RAW TM1000 field target pistol.
This report covers:
- Fill
- The test
- JSB Exact Express
- Now we know
- RWS Meisterkugeln
- JTS 10.4-grain Dead Center
- Shot count
- Next day
- Air management
- Trigger
- Summary
Today we look at the velocity of the Rapid Air Worx (RAW) TM1000 Chassis Field Target precharged pneumatic (PCP) air pistol. Can you remember what we wanted to know first of all? That’s right—we wanted to know if the test pistol has a 12 foot-pound limit or does it go up to 20 foot pounds? We will see soon after starting.
Fill
The carbon fiber tank version of the pistol that I am testing fills to 3625 psi / 250 bar. So task one was to fill it and then start the test.
The test
I decided to test the pistol with lightweight, medium weight and heavyweight pellets, just so we would all know. I shot strings of ten pellets each, and then returned to the starter pellet to get the shot count. Let’s go.
JSB Exact Express
First to be tested was the JSB Exact Express dome. Ten averaged 822 f.p.s. / 250.55 m/sec. The low was 813 and the high was 830 f.p.s.— a difference of 17 f.p.s. At the average velocity this pellet develops 11.81 foot pounds / 16.01 joules of energy.
Normally that’s just a nice to know number, though in some countries it is a legal requirement. In the sport of field target it matters because 12 foot-pounds and 20 foot pounds are maximum power levels, depending on what class you shoot in. Go over your number in that class and you will be disqualified.
Now we know
That test tells us we are testing the RAW Field Target pistol that tops out at the 12 foot-pound level. It should get a lot of shots per fill. (Boy—was THAT a prophetic statement!)
RWS Meisterkugeln
Next to be tested were RWS Meisterkugeln wadcutters. Ten averaged 802 f.p.s. / 244.45 m/sec. with a low of 785 and a high of 810 f.p.s. The spread was 25 f.p.s. At the average velocity this pellet develops 11.71 foot pounds / 15.88 joules of energy.
JTS 10.4-grain Dead Center
The last pellet I tested was the JTS 10.4-grain Dead Center dome. Ten averaged 703 f.p.s. / 214.27 m/sec. The low was 699 and the high was 708 f.p.s.—a difference of 9 f.p.s. At the average velocity this pellet develops 11.42 foot pounds / 15.48 joules of energy at the muzzle.
Shot count
To get the shot count I switched back to the JSB Express pellet. Would there be enough shots for a 60-shot field target match, including say 10 more to wake the firing valve and blow off a few bad pellets?
Guys, two and one-half hours later I gave up shooting after shot 204! There are enough shots in this pistol for two field target matches with wake ups and blowoffs. And there are no doubt even more but BB has a life to live and this air pistol just keeps on going!
The average in the velocity test was 822 f.p.s. In the shots that followed all three tests the low was 811 f.p.s. and the high was 851 f.p.s. / 259.38 m/sec. Of course that’s just up to shot 204!
I had hoped to determine where the pistol fell off the regulator, but that is not going to happen in this report. I will spend up to another hour shooting this pellet (JSB EXPRESS) from the pistol. For now let’s just say it gets LOTS of shots.
Next day
The next day I shot the pistol for another hour. It now has 311 shots on the first fill with no sign of giving up. The top velocity is now 857 f.p.s. / 261.82 m/sec. and the slowest on this day went out at 819 f.p.s. / 249.63 m/sec. I ran out of pellets!
More than 311 shots have poured through my rubber mulch pellet trap box.
The onboard gauge now reads just over 100 bar and the pistol is still on the power curve! I wonder where the reg is set?
Air management
I have no idea how well RAW airguns managed air before AirForce took them over but I do know that AirForce is the world’s leader in the management of compressed air. Their largest big bore that’s the most powerful big bore on the market gets three powerful shots per fill plus another two after that, where other powerful big bore often get only two. So it’s little wonder that this pistol is as good as this!
All I can advise you is take a full tin of pellets when you shoot this pistol and don’t worry about the air. This is the only PCP I have seen where you break it in on the first fill!
Trigger
Next I tested the trigger. Testing a RAW trigger is like riding in a Rolls Royce. Is it comfortable? Nothing better. It’s a ride for the princess who hurt her back with the pea.
It’s the same for a RAW trigger. This one came with the first stage set to three ounces and stage two breaking at five ounces. I know I complained about the Marauder trigger being too light but this trigger I can feel! It’s not a trigger for a cold day though. If I have to test it in a cold area I will need to increase stage two.
Summary
I have an AR-15 buttstock on order for the accuracy test. I’ll probably spend more time trying to figure the shot count on the first fill, too. I have a feeling this will be a good one!
Tom,
Not surprised with the number of shots considering this is a sub 12fpe pistol/carbine with a relatively big tank and a regulator to boot. Didn’t you say before that the formula for a consistent PCP is just a balanced valve and a large air reservoir? The regulator cuts down the time of balancing the valve and with the power limited to that level guarantees that it is just going to be sipping air from that tank. Monkeying around with the pressure output of the regulator will probably lead to limited increase in velocity with higher discharge noise and less number of shots.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
I have no need to monkey with this regulator. Or the trigger.
BB
BB,
I feel that RAW is shiping their airguns with the triggers set way too light for safety. My HM1000x came,factory set to only 4 ounces (now adjusted to 6).
I’m used to the ultra light match triggers on my 10 meter airguns but that is an “acquired taste” and dangerous to anyone used to more typical weights.
Just my humble opinion… I think that RAW should set their triggers to a higher weight and let the experienced shooters make adjustments as required for their needs. “Cold finger” level should be the minimum and “casual shooter” level would make more sense.
Cheers!
Hank
Hank,
You do make a point! But is six ounces “cold finger” safe?
BB
No, 6 ounces is not cold finger safe. Definitely not!
But, as a “serious amateur” shooter, used to match triggers on 10 meter target airguns, 6 ounces on my HM1000x was as light as I would go on a rifle that I use exclusively for the very controlled situation of being shot from a bench rest.
The triggers on my guns are setup according to their use. From light to moderate – 10 meter, target, plinking/pesting and hunting – as the environment dictates. When breaking a shot, 10 meter shooting is very controlled/focused and deliberate and a light trigger is fine. Hunting is more dynamic, taking the shot is not as “delicately” done and a too light trigger can actually be detrimental to accuracy.
I received (Thursday) a new PCP, a .22 caliber FX Leopard Sniper which I class as a pesting/hunting airgun. Fired a couple shots as part of my post inspection acceptance testing and found all to be in order. Just checked the trigger pull and it’s consistent at 1pound – as expected for this type of duty/application.
I will be setting up the this PCP as a bench rifle and may lighten up the trigger a bit. The Leopard is a substantial airgun, fitted with a large scope and will be a good weight. If I can’t break a 1 pound trigger without disturbing a heavy airgun sitting on a solid rest then I need to do a lot more practice on trigger control.
IMHO, too light is just as detrimental to accuracy as too heavy a trigger. Too light and a premature break is problematic, too heavy can disturb the sight picture. It’s a Goldilocks thing, but “just right” depends on what you are doing.
Just my 2 cents.
It’s going to be a “cold finger” (and butt) day for me as I have a new airgun that needs to be broken in. Above freezing today (which is warm for this time of year) and windy. But the snow is cleared off the shooting bench and I’m heading out as soon as I get the scope mounted. 🙂
Happy Friday all!
Hank
Vana2,
You need one of those heated electric stadium seats ;^)
good shooting!
shootski
Hank,
Why am I not surprised that you have an HM1000X? They sure are nice, are they not?
I had one for a bit. Mine was in .357, which is no longer available. I think the reason is that caliber has not caught on well with the benchers and the pellet makers yet. I do not understand as the first time I had shot mine I used a seven-power scope and put five shots in a one-inch CTC group at one hundred yards. This was before AirForce took them over.
RR,
Have to agree, the HM1000x is a really fine airgun. I just wish that it was more tuner-friendly.
.357 is a big one! I shoot mostly .22 with a couple of .177s in the cabinet.
I prefer low to moderate power airguns ’cause that’s what airguns are all about to me. If I want/need more power then I’ll grab a rimfire or centerfire. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Hank
Vana2,
Had the same thoughts about HI powered airguns, well almost. I have lots of every kind, except 10-meter types, and my location is not “Totally” safe for firearms. There are neighbors out there somewhere and that actually got me into somewhat powerful air guns to replace them for pesting in the first place.
It occurred to me, what will I have left if the other “Party” took control of government and confiscated all firearms? A long shot but California is working on it all the time.
A high powered .30cal select fire PCP airgun would be nice to have around. If they did not go for them as well. Like the EU I imagine. Must be the Prepper in me, however it served me well in life.
Bury it.
Bob M,
Move.
B.B.
Very cool pistol!
I thought the Max limit for FT was 19 fpe? I think that is what the sign says at my range…
-Yogi
PS have an enjoyable weekend everybody!
Pistol class AAFTA is 12 ft lb. WFTF rifle class is 12 ft lbs.
Yes, but there is another class, rifles up to19 or 20. Pistols I do not know?
Maybe not WORLD Recognized, but quite common in US.
-Y
Yogi,
Twenty foot pounds is a common limit in US matches. They limit the power to preserve the targets.
Perhaps your guys limit things to 19 foot-pounds to keep things well within the AAFTA rifle limits?
BB
This is the Energizer Gunny of airguns, proving that it is possible to do more with less, at least more in terms of shot count. In FM’s view it would still produce an adequate shot count with a smaller tank/air tube that would pressurize to say 2000 PSI. Only one way to find out, though – test the possibly Fawlty theory. Not trying to give Tom more work to do, though.
Please define what you mean by “adequate shot count”. Enough for an entire FT match? What maybe 60 shots, more less what is adequate????
-Y
Yogi,
For a 60-shot match 80 shots would be acceptable for me. That would allow for sighters to check my zero before the match and a couple blow-offs during. But some people blow off many shots and for them perhaps 100 or more might be the number.
BB
And FM defers the answer to the expert(s) – 80+ would be plenty for FM, Yogi. Of course, FM’s definition of adequate may not be adequate for you.
FM
I believe that the 210cc, 200 bar metal bottle version would fulfill your wish. Better looking also, to my eyes at least.
FawltyManuel,
Changing or providing choices of onboard air containment costs a manufacturer more money in a number ways. It also changes the balance of the device a ell a potentially affecting the regulator stability of the shot to shot air charge.
Remember changes to the upstream supply of gas pressure affects the regulator’s (or an unregulated valve’s balance) output pressure and volume. The other way, downstream, also effects the regulator (or unregulated valve balance) if flow volume and/or velocity are changed by changes to flow or dwell time.
One final thought is that percentage of change over say 60-80 shots is much more important for shot to shot stability than absolute source pressure change. I found that out using a large offboard CF Cylinder (100 Cu.Ft./2832 Liter) and an offboard regulator when setting up my unregulated DAQ Big Bore powerplants.
shootski
FM,
Do not give up on the lower air pressure! I just recently shot that .177 Max I picked up at the NC Show and it seemed to just keep on shooting. I filled it up and started shooting it until I was tired of shooting and the gal still had air in her. Will she go an entire FT match? I doubt it very seriously, but I do not care.
Your Marauder will operate on 2000 PSI. You will probably find that your M-Rod operates at a peak below 3000 PSI. It can be tuned down also.
BB,
Some confusion, the picture in P/A has a much larger carbon fiber air tank than the one pictured above and clearly shows the second regulated air pressure gage. Is the picture above an optional setup or an old picture. Assuming A/F may have upgraded it with a larger tank. Did not see options offered, at least with the one P/A is selling. Printed markings are not the same also.
My wrong, looks like an adjusting knob on the right side not a second gage. Oops it’s a fill port cover!
OK now I’m really messed up the smaller tank is pictured in PT 1.
Bob M,
I used a stock photo. The tank on the test pistol is larger. I fixed it.
Thanks.
BB
BB thanks for telling me, thought I was losing my mind when I returned to Part Two. Check the BLOGS home page as well.
Bob M,
Some things I dare not update. WordPress will defeat the blog if I make certain changes—or at least that’s what I’ve been told.
BB
Bob M,
On the RAW website they add a little bit moreso to the confusion by listing the CF Cylinder as 500cc in some copy and 480cc in other spots. Perhaps that is nominal size or the CF Cylinder supplier (and tank size) changed at some point.
You know that “Fine Print” stuff that says: Price and/or specifications may change without notice ;^)
shootski
Once upon a time, I was the proud owner of an HM1000X in .357. This was long before AirForce bought them out. Talk about an accurate shooter! At the time it put everything else to shame. My problem was I was raised as a hunter, not a competitor. Lugging that monster around was out of the question. It also was not powerful enough to do more than hunt small game.
Since then, I have become an old, fat, baldheaded geezer and am not about to go trapezing around in these woods looking to feed my family. Now I just sit up here on my own ridge and wait for the game to come to me and collect very old airguns. BB started something long ago when he introduced me to Larry and Don and told me to buy the 1906 BSA on Larry’s table.
The HM1000X found a new home long ago. I do not compete, but do keep my eye in, just in case.
RidgeRunner of the Peeples Demakrtik Repubik of Virginia 🙁
RR, check out my reply to Vana2 above.
Bob M,
About what?
There are a bunch of Preppers around here. There is also some stuff in the ground around here that might shock a whole bunch of those Democrats. I do not know for sure about that stuff and really do not want to know.
I will play with my antique airguns up here on my ridge and hope and pray all of them there folks just leave me, my wife and my dog alone.
BB,
Not sure if it’s just me and my Dish satellite internet set up but the highlighted links in the emailed blog entry updates / notifications, usually two included, do not work because you need to log in first. The link, or links are useless. Just tells me … No can do, when clicked on.
I never really log out but evidently just leaving the Blog does it. Still works as intended for notifying me of a reply anyway. All is not lost.
Bob M,
I stopped getting notified of replies to my blurbs a long time ago.
Bob M,
There are at least two IT teams to be concerned with. WordPress often makes changes that upset things and Pyramyd AIR’s IT also does some programming of their own. For us it’s like trying to fix a watch while balancing on a tightrope!
BB
Too many cooks in the kitchen.
Or like trying to work on top of a helicopter in the back of a small ship in high seas…. in the dark! … When your cold, wet, hungry and tired, and, well you get the picture. Like riding a bucking bronco in slow motion and having cold salt water thrown at you. The good old days!
ARGHHH Mate! Underway’s the only way! Land is a navigational hazard! Sailors were made for ships and ships were made for the sea! ARGHHH!
You know, folks, it just occurred to me that while Tomek has his Tomek-isms (“denial to the trash!”), BB has had some hilariously clever metaphors and similes. I don’t know how he comes up with them, but they are worth preserving. Another reason not to delete old blog posts.
I find that when I log in, there’s a little checkbox that you can check for “remember me” or “keep me signed in” or such. Even clicking that box, I have to sign in again about once a month. Probably a security thing.
Well, now that I have gotten that salt spray out of my system for a bit, I would not mind if someone was to send me a couple of parts they may have laying around not doing much. I am restoring an old Discovery I recently acquired. I have just successfully resealed it, but the previous owner did not reinstall the rear sight or the safety button when they unsuccessfully attempted to reseal it.
I am in need of the rear sight, the screw that holds it on and the safety button that has to be removed before the Discovery/Maximus can be removed from the stock. If any of you folks just happen to have these parts and they need a new home, please let me know.
RidgeRunner,
Must not have been on Sea Duty long enough to reach Real Salt Status!
After decades of Service in the Sea Service some of the sea salt will probably go with me to my final resting place in the Gardens of Stone.
You need to run a deep down check to know for certain if you really have it all out of your system. My guess with how often you write about the SALT you have some still!
shootski
shootski,
You are probably right. There is a part of me that still misses the rolling decks and the salt spray. Lately I have been wearing my hat that has the Navy flag on the front and says U S Navy on the back.
RidgeRunner,
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever”
Jacques Cousteau
Often said as well by old salts: The Sea can be a cruel Mistress to the new sailor or those who enter her realm and refuse to acknowledge her absolute power.
shootski
Wow,
The word is out.
“Don’t even think about messing around with American troops”
Just read around 20 American troops took out hundreds of Venezuelan troops using a mystery weapon.
Their heads felt like they were going to explode, started bleeding from the nose, vomiting blood and falling to the ground incapacitated. They then could not even stand up afterwards.
A new sonic weapon? Can’t wait for P/A to start selling them!
Bob M,
I missed that report. It would not surprise me though. “We” have been working on it for some time now. It probably should be issued to the ICE troops in MO.
Uncle Xi will have it next week. Maybe you can get one from him.
RidgeRunner,
Unkle Stalin and Uncle Xi have known about this since WW II…
This is an old, old weapon concept!
https://www.nevingtonwarmuseum.com/sound-cannon.html#:~:text=Toward the end of World,have felled a B-17 bomber.
shootski
RR,
It was in a MSN news article online and it was mentioned again on Newsmax TV. Called it a Sonic Weapon.
Bob
I can remember articles about sonic weapons in Popular Mechanics from the fifties. I guess they finally got it right.
On the other hand,, I can’t help but wonder,,, why. Not the weapon,, the “war”. I taught my kids that just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Apparently not everyone agrees, tho.
Ed
People need to follow the rules of society or be punished. Started with Adam and Eve.
Part of the price we pay for free will.
Bob
I couldn’t agree more.
Ed
edlee,
War is term with little significance ever since the UN promulgated its definition under International Humanitarian Law. The joke of course is on all of us since there is nothing about WAR (old definition) that is expected to be, or in actually is, Humane.
shootski
Shootski
War is, at least by my definition, inhumane. Whether or not the UN agrees really has little meaning to me. The issue today is whether “we”, as a country and a society should be acting in a warlike manner because we don’t like another country’s politics. It seems that there are a great many countries that fit that definition. Are we to try to change them all? Like we did in Viet Nam, or Iraq? It strikes me as a terrible business model. But that’s just me. What little I saw of war almost sixty years ago and the results afterward left me a bit wary of repeating the same things and expecting different results.
Ed
B.B. and Readership,
OFF TOPIC… slightly:
The majority take over by the Carlyle Group ( NASDAQ CG) of MEOPTA.
https://www.meopta.com/en/news/merger-of-the-companies-meopta-optika,-s-r-o-and-meopta-s-r-o/
I hope that MEOPTA can continue to do the same level of quality work that it did under the Rausnitz family’s guidance and ownership.
shootski