The Benjamin Marauder PCP pistol has earned its place as one of the most versatile and well-regarded pre-charged pneumatic airguns on the market. This American-made air pistol, which transforms into a carbine with its included shoulder stock, offers shooters an impressive combination of power, accuracy, and value. In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine every aspect of this popular airgun to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Design and Construction
The Marauder pistol showcases Benjamin’s commitment to quality manufacturing. Built in the USA, it features a solid aluminum breech, a 12-inch choked barrel with an integral shroud, and a robust bolt action system that can be configured for either right or left-handed operation. The overall length is 18 inches in pistol configuration and extends to 29.75 inches with the shoulder stock attached.
One of the most notable features is its convertible design – the ability to transform from a substantial air pistol into a compact carbine. While some users report minor issues with stock wobble, this is typically resolved with simple modifications such as shims or tape. The fit and finish are generally excellent, reflecting professional-grade manufacturing standards. Currently, it’s one of the best air pistols on the market.
Power Plant and Performance
At the heart of the Marauder is its 65cc reservoir, which operates on a maximum fill pressure of 2900 PSI. It’s important to note that while the gun can accept 3000 PSI, the manufacturer specifically recommends staying at or below 2900 PSI to avoid valve lock and optimize performance. The power plant delivers impressive velocities up to 700 fps in .22 caliber, generating approximately 15-16 ft-lbs of energy – more than adequate for small game hunting and pest control.
The gun typically provides 32-40 consistent shots per fill, with the sweet spot for performance lying between 1500-2500 PSI. This shot count is quite respectable given the compact reservoir size, and the built-in pressure gauge allows easy monitoring of remaining air pressure. That’s why the Benjamin Marauder Air pistol is one of the best air rifles for pest control.
Chrony tests:
| Calibers | Pellets | FPS | FPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 | Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr | 800 | 20.33 |
| .22 | JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13gr | 745 | 22.35 |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 622 | 13.65 |
| .22 | H&N Hunter 18.2 gr | 710 | 20.38 |
| .22 | Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 21.14 gr | 568 | 15.15 |
| .22 | Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr | 643 | 13.13 |
| .22 | Predator Polymag 16.0 Gr | 611 | 13.27 |
| .22 | RWS Superdome 14.5 Gr | 615 | 12.18 |
| .22 | H&N Sniper Light 14 gr | 665 | 13.75 |
| .22 | Beeman Kodiak Copper Plated 21.12 gr | 620 | 18.09 |
Accuracy and Precision
The Marauder pistol truly shines in the accuracy department. Users consistently report impressive groups, with many achieving sub-inch clusters at 25-30 yards and maintaining reasonable accuracy out to 50 yards. The 12-inch choked barrel, combined with the two-stage adjustable match trigger, provides the foundation for this exceptional accuracy.
The trigger itself deserves special mention. With a factory pull weight of 1.53 pounds and built from heat-treated metal components, it offers a crisp break and clean release that rivals much more expensive European airguns. The trigger is fully adjustable, allowing users to fine-tune both stages to their preferences.
Accuracy:
| Calibers | Pellets | Distances | Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 | Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 Gr | 25 yards | one hole |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 17 yards | one hole |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 38 yards | 1/4" |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 50 yards | 1" |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr | 25 yards | dime size |
| .22 | Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 21.14 gr | 22 yards | 0.5" |
| .22 | Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 21.14 gr | 55 yards | 1" |
| .22 | Predator Polymag 15.89 gr | 40 yards | 1/2" |
| .22 | JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr | 15 yards | 0.2" |
| .22 | Crosman Premier 14.3 Gr | 30 yards | 1/4" |
| .22 | H&N Baracuda 18.13 Gr | 30 yards | 0.8" |
| .22 | H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Gr | 60 yards | 2.21" |
Magazine System and Loading
The 8-round rotary magazine is well-designed but comes with some considerations. It’s important to note that these magazines are specific to the pistol and are not interchangeable with Marauder rifle magazines. The auto-indexing feature works reliably, and the raised breech design facilitates easy loading.
However, there are occasional issues with magazine assembly and certain pellet types. The system works best with quality pellets like JSB and Crosman Premiers, and most users recommend purchasing additional magazines for convenient shooting sessions.
Noise Level and Backyard Friendliness
One of the Marauder pistol’s strongest selling points is its quiet operation. The integral shroud effectively reduces muzzle report, making it suitable for backyard shooting in urban and suburban environments. While it’s somewhat louder than its rifle counterpart, it’s still notably quiet compared to unshrouded PCPs. For those seeking maximum silence, aftermarket moderators can further reduce noise levels.
Sighting Options and Mounting
The Marauder pistol comes without open sights but includes an 11mm dovetail rail for mounting optics. This creates both opportunities and challenges. While the lack of iron sights necessitates additional investment in optics, it allows users to optimize their setup for their intended use. The relatively high magazine placement requires careful consideration of scope mounting height.
Popular optic choices include compact scopes like the UTG Bug Buster series and various red dot sights. The mounting system supports both pistol scopes for pure handgun use and full-size rifle scopes when using the carbine configuration.
Practical Applications
The Marauder pistol excels in several roles. Its power and accuracy make it ideal for pest control and small game hunting out to about 35 yards. The quiet operation and moderate power are perfect for backyard target practice. As a carbine, it offers a lightweight and maneuverable platform for plinking or informal target shooting.
The gun’s versatility extends to its use as a training tool. The relatively low operating costs compared to firearms, combined with the ability to shoot safely in more locations, make it an excellent platform for developing marksmanship skills.
Air Supply and Operation
One of the Marauder pistol’s advantages is its compatibility with various filling methods. The smaller reservoir makes it particularly suitable for hand pump operation – most users report needing only 30-50 pumps for a full fill. It’s equally at home with scuba tanks or PCP compressors, thanks to its standard Foster fitting.
The operating pressure range provides good flexibility, though best performance typically occurs between 1500-2500 PSI. This working pressure range helps extend the useful shot count while maintaining consistent velocity.
Maintenance and Reliability
Crosman’s customer service and warranty support receive positive reviews, and parts availability is excellent. Regular maintenance requirements are minimal, primarily focusing on proper lubrication and occasional O-ring replacement.
Customization and Upgrades The Marauder pistol benefits from extensive aftermarket support. Popular modifications include:
- AR-style stocks for improved ergonomics
- Custom shrouds and sound moderators
- Various scope mounting solutions
- Regulators for improved shot-to-shot consistency
- Power adjustment modifications
- Custom triggers and bolt handles
This modifiability makes the platform highly adaptable to individual preferences and requirements.
Price
With a typical base price around $400, the Marauder pistol represents good value, though the total investment needs to account for necessary accessories. A typical setup including scope, air source, and extra magazines often approaches $1000. However, operating costs remain low, with only pellets as an ongoing expense if using a hand pump for filling.
The investment compares favorably to higher-end European PCPs while offering similar performance in many areas. The gun’s durability and manufacturer support help justify the initial cost.
Features
- Benjamin Marauder pistol
- Precharged pneumatic (PCP)
- Bolt-action
- 8-rd circular mag with auto-indexing
- 11mm dovetail
- Integral shroud makes this a VERY quiet gun
- 12″ choked barrel delivers superior accuracy
- Raised aluminum breech for easier loading of the clip
- 2-stage adjustable match trigger…and the trigger is heat-treated metal!
- 1.53 lbs. trigger-pull
- 29.75″ overall length with stock
- 18″ overall length without stock
- 15.75″ length of pull
- Uses 2,900 psi compressed air
- Built-in pressure gauge
- Air tank has a quick-disconnect male Foster fitting
- 65cc (4 cu in) reservoir
- Reversible bolt — switch from right to left side (with our special service)
- Ideal for hunting small quarry up to 33 yds away
- No open sights, so you’ll need a scope or dot sight
- Marauder pistol clips are not interchangeable with the Marauder rifle clips…and vice versa
- Includes one mag and shoulder stock extension
Recommended uses
- Target shooting/plinking
- Pest control/small game hunting: squirrels, possums, gophers, pythons.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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Target Market and User Experience
The Marauder pistol appeals to a broad range of users. It’s particularly popular with:
- Urban/suburban shooters needing a quiet, powerful air gun
- Newcomers to PCP airguns seeking a quality entry point
- Experienced airgunners wanting a versatile platform
- Pest control users requiring precision and power
- Shooters interested in customization and modifications
Conclusion
The Benjamin Marauder pistol occupies a unique niche in the airgun market. It successfully bridges the gap between pistols and rifles while offering impressive performance in either configuration. Despite some minor issues with quality control and the need for careful setup, it delivers exceptional value for its price point.
The combination of accuracy, power, and quietness makes it an excellent choice for backyard shooting and pest control. The extensive customization options and strong manufacturer support ensure it can grow with the user’s needs and preferences. While the initial investment including accessories is substantial, the long-term value proposition remains strong.
