My first PCP?

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From everything I've read I believe the Marauder is a good first rifle. Take a look on Pyramyd Air, there are a lot of very nice rifles in the 5 to $600 price range. That might give you a good idea of some comparable rifles.

From there you might consider checking the classified section on this forum where you can probably find used rifles that would go for around $1,000 new and get them at the price of a new $600 gun.
 
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my first was the Umarex Gauntlet in .22. Amazing for it's price from Sportsman Guide $242 very accurate ..just research it in YouTube and the mods you can make on them are easy, look up Hajimoto Production. Best of all it can do 1/4" groups at 30 yrds using Crossman Premiers Hallow Points.. super cheap at WalMart. Now my second PCP was the Diana Outlaw at $500.. ... stacks pellets all day long with JSB 18grs (a bit more expensive) much lighter and shorter than the Gauntlet...also the rifle lines fit and finish are smooth.. unlike the Gauntlet. My 3rd was a gem at the pawn shop a Hatsan AT44 long QE $300.. wow talk about power 1050 FPS also very accurate and not pellet fussy and finally my recent purchase was from Hatsan USA a refurb Bullboss.. also a hard hitter you can hear it smacking squirrels at 40 yards. Or you can go all out and go with the "boutique" PCP like Daystate, FX. As for the Marauder.. I never gave it a second look I'm sure its a good PCP too. well that's my 2 cents on the table :) Semper Fi
 
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Having owned several Marauder’s both gen 1 & 2 in all calibers my suggestion is to invest in the basic marauder and the balance of the difference in optics.

if sub quarter size groups at 50 yards and 4 mags minimum per fill are inadequate, then the F&T would be a better choice. 

You will get less energy on the target, and yes, you can tune it for more energy but you will give up the shot count you paid for in the F&T. 

Is the LW barrel worth it? Personally, I’m not going to spend the money installing one in in my guns to shrink the groups by a mear 1/4”@50y.

besides, you can always get the barrel and the reg later down the road if you just gotta have them.

let your wallet and you conscience be your guide.
 
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Having owned several Marauder’s both gen 1 & 2 in all calibers my suggestion is to invest in the basic marauder and the balance of the difference in optics.

if sub quarter size groups at 50 yards and 4 mags minimum per fill are inadequate, then the F&T would be a better choice. 

You will get less energy on the target, and yes, you can tune it for more energy but you will give up the shot count you paid for in the F&T. 

Is the LW barrel worth it? Personally, I’m not going to spend the money installing one in in my guns to shrink the groups by a mear 1/4”@50y.

besides, you can always get the barrel and the reg later down the road if you just gotta have them.

let your wallet and you conscience be your guide.
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Thank you for your thoughtful response. Very helpful.
 
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I will venture that the .25 caliber barrel on the Marauder is more "consistently" their best stock barrel. The choice of a Marauder is more dependent upon the person, than the gun. It remains to be one of the most modifiable air rifle out there, with the greatest selection in after market parts. If you area tinkerer, that is a good thing. If you just want a specific set of features (high shot count, or high power) out of the box, then it may not be the choice for you. Some of the upgraded Marauders seen in this forum achieve some rather amazing numbers, but remember, they don't come out of the box with 40 plus shots at 40 FPE.
 
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My 1st pcp was the Gen-2 synthetic .25 Marauder. It took some "fiddlin" to get it where I wanted it.(16+ shots at 52+ ft lbs using JSB 33.95's)

Next was a .22 Kral Puncher Breaker. 40 Very accurate shots at 30+ ft lbs. Its been as reliable as a bowling ball. I did upgrade the cocking lever, just for asthetics.

The big surprise was my 199.90 .177 Gauntlet.(Refurb from Field Supply) GREAT gun to tinker with! (Thanks Hajimoto and Southern Gunner!) Installed a 380cc bottle and it's been an absolute JOY to shoot!

If You like to tinker,the Gauntlet will make You Very happy!! Just my .02

Mike.
 
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I own a lot of airguns ranging from tight budget minded easy on the wallet entry level starter economy to extremely high end Happy BDay MerryXMas to me you only live once sell your only child or an organ today is your last day on Earth guns. I own multiples of my favorites.

I also bought guns that I was forced to spend money on to get them to work properly as well as some you want to use as a boat anchor.

I just bought a Marauder Field and Target with Lothar Walther barrel with a FIVE YEAR WARRANTY. I especially like the quietness, trigger, and the trouble free magazines. I really don't like when I buy a multi shot gun and the magazine hangs up or causes errant fliers and am forced to single load for accuracy.

I own a lot of Marauders and spent a lot of money on after market upgrade parts, regulators, Lothar Walther barrels, stocks, air tube extensions, added on LDCs, professional tunes and I have to say that the Marauder can be one of the most accurate airguns and a real joy to shoot especially with a regulator and Lothar Walther barrel.

I have no plans on doing anything to void the FIVE YEAR WARRANTY. After doing a lot of research on the new Field and Target Lothar Walther model I just had to have one. Lookup Shooter1721 videos search Marauder Field and Target.

I must admit that there are a lot of choices for a first time airgun for any newbie but a FIVE YEAR WARRANTY from a long standing company who offers great customer service can't be beat and you shouldn't have to tune or spend more money on a gun that is supposed to shoot as it should out of the box. I have to say based on my ownership, Marauders are very reliable and the only problems I had was the bad Crosman barrels mostly in 22 caliber which appears as though may have been improved but I am not taking any chances and opted for the Lothar Walther barrel. I have several Crosman and Benjamin guns such as the 1701P, 1720T and Challenger which come equiped with Lothar Walther barrels and they all are tack drivers out of the box. I have Lothar Walther barrels on several of my P-Rods as well and they are a night and day difference in accuracy especially for shooting at extremely long distances for any pistol.

I also have to say that power isn't everything if you can't reliably hit what you are aiming at.

I am an accuracy, trigger, quiet, and magazine snob.

Good luck and no second guessing when you buy what you have your heart and mind already set on.

"Talk to me Goose"



CA
 
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AND...WELCOME ABOARD!

The Goose is now loose!

CA
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Thank you for the welcome and I much appreciate your insights. At 67 I am a lifetime shooter, but new to airguns. I started out a few months back just wanting something to shoot in my basement during the cold months. Now I am at least a little obsessed. My main hobby has been loading for and shooting antique cartridge firearms. Mostly Civil War era breech loaders. I take old guns that most people would consider wall hangers and make those old dogs bark again. I cast bullets, form brass, tinker, repair and do what I have to do to make them work. Now all of a sudden the world of air guns has opened. I have already made a few mistakes, but one has to start somewhere. Enjoying the journey is by far more important then the destination and this promises to be a fun journey. Although I want to start out with good fundamental equipment I also know that until I get a lot more experience I will not really know what I want. Getting advice, reading reviews and watching videos is no substitute for direct experience. I do not doubt that whatever I buy right now could well change in the near future. However, for now I greatly appreciate the knowledge that folks are willing to share.
 
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This is a very addicting hobby. The good news is that anyone can search the internet and due his or her due dilligence before buying to see if there are any complaints about the brand and or specific model so you don't get disappointed and blindsided by problems by knowing in advance.

If you haven't already known, do not use any petroleum based oils or lubricants anywhere near or inside the high pressure air tubes, hose fittings, connectors, air tanks, etc... Use only Dive shop grease or silicone if necessary.

I would recommend a decent scope with an adjustable objective that focus down to at least 10 yards either a front focus AO or a side focus and mildot or mil hash reticle would be beneficial for hold over reference points for various distance shooting. A cheap scope with those traits would do just fine if it has good glass. I would suggest this budget friendly scope to start. I have one and it is very nice.

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DISCOVERY-HI-5-20X44SF-hawke-rifle-scope-with-Half-MIL-DOT-reticle-best-for-hunting/1923286_32657768407.html?spm=2114.12010615.8148356.2.e81a2fa68273fQ

Let us know how you like it when you get them and how it goes...


CA
 
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Good find on the scope CA!!!!!

+1 on the Marauder!

Or the Gauntlet, or the .22 Gamo Urban ;-)

Fuss
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Isn't that site rather additive?

Already have 2 Gauntlets and a Buccaneer(BSA Badged Gamo Urban) with a Huma regulator installed. 😉

All have top rate precision when it comes to accuracy at 50 yards.

For me, the Marauder is MUCH more pleasant to shoot and I especially prefer the Marauder triggers

and out of the box QUIETNESS and FIVE YEAR WARRANTY more... and NO TINKERING or spending extra money

on improvement parts or LDCs involved... IMHO!

I feel really bad participating on Gauntlet threads only to find out someone bought one based on recommendations and his kid has a hard time cocking it and looking for something else to buy thats easier to cock. My 177 is a tack driver at 50 yards. Hadn't worked on my 22 much yet.

I actually like my 177 Nova Freedom the best for my everyday shooting. The side cocking is nearly effortless! The only thing it is a little on

the heavy side but not as heavy as the Gauntlet!

CA
 
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I really want to thank you guys for chiming in, very helpful. I just ordered a Marauder Field & Target .22 and a Hawke Sports Optic Vantage scope 4 - 12 X 40. I gave this rifle a lot of thought and study. About 80% of my shooting is in my basement at 10 yards punching paper. I decided that more shots was more attractive then a little more power and that the extra money for the Lothar Walther barrel was over kill for my purposes.i will post a review once I am up and running. Woo hoo!
 
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