RAW or Theoben for 1st PCP

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bksaun

Member
Jan 30, 2017
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Kentucky, United States
Will be purchasing my first PCP soon, after reading the forums for months I'm considering either a RAW HM1000X Or a Theoben Rapid 7MFR. I know Theoben is no more but I found a out of business dealer that has several still new in the box, I have not gone to look at them yet but am told that most have moderators and are the fast flow design ( Hope you guys know what that means). The price is about the same for both guns, $2000.00 range. I have no idea what Rapid 7's sold for when they were produced.

I will be using the gun for pests, birds squirrels and such at extended range 100yds if it will do it, 22 or 25 cal.and informal plicking

After reading about many other guns, FX, Daystate ect seems most are subject to a lot of problems, Don't hear much bad about RAW, plus I like domestic made products when I can and I'm not too far from TN where they are made. There are no dealers for any brand of PCP anywhere near me.

I currently own a RWS 52 springer, had it for years, ready to move up.

Thoughts?
 
If you can't spell Theoben, you're not allowed to buy one. :D

OK, more serious now. I've shot RAWs. They're awesome. Heavy though, so be ready for that. Get .25 or .30 caliber, if you're serious about shooting at 100 yards. They seem to be replacing Steyrs as the go-to rifle in my club for field target shooting. I feel like the RAWs are better-looking guns than the Theobens too.

I've read about FX problems, and experienced one firsthand. (blown seal for no good reason on a Royale) Daystates seem more solid, I just their branding is a bit gaudy, which kind of downgrades their otherwise beautiful stocks, in my opinion. They put the lead where it belongs though. Under 1/2" @ 50 yards all day long, in .22.

I wouldn't say it is moving up from a Diana 52, but a different direction. I had a 56TH for a few years there, and it was PCP accurate, inside 50 yards. But it was a BEAST, so I never shot it and moved it along down the line. If you do get a high-end PCP, do yourself a favor and have the pro-tuned, down to a lower power level, where you can really enjoy it and let it shine.
 
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If you can buy all the old stock guns and sell them off slowly that would be ideal. You should also buy a RAW. Martin used to make the Theoben PCP's. The RAW is an updated/advanced version. As Smaug said they are a heavier rifle. Even as a carbine not well suited for hunting. If you shoot Field Target, Bench Rest, or other stationary target events you can't go wrong.
 
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i am a RAW HM100X .25 cal, for me it´s the best rifle and best caliber, reliable, accurate and shot to shot consistency. Also is extremely quiet, mine came with match grade trigger adjusted right out of the box(hairy) and also came shooting @925 fps. Also every rifle is assembled by hand and tested 1 week for leaks and its owner shoot them before they leave the Factory. 
 
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"scrane"There are reasons why Theoben went out of business. Go with the RAW unless you have something special for classic guns.
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Not sure if they actually went out of business or were bought out by Martin. The Theoben is the precursor to the RAW. As an owner of three Falcons which are no longer made, if you can get hold of an "in the box" Older rifle, I would jump on it. I have a standing order for another "in the box Falcon" (when he gets around to it). I believe guys like Alan Zesadny can still repair these rifles and parts are still available. It's pretty neat to have these kinds of rifles. My friend who has had many, many pcps, still says his .25 Theoben is still his most accurate rifle. You can always buy a RAW later ( in a different caliber). you may never come across an "in the box" Theoben again!
Best of luch with your decision,

NM
 
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NMshooter
"scrane"There are reasons why Theoben went out of business. Go with the RAW unless you have something special for classic guns.
Click to expand...
Not sure if they actually went out of business or were bought out by Martin. The Theoben is the precursor to the RAW. As an owner of three Falcons which are no longer made, if you can get hold of an "in the box" Older rifle, I would jump on it. I have a standing order for another "in the box Falcon" (when he gets around to it). I believe guys like Alan Zesadny can still repair these rifles and parts are still available. It's pretty neat to have these kinds of rifles. My friend who has had many, many pcps, still says his .25 Theoben is still his most accurate rifle. You can always buy a RAW later ( in a different caliber). you may never come across an "in the box" Theoben again!
Best of luch with your decision,

NM
Click to expand...

Good point Doc...If you don't like it you can sell it and get a RAW or if you love it then awesome! I believe RAW still makes parts for Theoben and yes Alan Zesadny tunes them and fixes them.
 
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I thought the MFR is regulated and has a 280cc bottle. If so, then i would stick with .22. If they are fast flow and have 400 of 500cc bottle, then a .25 Theoben is a very good gun. In 400cc the weight of the gun is just fine, nothing to worry about. In 500cc they are a bit on the heavy side. Don't know about weight of the RAW but i think they are heavier. But why not get 2 bottles or a new carbon one?

It can shoot the King 25 grains at 900 fps very consistent. If you want to shoot the King heavy's then you might want to look at another gun.

For technical information check rapid7ownersclub.com.
 
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I can help with this one. 

The way Martin (owner of RAW) explained it to me was that he used to own Theoben in the U.K. When things got tough there due to economic constraints, he moved manufacturing to TN here in the states. For a time, Theoben England was run out of Martin's factory TN but eventually, all the back & forth became a lot so he just re-branded under Rapid Air Weapons here in the states and closed down Theoben in the U.K. 

... same brains, same guy, same guns but better. Hope this helps.. here's a vid of his TN facility.

 
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