Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle, Synthetic Stock

Verified Purchase

Things I liked: Lightweight and accuracy

Things I would have changed: None

What others should know: None

Things I liked: This review is from a guy who has had this 25 caliber air rifle for about a year. This is not a review from someone who just bought it and is frothing at the mouth out of excitement over his new purchase. This gun is quiet, very quiet. Perfect for the backyard shooter who wants to keep harmony with the neighbors. Not as quiet as its little brother the Maximus with a TKO added, but you will be impressed. It hits with solid power, 40 foot pounds (or more) of force is very achievable. I felt the gun was pretty easy to tune, but then I was using a chrony to help me out. The 25 caliber barrel has proven to be very accurate for me. At 50 yards, you will own the bullseye with this air rifle. Mine really liked the JSB Exact King rounds in 25.39 grain. I will be re-tuning it for the heavier version of the pellet soon.

Things I would have changed: This is where this review will diverge from most... from things I would change, to things I DID change. First of all, out of the box this is a very good shooter. This is the very reason it was modified. Never waste the time or money to modify a so-so gun; chances are, you will never be truly happy with it. But start with a good platform which has excellent accuracy, and you can't go wrong. Mine ended up regulated, flyweight hammer, dual adjustable hammer spring, upgraded valve, ported and polished airways and the bolt recontoured for better air flow. Even with the lighter JSB pellets, it had no trouble reaching more than 40 shots at 40 FPE with only 1.8 percent in pellet velocity with unsorted pellets. There are plenty of how-to articles on the various airgun forums on how to do this, but be aware, it voids your warranty. Even if you make the choice to leave yours stock, you should be quite happy with it.

What others should know: An very good air rifle which can be turned into an excellent air rifle. This is the most accurate air rifle in my collection at 50 yards. The plastic stock makes me less concerned about getting scuffs from tromping through the woods with it. Once tuned or modified, very frugal on air use. The trigger is very nice, and is both crisp and light (once adjusted). Other guys at the range cannot believe what a tack driver the Marauder is. At 50 yards they were placing the shot exactly where they wanted, something which was outside their previous experience with air rifles. This air rifle has really raised the bar for my expectation of other air rifles; and that is a mixed blessing. It is easier to feel disappointed when I shoot other air rifles.