Video: Benjamin Marauder Pistol review

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@Smaug
It looks like you got a bad copy of the Marauder Pistol(Prod) as far as accuracy and stock not fitting securely. Mine shoots half inch group all day at 25 yards with Crosman Ultra Mags(Crosman guns like Crosman pellets). It also has one of the few magazines that will handle polymags. I did turn hammer spring one revolution clockwise to obtain this accuracy along with trigger shoe(same one that fits a 2240). It increased velocity on average by 35 fps. As far as wiggle in the 1399 Crosman stock, mine locks on like a bank vault not only on my Prod but on two different 2250s(Prod has same pistol grip frame as a 22400. I also like the hollow stock for light weight and you are able to hang gun on hook inside shop door for easy access. On my 2250s(2240s with longer barrel and 1399 stock) I slip a 12 gauge shotgun shell sleeve on stock to carry extra CO2 12g cartridges. 

I guess loudness is entirely subjective with people having different scales of loudness. My scale is not disturbing neighbors while shooting, which mine doesn't,therefore, in my case it is definitely backyard friendly. The Prod is a great backyard pesting AG because of it's accuracy and quietness, especially with in 25 yards for squirrels at it's power level and crows out to 40 yards.

I do agree with you on being a good first PCP. It was my first PCP and I found that I was able to pump it easily while recovering from a motorcycle accident and carry it when I was on crutches during recovery. I've had mine for over 6 years and it has performed flawlessly ever since with 1000 s of pellets through it.

I do like the size of it in pistol form (without stock) before deer season to use it for practice to mimic a large Encore hunting pistol which has a 14" barrel and is in 7mm08. 

Having said all this I appreciate your insight into your Prod and I enjoyed your review. It sounds like you and I have had two different experiences. I thank you for your time and effort.
 
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"Kev"@Smaug
It looks like you got a bad copy of the Marauder Pistol(Prod) as far as accuracy and stock not fitting securely. Mine shoots half inch group all day at 25 yards with Crosman Ultra Mags(Crosman guns like Crosman pellets). It also has one of the few magazines that will handle polymags. I did turn hammer spring one revolution clockwise to obtain this accuracy along with trigger shoe(same one that fits a 2240). It increased velocity on average by 35 fps. As far as wiggle in the 1399 Crosman stock, mine locks on like a bank vault not only on my Prod but on two different 2250s(Prod has same pistol grip frame as a 22400. I also like the hollow stock for light weight and you are able to hang gun on hook inside shop door for easy access. On my 2250s(2240s with longer barrel and 1399 stock) I slip a 12 gauge shotgun shell sleeve on stock to carry extra CO2 12g cartridges. 

I guess loudness is entirely subjective with people having different scales of loudness. My scale is not disturbing neighbors while shooting, which mine doesn't,therefore, in my case it is definitely backyard friendly. The Prod is a great backyard pesting AG because of it's accuracy and quietness, especially with in 25 yards for squirrels at it's power level and crows out to 40 yards.

I do agree with you on being a good first PCP. It was my first PCP and I found that I was able to pump it easily while recovering from a motorcycle accident and carry it when I was on crutches during recovery. I've had mine for over 6 years and it has performed flawlessly ever since with 1000 s of pellets through it.

I do like the size of it in pistol form (without stock) before deer season to use it for practice to mimic a large Encore hunting pistol which has a 14" barrel and is in 7mm08. 

Having said all this I appreciate your insight into your Prod and I enjoyed your review. It sounds like you and I have had two different experiences. I thank you for your time and effort.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tips, Kev. Any idea how would changing the hammer spring to increase power increase the accuracy? Usually going to MORE power, results in LESS accuracy or at least more pellet-pickiness...

Interesting, about your stock. Mine wiggles up and down like that on my 1377, 2300T and now on the P-Rod also. I read somewhere about shimming it inside somewhere, but that's a bunch of hoo-ha to have to do that on a new gun with OEM parts.

Good idea about the shell sleeve too! Those loops are elastic, IIRC, and maybe a P-Rod mag could be crammed in every other one? Would you mind trying it for us?

My loudness scale would be whether it turns neighbors' heads if they're working in their yard and I take a shot. The P-Rod would definitely alert them, where the Compatto wouldn't at the same power level. Maybe part of it is that my Compatto is a .177, which tend to be quieter, but to me, it definitely needs the moderator.

I'm glad to hear that it is a good long-term purchase. (once sorted!) Encourages me to bite the bullet for the Marmot Militia barrel if I can't get the Crosman one shooting right.

Yes, we have two different experiences. I hope some dude reviews it again after Crosman has seen my review and fixed their QC, so that it can be what it was designed to be. I suspect someone in a barrel factory in China is cutting corners on finishing, and if they can track down and spank that guy or gal, all will be well in the world of P-Rods again. :)
 
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The only pellets my PRod liked to spit were the Crosman Premier Domes in the Brown Box. I cant seem to find the CP 22 in the brown box any more, and eventually installed the MMHF 15" barrel and shroud which remain consistently accurate out to 50yds. With the HILL VALVE and MMHF I tuned it to an average of 745fps for 16shots. Oh, I did install a Lane regulator which resulted in the numbers below. I haven't done any work to the hammer system. But since Im happy with these numbers and this PRod's purpose is used mainly for pest control I decided to pause on further Mods. Oh, to tame that bark, I still mounted one of the first moderator from HILL. He has other moderators for the PRod, but the small one quiet it down enough and looks sleek.

739 ← the first shot always suck!
745
748
749
747
748
747
749
741
744
744
745
747
745
743
742

This is the field result with a MMHF barrel and Hill Valve but before the Lane Regulator at the time of video. Hek, I probably didn't need to install the regulator with this accuracy, but the curve was pretty steep and I felt it just needed a reg. With only the Hill Valve ES 28. Stock PRod before the Hill Valve ES 68. With the Lane regulator it gave an ES of 10.


I have a solution to your wiggling stock but I have to go help with my kitchen right now.
 
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@Smaug
My Prod was shooting in the low 600 fps so increasing power by turning hammer spring 1 revolution clockwise increased velocity to mid to high 600 fps, which with a light pellet (Ultra Mag 14.3g ) produced greater accuracy in my Prod. I cannot answer for yours. Paper is the truth-sayer.

Sorry about your stock wiggle. It just has not been a problem for me and mine is stored hanging on the wall. It is the community airgun when neighbor is over for pesting and plinking so it gets handled and shot often over 6 years running without a glitch.

You are right about shotgun shell sleeve. It will hold a mag in every other tube sleeve tightly. I slipped mags in with loading index forward.

My brother did put a moderator on his when Wicked Airguns sold them. It did make it quieter, but I have a large backyard and in my environrment it is definitely backyard friendly. "Backyard friendly" is such a subjective measurement taking into account different shooting environments. He lives in a large city and I live in a rural subdivision.

I'm with you on QC. It sounds like it has slipped on the Prod since my purchase years ago. It looks like you have some interesting mods lined up for the future. Dartagnan sure did some interesting things with his. What a shooter. Mine is zeroed at 20 yards but a 3 mil dot holdover can consistantly hit shotgun shells and hanging practice golf balls at 50 yards. That is lock/stock other than hammer spring tune, trigger shoe and a RB Cocobolo forestock.
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Good luck with your tune. Let us know how it turns out with this iconic airgun.
 
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I've had one for a few months and its shoots great. The stock will have some movement in it, that's just the nature of how they are made. I've got a v2 3x9x33 efr on mine.
Someone makes an after market rear stock for them that doesn't move but I have got over trying to change a rifle. I just buy a new one lol. A number of pellets work fine in mine but I just use JSB 13.43 now.

SePaCp3.jpg
 
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If Crosman didn't listen to anyone about the stock years ago, they're certainly not going to listen today. So lets move on, shall we? The moving stock did make me miss a shot at a starling once, and that's when I... well, took another shot at another starling but actually nailing it! LOL anyway...

As a quick but permanent fix of the stock wiggle. I tried several materials (wood, plastic) but found PigPutty to work the best.

Materials:
- Drill bit (to drill a hole big enough to allow some PigPutty through to help secure it) 11/64" bit is what I used
- Pig Putty
- Black permanent marker

Continue if you want to stop thinking how Crosman's QC is substandard and simply enjoy shooting.
Read below before starting. This may void your warranty. If you never worked with PigPutty before, consult with someone that has :)
- Remove the stock and drilled a small hole ← (You're warranty is done!)
- Cut a 1/4" slice of Pig Putty and knead (Remember that it sets in about 20mins so if you're still confused by 10mins you might as well start over)
- Before the Putty set, roll a small part of the PigPutty you just kneaded to go through the hole you just drilled. Push enough PigPutty to form a stopper and prevent the it from going back up the hole (see picture). 
- SLOWLY place the stock back on and get at least one screw back on the handle and tighten. DO NOT WIGGLE the stock up or down! You want the PigPutty to set without any movement of the stock. Slowly, put the other screw back on the other side of the handle. Again, without moving the stock.
- Once dried, blacken the PigPutty with the permanent pen to hide the hideous masterpiece you just created. 

NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT! One could just tap a hole and use a bolt. However, one big bump will strip the hole (because it's made of plastic) and one will have to start over. Nevermind and too late, I already written all this :) Good luck.


Had to check what size bit I used...
 
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I did some work on it tonight. Took it apart and cleaned the hell out of the barrel. It was dirty again. Changed the bolt to left handed. I noticed there seemed to be some lead dust around the shroud spacer. Hmm. 

I pushed a couple pellets through the bore with a weedeater line. It was a LITTLE tight near the breech end, totally loose in the middle, SUPER tight near the muzzle. It was all I could do to get the pellets out the end.

Looking at the pellets, they weren't shaved off at any point or anything. Looking down the bore at the rifling, it was clean, but didn't seem to be smooth. It's like the lands have a wavy pattern to them along their length. The bottom line seems to be a crap barrel. 

I shot it after reassembling it, and it was the same. Loosened up the shroud cap and it shot notably better. I was enjoying that for awhile, (maybe 80-100 rounds?) then they started to loosen up again. Damned wavy-landed barrel's probably dirty again. 

It's accurate enough for head shots on nutters at 10-15 yards, but that's it. I'll probably put a decent barrel in it at some point, but for now, I'm done with it. 
 
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That's a good review. I have had problems with those stocks as well. Accuracy? Geez that a tough one.

I avoid the nuts and bolts of this situation. I think the problem with the P-rod is you have now become spoiled with high-end guns, and the p-rod is simply not up to the task. I went down a similar road years ago. I had several FX airguns and a very nice Falcon (now defunct English airgun company). I got a new Talon SS for half the cost of my good airguns and was sorely disappointed with fit finish, accuracy, ergonomics, noise, air consumption etc. Currently I have settled in on a couple of very nice PCP's yet still have a couple of crosman 22xx series and a couple of Weirhauch springers, and accurized rimfire units

By spending time on the p-rod, your wasting time that you could be enjoying the S510 and the Compatto. Instead of extra guns, I put more cash into mid-grade scopes, and that was well worth it. The sub $100 scopes are dark with thick reticles, and hard to turn knobs, poor depth of field and lack of sharpness. Nice scopes and scuba tank would make your shooting more fun, and easier.

I'm looking forward to you Kral review, That is a sharp looking rifle.

Jay
 
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Yeah Jay, I think I will focus on the shooters a bit more. Do some soul-searching and sell some of the ones that aren't getting shot. The P-Rod though... it has a certain charm to it that makes me want to shoot it. I WANT it to be good, rather than just wanting to get rid of it. That's silly maybe, but I can't think of an awful lot of handy PCP pistol/carbines, that are better than a real pistol, but shorter, lighter and handier than a full-on rifle.

You're absolutely right about scopes. I can't lay off of the cheap ones though, and there are really some diamonds in the rough out there. For example, last night when the accuracy was good but not great, I put on my Simmons 6.5-20x50. Ridiculously large for this gun, but there's no doubt whether it has enough zoom on the long end to allow top accuracy. That scope was $150 or so, and is maybe the clearest one I have. It's just not springer rated, so it didn't get used a lot in the past. Reticle's a little fat, but it zooms to 20, so never an issue. The UTG 4-14x44 is a good one, but as you said, hard to turn knobs and with very sensitive eye relief. I get used to those, and then a good scope feels like a beam from heaven. I have a Hawke that is great optically, and with an etched reticle, but only focuses down to 15 yards, so not that useful for me; I shoot at 10-14 yards more often than anything, sadly enough. (10 yards to the bird feeder, 14 yards across my basement, and the back yard is only friendly to the very quietest of pellet guns, of which I only have the Compatto)

Right about the tank too. That's gonna be my next big purchase. I'll probably get a good US-made CF one, for lots of fills. Pellet bill's going to go up too.
 
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 "The P-Rod though… it has a certain charm to it that makes me want to shoot it. I WANT it to be good, rather than just wanting to get rid of it. That’s silly maybe, but I can’t think of an awful lot of handy PCP pistol/carbines, that are better than a real pistol, but shorter, lighter and handier than a full-on rifle."

Exactly! I'm drawn to it even though I have other PCPs that have better specs. I sure wouldn't want to put another $200 into it for a new Gaska barrel though. If you have a convenient place to fill a 4500psi tank, you're going to LUV the convenience and speed of it.
 
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They,re fun guns,to play mad scientist on, cheap,aftermarket parts for any tune MMHF barrel,and reg. doubles the money in it but you'll keep it for sure . my H/S kept backing out while I was tuning it,more gray hair. made a mag holder out of Velcro,cheek riser out of plumbing tail piece,and acouple pex rings and a scrap of alum. falls off the reg. shot 27 now i had it # 25 but to many variables .18.13 @650fps But the 700fps 16gr look like this @70 yrds and the day I put the barre on @ 35yrds I grab it for backyard duty 1.5"@ 35 is Quite common stock and from what I've read good for out of box -The little tuft of fur a squirrel forgets to hide,I let him know he missed a spot!
 
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Email, i have a stock barrel that i will send to you. Drop me your address and I will mail it out. I have the MM barrel and I need to get rid of the stock barrel so i will focus on tuning the MM.

I was shooting lights out with it before i started modding my gun. I have not gotten it back yet, but it is getting close. I had nickle size groups at 30 yards with CPHP and CPD. The barrel is yours for the asking.
 
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