I am new to PCP, what is the best entry rifle?

I am new to PCP, what is the best entry level rifle?
Get one of these :p

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My vote is the Benjamin Marauder. I own one and it is extremely impressive for what it cost. I have seen used Marauders sold on this forum for $200. I started with an Umarex Origin and would not recommend that rifle. It was not accurate.
This is a very underrated recommendation. The basic Marauder has decent power in each caliber. If you're willing to watch one of the many youtu.be videos to customize or tune it, you'll get a lot of bang for the buck. I've tuned a 177 down to sub 12 and see 25s tuned hot to take raccoons. It can do the job in many situations. It's an accurate and reliable option
 
I think the Benjamin Cayden is hard to beat I really like mine. Has everything you need for just over $600. The new JTS guns also look very nice if you are on more of a budget. I prefer lever action over bolt so for me I would not pick a Marauder and I like the option of adjustable power. You can put a Huma reg in a Cayden as an option as well but they shoot pretty well without one.
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I will also recommend the Cayden as a first PCP. I did a lot of research before I purchased it. I looked close at the marauder. But the Side lever action vs. Bolt is what I really wanted.
- Traditional rifle style with wood

-3000 psi fill so I could hand pump, and I did for quite a while until I bought an air tank

-5-year warranty

-nice adjustable trigger

- Very accurate with low cost 14.3 Crossman pellets out to 50 yds

- Foster fitting vs. probe

-Low-cost Magazines (Can get them for $15 on Midway USA)

I go a great price (under $500) by calling Airguns of Arizona. There awesome to deal with and have great service and stand behind everything they sell.


It was my first and I feel I chose wisely. it's still a great rifle, even though I purchased a Brocock Concept XR, it can still hold its own with higher priced air guns.

Which is why I always recommend it to a first time PCP buyer.

And I've been shooting powder burners a long time, and the Cayden made me grin ear to ear when I first shot it. The accuracy (Pellet on pellet) was better then may powder burners I own and shoot.
 
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I would look for a rifle with a regulator myself.
Air rifles in general need maintence such as orings. I like DIY ownership, so I would see if the model of choice is easy to maintain.
Youtube has some good reference material.

Thats why I like an Air Venturi Avenger for the money. If you're not someone that just has expensive tastes, it should hold off the onset of upgraditis for quite a while. With the wood stock it's even a purty little number.

The Mrod is a great rifle and everybody loves them. But I don't see a reason to pay more for something unregulated with less power and adjustability on tap vs a wood stock Avenger.
 
I'll throw another vote out there for the Cayden. It was my second PCP, my first being an Umarex Origin. After getting the Cayden I began to hate my Origin. The Cayden shoots circles around it and has MUCH better build quality. Yes, the Cayden was more money, but it's in another stratosphere in comparison.

Personally I like the fact it isn't regulated, it keeps it simple and more reliable. It's tuned well enough that one isn't needed IMO. I get 48 shots from 3000psi down to 2000psi shooting 18.1 JSB's, and the FPS swing is only 895-910 over the entire 48 shots.

Fantastic rifle, solid power for a 22, extremely accurate and consistent, and great build quality.
 
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j3white,
I also just started and went with an AV Avenger
Synthetic stock under $350, wooden stock under $430. Look at the AEAC review of it (or any of the dozens) on YouTube there are plenty of other good choices listen to the experienced members here and the do your research. Good luck with your search, I am finding it a whole new world both similar and different than the powder side from where I came.
 
I say buy the best you can afford on your budget. I had been shooting a Benjamin 397 for about 10 years before I bought a PCP gun. My budget was $1000 to start. A Marauder, cheap scope and a hand pump is how I started out with PCP rifles about 8 years ago using some leftover tax refund money. The Mrod had me occupied for about 7 years before I bought a more expensive PCP rifle. Still have it and still shoot it. I never did find that I needed to spend money on a compressor, even with two guns to fill.
I also started with a Marauder and enjoy it. It was used and very affordable.
 
Just cough it out and but what you want, you’ll only wasting money in the long run. You’ll never be satisfied once fall into this hobby with any entry or mid level pcp.
Sage advice ! I come from a rifle shooting background ...still got a few dozen bangers from .22's to 375 H & H back home in Oz, but, as I live much of the year in Europe now I decided to try air rifles (to keep my eye in and not have to worry about PIA licensing/registration etc)....after getting a springer and not being overly thrilled... I bought a Hatsan Flash Pup PCP .... now I am hooked... and want an FX PCP .....soooo buy the best you can afford ....(.and then double it !!!)
.......'.Quality is remembered..... long after price is forgotten '!!!!
 
My first PCP was a Benjamin Marauder Pistol in 2019. I hand pumped it and really enjoyed it. So I bought a 25 caliber Avenger. I had pumped it too but it was a lot more work. So I bought a YH, then a SCBA tank and fill set. Then I got a P35 in 25 caliber. I like it so much I bought a P35 in 22 and 177 this year. Both are more accurate than the 25 caliber, the 22 also seems more accurate than the Avenger.

Depends on what you like and you may not know that before you try a few. I still like all my guns including my airguns but I like short and light more than longer and heavier. The Prod is the lightest and least powerful but I still like it too. I shoot the Avenger the least. I don't want to get rid of it but it is so LONG. I shoot the P35s the most. Short, light, accurate and powerful is a nice combination.

You are unlikely to only want one airgun if you decide you like them. If my Avenger cost $2000 I'd get rid of it. I don't use it enough. But it cost $300 and at that investment I'll hang on to it. I may get a more expensive PCP but for now I'm happy with my 5 entry level guns. I'm glad I did not try and decide up front what kind of airgun I like best.
 
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