Very disappointing

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bucketboy

bucketboy

Member
Apr 5, 2019
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Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
I have just seen a message on the website of the only importer of RAW into the uk, that due to the low volume of sales Airforce have decided that they will no longer be dealing with them. The only other option for buyers here it to get them from Holland. However, apparently Airforce have pulled the plug on them too☹️

Taking into account the history of RAW and it’s close relationship with Theoben, it’s a double kick in the nuts that shooter here in the uk will not be able to buy one of the finest airguns ever made.

Come on Airforce, sort yourselves out, there is a market for these guns here, they are highly regarded and keenly sort after, find a new distributor, run a few adverts in uk shooting magazines and I am sure sales will increase... Another thing that may help global sales.....this may go against company policy but try this......answer your emails!



Bb


 
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Here is my Ben Taylor BT500 for example... It is just as accurate as my RAW in the same caliber which shoots perfect and doesn't even need a regulator and is a hell a lot quieter too...

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Can't someone such as Ben Taylor resurrect Theoben? Or take over where Impact UK left off? Surely the equipment to build them is still in the UK?
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Potential, yes the skill and equipment is here but it is difficult to get the quantity of sales required to make it viable in such a competitive and fast changing market. How would a small start up company keep pace with say FX and there global domination of marketing. People are drawn to new and shiny things and will pay extra for them even if there is no real gain in performance. Unfortunately, a new rapid is still just a rapid, and as good as it might be it will never be the next “must have” item.

Airforce have the manufacturing capacity to mass produce, what they seem to lack is innovation and marketing skills, how long has it been since they released a photo of a compact folding stock, chassis Raw ? Yet nothing has come of it, it’s not hard to do, (I have done it) and it would definitely be more appealing to the more “modern” market trends.


I already have more Rapids and RAWs than I need, I am just disappointed that future generations of UK shooter might be denied the opportunity to shoot and one such a magnificent airgun. Last year I was out shooting with my then 12 year old grandson, I let him use my impact, I asked what he thought his reply “it’s ok but it’s not a rapid”



Bb
 
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. The only other option for buyers here it to get them from Holland. However, apparently Airforce have pulled the plug on them too
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Taking into account the history of RAW and it’s close relationship with Theoben, it’s a double kick in the nuts that shooter here in the uk will not be able to buy one of the finest airguns ever made.

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There was a very good importer in Holland (Luchtbuks.com), but Air Force has appointed another importer. 



https://2020.supplies/
 
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Just like any corporate takeover, they loose touch with customers even though they swear nothing will change.

I bought a RAW here in the states because I thought you may still be able to talk to the man who made them, I was wrong.
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You can talk to Martin anytime you want. He's at his new company, Airguns USA, see his site. Things may have changed, but immediately following his transaction with Air Force, and for quite some time, he was still assembling the RAW rifles, and is obviously available for service work.
 
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Krale in the Netherlands sells RAW. Can you buy from them?
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We couldn’t because there was a uk dealer, I don’t know about now but that will change again with brexit.




Air Force and RAW seemed to be a strange mix.
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Beauty and the beast.

There is a way to talk to the man still. Go to his website

https://www.airguns-usa.com/
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thanks, I will keep that for future reference 





Bb
 
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Just going to share thoughts ....

Here in the USA it appears the largest sector of growth is HIGH POWER which being allowed and legal has the greatest draw to bring people into the Air gun hobby from the powder burning world. Be it hunting or extreme target / field type shooting it is gaining popularity rapidly !!



Now in the UK ... from what we read, by in large most of you are shooting & buying guns in the lower power ( NON FAC ) power ranges. I could be wrong so correct if not the case ?

Which leaves any manufacturer to make note on what sells and gives the greatest sales potential & profit .... see where I'm going ?

No different than Cars and Trucks and other consumer goods ... when folk want to buy the fancy electronic riddled vehicles and other gadgets and few of the bare bones basic models sell they simply stop making them !!
 
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I have just seen a message on the website of the only importer of RAW into the uk, that due to the low volume of sales Airforce have decided that they will no longer be dealing with them. The only other option for buyers here it to get them from Holland. However, apparently Airforce have pulled the plug on them too☹️

Taking into account the history of RAW and it’s close relationship with Theoben, it’s a double kick in the nuts that shooter here in the uk will not be able to buy one of the finest airguns ever made.

Come on Airforce, sort yourselves out, there is a market for these guns here, they are highly regarded and keenly sort after, find a new distributor, run a few adverts in uk shooting magazines and I am sure sales will increase... Another thing that may help global sales.....this may go against company policy but try this......answer your emails!



Bb

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AF has a business model. It works for AF but possibly not for every individual. And as good as the Theoben and RAW rifles apparently are, it seems that the failure generally is on the part of Theoben and RAW, not AF. JMO.
 
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"Taking into account the history of RAW and it’s close relationship with Theoben, it’s a double kick in the nuts that shooter here in the uk will not be able to buy one of the finest airguns ever made."



I find it very sad that no one has offered condolences for the pain and damage sustained to Bucket Boy's family jewels as a result of this travesty!!!

Who among us has not experience the pain and suffering when our two closest and most precious friends are under attack?

Shame! Shame I say!!!

Regards,

Kindly 'Ol Uncle Hoot 

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"Taking into account the history of RAW and it’s close relationship with Theoben, it’s a double kick in the nuts that shooter here in the uk will not be able to buy one of the finest airguns ever made."



I find it very sad that no one has offered condolences for the pain and damage sustained to Bucket Boy's family jewels as a result of this travesty!!!

Who among us has not experience the pain and suffering when our two closest and most precious friends are under attack?

Shame! Shame I say!!!

Regards,

Kindly 'Ol Uncle Hoot 

google.1601577441.jpg
Click to expand...

Thank for sympathy, I am crying and laughing with equal measures



😁😢😁😢
 
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AF has a business model. It works for AF but possibly not for every individual. And as good as the Theoben and RAW rifles apparently are, it seems that the failure generally is on the part of Theoben and RAW, not AF. JMO.
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I'm not sure this is totally fair to Martin and his folks in TN. First, it is my understanding that Theoben has not existed as a viable company since its bankruptcy in England. So, maybe it should not even be in the conversation. Apparently, there are differing opinions regarding the problems that resulted in the demise of Theoben. Having bought two of his RAW rifles, and also having numerous conversations with him (mostly to solicit help in fixing something I screwed up), I am personally sure that Martin's competence as a builder of air rifles is top shelf. I don't know what is going on with AirForce and the marketing of the RAW brand. Some people are very talented in designing and building a product. Some folks are great at marketing, and others are good at running a production company. I don't know what rights AirForce has regarding the RAW brand. IMO, as long as Martin controls production and service, all is well. Like all of us, he has the right act in his best interest. Selfishly, I hope his rifles are not added to the list of great products bought by folks who are unable or unwilling to continue offering an excellent product. As the doctor says, guess we'll have to wait and see. 
 
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