why Utah Airguns told me they had shipping problems in the past and were now shipping the gun in two boxes (stock separate from action and barrel).  They are also including a hard case with the sale but apparently are not using that case for shipment (back-ordered perhaps).

If the accuracy of the RAW is as advertised, I'll be a happy camper. In all the posts regarding accuracy, I noticed only one with some dissatisfaction - basically stating that the RAW wasn't as good as an MROD.  I have a .22 MROD (regulated) and it is a tack driver at 50 yds...but (in my experience) doesn't have the “oomph for distances beyond 65-70 yds.

I would like to give a shout-out to SpiralGroove who posted numerous comments and mods with respect to his decision to purchase a RAW.  Although we don't agree on every aspect, I benefited from his experience.  I see he recently posted chrony data showing a 20 fps variation in a fairly long shot string which is PDG in my estimation.   

[ranchibi]

Greg, first of all congratulations on your order! I believe you will be one happy owner of one. I have a TN built .22 HMx LRT with the Chassis, a friend has a TN built one and an AF Texas built model both in .22. The most recent wood stocks are very nice especially with the ability to remove the action without removing the bottle...about time! Mine has a conventional moderator that in .22 makes my de-tuned 36FPE now, back yard friendly (so I can shoot the 18gr @ 950fps). Mine has the extra external plenum, both models are 50FPE set from the factory. The AF models do have a larger breech to accept longer projectiles and therefore larger magazines, ambidextrous breech for magazines. The newer moderator is by far the quietest one built although Martin will custom build one when ordering from his custom shop. Both of my friends models shoot identically....accurate and powerfully just like mine, no difference. The non choked poly barrels are not ammo fussy and shoot both pellets and slugs accurately. I had my barrel polished and after a 1000 rounds I cleaned it and it was pretty clean. The triggers on these are the best mechanical trigger I've used. The double probe with no breech o'ring is a mechanical marvel. It's an old school PCP but refined to the point of perfection, simple, robust with incredible machining tolerances and the shot cycle is very addicting, you'll really enjoy it.

[canoe]

Randall,

Thank you for your reply and confirming my choice.  I'm not sure if mine will be tuned for the JSB 26 gr or the 34 gr MKII.  From your experience is it possible to tune that pellet wt range solely by using the hammer spring adjustment?  Curious, do you know if RAW produces their own moderators - the new 2" x 15" model?  Thanks for any info you can provide.
   

[SpiralGroove]

Hey Greg,
How dare you say "I don't agree with all SG's assertions ."

My Answers to your Questions:

- The stock overlap in my opinion: Cosmetically looked better, but was impractical.

- The Biesely Butt Pad required little aluminum sanding and almost no pad sanding; a 10 min. job.  However, because the butt stock is hollowed-out, I decided attach it with contact cement. There's only about 1/4" of laminate on the sides and maybe 1" on the toe and heel.  I'm not sure any after-market pad can screw in.

- M-Lok not on stocks prior to  2019.  I like it and it keeps the weight down as does the hollowed butt stock.

- Newer Moderator pretty quiet and light, but in my mind the SSG is a necessary addition and will at-least double shot count in .22 cal. or less.  The SSG by itself renders the gun very quiet as wasted air was the culprit all along .  Therefore, the somewhat grotesque moderator is unnecessary and needs to go. My DIY moderator makes the gun quieter than OEM and IMO looks substantially better. 

- The HM1000xLRT receiver with increased plenum is perfect to modify to any caliber ammo .  No issues.

- Mine came shipped in two boxes, the stock fully wrapped (smaller box) while everything else came in the gun case. All shipped very safely .

Lastly, IMO an Engineer should really enjoy the beautiful, simplicity of its design; no unnecessary parts, but not too simple.

[canoe]

Hi Kirk,

Really great to hear from you!  First, thanks again for all of your commentary regarding the RAW.  I found it extremely helpful in formulating my decision.  I admit that your DIY moderator is really appealing...nice work.  Perhaps once I've seen my gun up close I'll want something more minimalist.  I've read most all of your posts on the RAW and I filed the posts re: the SSG under "something I need to explore and understand further".  Not entirely sure how it (SSG) works or how its incorporated into the guns action.  I hate to beggar you for more info, but if you could point me to where I could get educated on the subject I would check it out.

In fairness I didn't use the word "assertions"...but seriously, thank you for responding my friend.

[ranchibi]

Greg, you're more than welcome! The .22 caliber and .25 caliber RAW LRT's are tuned similarly from the factory @ about 950fps for the 25gr it also shoots the 33gr @ 850...really tuned for both weights! Kirk's moderator and SSG are special in what they accomplish. His SSG with the second spring and guide keep the valve from bouncing and staying open, closing it quickly saving air while also quieting down the report! Makes it very very efficient. Is yours a .22 or .25?  We both have our .22's tuned to shoot the 18gr as these are much less costly to shoot! What stock did you order...they are all beautiful!

[SpiralGroove]

Hi Kirk,

Really great to hear from you!  First, thanks again for all of your commentary regarding the RAW.  I found it extremely helpful in formulating my decision.  I admit that your DIY moderator is really appealing...nice work.  Perhaps once I've seen my gun up close I'll want something more minimalist.  I've read most all of your posts on the RAW and I filed the posts re: the SSG under "something I need to explore and understand further".  Not entirely sure how it (SSG) works or how its incorporated into the guns action.  I hate to beggar you for more info, but if you could point me to where I could get educated on the subject I would check it out.

In fairness I didn't use the word "assertions"...but seriously, thank you for responding my friend.

Greg,
I have made many SSG's on my lathe.  They cost a few bucks in materials.
I'll send you one I have laying around and you can play with it as you want; but first - What caliber and color stock did you buy?


I see you are from Minnesota, and will need your mailing address.  I have met some pretty neat folks for MN, from my days living in Michigan/Washington State and going to school at Michigan Tech. 
Kirk

[canoe]

This is a very generous offer, but I'm more than happy to pay you for the SSG.
My rifle is a .25 and I have the same stock as on your gun (Camo).

Greg Proper
PO Box 192
Walker, MN 56484

[canoe]

Northern Minnesotan.  Live near Leech lake...despite its name, one of the largest, most interesting and beautiful lakes in MN (which has many).   

[Motorhead]

Welcome as many do ... too the DEEP end of the pool 

[Dairyboy]

Congrats on a great gun! Definitely not messing around with your first one. Been along time since I had my RAW .30 but was an amazing gun. Alittle too long and heavy for my uses but for a bench gun your hard pressed to find something better

[canoe]

Just received my RAW HW1000x .25.  Unfortunately its -11 F with 15-20 mph wind.  Still had to go out and try it...no messing around...quick out and back in...at 75 yds 1.25" group with little vertical deviation (1 clip).  I think that this gun is going to be a really accurate bench rifle.   Beautiful gun and impressive quality.  I have a good friend that has a couple of Creedmore's and a number of match .223's.  It will be fun to take this gun to the range and see how they match up at 100 yds.

[ranchibi]

Greg, CONGRATULATIONS! That got there quick! Oh, I hope the weather clears up for you very very soon like tomorrow! LOL! Anyway, enjoy shooting and getting to know that incredible RAW. Don’t know if you’v ever polished a barrel or know someone that’ll do it for you but had mine polished and it really rarely needs to be cleaned (I do it just because)! The smooth lands on the poly barrels don’t grab pellets or slugs and polishing adds to it’s smoothness. Post some photos please!  A contest between your friends PB’s would be interesting to say the least! Do it on a calm day!

[SpiralGroove]

Just received my RAW HW1000x .25.  Unfortunately its -11 F with 15-20 mph wind.  Still had to go out and try it...no messing around...quick out and back in...at 75 yds 1.25" group with little vertical deviation (1 clip).  I think that this gun is going to be a really accurate bench rifle.   Beautiful gun and impressive quality.  I have a good friend that has a couple of Creedmore's and a number of match .223's.  It will be fun to take this gun to the range and see how they match up at 100 yds.

Hey Greg,
Glad the wait is over .
Have fun tinkering.  The gun tolerances are impressive, everything fits together perfectly.
Very strong, subtle quality.