Greetings from Alabama USA! It is fascinating to see the ingenuity Canadian gun makers display in the face of government insanity. Down here, it's just to have something different from AR15s to make a buck, but for you it's survival of a sport and culture! Subbed to support fellow shooters.
They have already addressed the failing oarts and have started making the better replacement that will ship out to everyone for free. Problems have occured but they are proving to have great customer service and care for their product
Nice looking gun. A bit out of my price range though. And that's exactly why I think Canada went after the AR-15. You could get one for half the price that can easily preform just as well as this thing.
Before I moved back to Canada I bought a new gun safe and a few more Ars. Diamond 5.56 and 308 and then a Wilson combat sbr 300 blackout and my parents let me keep them in their garage. Everytime I go back to New York or Florida I get the American out of my system before I go back😂 the new gun laws here don’t make any sense especially with handgun’s disappearing which effects the hunters alot. Everytime I’ve hunted here I’ve seen bears and it’s gonna suck trying to have a fast enough reaction time to swing a rifle around to stop a bear from ripping us apart since we can’t have a big bad 45 with a faster draw time to help us anymore.
@@jasontam228 Facts. Our laws have always been retarded, lol I can legally own a 110 round drum mag for my .22LR, but god forbid if I have a more than 5+1 in my center fire. RETARDED.
Lmao. Fucking everything about Canadian gun laws are a joke anyways, I’d still be rocking gods caliber if my hunts put me ain a possible situation like that tbh. Lmao. I’d rather deal with the ramifications if caught, as insane as those ramifications may be. You wouldn’t be coming out the wrong end of a pissed off bruin. Lmao
For anyone wondering about the bolt issues. They have the gen 2 bolt available on their website for warranty replacement. Just have to prove you have the gun already and they will send you a get 2 bolt, don't know if you have to pay shipping.
I’m with Mike on this one. I hope you can make it through the 1,000rd mark with no issues. I’m currently at 210rds and 18clicks on the gas block. I can’t go any lower or I get short stroking issues, even just going one less click. Currently I have two small crack forming.
Thanks Bats! Been looking forward to this vid for a while, thinking of making this purchase and more info and in depth coverage is appreciated! hope you're doing well.
if $ was no object/the price was equal , and assuming I would not want to upgrade with a calibre kit down the road so take that off the table too - would you get the raven 556 or the wk181C gen 2? why? is there another I should consider in the same style ? (seems theres not many choices here in Canada, and I know the calibers are didferent - but the raven 762 is simply too expensive...)
1: Be careful looking at Lockhart's site. The Raven 7.62 and Raven 7.62x39 are different. The Raven 7.62 is in 7.62x51. The Raven 7.62x39 is the same price as the Raven 5.56 (its not out yet though). 2: The Raven 7.62x39 and WK181 are not too far apart on price, I think ~$250-500 price difference. 3: I can not recommend the Raven 5.56 or 7.62x39 until we know if the new BCG fixes the cracking problem. Assuming the Gen 2 BCG fixes the problem, I would take the Raven 990/1000. From my experience, it has a better build quality, more compatibility, can use pistol mags, and it's lighter weight.
It seems like the "gold" version is no longer for sale, hence the price increase. But there is a version to replace the gold that is cheaper soming sometime soon I think
I should get mine this week or next. It's supposed to have the gen2 bcg.. I'm going to throw a combat load down her, and if it breaks lockhart, better make it good.
Havent had a semi auto before, but i just got one of these the other day. I set the gas block to 23 clicks after the 15 click break in period and it will eject sometimes but will never chamber another round or hold the bolt open on last round. Undergassed, no? Just seems like a lot of clicks based on what others run theirs at. I know this is something i couldve figured out myself but I was getting harassed by deer flies and had to leave before i could fix it, just wondering so I can get it right quickly next time I go out.
The only upgrade is the trigger, everything else required for function is stock. Even then, the trigger is just a fancy mil-spec trigger. Accessories like grips, stocks, optics, and muzzle devices are personal preference and stand on their own outside of the function and reliability of any firearm.
Hey bro, I was thinking about getting this as my first rifle. Apart from the Platinum upgrade are there any of their proprietary upgrades offered on their site that you would reccomend? THanks!
The top charging handle is entirely personal preference. If you like top charging handles, it will be worth it. The muzzle brake might be good, idk. But it is a bit pricey and I think you can get at least the same performance from something else. I don't think their pic rails are worth the price. It's cool how they attach, but you can just buy MLOK pic rail adapters for far cheaper. I have heard the extended received pins are cool, but their only worth it if you plan on switching between the the different uppers and magwells frequently IMO.
@@bats8888Okay cool thanks brother. I'm going to wait and see how the new BCG performs so hopefully you do a review when it comes out :) Also would you reccomend the adjustable buffer tube or is the stock one fine? Thanks!
What tool we are using to remove the block on the top so I can put charging handle on…I wanna see you use which type of hex to remove it but you do not have it in the video 😅😅😅😅
@@bats8888 Found someone with the same question with me on Reddit. Found out that 9/64 is a good match. Now I have took that little steel block out and put my top charging handle in place :)
I'll have the first shots video up on Friday I think. Forst impressions, it could be the best sub $2k rifle in Canada by a mile. But there are problems and if they aren't fixed, it's detrimental.
@@bats8888Pretty good gun it seems. I've also read about numerous issues with this rifle, and until they are fixed, I think it is better to go for the new BCL Siberian which had zero issues so far outside the early model firing pin problem which was already fixed by sending a new pin to owners.
BCL SRV2 has major problems with the gas block. Lots of reports of it breaking after only a couple rounds and even reports of it breaking without any rounds shot. It also has overinsertion issues. On the whole, it seems like a decent rifle. But it's certainly not flawless. If the Gen 2 BCG on the Raven fixes the problem, it will blow the SRV2 out of the water.
@@bats8888 Oh hmm, good to know it. I heard the raven lower kit can convert an AR-15 to a non-restricted Raven rifle (by transfering the AR upper to the Raven lower) so that can get rid of the prohibited ban. I thought it will do the same to an ar 9mm. Thanks for the clarification.
It can take all AR-15 parts except BCG, upper, and lowers. The Raven 5.56 uses AR bolts and other BCG parts, but not the carrier itself. The Raven 9 BCG is entirely proprietary. That's the difference.
@@bats8888 @bats8888 Wow. I havent seen one yet with a different hand guard installed which surprises me. As some one new to these things where could I get my hands on some other "EH ARE" hand guards?
There was one guy that posted a Raven with an aftermarket handguard. You can search up AR handguards on arsenalforce.ca. I also like the Coronus M-LOK handguards from True North Arms.
They haven't confiscated shit, we still all have our banned rifles, they're just sitting in safes. We push back as much as we can, we aren't Australia and New Zealand.
@@bats8888 if you turn the Allen key on top of the gas block you’ll get the clicks. It’s a neat set up under that Allen screw is a little spring with a ball underneath
It's janky, but it didn't come with a allen key and I don't have one that's that small. So I used a torx security bit to get it kinda tight, but not enough for it to click. I gotta find one that fits. And it should be all set. Regardless, I had no issues with gas system reliability.
it may not be this rifle but i think it is if so ive seen this thing fail like 4 times brand new sub 100 rounds lmfao also over insertion is a thing apparently with pmags Canadian firearm manufactures are just shit all around for the most part poor testing is always the case if you need a rifle sub 2k$ t97 or type81 or a sks they will out perform reliability wise every Canadian option for less. otherwise just get a tavor or b&t just skip past the shit ar18 wannabes
I honestly see no point in the top charging handle. Especially When it comes to aiming down range. It's cumbersome to try to pull the top charging handle and keep the gun safely pointed down range. Side charging handles always work perfect. I guess i'm an AK type of guy. My range would never want you to point your gun in the air to properly pull the top charge handle. It's not an AR and it doesn't have to be an AR
@lancesvoice It's not very easy with a very long rifle that can be front heavy. Top charging handle only works good on those smaller rifles. Restricted fx-9 is a good example.
Greetings from Alabama USA! It is fascinating to see the ingenuity Canadian gun makers display in the face of government insanity. Down here, it's just to have something different from AR15s to make a buck, but for you it's survival of a sport and culture!
Subbed to support fellow shooters.
They have already addressed the failing oarts and have started making the better replacement that will ship out to everyone for free. Problems have occured but they are proving to have great customer service and care for their product
Nice looking gun. A bit out of my price range though. And that's exactly why I think Canada went after the AR-15. You could get one for half the price that can easily preform just as well as this thing.
Need a solid 5.56 AR alternative in Canada.
Before I moved back to Canada I bought a new gun safe and a few more Ars. Diamond 5.56 and 308 and then a Wilson combat sbr 300 blackout and my parents let me keep them in their garage. Everytime I go back to New York or Florida I get the American out of my system before I go back😂 the new gun laws here don’t make any sense especially with handgun’s disappearing which effects the hunters alot. Everytime I’ve hunted here I’ve seen bears and it’s gonna suck trying to have a fast enough reaction time to swing a rifle around to stop a bear from ripping us apart since we can’t have a big bad 45 with a faster draw time to help us anymore.
We were never permitted to carry handguns in the woods. The new laws made it impossible to buy or transfer handguns, so enjoy them when you go down.
@@jasontam228 Facts. Our laws have always been retarded, lol
I can legally own a 110 round drum mag for my .22LR, but god forbid if I have a more than 5+1 in my center fire. RETARDED.
Bro admitted to illegally carrying a gun
bear spray amigo.
Lmao. Fucking everything about Canadian gun laws are a joke anyways, I’d still be rocking gods caliber if my hunts put me ain a possible situation like that tbh. Lmao. I’d rather deal with the ramifications if caught, as insane as those ramifications may be. You wouldn’t be coming out the wrong end of a pissed off bruin. Lmao
For anyone wondering about the bolt issues. They have the gen 2 bolt available on their website for warranty replacement. Just have to prove you have the gun already and they will send you a get 2 bolt, don't know if you have to pay shipping.
Good luck with ur 1000rd review most ppl aren’t making it past 500 rd I’m at 225 and my bolt kicked it
Well...
canadian manufacturer moment
;(
I'm under 200 I believe Mike 😅
I’m with Mike on this one.
I hope you can make it through the 1,000rd mark with no issues.
I’m currently at 210rds and 18clicks on the gas block. I can’t go any lower or I get short stroking issues, even just going one less click.
Currently I have two small crack forming.
This is a very nice rifle and I think I'll give it a try in the future. But for now I got my eyes on the new BCL Siberian.
My brother just got a siberian and its prettty sweet.
Hey man great video, extended pins are helpful to change the calibre quickly. With regular ones, sometimes it’s a lot of play.
Thanks Bats! Been looking forward to this vid for a while, thinking of making this purchase and more info and in depth coverage is appreciated! hope you're doing well.
if $ was no object/the price was equal , and assuming I would not want to upgrade with a calibre kit down the road so take that off the table too - would you get the raven 556 or the wk181C gen 2? why? is there another I should consider in the same style ? (seems theres not many choices here in Canada, and I know the calibers are didferent - but the raven 762 is simply too expensive...)
1: Be careful looking at Lockhart's site. The Raven 7.62 and Raven 7.62x39 are different. The Raven 7.62 is in 7.62x51. The Raven 7.62x39 is the same price as the Raven 5.56 (its not out yet though).
2: The Raven 7.62x39 and WK181 are not too far apart on price, I think ~$250-500 price difference.
3: I can not recommend the Raven 5.56 or 7.62x39 until we know if the new BCG fixes the cracking problem. Assuming the Gen 2 BCG fixes the problem, I would take the Raven 990/1000. From my experience, it has a better build quality, more compatibility, can use pistol mags, and it's lighter weight.
Nice rifle, time to upgrade the optics now!
only under 2k if you get the bare bones model, 3k after taxes when you order it with the parts you want.
Thanks for the review, Bats!
Did these go up in price quite a bit?🤔
It seems like the "gold" version is no longer for sale, hence the price increase. But there is a version to replace the gold that is cheaper soming sometime soon I think
Not an AR-15 Poly. I know you watch every video.
I should get mine this week or next. It's supposed to have the gen2 bcg.. I'm going to throw a combat load down her, and if it breaks lockhart, better make it good.
Oh, when did you hear about the Gen 2 BCG?
Havent had a semi auto before, but i just got one of these the other day. I set the gas block to 23 clicks after the 15 click break in period and it will eject sometimes but will never chamber another round or hold the bolt open on last round. Undergassed, no? Just seems like a lot of clicks based on what others run theirs at. I know this is something i couldve figured out myself but I was getting harassed by deer flies and had to leave before i could fix it, just wondering so I can get it right quickly next time I go out.
Sounds undergassed. I've seen others says 15 was way too low as well. So long as it's threaded in, just keep backing out until it cycles.
You gotta keep it undergassed until you break it in. About 50 rounds or so.
Is it still legal? Looks too scary for Juthtin to leave it untouched
It is not prohibited
@@bats8888 Glad to hear :)
So you got the platinum, does all that stuff come pre-installed or am I gonna have to do it myself? Or take it to be done by a gun smith.
It comes installed for you
Not really a review if you already upgraded the thing. But appreciate the time spent.
The only upgrade is the trigger, everything else required for function is stock. Even then, the trigger is just a fancy mil-spec trigger.
Accessories like grips, stocks, optics, and muzzle devices are personal preference and stand on their own outside of the function and reliability of any firearm.
How long did it take to receive yours after you ordered it
About 6 weeks. When I ordered it said 2-3 weeks, but then they ran out of black cerakote and that doubled the order time.
Hey bro, I was thinking about getting this as my first rifle. Apart from the Platinum upgrade are there any of their proprietary upgrades offered on their site that you would reccomend? THanks!
The top charging handle is entirely personal preference. If you like top charging handles, it will be worth it.
The muzzle brake might be good, idk. But it is a bit pricey and I think you can get at least the same performance from something else.
I don't think their pic rails are worth the price. It's cool how they attach, but you can just buy MLOK pic rail adapters for far cheaper.
I have heard the extended received pins are cool, but their only worth it if you plan on switching between the the different uppers and magwells frequently IMO.
@@bats8888Okay cool thanks brother. I'm going to wait and see how the new BCG performs so hopefully you do a review when it comes out :) Also would you reccomend the adjustable buffer tube or is the stock one fine? Thanks!
What tool we are using to remove the block on the top so I can put charging handle on…I wanna see you use which type of hex to remove it but you do not have it in the video 😅😅😅😅
I don't know the exact hex size. You can also use a torx screw head if you don't have the right hex (not great but it can work).
@@bats8888 Found someone with the same question with me on Reddit. Found out that 9/64 is a good match. Now I have took that little steel block out and put my top charging handle in place :)
Do you think the MANTIS BLACKBEARD X would work with it?
I'm gonna say no since that uses an AR bolt carrier thing and this will not take AR bolt carriers
Did the gas block and gas key come steaked?
No, just screwed in.
That or wk180 gen2?
The Raven is by far the better gun, but it's also like $1-1.5k more. They're not really comparable because of the price difference.
What category, unrestricted?
Non-restricted by default, can be made into restricted with a shorter barrel.
No way, which one do you like better the WK181 or Lockhart 556?
I'll have the first shots video up on Friday I think.
Forst impressions, it could be the best sub $2k rifle in Canada by a mile. But there are problems and if they aren't fixed, it's detrimental.
@bats8888 I too would love to see what you think between the two rifles
@@bats8888Pretty good gun it seems. I've also read about numerous issues with this rifle, and until they are fixed, I think it is better to go for the new BCL Siberian which had zero issues so far outside the early model firing pin problem which was already fixed by sending a new pin to owners.
BCL SRV2 has major problems with the gas block. Lots of reports of it breaking after only a couple rounds and even reports of it breaking without any rounds shot. It also has overinsertion issues.
On the whole, it seems like a decent rifle. But it's certainly not flawless. If the Gen 2 BCG on the Raven fixes the problem, it will blow the SRV2 out of the water.
@@bats8888 what about the raven vs tge WK181?
does the lower compatible with ar9 upper? Thanks.
No. It's not compatible with any armalite receiver.
Only the Raven uppers.
@@bats8888 Oh hmm, good to know it. I heard the raven lower kit can convert an AR-15 to a non-restricted Raven rifle (by transfering the AR upper to the Raven lower) so that can get rid of the prohibited ban. I thought it will do the same to an ar 9mm. Thanks for the clarification.
It can take all AR-15 parts except BCG, upper, and lowers. The Raven 5.56 uses AR bolts and other BCG parts, but not the carrier itself. The Raven 9 BCG is entirely proprietary.
That's the difference.
Cmon RUclips. A min and half add and then another 3 min add? Your starting to mess up your platform
Does it accept and like cross mags?
Yes
@@bats8888 do you know if there’s any shorter hand guards that work with it?
It accepts all AR handguards and barrel nuts. You can order it from their website without the handguard and barrel nut.
@@bats8888 @bats8888 Wow. I havent seen one yet with a different hand guard installed which surprises me. As some one new to these things where could I get my hands on some other "EH ARE" hand guards?
There was one guy that posted a Raven with an aftermarket handguard. You can search up AR handguards on arsenalforce.ca.
I also like the Coronus M-LOK handguards from True North Arms.
The markings are kind of toyish, and crappy maybe none would be better
Canada? I thought you guys turned in all your guns already?
They haven't confiscated shit, we still all have our banned rifles, they're just sitting in safes.
We push back as much as we can, we aren't Australia and New Zealand.
Hey bats I made a vid explaining the gas if you’re interested
I watched that to get it set. I can't really hear or feel the clicks, but I got it set and cycling reliably anyway.
@@bats8888 if you turn the Allen key on top of the gas block you’ll get the clicks. It’s a neat set up under that Allen screw is a little spring with a ball underneath
It's janky, but it didn't come with a allen key and I don't have one that's that small. So I used a torx security bit to get it kinda tight, but not enough for it to click.
I gotta find one that fits. And it should be all set. Regardless, I had no issues with gas system reliability.
it may not be this rifle but i think it is if so ive seen this thing fail like 4 times brand new sub 100 rounds lmfao
also over insertion is a thing apparently with pmags
Canadian firearm manufactures are just shit all around for the most part poor testing is always the case
if you need a rifle sub 2k$ t97 or type81 or a sks they will out perform reliability wise every Canadian option for less.
otherwise just get a tavor or b&t
just skip past the shit ar18 wannabes
Also CZ Bren 2
You're thinking of the BCL SRV2.
This is not an AR-180B variant. It uses direct impingement like an AR-15.
@@bats8888 AH fair i see side charging handle and go monkey
Sorry that you guys can't have the choices we have in some of the free states in the US. Hopefully one day your dictator will be gone.
I honestly see no point in the top charging handle. Especially When it comes to aiming down range. It's cumbersome to try to pull the top charging handle and keep the gun safely pointed down range. Side charging handles always work perfect. I guess i'm an AK type of guy. My range would never want you to point your gun in the air to properly pull the top charge handle. It's not an AR and it doesn't have to be an AR
That's how I feel too. It's a best of both worlds design solution, let the customer pick their preferred charging handle.
You can point it down range and use your right index finger. Multiple ways to use a top charge
Ya, I just find it more cumbersome. Especially if I need to manipulate other controls.
@lancesvoice It's not very easy with a very long rifle that can be front heavy. Top charging handle only works good on those smaller rifles. Restricted fx-9 is a good example.
It comes down to training, what you train for is what you will do.