Benjamin Marauder Air Pistol Review

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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

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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.

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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:

CalibersPelletsFPSFPE
.22Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr80020.33
.22JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13gr74522.35
.22 JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr62213.65
.22 H&N Hunter 18.2 gr 71020.38
.22 Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 21.14 gr56815.15
.22 Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr64313.13
.22Predator Polymag 16.0 Gr61113.27
.22RWS Superdome 14.5 Gr61512.18
.22H&N Sniper Light 14 gr66513.75
.22Beeman Kodiak Copper Plated 21.12 gr62018.09
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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:

CalibersPelletsDistancesGroups
.22Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 Gr25 yardsone hole
.22JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr17 yardsone hole
.22JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr38 yards1/4"
.22JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr50 yards1"
.22JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr25 yardsdime size
.22Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 21.14 gr22 yards0.5"
.22Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 21.14 gr55 yards1"
.22Predator Polymag 15.89 gr40 yards1/2"
.22JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr15 yards0.2"
.22Crosman Premier 14.3 Gr30 yards1/4"
.22H&N Baracuda 18.13 Gr30 yards0.8"
.22H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Gr60 yards2.21"
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

ProsCons
  • Made in the USA
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Can change from a pistol to a rifle
  • Quiet and extremely accurate
  • Easy to carry and store
  • Fun to shoot
  • Large shot count
  • Nicely priced
  • Best muzzle velocity to hunt possums and gophers 
  • Picatinny rail instead of a dovetail would be nice
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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
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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.

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Sean Campbell
Sean Campbell’s love for hunting and outdoor life is credited to his dad who constantly thrilled him with exciting cowboy stories. His current chief commitment involves guiding aspiring gun handlers on firearm safety and shooting tactics at the NRA education and training department. When not with students, expect to find him either at his gunsmithing workshop, in the woods hunting, on the lake fishing, on nature photoshoots, or with his wife and kid in Maverick, Texas. Read more >>

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