Check out the videos by aeac he does lots of really good video reviews and he seems fairly trustworthy seems like money well spent. Good luck
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Hard to go wrong with the Marauder. They are a bit heavy. (synthetic is lighter)
I don't mind a heavy rifle that much. What do you like and dislike about the marauder?
About the only thing I don't like is the bolt action-it works fine but I'd love to see a sidelever version. My Gen1 .25 would only get 16 really consistent shots per fill which was kind of limiting in target rich situations. I recommend Tim Hill's lighter hammer and spring combo for more shots per fill, I have my .25 Gen 1 tuned at around 770 fps with JSB Kings and I'm getting 40 shots from a 2800 psi fill. I use my .25 for some long range pesting and it's nice to have the higher shot count so I can take a sighter shot to read the wind. If you don't mind the weight I'd get the wood stocked version, I had a Gen 2 .25 in synthetic and I didn't care for it.
What I like is- Great trigger after disabling the "lawyer spring", high shot count after Hill hammer and spring, Good out of the box accuracy, easy to work on, huge array of aftermarket mods, simple proven platform.
What are you planning on hunting?
I'll most likely be hunting, rats, chipmunks, crows, doves, pigeons, rabbits, house sparrows, starlings, and hopefully some medium sized game in the future.
If you are going to go after some medium sized game I would opt for .25 cal Marauder, Gauntlet or Bullboss would be my choices
I have both and while they are quite comparable in performance here are a few things you might like to know.
The forearm on the Gauntlet is a waste of plastic. It's bulky and makes the gun cumbersome to shoulder off-hand. I threw it away...
That being said, my M-Rod is now slightly heavier than my Gauntlet.
Marauder mags (even though they are identical to the Gauntlet) historically cost more and are more problematic, so just buy Gauntlet mags.
The Gauntlet sling set-up is a joke and it will not carry well in the woods.
I prefer the Gauntlet bolt over the M-Rod but they both could be much better.
The M-Rod feels more robust and the Gauntlet feels cheap but I still love shooting them both.
My Gauntlet has a larger bottle and I enjoy the extra shots. No real way to add extra air to the M-Rod that I've seen. (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.)
Just a few of my observations. I hope you found something to help you in your decision.
-brian
I'm not sure what you've heard about accuracy issues. Crosman did receive a batch of .22 barrels many years ago which had virtually no choke. However that is not the case now.
What you HAVEN'T heard is Crosman assembles AND accuracy test each rifle before it goes out the door and the test target is included.
That's called Quality Control. Their Customer Service is second to none. They answer the phone or return your call promptly, they speak English as a first language and they are genuinely nice people.
Umarex doesn't do that.... Hatsan doesn't and Gamo doesn't either......
And in .25 I think I read or heard Crosman makes their barrels in house now. (If this statement is inaccurate please confirm). They were using Green Mountain to make their barrels only for the 25.
The .25's I've had in both Gen 1 and Gen 2 have been stellar performers. Yeah, they aren't regulated but can be, the shot count is around 25 as a result (and BTW by installing a reg you will give up some power for more shots)
And as was mentioned, the trigger is one of the best on a gun under a grand.
If you do decide to get a Marauder..... get the JSB .25.39g and just shoot it.... Fill it up to the recommended 2700 psi for best power curve and enjoy. If it ain't broke,.....
IMO, great value. You don't see them for sale used hardly at all. Wonder why????
Check out the videos by aeoc he does lots of really good video reviews and he seems fairly trustworthy seems like money well spent. Good luck
My votes are:
- EdGun Leshiy with 350mm barrel
- FX Crown 380mm barrel, synthetic stock
Bar non for the price tag I would go with the urban. Bsa barrel, bsa valve, the thing is super accurate and acts like its regulated with its flat shot strings. Not completely regulated mind you but its very good. 270 bucks usually but i got mine on sale 220 from wally world. It has the best magazine ive ever used on any airgun as well. Quiet and has adjustable power.
Can’t go wrong with a used fx streamline/royale in 22/25. Both of my streamlines are deadly accurate
Benjamin fortitude alot of advancements over the marauder and a lot less expensive also.
Budget wise and feature wise, the gauntlet is very hard to beat.
That said, I have a 380mm crown, and it's phenomenal. 5 lbs without scope 480cc bottle, mine has a 580 I put on it, and the bottles have valves, so you can carry two full ones with you.
As for the Diana outlaw... I honestly think I would go with that over any of the guns you listed. I got one of their pcp pistols recently, and I've done extensive modifications and tuning. It's the most fun gun I have, and extremely accurate.