RAW Micro Hunter.
This report covers:
- Winner
- What’s not to like about the MicroHunter
- The RAW MicroHunter
- Barrel
- Description
- Special sight
- Summary
Today we begin our look at the Rapid Air Worx (RAW) MicroHunter precharged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle. Whew! That’s a mouthful! A big name for a little airgun.
Winner
When I first saw the MicroHunter prior to this year’s SHOT Show I knew RAW had a winner. This little guy has none of that fancy wood that everybody is worried about getting scratched up. You can actually take this one out of the case! And, speaking of a case — well, wait for it. And the MicroHunter is lightweight and short! What’s not to like?
What’s not to like about the MicroHunter
Well, it doesn’t put 60 foot-pounds out the muzzle. I’m testing the .22 and can expect around 23 foot-pounds, according to the specifications. The .177 makes 16 foot-pounds and the .25 gets up to 28.4 foot-pounds. OH, NO! How ever can we kill that last squirrel? He’s nearly bulletproof, says the couch commando after a refreshing afternoon hunt through the corridors of his mind.
Well, you can’t shoot field target with it!
No, you probably can’t. By the way, have you ever shot field target?
No, but I hear you need a heavy gun to keep from wobbling around.
That’s right, this one is not for field target. It’s also not for extreme benchrest. It’s also probably not the best for broiling a steak. It’s a Micro HUNTER!
The RAW MicroHunter
The name says it all. Hunter means it is made for hunting. Micro means it is small. RAW means it’s accurate and has a superb trigger. And BB Pelletier will now tell you that this rifle comes to you in its own custom made hard carrying case.
The RAW MicroHunter comes in a custom-made hard carry case. Oh, look, Mable — there’s room for a small scope in the case!
“Well, what they shoulda done is …
- Make it more powerful
- Increase the shot count
- Leave out the case and cut the price
- Make it quieter
- Give me one for free so I can tell all my friends about it
Barrel
The Lothar Walther barrel is 8.5-inches long. Want more power? Put on a longer barrel. Yeah, but that’ll make the whole rifle longer. Yes, it will. Hence the name Micro Hunter. The hammer spring is adjustable, so there is some room to make changes, but I don’t believe it’s a lot. We shall see.
Description
The MicroHunter is 27 inches long when the 4-position adjustable stock is collapsed. It weighs 5.6 pounds. The buffer tube stock is compatible with AR stocks and the pistol grip will accommodate a standard A2 (AR-15 grip). The adjustable cheekpiece is ambidextrous. The aluminum chassis has M-LOK slots on both sides and the bottom plus Picatinny rails on the forearm and buttstock. The scope rail is an 11mm dovetail, rather than a Picatinny rail, so be prepared for that.
The 210cc air cylinder holds enough air for — well, that’s what we’ll find out in Part 2. What I can tell you now is:
1. The valve is regulated
2. The air intake is a male Foster fitting — yea!
3. The MicroHunter runs on 3,000 psi fills.
Tyler Patner did a great video review of the rifle. You’ll find it on the description page.
This is a repeater and the .22-caliber rotary magazine that inserts on the left side of the rifle holds 12 pellets. The action cocks via a smooth sidelever. Magazines that insert on the right side of the receiver are also available if you run a sidewheel on your scope.
The HM 1000X action the MicroHunter is based on is ambidextrous, and so is the MicroHunter.
It has BOTH 1/2X20 male threads AND 3/4X16 female threads for a silencer. It also has a BarkStripper adjustable air stripper that yields an incredible degree of control over the amount of air turbulence that affects a shot. I’ll have more to say about that when we start testing accuracy.
The safety is manual and the trigger is — well, this is a RAW, so the trigger is perfection.
Special sight
Remember I told you that I went to AirForce last Friday and Ton Jones walked me through the TalonBolt? Well, he let me hold his MicroHunter, too, and I liked his personal optical sight so much I bought one on the spot. It’s called the Lucid Optics P8. I’ll review that optic for you as well, plus I intend installing it on the MicroHunter for its tests. I’m hoping it will fit on the rifle inside the case, as I mentioned earlier.
Summary
Get ready, guys, because this report will be a long one. The longer I test it the longer I get to keep it! Nya, ha,ha!
After I get my 3662, this might be my 2nd DarkSider.
B.B.
Looks pretty cool. Wonder how it compares to a Leshiy? Similar concept.
Two guys at the range have RAWs. They have nothing but problems with them. Then again they try and fine tune EVERYTHING to perfection. Maybe the moral of the story is “leave well enough alone”????
When you do review the Prismatic scope of the Lucid, please compare it to other prismatic scopes.
Thanks,
-Yogi
Yogi,
I’ll have to look into that because I’m not sure I know another Prismatic scope.
BB
Yogi,
Okay, I have started my investigation into prismatic optics. I see there’s a lot to learn, so that report will be larger than I anticipated.
BB
B.B.,
I have a prism 3×, optic, 1st generation Vortex Spitfire, on my DAQ .58 Outlaw Pistol. The first generation has a BDC Reticle; more than just a dot.
For my AR-15 i use a 1×, R/G, Gen 2 with a separate 3× tip away magnifier.
They are, can be, way more useful than a reflex sight.
shootski
I had a .357 HM1000X. Straight out of the box I was able to shoot five shots in one inch C-T-C at one hundred yards. Yes, it should be left alone.
“Had”, as in past tense?
If it was so good, why get ride of it?
-Y
Yogi,
It was great for target shooting, but that was about it. I like to target shoot, but I need a little bit more power in a big bore for hunting, if I devolve to such.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
It was very accurate, but not suitable for big game hunting.
RidgeRunner,
Devolved? Lol!
In Virginia a .357 caliber airgun meets the requirement for Whitetails but i have problems with how Fish & Game around the country (USA) defaults to caliber or FPS instead of getting some fact based in the field understanding of airgun performance considerations.
Now a question: were you able to get more than 150 FPE on your .357 and did it do well with bullets (slugs) beyond 60-70 feet?
PA has the start to an education in airgun hunting here: /hunting-intro for readers who are interested in hunting with airguns.
shootski
shootski,
As it was, it could put out a maximum of 100 FPE using 81 grain pellets. At the muzzle. It would only carry about 60 FPE at 100 yards. I never tried it with bullets/slugs.
Martin Rutterford (the man, the myth, the legend) told me he could take it up to over 200 FPE, but I decided to not modify it myself. After a little horse trading, I ended up with an almost new AirForce Texan LSS w/CF tank in .457. It has geegobs of FPE. Now to see if it has the accuracy I desire.
I am also not crazy about the higher than 3000 PSI pressure. I can get up to 4500 PSI, but I am not crazy about it.
RidgeRunner,
Split the difference.
You should get a few shots even starting at 3k.
I hope your accuracy meets your requirements.
I don’t see the need for that level of power for anything you can hunt in the Commonwealth with an airgun. Even 500+FPE with the .458 DAQ results in most Whitetail being through and through with the proper pumphouse shots.
I don’t see how some folks say it increases the effective range or that it allows a heavier projectile. The longer range is bad since it means the TOF (Time Of Flight) is too long for my taste and the heavier projectile does similar to TOF for no real benefit on knock down.
That is why i use the suppressed .308 DAQ to keep the culled animals from jumping the subsonic projectile when the muzzle report gets too them first.
Hope you get some time and enough Lead to wring it out!
shootski
Hi Tom,
This will be interesting (as if all your other posts were not). _Particularly_ interesting. The MicroHunter isn’t even yet on the RAW/Airforce.com website. I wonder how you think it will compare and contrast with the Talon P or Talon SS, which I see are attractively discounted these days? Obviously multi-shot is a big difference (and of course the hard case), but are we looking at fuel injection vs. carburator, ABS versus pump the pedal and pray, or is this just a New Coke in a 12-pack vs. Old in a bottle?
Cheers,
Mike
Mike,
Wow! You ought to write this blog! I wish I could think of things to say like you just did.
BB
B Mike,
Unless you just had to have multi-shot, you can buy the Talon SS AND the TalonP for less than the Micro Hunter and have change left over. They all use the LW barrel.
BB,
Glad you mentioned the fact that you don’t have to worry about scratching a fine wood finish when you have a Black Chassis AR Style Airgun. I’m sure it was the overriding factor that made me convert two Marauders into military look alike assault weapons and purchase the select fire Western Sidewinder. It just never occurred to me, till now.
And you are right. I never did worry about scratching anything when shooting them. Totally relaxed. Well not so much when shooting full auto.
I’ll bet Ridge Runner is having second thoughts now and is reconsidering a “Matel-O-Matic”. 😉
Now, about that second Crosman 362 in the mail. If I just ….???
A fine Airgun Day to all. Stay cool! As in … Tach-T-Cool 🙂
Bob M,
I used to own a .357 HM1000X that was pre AirForce. It had a gray laminate sporter stock. It was a superb shooter. If your wallet can stand it, this should be an awesome hunting rifle.
No, I am not reconsidering owning a Mattelomatic. 😉 I still do not care for tacticool looks, although my Maximus does have a synthetic stock.
Tom,
You didn’t mention it but I assume that the barrel is not something that can be easily swapped out for a longer one if the owner wanted to.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Yeah. I would be quite surprised to learn that the barrel on the MicroHunter is swappable. That was just something I said.
BB
BB,
The barrel should be easily swappable as the .177 through .30 use the same action. To change the caliber only requires you change the barrel, bullet probe and magazine.
Curious about this one BB, looking forward to the rest of the series.
Hank
Hank,
I’m looking forward to this series, too, because I think this MicroHunter is a new world’s best airgun. Of course we won’t know until the testing is done, but up to this point everything seems RIGHT!
BB
BB,
Testing will show if the MicroHunter is accurate/consistent but to tell if it’s “the new world’s best (hunting?) airgun” it would have to be compared to its peers.
For some reason these little airguns are popular. Think a lot of people would be interested to see how the RAW compares to Edgun, FX and other similarly priced compact airguns. (Sounds like a couple more reviews need to be done 🙂 )
I’m curious about compacts from a technical perspective and to figure out what the attraction to them is.
Myself, I prefer full-sized airguns over carbines and can’t see the advantage of a compact, IMHO they give up too much for the (dubious) advantage of being easy to maneuver. But then I hunted with a 66 inch selfbow for years and never had a problem with its length… you just have to be aware of it.
Cheers!
Hank
Hank,
I “tested” an Edgun at the Pyramyd AIR Cup in 2019 and was thoroughly underwhelmed. The thing was very hard to shoot well, because it was just too small. Also the action required me to take the rifle off my shoulder to work the bolt and I lost all integrity of hold.
I haven’t tested the FX, except for the Dreamlite and that one fit me very well. That rifle was not accurate. I liked everything but the accuracy. Planned to buy it until that test, but no thanks! However, the fit was quite good.
BB
BB,
Your comments on the Edgun are pretty much what I would expect from that configuration. Hence, my curiosity about compacts and their popularity in general.
Sorry that you were disappointed with FX and the Dreamlite. I have a couple of ideas why the accuracy might not been up to par but that is all moot at this point eh?
Just want to say that I have 4 FX PCPs and they are are exceptionally accurate (all easily sub-MOA) even compared to my AirArms S510, Daystate Wolverine R and Weihrauch HW100 PCPs.
Hank
Hank,
Oh, I have shot accurate FX rifles in the past. But they had real rifled barrels — not the Smooth Twist (in any flavor). That’s just my experience.
BB
Vana2,
“…you just have to be aware of it.”
I can usually tell how a hunt with others is going to go in the parking lot at the trailhead. If the vehicle doors start slamming it is very likely going to be a poor hunt. Also the amount and type of CAMO is another big giveaway.
So many hunt considerations get overlooked; other than the latest trendy gear on display.
shootski
Shootski,
I’ve always been very particular on who I’d hunt with. Seen too many yahoo’s with weapons and a license to kill that I didn’t feel comfortable around. Attitude – towards others in the group, to the quarry and to the hunt itself are important.
When I was young I learned a lot about “hunting” from an Indian friend. There’s a huge difference between all the latest trendy gear and a true predator. When you start seeing mice in the bush you know that you have blended in and can start hunting.
I like to shoot with my technical stuff but I prefer to hunt with a homemade bow and arrows.
Hank
Vana2,
When it is family you get to hold your tongue, lay back of them, and just hope you aren’t flagged to often. It becomes a day in the field with maybe a small opportunity to lead and teach by example.
I have hunted from a kayak with an old guy who called himself an Eskimo. He was interesting to say the least and more. We did far better than the natives using power boats.
He complained about not being able to find his way around because “they” changed all the road signs to some other tribes tongue and spelling from the English ones he had known since birth.
shootski
Hello blogmates, I just received an email that the “Diana 240 Classic is in stock” the “Review, article, latest buzz” link takes you to B.B.’s 4 part blog ending in 2017.
So is this really the 240 Classic or the Two Forty?
Roamin,
We will know very soon because I ordered one out to test. As soon as it gets here (next week I hope) I will start the report. I’m pretty sure this one is German-made, though the low price does have me concerned.
BB
I can’t wait. P.A. could tell you what it is. I suppose I could call too.
I’m surprised after your recent reports that P.A. didn’t update their site. Some of the Q&A indicated that it was actually the Two Forty (Chinese version; German Engineered). Obviously, it would be better to have the 240 Classic’s T05 trigger for the same price as the Two Forty, but like I stated before: what can you really expect for a “Benjamin Franklin”?
RG,
For everyone’s sake, I do hope it is the 240 Classic and not the Two Forty. I think I will stick with my new 34. 😉
We are all eagerly waiting for your detailed guest blog on that one, RR.
RG,
Just went to PA. They only have one more in stock. In the Q&A section, it is stated to be the Chinese version. Once again, I will stick with my “new” 34.
I like the RAW Micro Hunter, I do not know why because I am more of a ‘steel and wood’ orientation, and I do not have a specific use for it in mind – not that I need that excuse. It is just that there is something about the whole package that looks right.
It combines a lot of interesting features: regulator, trigger, magazine, size. As I said before, I do not generally like the tactical look but in this case it all seems in harmony, rugged and functional. The air stripper bit sounds intriguing, I will be waiting on a follow up blog to explain more about it. Curious about sound suppression. And last but not least, the prismatic sight – there is another subject that I am interested in learning more about it.
OK, you did it again, I took the bait. I am looking forward for the next blog in the series.
Henry
Henry,
I swear I’m not trying to do this! It’s just when an airgun comes along that looks so RIGHT, I can’t help myself.
BB
I wish the RAW platform had some external power adjustments. Even the three position like the older FX guns would be great. I would also like to see a bull pup option.
David Enoch
David,.
This rifle as a bullpup would probably be longer! Either that or it would fit in your pocket. 🙂
BB
B.B.,
Make smaller…
Looks like If you removed the Buttstock it will be a fine pistol! Sort of like my DAQ .58—just not as much KNOCK DOWN NOW power!
shootski
I think as a bull pup it could have a 20” or so barrel which would be both more powerful for the same blast of air and also quieter. I know bull pups are not to everyone’s liking but I just think they are a smarter way to build a PCP airgun.
David Enoch
Ridge Runner
Too bad you don’t care for the tactical look of the latest heavy hitting PCP’s. I considered the HM1000X tactical, but the single shot side lever and low power lost out to the select-fire Western Sidewinder with a removable mag.
Now the 357 Western Rattler would be right up your alley. Same accuracy with an FPE adjustable from 90 to 275. good for a Coyote take down.
Mabe you could cover it up with popsicle sticks? 😉
There you go. Wood panel rail and stock attachments for the Cona sours. Some assault rifles with wood forearms and stock actually look good, a nice compromise.
Bob M,
ROTFWL! It is still a Mattelomatic! As a teen, I had a bolt action Springfield in .223. Great varmint rifle, but hardly a war weapon. I always thought that the Mattelomatic made a dandy little submachinegun, but a battle rifle? Nah.
Bob M,
What a waste of ammo.
One shot, one kill.
Now, the popsicle sticks might help.
RR
There is enough information out there to choak a horse on the M16 and all its variants. A lot went into it over the years to perfect it, but a lot had to do with logistics and its various uses in battle.
‘M16 Rifle Wikipedia’ has a very good long write up on it, start to finish. One point made was 762 rounds went completely through people and 556 destroyed people and they carried a lot more rounds to continue to do so.
The three round burst helped prevent ammo waste, but unrestricted full auto versions exist for special forces.
In an airgun full auto ‘would be considered a waste’ if used for hunting or target shooting but for entertainment, it can’t be beat. A simple added option on a semi-auto is the way I look at it now.
A no option full auto would be a machine gun and I don’t think it’s necessary, or possible? to keep pests pinned down as a hunter advances. For some reason they run from cover anyway.
And then there are those that try to hide under your car tires when you are driving. Toads are smarter than most of them.
Bob M,
You apparently like the Mattleomatic, I do not. Neither of us will likely change the other’s mind.
The truth is, there are variants that I would not mind owning. A short-barreled variant with a shortened M203, chambered in that .30 caliber cartridge with the same type of gas operation as in other better made battle rifles.
Better yet, just give me an AK. I have owned a machined receiver one previously. It is a much better made weapon. Yes, I have briefly owned that plastic and pot metal thing they call an assault rifle.
Hey, I am a one shot kinda guy. That is one of the reasons I really like AirForce airguns.
Well folks, this is a little off subject, but not too much.
This little spiel of mine is going to be cost versus results. This applies to almost everything in this world, but we will limit this little blurb to airguns. There are some pretty expensive airguns out there in la la land right now that promise some incredible results.
I do not know about you, but I have heard quite a bit of hype about this Micro Hunter. It has a LW barrel. Well, so do other AirForce airguns. It has a real nice trigger. You can ask BB what I can do with an AirForce trigger and there was more I could do with it. If my rememberer is working correctly, BB has an extremely accurate Talon SS. We will soon see how this thing stacks up.
I know, I know, it is a personal thing. As for myself, I will take the Talon SS AND the TalonP over this Micro Hunter. Just so you know, I already have a Talon SS. 😉
RR
So, we meet in the middle with AirForce. I have a Bounty Hunter with a bloop tube. And that reminds me. I never finished installing a paintball quad rail accessory on it. Just couldn’t resist it. Something was missing. Had to make it more Mattelomatic looking. 🙂
Bob M,
I have often considered a quad rail on the front of an AirForce. It could be handy if done right. 😉
RR,
I believe the plan was to use a paint ball quad rail forearm assembly and file it out to slip over the Condor and drill and tap a set screw or two. A lot of hand work I simply never completed after I figured it all out.
I also added a custom extended trigger guard, may have been for an AR pistol grip mount, can’t remember now, but I don’t think it had anything to do with it. Have to dig it out of the storage safe some day and send a pic.
I have one of those Walkonking trigger guards on my Talon SS. The larger AR grip is nice, most especially with these big paws of mine. I have communicated to AirForce they need to use a larger pistol grip on their airguns. After many years, I think they have started to do such. Typical of them.
RR
I have a feeling that an AF Escape SS in.22 is a very high standard opponent against this Light Weight Hunter. Multi shot no, but one shot one kill…
Bill,
I have never piddled with their Escape series. I guess they are all right, but how much lighter do I want to go? I used to carry a Remington 700 Varmint Special around.