Tawnado Airguns’ RAW TM1000: Design, Variants, and Competitive Use
Introduction
Airguns have become very popular for sport shooting, target practice, and field‑target competitions. Among the many brands in the market, Tawnado Airguns is a name that many serious shooters in the United Kingdom recognize. Known for precision work and high‑quality airgun accessories, the brand has helped introduce some advanced airgun products to UK shooters.
One of the most talked‑about models connected with the brand is the RAW TM1000 PCP pistol, a high‑performance airgun designed mainly for competitive shooting. In this article, we will explore the background of Tawnado Airguns, the history of the RAW TM1000, its specifications, performance, variants, and important UK legal considerations for owners.
The Story Behind Tawnado Airguns
The brand Michael Tawn built a strong reputation in the British airgun community over many years. His business, Tawnado Airguns, operated from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire and became well known for supplying high‑quality airgun accessories and custom equipment.
Tawnado gained particular attention for its precision products, especially Sportsmatch scope mounts and custom‑made stocks. These accessories are widely used by serious shooters who need stable optics and accurate setups for field‑target competitions.
Over time, Tawnado also became closely linked with Rapid Air Worx products. Through this connection, UK shooters were able to access advanced competition airguns developed in the United States.
What is the RAW TM1000 PCP Pistol?
The RAW TM1000 is a precision airgun created specifically for competitive shooting. It was officially launched in 2024 by AirForce Airguns, the parent company of Rapid Air Worx.
Unlike many airguns that are designed for casual shooting or hunting, the TM1000 focuses on match‑grade accuracy and consistency. It is primarily built for field‑target competitions, where shooters must hit small targets at varying distances.
The pistol uses a PCP (Pre‑Charged Pneumatic) system, which means it stores compressed air in a tank. Each shot is powered by this compressed air, allowing for consistent velocity and accuracy.
One of the key goals behind the TM1000 design was to deliver rifle‑level accuracy in a pistol‑style platform.
Main Technical Specifications
The RAW TM1000 is available in multiple configurations. These include different power levels and calibers depending on the type of competition or shooting environment.
1. Caliber Options
The pistol is usually available in .177 and .20 calibers, both commonly used in precision airgun competitions. These calibers are popular because they offer strong accuracy and stable pellet flight, helping shooters achieve consistent and reliable performance during target shooting. 🎯
2. Power Levels
The pistol is available in two power options: 12 ft‑lb and 20 ft‑lb. The 12 ft‑lb version is designed to meet UK power limits for field‑target competitions, while the 20 ft‑lb model offers higher power for open classes or regions where stronger airguns are permitted.
3. Barrel and Build Quality
The TM1000 uses a 15‑inch Lothar Walther match‑grade barrel, which is widely respected for precision shooting. Lothar Walther barrels are known for their tight manufacturing tolerances and smooth internal finish.
This design helps produce extremely consistent and reliable shots. The pistol also includes several advanced features, such as a two‑stage adjustable match trigger, a smooth side‑lever cocking system, an adjustable regulator, and a dovetail rail for mounting optics.
Depending on the model, it may come with either a carbon‑fiber or aluminum air tank. Despite these high‑end components, the pistol remains relatively lightweight at around 5.5 pounds, making it comfortable for competition use.
Performance and Accuracy
Performance is one of the strongest points of the TM1000. Because it uses a regulated PCP system, it can maintain very consistent shot velocities.
In testing, a .177 version set to the UK legal power level has been recorded shooting pellets at around 793-798 feet per second. This speed provides excellent stability and precision for target shooting.
The regulated air system keeps velocity variation very low. Some tests have shown only about 8 fps variation over 30 shots, which is extremely good for competitive shooting.
Accuracy is where the pistol truly stands out. Many experienced shooters report extremely tight groups, even at longer distances. Some competition shooters say they were surprised by how precise the pistol felt during matches.
Shot Count and Air Efficiency
Another impressive feature of the TM1000 is its high shot count.
Depending on the air tank size, the pistol can deliver a large number of shots from a single fill.
For example, the larger 480cc carbon‑fiber tank can produce over 400 shots at around 11 ft‑lb from a full 230‑bar fill.
For field‑target competitions, this means shooters can usually complete multiple matches before needing to refill the air tank.
Available Variants
The TM1000 platform comes in several configurations to suit different shooting preferences.
Some common versions include:
.177 caliber – 12 ft‑lb
A lighter competition model designed to meet UK field‑target limits.
.177 caliber – 20 ft‑lb
A higher‑power option for open classes and international competitions.
.20 caliber – 12 ft‑lb
Offers improved resistance to wind drift while still remaining within competition limits.
.20 caliber – 20 ft‑lb
The highest‑power version available, designed for shooters who want maximum energy.
Comparison with Other Airguns
When compared with other popular airguns, the TM1000 sits in the premium competition category.
For example:
The Air Arms S510 is a well‑known UK PCP rifle that is reliable and accurate but designed as a traditional rifle rather than a pistol platform.
The FX Dreamlite offers excellent accuracy and a lightweight design, but again it is a rifle rather than a specialist field‑target pistol.
The Hammerli AP20 is a precision target pistol but is built mainly for 10‑meter shooting and operates at much lower power levels.
Because of this, the TM1000 occupies a very unique position in the airgun market.
UK Availability and Pricing
Due to its specialized nature, the TM1000 is not widely stocked in regular stores.
In the UK, it has often been distributed through specialist dealers connected with Tawnado Airguns or through official RAW distributors.
Prices can vary depending on configuration and accessories. Earlier versions were reported around £1,400-£1,600, but more recent models with upgraded components can reach £2,200 or more.
UK Legal and Safety Considerations
Airgun ownership in the UK is regulated, and it is important for shooters to understand the law.
1. Power Limits
In the UK:
- Air rifles are limited to 12 ft‑lb without a firearm certificate.
- Air pistols are limited to 6 ft‑lb without special licensing.
Because the TM1000 exceeds these limits, it usually requires a Firearm Certificate (FAC) for legal ownership.
2. Safe Storage
Licensed airguns must be stored securely. This normally means using a certified gun cabinet or safe to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Responsible Use
Owners should always follow safe handling practices when using an airgun. This includes treating every airgun as if it is loaded, always pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, and using a proper backstop while shooting.
Final Thoughts
The RAW TM1000 is not an ordinary airgun. It is a high‑precision competition tool designed for serious field‑target shooters who want top‑level performance.
Through the efforts of Tawnado Airguns and its founder Michael Tawn, UK shooters gained access to advanced airgun technology and premium equipment.
While the TM1000 is expensive and requires proper licensing in the UK, its performance, accuracy, and engineering make it one of the most impressive PCP air pistols available today.
