The Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Pistol is easily one of the most popular high-powered air pistols available, which is not all that surprising when you consider this model’s long list of virtues. But is it right for you? And is it really worth the fairly stiff price?
Please read on as we examine what you get with the Marauder air pistol and what else you should know about it before considering a purchase.
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Key Specifications & Features
Power & Velocity For Small Game Hunting
This .22-caliber pistol can be charged to a maximum of 2900 PSI (yes, it says 3000 PSI in promo materials but this is too much and can actually lower velocities!), which should give you velocities of close to 700 FPS with a 14.3 grain standard lead pellet. This translates into roughly 15 FPE at the muzzle – a ton of power in an air pistol and considerably better than the 12 FPE minimum that we recommend for hunting air rifles!
As a result of this hunting-rifle power, you can (and most people do) use this pistol for small game hunting. It is a truly deadly shot for just about any furred/feathered game out to about 40 yards, with 50 yard kills being v
ery possible.
Rifle-Like Accuracy
With no shortage of power and an all-steel rifled barrel design reminiscent of its bigger brother, the Marauder air rifle, the PCP pistol is an extremely accurate weapon that most users will find can produce dime-sized groups out to 30 yards fairly easily with a good scope. The included shoulder stock is a necessary addition to this model that really helps with hold comfort and stability.
With some practice, many will be able to shoot accurately well beyond the reported 33 yards indicated by Crosman. Given it’s 15 FPE and very high quality barrel, and assuming your scope is up to the task, shots in the neighborhood of 50 yards are quite possible, which is very respectable for even good hunting air rifles!
Stealthy, Quiet Shooting
While not as quiet as the Marauder Rifle, the pistol’s internal shroud does work, making it quiet for any pistol with this kind of power. Consequently, most will find that it can be used around the home and close to more densely populated areas with little disturbance.
8-Round Multi-Shot Magazine
Being able to fire multiple shots is one of the reasons why PCPs are so popular. The Marauder Pistol comes with an 8-shot, auto-indexing magazine that works very smoothly with the bolt-action mechanism. This is also a great benefit for the hunter, who often needs to follow up with additional shots to humanely dispatch game or pests.
First-Class Trigger
The super-light, 1.5-pound 2-stage adjustable trigger is outstanding, and we think really contributes to this pistols laser-beam accuracy. This is a newly revamped, match-grade trigger that is composed of heat-treated metal for precision and durability. We can’t emphasize enough just how much we like this trigger!
Lightweight & Compact
For a pistol that packs this much power, the 18 inch long and 2.7-pound Benjamin Marauder Air Pistol is a backpacker’s dream. With the shoulder stock extension disassembled, this model can be easily transported and does not cause the same fatigue a full-sized air rifle would.
User Reviews & Ratings
With high user satisfaction, it’s safe to say that the Marauder Pistol is a fan-favorite. Users praise this model for being able to match the small game hunting power and accuracy of many full-sized rifles, without the weight and bulk. They also appreciate the all-around quality and the ultra-light pull of the match-grade trigger.
The only real negative comments were focused on some apparent isolated defects, and with some users’ surprise that they needed a pump (or some other method) to charge this weapon. Make sure you don’t make the same mistake. If you don’t want to go the SCUBA tank route, we suggest a hand pump, such as the pretty decent Benjamin High Pressure Hand Pump or (better yet), the very high-quality Hill Pump MK3.
Price and Value
Currently selling for about $385 shipped, the Marauder PCP Pistol is not cheap, but we think provides outstanding value in its class. Among other tings, the tack-driving accuracy, power and phenomenal trigger of the Marauder is surprising relative to other pistols that come with a much steeper price tag.
Concluding Thoughts & Recommendations
If you want to throw your air gun into your backpack and go hunting or engage in some serious plinking, the Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Pistol is a natural choice that is a dream to shoot. This quiet powerhouse not only can hang with – and better – many air rifles, but you also get the convenience of multiple-shots in a very lightweight package that young or old shooters alike can enjoy. A good option for individuals that want a more portable hunting weapon that still has the FPE and accuracy to result in efficient, humane kills.
To get the most out of this pistol, you will want a scope. But not just any scope will do; you will want a compact model that does not “short” on performance. We would suggest the UTG 3-9×32 Compact CQB Bug Buster, which is easy to use and zero-in, and suits this pistol very well.
