GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Topic started by: DaveInGA on February 23, 2014, 04:06:53 PM
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If you're going to be shooting squirrels, rabbits and other "pest" critters with some plinking/target shooting mixed in, which caliber (.177, .22 or .25) would be preferred in a Benjamin Marauder? Please give the reasoning behind this and consider the rifle would be filled using the pump sold with the rifle and would be scoped.
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If you're going to be shooting squirrels, rabbits and other "pest" critters with some plinking/target shooting mixed in, which caliber (.177, .22 or .25) would be preferred in a Benjamin Marauder? Please give the reasoning behind this and consider the rifle would be filled using the pump sold with the rifle and would be scoped.
I like my .25 with the Green Mountain barrel. Very accurate and I had it professionally tuned to shoot 32 pellets from 3000psi to about 2000psi. I also got the thumb hole stock from DiscosRUs. I had a kill @ 105 yards. :) I can not tell you about the .22 my 10 yo son will not let me shoot it. LOL It does shoot fine though, I also got his professionally tuned.
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Go 25...it kills critters better, and the pellets buck wind better for target shooting...win-win. That it has a good barrel is a big help to both.
cheers,
Douglas
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I'd go with a .177 or a .22. If the biggest thing you'll shoot is a squirrel or rabbit, either will work. If you're taking out crows or larger I'd go with the .22. The .25 gets fewer shots per fill (stock, that is) and the pellets are way more expensive. But the trade off is tons of power. .22 pellets are more than .177 pellets, so you may want to keep that in mind, too.
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I'd go with a .177 or a .22. If the biggest thing you'll shoot is a squirrel or rabbit, either will work. If you're taking out crows or larger I'd go with the .22. The .25 gets fewer shots per fill (stock, that is) and the pellets are way more expensive. But the trade off is tons of power. .22 pellets are more than .177 pellets, so you may want to keep that in mind, too.
Some of the .22s had poor barrels. My son got his from my tuner who would not sell a bad gun. :)
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I had the .177 and under good conditions was a quiet tack driver. It was picky with the pellets and the wind could make things difficult. I have the .25 cal now and for hunting is great. Very accurate but more noise than the .177. If I had to choose I like the .25 better for hunting and longer range hitting power.
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So from interpreting the above, it's roughly 3 votes for the .25, 4 votes for the .22 and 2 votes for the .177.
John, responses in quote in red below:
Once upon a time the .22 barrels were hit and miss (more miss?) that "seems" to be better now, all the .177's I've seen shot well and do what you want. Having dealt with more junk rifles than I want in powder guns, I'm a little leary of buying a new manufactured gun that's had a lot of warranty issues. But that's just me after fixing so many junkers I bought for cheap.
"I" would be really tempted to go for .22 and already have a stock of pellets to try and if the barrel is not good warranty it, or .177. .177 and a reg & light hammer set up would be your dream rig esp. pumping and for target work. For some reason I'm leaning away from the .177 and it may be because I had a Daisy pump years ago that was .177 and I had trouble loading those small pellets then with my fairly big hands. My hands are older and much stiffer now, so it would be worst today.
Also the .177 and .22 are easy barrel/bolt/clip swaps -was about $58.00 last time I did one- the .25 is a different dia. breech/barrel and wont swap. That's pretty inexpensive for a caliber change. Thank you for the information.
I guess I should note I do have some visual and joint issues related to my age and to my psoriasis, which not only affects some areas of my skin, but gives me an arthritic like effect in my joints, so fine motor work is tougher for me than it should be at my age. In that respect, it is more like I'm in my middle sixties.
Thank you for the responses so far, give me some things to think about. One big thing I'm seeing the .22 is the "compromise" caliber of today.
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I just took delivery of an Srod in .177 on Friday, and I had actually wanted a .22 but at the end of the day I'm going to spend 95% of my time killing paper and nothing more. But, your needs may be different than mine.
So, my opinion for the uses you listed is go with the .177 caliber. You can tune the gun to work well at a 2500psi fill since you're hand pumping, and it's much less effort than pumping to 3000. And you'll get many more shots target shooting vs the .22 which I'm guessing if you're like most of us, that's what you'll be doing most. Ammo is also cheaper, and readily available in a pinch at any dept store. Still has plenty of power for dispatching the smaller critters you mentioned without issue as well.
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I recommend you get the .25 for hunting. And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun. The .25 is hands down the best Marauder because of the hard hitting and wind resistant pellet and the Green Mountain barrel. And...I have yet to hear of anybody dissatisfied with their .25 Mrod.
It's the best bet of all.
Good luck
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The .25 Marauder is one of the first PCP's I ever owned, and it's still my "Go To Gun" - it'll slide a full clip into a quarter at 50yds every time (providing of course I do MY part), mine gets 3 clips per fill easily with no shift or drop ... Keep in mind that the FPE of a .25 pellet at 50yds is roughly the same as a .22 at the muzzle, so You don't have to be afraid to "reach out and touch" a pest, LOL.
A lot gets said regarding caliber, FPE, etc required for hunting "X" pest - but where the actual reality lies is in a real-world hunting scenario. YES, "blah-blah .177 airgun killed a coyote at 85yds", etc but let's be realistic, the perfect headshot rarely presents itself in the field, and this is where caliber and FPE come into play. The larger the caliber the farther downrange a larger amount of energy and mass are going to be transferred to your target, period. The "Perfect" shot at that range of course will kill with any of the 3 available MROD calibers, but the odds of a less-than-perfect shot working out increase exponentially with a larger caliber / heavier pellet.
That said, the tradeoff is really a matter of deciding what's more important to You, hunting ability with the increased potential for a humane kill with the larger caliber (as well as longer range) *OR* the increased efficiency of a smaller caliber for eliminating paper, lower ammo cost, etc. To ME personally, the added effort and slightly higher cost of the larger caliber is a no-brainer if hunting is at all on the table, but then again that's why I have target guns with higher efficiency for when I'm just bored and playing around, and I have big-bore for most of my hunting and pest elimination.
However You decide, the MROD is an excellent gun at the price point, and definitely is a purchase that You will be happy with :)
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Duplicate
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For your needs, I'd recommend the 177 if getting a rifle.
However, have you considered a P-rod set-up as a carbine? The P-rod is light and maneuverable. I currently have tuned mine for 32 shots per fill at 16 FPE, but you can tune for 40 shots at 12 FPE if you like. I tune for 3% extreme spread which is often around 25 FPS to keep my point of impact tight at 50 yards or less.
In general, I recommend the 25 as it is more accurate out of the box than any of the others and the 25 is amazing for eliminating squirrels and can do a respectable job on coyotes. But pumping to 3000 psi is no fun and only getting 16 shots per fill will get old quickly if you are using a hand pump. I use SCBA tanks which work great with any Marauder - especially the 25 caliber.
Ray
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
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BCM, good points and some responses in red in the quote to highlight where I'm at related to the issues you raise.
The .25 Marauder is one of the first PCP's I ever owned, and it's still my "Go To Gun" - it'll slide a full clip into a quarter at 50yds every time (providing of course I do MY part), mine gets 3 clips per fill easily with no shift or drop ... Keep in mind that the FPE of a .25 pellet at 50yds is roughly the same as a .22 at the muzzle, so You don't have to be afraid to "reach out and touch" a pest, LOL.
I consider this important, as squirrels are very active creatures and move around a lot. You never know what range you're going to get a "still" shot. More than likely, the pest will be moving when you squeeze the trigger hard enough to release it. So if you don't get a perfectly placed shot, how much knock down power you have jumps to the fore front.
A lot gets said regarding caliber, FPE, etc required for hunting "X" pest - but where the actual reality lies is in a real-world hunting scenario. Very true, real-world critters are never as still as you'd like them to be and they are never where you want them to be or give you as much time to aim as you'd like.
YES, "blah-blah .177 airgun killed a coyote at 85yds", etc but let's be realistic, the perfect headshot rarely presents itself in the field, No, it doesn't and only if you're lucky. I'm lucky in that I'm a really good shot, but not and never have been lucky in getting live targets to behave like I would like them to.
and this is where caliber and FPE come into play. The larger the caliber the farther downrange a larger amount of energy and mass are going to be transferred to your target, period. The "Perfect" shot at that range of course will kill with any of the 3 available MROD calibers, but the odds of a less-than-perfect shot working out increase exponentially with a larger caliber / heavier pellet. I personally had lots of imperfect shots when I was a 12-13 year old kid with my Daisy pump (the predecessor to the 880) and know exactly what you are talking about. I remember with sadness now the number of times the BB's or pellets I used failed to take down a squirrel I'd hit squarely in the head, saw the squirrel's head yanked around and tossed the squirrel to the ground, only to see the squirrel get up and run. No time for a killing follow up shot and all I could do was pump the rifle as fast as I could while chasing after the squirrel. Opportunities for a second shot were rare and I lost way too many.
That said, the tradeoff is really a matter of deciding what's more important to You, hunting ability with the increased potential for a humane kill with the larger caliber (as well as longer range) *OR* the increased efficiency of a smaller caliber for eliminating paper, lower ammo cost, etc. After all those years hunting growing up and all those hours spent in the woods/fields hunting with air rifles, then .22's/shotguns, then rifles, I've got very highly developed woods awareness even now at my age, but a humane kill is at the top of my list. I prefer a one shot, one kill scenario to any other and would rather pass on a shot than wound an animal these days and have.
To ME personally, the added effort and slightly higher cost of the larger caliber is a no-brainer if hunting is at all on the table, but then again that's why I have target guns with higher efficiency for when I'm just bored and playing around, and I have big-bore for most of my hunting and pest elimination. Excellent points and I agree totally. Hunting is definitely on the table, as if I don't, I'm going to be having dead squirrels in the attic soon. The neighborhood around my house is actually over-populated and I wish there was a good predator cat hanging around, but there is not.
However You decide, the MROD is an excellent gun at the price point, and definitely is a purchase that You will be happy with :) That's kind of what I thought when I read about it for the first time. I had already ordered a QB78 .22 from Roy Weid at Mountain Guns and if I hadn't already done that, I'd be buying a MROD this week. As it is, I should be ready to buy when the new wood stocked version with adjustable cheek rest comes out.
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Ray, responses in red in the quote
For your needs, I'd recommend the 177 if getting a rifle. And with that responses, you've evened out the votes for each of the three calibers to four apiece.
However, have you considered a P-rod set-up as a carbine? I haven't been around air guns long enough to know what a P-rod is, much less set-up as a carbine. Can you elaborate or provide a link to a thread or one for sale at a vendor?
The P-rod is light and maneuverable. I currently have tuned mine for 32 shots per fill at 16 FPE, but you can tune for 40 shots at 12 FPE if you like. I tune for 3% extreme spread which is often around 25 FPS to keep my point of impact tight at 50 yards or less. For what purpose are you using this rifle and what caliber?
In general, I recommend the 25 as it is more accurate out of the box than any of the others and the 25 is amazing for eliminating squirrels and can do a respectable job on coyotes. But pumping to 3000 psi is no fun and only getting 16 shots per fill will get old quickly if you are using a hand pump. I'm thinking this is true, but perhaps there are ways to make the hand pump more efficient with some mods per another poster. For my use, 16 shots will likely be fine, as I simply don't have and won't have the time to shoot much more than that at a single sitting anyways. To be honest, I don't see myself shooting up a single magazine of 8 at a sitting once I get the rifle and scope sighted in. Just too many irons in my fire these days.
I use SCBA tanks which work great with any Marauder - especially the 25 caliber. If only there was a dive shop in this country town. To get to one, I have to drive 30-45 minutes.
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Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
U in the ballpark!! ;D
Well as a matter of fact....I do. And if you would like to pm me your phone number, I will forward you (or anyone else) a pic of my pump ready to boost. you can post it here as I don't know how.
Boosting is simple, effective and inexpensive. It is also poorly known as it is obvious to me that experts like RayK and others have not seen it in action. (No offense Ray but you need to know how well this works. But once you have spent the big bucks on an HPA tank...you no longer have a reason to try it. Some may not want to know as it takes the justification of the HPA expenditure away.) It did for me.
Here is the link http://marauderairrifle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7868 (http://marauderairrifle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7868)
Good luck and good shooting.
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
Phil....I want one of those....will you buy it for me please?? ;D
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I wish my camera was working, thier is no comparison between a .177 and .25 pellet. Its like comparing bird shot to buck shot 8)
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
Phil....I want one of those....will you buy it for me please?? ;D
I have $530 saved in change. If I can sell my air rifles I am seriously thinking of getting one. :)
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
Phil....I want one of those....will you buy it for me please?? ;D
boy if I wasnt married :D
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;D As others have posted intended use is a serious consideration mine in .22 is a real nice rifle . I haven't shot past 25 yards yet but plan to real soon. I think that back yard friendly go with the .177 or .22 if going for larger game and maybe longer range shots consider the .25 again the larger the caliber the costlier the ammo. Hand pumping from 1700 to 2600 psi is not terrible ;) :D
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U in the ballpark!! ;D Yep, my Dad called me several things when he was aggravated with me as a child. Dummy and mechanically inept were not on the list. ;)
Well as a matter of fact....I do. And if you would like to pm me your phone number, I will forward you (or anyone else) a pic of my pump ready to boost. PM already sent.
you can post it here as I don't know how. I'll do it. I've posted on several forums and am pretty good at figuring out what each website wants to accept photos.
Boosting is simple, effective and inexpensive. I suspect it would be. You're compressing the air in the pump so that you get more compressed air into the rifle with each pump. If one already owns a compressor (and a good one can be cheaply had at harbor freight), this would be a cheap upgrade if a couple fittings and a hose are most of what's involved.
But once you have spent the big bucks on an HPA tank...you no longer reason to try it. But if you haven't invested anything yet, this can save you a lot of cash you can spend on making the wife happy or other things that bring positive responses back on yourself.
Some may not want to know as it takes the justification of the HPA expenditure away.) It did for me. Vested interests related to making money can be a tough thing sometimes and cause conflicts.
Here is the link http://marauderairrifle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7868 (http://marauderairrifle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7868) Thank you for the link, I'll check it out.
Good luck and good shooting. Thank you, hopefully I'll get enough time away from my full time job and my part time gunsmithing business to actually do some shooting. And with it warming up here, my sons/sons in law will be wanting me to take them fishing in the bass boat I just finished restoring last summer. Ah, the conflicts of fishing vs. hunting vs. shooting.
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Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
There's a guy on the internet selling the same exact thing except it's white for a thousand bucks apiece. For that kind of money, I'd be buying antique military surplus firearms that hold their value for 20 plus years when that pump is worn out and gone. That is NOT frugal at all.
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;D As others have posted intended use is a serious consideration mine in .22 is a real nice rifle . I haven't shot past 25 yards yet but plan to real soon. I think that back yard friendly go with the .177 or .22 if going for larger game and maybe longer range shots consider the .25 again the larger the caliber the costlier the ammo. Hand pumping from 1700 to 2600 psi is not terrible ;) :D
My back yard is about 2/3'rds of an acre and half of that is wooded with a stream running through it's base (it's down hill from my back door patio.) the other side of the stream rises up at the same slope and it's about an acre till it gets to the other person's back yard. Neighbor to my right is the same and to the left they've cleared down pretty close to the stream and their lot has less of a slope, but there's a good acre and a half there. So I'm pretty sure I can use any caliber without upsetting the neighbors too much and not putting any of them at risk.
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
Phil....I want one of those....will you buy it for me please?? ;D
boy if I wasnt married :D
You can buy one and you won't be married. Can you say "Child Support"? LOL
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
Phil....I want one of those....will you buy it for me please?? ;D
boy if I wasnt married :D
You can buy one and you won't be married. Can you say "Child Support"? LOL
I coul djust imagine, she would probaly take my dog and break my guns lol, but when I bought her a $4700 engagement ring instead of a new procharger I still have one up on her atleast I think ???
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
Phil....I want one of those....will you buy it for me please?? ;D
boy if I wasnt married :D
You can buy one and you won't be married. Can you say "Child Support"? LOL
I coul djust imagine, she would probaly take my dog and break my guns lol, but when I bought her a $4700 engagement ring instead of a new procharger I still have one up on her atleast I think ???
Quit thinking, that is the major down fall of most men. I have learned a few words that usually work. "You were right", "I am sorry", and if that doesn't work another trip to the jewelry store should work.
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And boost your pump from a compressor so it only takes 30 (instead of 80) pumps to recharge your gun.
Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
you forgot yes dear
Someone posted this the other day. This is what you need. Not a hand pump and air compressor.
https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500 (https://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Raptor-Pneumatics-EZ-Fill-4500)
Phil....I want one of those....will you buy it for me please?? ;D
boy if I wasnt married :D
You can buy one and you won't be married. Can you say "Child Support"? LOL
I coul djust imagine, she would probaly take my dog and break my guns lol, but when I bought her a $4700 engagement ring instead of a new procharger I still have one up on her atleast I think ???
Quit thinking, that is the major down fall of most men. I have learned a few words that usually work. "You were right", "I am sorry", and if that doesn't work another trip to the jewelry store should work.
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from what youve stated. id go with the 22.
i just got my synrod 22 a few days ago and i love it. very consistent.
i too was going to get the 25 cal, but i didnt want to spend most of my time pumping. so i got the 22 to achieve a much higher shot count while still having plenty of power for the pests youve described.
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I wish my camera was working, thier is no comparison between a .177 and .25 pellet. Its like comparing bird shot to buck shot 8)
Good analogy Cooter.
Here is a comparison that you may like. Take all three cal. pellets. Put them all at 900 fps. The .22 will have about the same energy to deliver at 50 yards as the .177 has at the muzzle. And the .25 will have about the same energy to deliver at 70 yards as the .22 has at point blank. You can prove this to yourself using Chairgun Pro if you like.
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Sandspike, I believe boosting is awesome for those who only have a hand pump. If I were only hunting, I would consider it, but I do lots of tuning, experimentation, and target shooting. I doubt I would have been able to learn so much about Marauders if I didn't have access to lots of high pressure air. I bought my first Marauder in 2009, but I didn't buy a hand pump until last summer. I got one so I could take it and my P-rod on a plane to my mother-in-laws place which is loaded with squirrels. I didn't want to mess with taking a tank on the plane.
DaveInGA, after reading your later posts about wanting the squirrels a sure kill, you really will be better served with a 25 caliber M-rod. All three calibers will kill squirrels, but the 25 is an instant kill - with almost any shot placement.
I found this picture on the web comparing size of the pellets (http://gunshero.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/177-vs-22-vs-25.jpg)
Ray
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As for pellet size and arthritis, I use the magazines so I am never struggling with the pellet and the breech under adverse conditions in the field. Size doesn't matter in this regard.
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Sandspike, I believe boosting is awesome for those who only have a hand pump. If I were only hunting, I would consider it, but I do lots of tuning, experimentation, and target shooting. I doubt I would have been able to learn so much about Marauders if I didn't have access to lots of high pressure air. I bought my first Marauder in 2009, but I didn't buy a hand pump until last summer. I got one so I could take it and my P-rod on a plane to my mother-in-laws place which is loaded with squirrels. I didn't want to mess with taking a tank on the plane.
Ray
Ray, let me try to be understood here by modifying your quote above. "I believe boosting is awesome for those who can only afford to buy a hand pump." My intended audience here is those that have bought a hand pump and are dissatisfied with it or those who the expense of buying a tank would be served by a boosted pump and go ahead and buy a PCP gun.
Crosman just got a slug of new Synrods back from customers who were given them for Christmas. Upon discovering that they needed a source of HPA, then returned the guns for refund. They might not have been returned if the buyers were informed about boosted pumps and not told that they needed to buy an unnecessary tank that cost more than the gun for one big enough to be useful.
Yes, I just said that expensive HPA tanks are UNNECESSARY for a beginning PCP owner. I firmly believe this because if this 61 year old man can pump 30 and enjoy shooting both of his Mrods, others can as well. Yes HPA tanks are the best option overall but boosted pumps can bridge the gap between no PCP guns and getting into Darkside happiness. And just think about how many more PCP guns would be sold if the Boosted Pump method of fueling them was widely known.
Knowledge is power....PCP power! ;D
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Take all three cal. pellets. Put them all at 900 fps. The .22 will have about the same energy to deliver at 50 yards as the .177 has at the muzzle. And the .25 will have about the same energy to deliver at 70 yards as the .22 has at point blank. You can prove this to yourself using Chairgun Pro if you like.
More energy combined with more mass delivered to the target is a more effective kill shot in most cases I've seen. Which is why the .45/70 was so effective against buffalo. Checkout what those monster bullets will do on the Box of Truth website. For hunting, mo is betta.
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Ray, responses in red in the quote:
Sandspike, I believe boosting is awesome for those who only have a hand pump. If I were only hunting, I would consider it, but I do lots of tuning, experimentation, and target shooting. I doubt I would have been able to learn so much about Marauders if I didn't have access to lots of high pressure air. I bought my first Marauder in 2009, but I didn't buy a hand pump until last summer. I got one so I could take it and my P-rod on a plane to my mother-in-laws place which is loaded with squirrels. I didn't want to mess with taking a tank on the plane. The question is how long would it have taken you to buy a pump if you were as far from an air source as say, I am and had to drive a half an hour or more to fill your tank.
DaveInGA, after reading your later posts about wanting the squirrels a sure kill, you really will be better served with a 25 caliber M-rod. All three calibers will kill squirrels, but the 25 is an instant kill - with almost any shot placement. I'm thinking so. I've got a .22 QB78 D on order now from a tuner, but I suspect based on what I've read these lighter weight guns are not going to satisfy me when there are rifles with serious punch available. I believe if you have limited time, you want to bring the most effective rifle you can to the hunt. For the money, it's looking like the Benjamin Mrod may very well do this, especially in the .25 caliber. And a nice plus is it doesn't have a goofy looking tank hanging off the front end of the rifle. It still looks like a rifle, not a space gizmo.
I found this picture on the web comparing size of the pellets (http://gunshero.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/177-vs-22-vs-25.jpg) This image clearly shows the huge difference in mass between the three calibers. You'd have to get the .177 up to some serious velocities for me to feel comfortable shooting squirrels with it these days. The .22 is okay, but that .25, it looks like a rifle bullet size wise. Do the skirts on these pellets expand enough to seal the bore grooves when coming from the higher velocity air rifles?
Ray
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As for pellet size and arthritis, I use the magazines so I am never struggling with the pellet and the breech under adverse conditions in the field. Size doesn't matter in this regard.
A solid reason for me to consider a rifle such as the Benjamin with a magazine, ease of loading.
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The clips are a Godsend for fumble fingers like mine. I load mine over an empty box to catch the fumbles.
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While this message isn't directed at me, I'm going to respond with my point of view, as usual, in red in the quote.
Sandspike, I believe boosting is awesome for those who only have a hand pump. If I were only hunting, I would consider it, but I do lots of tuning, experimentation, and target shooting. I doubt I would have been able to learn so much about Marauders if I didn't have access to lots of high pressure air. I bought my first Marauder in 2009, but I didn't buy a hand pump until last summer. I got one so I could take it and my P-rod on a plane to my mother-in-laws place which is loaded with squirrels. I didn't want to mess with taking a tank on the plane.
Ray
Ray, let me try to be understood here by modifying your quote above. "I believe boosting is awesome for those who can only afford to buy a hand pump." I can afford anything I wish, including the high dollar high compressor pump linked to earlier, but the reason I can afford it is I don't throw away my money on frivolous expenditures. I prefer to keep my money for times when I want something that's genuinely expensive and of great benefit not only to me, but to my family.
My intended audience here is those that have bought a hand pump and are dissatisfied with it or those who the expense of buying a tank would be served by a boosted pump and go ahead and buy a PCP gun. For me, buying a tank is wasting my own time. I'd rather pump something up at the house than drive a large distance to fill a tank. If I were shooting high volumes of pellets, then I'd have time to drive to go fill a tank. But those type things are a very personal decision, along with the economics of various solutions for the air. What I do like is having those choices. When I was a young man, those choices were simply not available. Had a rifle like the Benjamin been available then, I could have afford it, but would have had to buy a pump due to lack of transportation. It would have been a better choice than my Daisy pump for taking out the squirrels.
Crosman just got a slug of new Synrods back from customers who were given them for Christmas. Upon discovering that they needed a source of HPA, then returned the guns for refund. They might not have been returned if the buyers were informed about boosted pumps and not told that they needed to buy an unnecessary tank that cost more than the gun for one big enough to be useful. Marketing is everything. Of course, it always amazes me the number of uninformed buyers in the U.S. who will run out and buy the perceived latest and greatest without having the slightest idea of what they're getting into.
My wife's boss, who only uses the phone and text, has bought and broken 5 of the high dollar premium smart phones in the last six months. Now he wants the latest/greatest that just came out and he has no idea how to use the features. Its all about his ego. My wife and I bought an LG that was half the cost of that phone, bought a brand X phone protector off ebay for 7 bucks each. She's learned to use her phone and uses it for darn near everything it is capable of doing, including making movies and slide shows for the internet. I don't use mine as much as she does, but I do use the weather and car insurance features. We haven't broken a phone, even after a couple of drops because the cheap 7 buck protectors are doing their jobs.
Yes, I just said that expensive HPA tanks are UNNECESSARY for a beginning PCP owner. I firmly believe this because if this 61 year old man can pump 30 and enjoy shooting both of his Mrods, others can as well. I would agree with this statement and 61 year old men know about the importance of keeping as much of your own dollars in your pocket as possible. That's why they can afford the nice vacations, etc.
Yes HPA tanks are the best option overall but boosted pumps can bridge the gap between no PCP guns and getting into Darkside happiness. And just think about how many more PCP guns would be sold if the Boosted Pump method of fueling them was widely known.
Knowledge is power....PCP power! ;D I'm thinking this is the absolute truth and will likely be what gets me into the PCP market.
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The clips are a Godsend for fumble fingers like mine. I load mine over an empty box to catch the fumbles.
I don't know if I'm that bad, but I can see it's much easier than trying to shove a pellet into the breech under a scope while the weather is at or below freezing outside while one's arthritis is screaming go back in the house and at least put my glove back on now.
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I hope you enjoy your PCP as much as I do. IMHO PCPs are the only airguns that behave like powder burners. With the two worst thing of PB's gone...the recoil and the BANG. :o
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Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
U in the ballpark!! ;D
Well as a matter of fact....I do. And if you would like to pm me your phone number, I will forward you (or anyone else) a pic of my pump ready to boost. you can post it here as I don't know how.
Boosting is simple, effective and inexpensive. It is also poorly known as it is obvious to me that experts like RayK and others have not seen it in action. (No offense Ray but you need to know how well this works. But once you have spent the big bucks on an HPA tank...you no longer have a reason to try it. Some may not want to know as it takes the justification of the HPA expenditure away.) It did for me.
Here is the link http://marauderairrifle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7868 (http://marauderairrifle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7868)
Good luck and good shooting.
Sandspike sent me the pic as promised, so I'm posting it here. Here is his original commentary:
"Well I am. I went to Harbor Freight and bought a desiccant filter with blue silicon gel crystals in it that turn pink when saturated with water and a 1/4 inch female quick connector. Then I had to go to home depo to get a 1/4 in to 1/8 adapter and a 1/8 nipple for the other end of the filter. Put it all together and screwed it into my Benji pump at the intake. Then I hooked it up to my compressor tuned down to 23 PSI and what a difference it made. Going from 1800 psi to 3000 psi used to take me 60 or 70 pumps. Now it's 28 pumps and they are not really much harder, just different. I shot 3 times as many pellets this afternoon and enjoyed it much more as I usually dreaded pumping up my Mrod. Now....not so much. This is great for an old man like me that can't afford all the scuba tanks and adapters. This cost me less than 15 bucks as I already had a 150psi compressor and a hose with quick connect on it."
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/DaveinOakwoodGA/ModifiedEnhancedBenjamin%20pump/BenjaminPump_zps1e500805.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DaveinOakwoodGA/media/ModifiedEnhancedBenjamin%20pump/BenjaminPump_zps1e500805.jpg.html)
Link to dessicant filter: http://www.harborfreight.com/inline-desiccant-dryerfilter-68215.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/inline-desiccant-dryerfilter-68215.html)
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I hope you enjoy your PCP as much as I do. IMHO PCPs are the only airguns that behave like powder burners. With the two worst thing of PB's gone...the recoil and the BANG. :o
Which makes them ideal for the elimination of pest critters in one's yard without disturbing fat liberal neighbor women or woman cop next door. 8)
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Now how exactly does one "boost their pump from a compressor?" I'm guessing some kind of adapter hose with a standard air compressor quick release on one side and a quick release that connects to the fitting that's been added to the pump somehow or another. Anybody have a link to a thread where it's been done?
U in the ballpark!! ;D
Well as a matter of fact....I do. And if you would like to pm me your phone number, I will forward you (or anyone else) a pic of my pump ready to boost. you can post it here as I don't know how.
Boosting is simple, effective and inexpensive. It is also poorly known as it is obvious to me that experts like RayK and others have not seen it in action. (No offense Ray but you need to know how well this works. But once you have spent the big bucks on an HPA tank...you no longer have a reason to try it. Some may not want to know as it takes the justification of the HPA expenditure away.) It did for me.
Here is the link http://marauderairrifle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7868 (http://marauderairrifle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7868)
Good luck and good shooting.
Ray sent me the pic as promised, so I'm posting it here. Here is his original commentary:
"Well I am. I went to Harbor Freight and bought a desiccant filter with blue silicon gel crystals in it that turn pink when saturated with water and a 1/4 inch female quick connector. Then I had to go to home depo to get a 1/4 in to 1/8 adapter and a 1/8 nipple for the other end of the filter. Put it all together and screwed it into my Benji pump at the intake. Then I hooked it up to my compressor tuned down to 23 PSI and what a difference it made. Going from 1800 psi to 3000 psi used to take me 60 or 70 pumps. Now it's 28 pumps and they are not really much harder, just different. I shot 3 times as many pellets this afternoon and enjoyed it much more as I usually dreaded pumping up my Mrod. Now....not so much. This is great for an old man like me that can't afford all the scuba tanks and adapters. This cost me less than 15 bucks as I already had a 150psi compressor and a hose with quick connect on it."
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/DaveinOakwoodGA/ModifiedEnhancedBenjamin%20pump/BenjaminPump_zps1e500805.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DaveinOakwoodGA/media/ModifiedEnhancedBenjamin%20pump/BenjaminPump_zps1e500805.jpg.html)
Link to dessicant filter: http://www.harborfreight.com/inline-desiccant-dryerfilter-68215.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/inline-desiccant-dryerfilter-68215.html)
My pump, My pic....my words....how did Ray send them to you??. Im cornfused ::) ??? ::)
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Sandspike, I believe boosting is awesome for those who only have a hand pump. If I were only hunting, I would consider it, but I do lots of tuning, experimentation, and target shooting. I doubt I would have been able to learn so much about Marauders if I didn't have access to lots of high pressure air. I bought my first Marauder in 2009, but I didn't buy a hand pump until last summer. I got one so I could take it and my P-rod on a plane to my mother-in-laws place which is loaded with squirrels. I didn't want to mess with taking a tank on the plane.
Ray
Ray, let me try to be understood here by modifying your quote above. "I believe boosting is awesome for those who can only afford to buy a hand pump." My intended audience here is those that have bought a hand pump and are dissatisfied with it or those who the expense of buying a tank would be served by a boosted pump and go ahead and buy a PCP gun.
Crosman just got a slug of new Synrods back from customers who were given them for Christmas. Upon discovering that they needed a source of HPA, then returned the guns for refund. They might not have been returned if the buyers were informed about boosted pumps and not told that they needed to buy an unnecessary tank that cost more than the gun for one big enough to be useful.
Yes, I just said that expensive HPA tanks are UNNECESSARY for a beginning PCP owner. I firmly believe this because if this 61 year old man can pump 30 and enjoy shooting both of his Mrods, others can as well. Yes HPA tanks are the best option overall but boosted pumps can bridge the gap between no PCP guns and getting into Darkside happiness. And just think about how many more PCP guns would be sold if the Boosted Pump method of fueling them was widely known.
Knowledge is power....PCP power! ;D
what is this "boosted pump method" you speak of! :o
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My pump, My pic....my words....how did Ray send them to you??. Im cornfused ::) ??? ::)
Nope, it was me that was confused, but I fixed it. My apologies. It's rough getting old and forgetful.
I do have a questions for you:
1. Did you drill and tap your pump reservoir or did you use a pre-existing threaded hole? I miss seeing that in your original explanation.
2. Why did you select 23 psi as your compressor output pressure going into your pump? In other words, what reasoning lead you to 23 psi? I'm not trying to be a wise acre here, I really want to know.
3. What size compressor do you have to work with?
4. I have a 60 gallon and I have it's output regulated and already have a moisture trap and a moisture filter. Do I need more do you think?
5. Have you figured out a way to dry out the moisture filters once they've turned colors? Those moisture filters are expensive and turn pink pretty quick in my experience using them to bead blast gun parts for parkerizing.
6. What brand of pump do you have and do you think this modification can be performed on the Benjamin or Hill brands just as easily?
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what is this "boosted pump method" you speak of! :o
Jeff,
Scroll back up to post #42. There's a picture and Sandspike's original explanation from another thread and descriptions of the parts.
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My pump, My pic....my words....how did Ray send them to you??. Im cornfused ::) ??? ::)
Nope, it was me that was confused, but I fixed it. My apologies. It's rough getting old and forgetful. Boy do I know it. ::)
I do have a questions for you: I'll use your red color method.
1. Did you drill and tap your pump reservoir or did you use a pre-existing threaded hole? I miss seeing that in your original explanation. I did not drill out anything. Just remove the sintered brass filter that is under the hose and install the filter there.
2. Why did you select 23 psi as your compressor output pressure going into your pump? In other words, what reasoning lead you to 23 psi? I'm not trying to be a wise acre here, I really want to know.
3. What size compressor do you have to work with? Well I vary the pressure with what feels good at the time. 23 to 28 seems best for pumping from 2000 up. But when I first fill I will go up to 40 or 50 psi.
4. I have a 60 gallon and I have it's output regulated and already have a moisture trap and a moisture filter. Do I need more do you think? The more the merrier as for moisture removers. The one on the pump is another.
5. Have you figured out a way to dry out the moisture filters once they've turned colors? Those moisture filters are expensive and turn pink pretty quick in my experience using them to bead blast gun parts for parkerizing. Yes you can reuse it forever. All I do is put it in a shallow aluminum pie pan and put it in a small oven at 250 for about 2 hours and it dries out. I store it in an air tight jar. Also...any decissant bags you get with electronics and such can be opened and used as well. Walmart sells desiccant crystals if you order online and it is cheap.
6. What brand of pump do you have and do you think this modification can be performed on the Benjamin or Hill brands just as easily? I have only used Benjamin pump. I don't know what can be done to hill pumps
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Sandspike, I believe boosting is awesome for those who only have a hand pump. If I were only hunting, I would consider it, but I do lots of tuning, experimentation, and target shooting. I doubt I would have been able to learn so much about Marauders if I didn't have access to lots of high pressure air. I bought my first Marauder in 2009, but I didn't buy a hand pump until last summer. I got one so I could take it and my P-rod on a plane to my mother-in-laws place which is loaded with squirrels. I didn't want to mess with taking a tank on the plane.
Ray
Ray, let me try to be understood here by modifying your quote above. "I believe boosting is awesome for those who can only afford to buy a hand pump." My intended audience here is those that have bought a hand pump and are dissatisfied with it or those who the expense of buying a tank would be served by a boosted pump and go ahead and buy a PCP gun.
Crosman just got a slug of new Synrods back from customers who were given them for Christmas. Upon discovering that they needed a source of HPA, then returned the guns for refund. They might not have been returned if the buyers were informed about boosted pumps and not told that they needed to buy an unnecessary tank that cost more than the gun for one big enough to be useful.
Yes, I just said that expensive HPA tanks are UNNECESSARY for a beginning PCP owner. I firmly believe this because if this 61 year old man can pump 30 and enjoy shooting both of his Mrods, others can as well. Yes HPA tanks are the best option overall but boosted pumps can bridge the gap between no PCP guns and getting into Darkside happiness. And just think about how many more PCP guns would be sold if the Boosted Pump method of fueling them was widely known.
Knowledge is power....PCP power! ;D
what is this "boosted pump method" you speak of! :o
Read up. Look at the pump in the pic. You hook a hose from the compressor onto the nipple on top of the filter and inject it with about 25psi air. This doubles the efficiency of the pump and therefore cuts the number of pumps in half to refill a PCP gun.
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Only thing you need is a Marauder 25 cal. I love mine and you would have to kill me to get it out of my hands. For hunting of any kind there is no better gun than a 25 cal. Marauder. Accurate, deadly and very quiet. Stacks pellets out ot 40 yards and at 50 yds 1/2" groups with JSB 25.4 grain domed pellets. Price is excellent, can be pumped up by hand pump, best deal on a lower cost high end PCP you will ever find!
William
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Sandspike, responses in green this time.
I do have a questions for you: I'll use your red color method.Works for me.
1. Did you drill and tap your pump reservoir or did you use a pre-existing threaded hole? I miss seeing that in your original explanation. I did not drill out anything. Just remove the sintered brass filter that is under the hose and install the filter there.Which makes the pump you have very easy to modify and return to "stock" form if you decide to sell it down the road. A very good thing, as people can be funny about modifications when they are buying something used.
2. Why did you select 23 psi as your compressor output pressure going into your pump? In other words, what reasoning lead you to 23 psi? I'm not trying to be a wise acre here, I really want to know. Well I vary the pressure with what feels good at the time. 23 to 28 seems best for pumping from 2000 up. But when I first fill I will go up to 40 or 50 psi. So you modulate the pressure depending on where you're at in the pumping cycle, more compressor assistance at the beginning and then weaning off as your rifle's tank begins to fill.
3. What size compressor do you have to work with?
4. I have a 60 gallon and I have it's output regulated and already have a moisture trap and a moisture filter. Do I need more do you think? The more the merrier as for moisture removers. The one on the pump is another. So may or may not be needed if my previously installed filters are in good shape. One could conceivably put a quick release fitting on the pump and build a filter attachment that goes on the hose. Perhaps less to get bumped and bent when storing the pump.
5. Have you figured out a way to dry out the moisture filters once they've turned colors? Those moisture filters are expensive and turn pink pretty quick in my experience using them to bead blast gun parts for parkerizing. Yes you can reuse it forever. All I do is put it in a shallow aluminum pie pan and put it in a small oven at 250 for about 2 hours and it dries out. I store it in an air tight jar. Also...any discussant bags you get with electronics and such can be opened and used as well. Walmart sells desiccant crystals if you order online and it is cheap. How do you get the desiccant out? The moisture filters I have now I can get the outer plastic off, but can't get the tube that contains the desiccant apart. It's glued together. Does the Harbor Freight moisture filter come fully apart?
6. What brand of pump do you have and do you think this modification can be performed on the Benjamin or Hill brands just as easily? I have only used Benjamin pump. I don't know what can be done to hill pumps Good to know the best priced of the pumps is one that is easily modified. Looking at the various pumps Pyramid Air offers, I couldn't tell which brand you had. Their pics of the Benjamin aren't the best and look like factory pics cut and pasted to their website. Benjamin's marketing photographer leaves a lot to be desired. I'll have to look around the web for better pictures. But it's good to know, as a guy could pick up that combo deal from Pyramid Air with the pump, modify it and for not a lot of bucks, have a pretty rocking method of filling his rifle without massive expense involved. Not as convenient as a tank, but do-able in the field "stock" and definitely reasonable at the house. I saw in the other thread where you'd posted about the portable tanks from HF, but I don't see myself taking this rifle in the woods to use, as if I'm in the woods, I'm hunting deer and hogs. I really prefer the hogs/boars, because their smart and dangerous if your head is up your rear. Keeps you on your toes.
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William, responses in red in the quote.
Only thing you need is a Marauder 25 cal. I love mine and you would have to kill me to get it out of my hands. A very strong endorsement for the .25 caliber. After looking at the comparison pic above, the caliber I'm favoring, costs and limitations be darned.
For hunting of any kind there is no better gun than a 25 cal. Marauder. Accurate, deadly and very quiet. Accurate, deadly and quiet. My three favorite words for hunting purposes.
Stacks pellets out ot 40 yards and at 50 yds 1/2" groups with JSB 25.4 grain domed pellets. Price is excellent, can be pumped up by hand pump, best deal on a lower cost high end PCP you will ever find! So easily more than accurate for hunting anything that's reasonable to kill with this caliber. A rifle that isn't hard to mod both the rifle and it's associated pump for a bit of convenience/performance increase and economical in many ways. How is the rifle's durability and ease of maintenance and repair?
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Just to REALLY give You some thought regarding caliber, LOL - with the new MRODS (and especially from what it looks like the new wood-stocked models) rapidly approaching the cost of a decent, entry-level "Big Bore", well perhaps it's time to consider how serious You are about hunting ... I shoot 157gr routinely in my Career Fire 201s (unfortunately I'm waiting for a shipment at the moment so I couldn't include them for comparison) but just the sight of a SMALL 95gr .357 compared to all 3 "small caliber" pellets should pretty much sum up why I do (as I mentioned in my earlier post) almost ALL my hunting with the 9mm/.357.
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/BCM_LLC/DSCN4899.jpg)
Obviously shot placement issues on almost anything smaller than a whitetail become shall we say "Slightly less critical" with the 9mm, hahahahaha ... Of course I only get 3 full-power shots at 900+ and about 2 more lower fps follow-ups before it's fill time, but I run nitrogen so it's not a hassle for me.
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Sinceit is literally the quietest pcp air rifle without any extra shroud or ldcs DEFINeTLY go with the .25 they also come with a green mountain barrel, much better than a regular crosman.
Also for hunting squirels .25 is the best. You can take all those pests out with all 3 calibers but with a .25you have the most room for error and will stop them rit in their tracks.with a .22 or .177 you'll need perfect shot placement in the kill zone and they will still usually move around a bit before they die. Squirrels are actuslljuy tough critters if you don't get a killzone shot.
Watch teds video comparing.22 and .25 plus on the mrod the shot count is basically the same and u can always get it tuned to your exact liking.
The only reason to get a diff caliber is for competitions that have a fpe limit. I had a .22 mrod and resold it and bought a .25...best decision ever. Still basicslly just as quiet too and can always buy an LDC to make it virtually no sound.
From now on I'm only going to buy .25s unless its an insanely accurate gun where I am confident on being able to place a shot exactly where I want it. Get a .25 and you'll thank me!
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Just to REALLY give You some thought regarding caliber, LOL - with the new MRODS (and especially from what it looks like the new wood-stocked models) rapidly approaching the cost of a decent, entry-level "Big Bore", well perhaps it's time to consider how serious You are about hunting ... I shoot 157gr routinely in my Career Fire 201s (unfortunately I'm waiting for a shipment at the moment so I couldn't include them for comparison) but just the sight of a SMALL 95gr .357 compared to all 3 "small caliber" pellets should pretty much sum up why I do (as I mentioned in my earlier post) almost ALL my hunting with the 9mm/.357.
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/BCM_LLC/DSCN4899.jpg)
Obviously shot placement issues on almost anything smaller than a whitetail become shall we say "Slightly less critical" with the 9mm, hahahahaha ... Of course I only get 3 full-power shots at 900+ and about 2 more lower fps follow-ups before it's fill time, but I run nitrogen so it's not a hassle for me.
Now that is just ridiculous. If I need larger than a .25 caliber pellet, I am no longer in my back yard and don't need to spend that kind of money on an air rifle when I have a gun safe full of hunting rifles to choose from. If I can't use the rifles in my gun safe to hunt away from my yard, I'm in a state or country I have no business being in and need to get out of there.
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Eric, responses in red in the quote
Sinceit is literally the quietest pcp air rifle without any extra shroud or ldcs DEFINeTLY go with the .25 they also come with a green mountain barrel, much better than a regular crosman. Didn't know Benjamin was a Crosman, but not surprised. Keep hearing the Green Mountain barrels are the way to go in the Benjamins, is actually becoming a them in this thread.
Also for hunting squirels .25 is the best. You can take all those pests out with all 3 calibers but with a .25you have the most room for error and will stop them rit in their tracks.with a .22 or .177 you'll need perfect shot placement in the kill zone and they will still usually move around a bit before they die. Squirrels are actuslljuy tough critters if you don't get a killzone shot. Again, becoming a them related to squirrels. But absolutely true.
Watch teds video comparing.22 and .25 plus on the mrod the shot count is basically the same and u can always get it tuned to your exact liking. Not sure which video that is. Can you provide a link? For me though, the shot count isn't much of a concern. I want to do my business and get back inside the house and back to work after reducing the pest population.
The only reason to get a diff caliber is for competitions that have a fpe limit. I had a .22 mrod and resold it and bought a .25...best decision ever. Still basicslly just as quiet too and can always buy an LDC to make it virtually no sound. Not sure I'd need the LDC, but what is an LDC? As far as competitions, not a concern for me. If I was to shoot competition, it would be in the sniper rifle class at 600-1000 yards.
From now on I'm only going to buy .25s unless its an insanely accurate gun where I am confident on being able to place a shot exactly where I want it. Get a .25 and you'll thank me! I believe you're right on this one.
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Just to REALLY give You some thought regarding caliber, LOL - with the new MRODS (and especially from what it looks like the new wood-stocked models) rapidly approaching the cost of a decent, entry-level "Big Bore", well perhaps it's time to consider how serious You are about hunting ... I shoot 157gr routinely in my Career Fire 201s (unfortunately I'm waiting for a shipment at the moment so I couldn't include them for comparison) but just the sight of a SMALL 95gr .357 compared to all 3 "small caliber" pellets should pretty much sum up why I do (as I mentioned in my earlier post) almost ALL my hunting with the 9mm/.357.
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/BCM_LLC/DSCN4899.jpg)
Obviously shot placement issues on almost anything smaller than a whitetail become shall we say "Slightly less critical" with the 9mm, hahahahaha ... Of course I only get 3 full-power shots at 900+ and about 2 more lower fps follow-ups before it's fill time, but I run nitrogen so it's not a hassle for me.
Now that is just ridiculous. If I need larger than a .25 caliber pellet, I am no longer in my back yard and don't need to spend that kind of money on an air rifle when I have a gun safe full of hunting rifles to choose from. If I can't use the rifles in my gun safe to hunt away from my yard, I'm in a state or country I have no business being in and need to get out of there.
That 9mm really makes me want to my back yard and shoot my 70 and 80 yard spinners. That sucker looks bad to the bone. ;)
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I'm not sure what video Eric was referring to from Ted, but here is Ted's excellent review of the Gen1 Mrod .25
http://tedsholdover.com/video/reviews/benjamin_marauder_25/ (http://tedsholdover.com/video/reviews/benjamin_marauder_25/)
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Here is Ted's .22 vs .25 squirrel video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DImiWYmrGsk# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DImiWYmrGsk#)
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Thanks for the videos Gentlemen. It's plain and obvious from the videos this rifle is a quality piece, is plenty accurate for pest squirrel hunting and the .25 caliber is the right amount of gun with the right noise level for one's backyard.
Time to start saving my nickels. I see one of the new wood stocked rifles in my future.
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Just to REALLY give You some thought regarding caliber, LOL - with the new MRODS (and especially from what it looks like the new wood-stocked models) rapidly approaching the cost of a decent, entry-level "Big Bore", well perhaps it's time to consider how serious You are about hunting ... I shoot 157gr routinely in my Career Fire 201s (unfortunately I'm waiting for a shipment at the moment so I couldn't include them for comparison) but just the sight of a SMALL 95gr .357 compared to all 3 "small caliber" pellets should pretty much sum up why I do (as I mentioned in my earlier post) almost ALL my hunting with the 9mm/.357.
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/BCM_LLC/DSCN4899.jpg)
Obviously shot placement issues on almost anything smaller than a whitetail become shall we say "Slightly less critical" with the 9mm, hahahahaha ... Of course I only get 3 full-power shots at 900+ and about 2 more lower fps follow-ups before it's fill time, but I run nitrogen so it's not a hassle for me.
Now that is just ridiculous. If I need larger than a .25 caliber pellet, I am no longer in my back yard and don't need to spend that kind of money on an air rifle when I have a gun safe full of hunting rifles to choose from. If I can't use the rifles in my gun safe to hunt away from my yard, I'm in a state or country I have no business being in and need to get out of there.
The topic was RE Airgun Caliber, of course a PB is going to be an overall more efficient gun for a hunting "Trip", I wasn't contending that or trying to belittle any PB fans ... Besides, it's definitely possible to spend thousands on a good quality PB rifle too, not to mention finding ammo, etc and paying in some cases upwards of a buck or more per shot when You do. For me, "Backyard" is a term that covers just over 60 acres (predominantly heavy old-growth woods) and I tend to shoot a LOT for entertainment, relaxation, and sometimes yes, hunting - so at 0.15-ish a shot, yeah I'll grab the 9mm and have some fun, just like I used to do with the 7.62 PB when a box of ammo was a couple of bucks (or less) and You could buy a trunkload without question or scrutiny at any gun show.
That 9mm really makes me want to my back yard and shoot my 70 and 80 yard spinners. That sucker looks bad to the bone. ;)
Just for the record, I definitely do NOT recommend shooting your spinners with a 9mm, LOL - when I first got the Career Fire I put one into my poor little Gamo spinners at about 30yds, instead of a straight metal rod with a target on each end it became basically a 45deg angle with a pivot in the center, I found that out AFTER I went and picked it up off the ground, the hit actually pulled the entire 4-spinner upper assembly clean off of the metal rod it was on !!!
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The spinners I use at 70 and 80 yards are for a .22 rim fire. I only use my gamo spinners at 30 yards for my .25 air rifles and below. The .25 really puts a pop on the 30 yard spinner. The 9mm will be for my long range shooting in my back yard.
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Bought a 22 cal marauder last year and tried no less than 16 different pellets. It just would not shoot.
Called Crossman and they were very nice and asked me to send them the gun which I did. It came back in a week with a new barrel, new trigger group and a new probe.
Tried new setup and it was only marginally better than the original. Call Crossman again asked if they shot it before they sent it back and they said yes at 11 yards because that is there specs. Long story short they offered to replace the gun with a 25 cal at no expense, so I agreed.
Crossman sent me a brand new 25 cal syn. I could no believe it. It shot pretty good (3/4 inch groups at 50 yds ) so its my experience that there are still problems with the 22 cal. My 22 cal. could not shoot under 1.5 inches at 50 yards even discounting the flyers.
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My gen 1 .22 was like that. I called and requested a new barrel. Now it's just as accurate as my .25 and it loves CPHPs. Happy Happy Happy
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Dave, responses in red in the quote:
Bought a 22 cal marauder last year and tried no less than 16 different pellets. It just would not shoot. I just don't have use for a gun that won't shoot. Maybe I'm cantankerous, I don't know, but if it isn't accurate within the parameters of the type of rifle/pistol it is, I just am not interested in owning it.
Called Crossman and they were very nice and asked me to send them the gun which I did. It came back in a week with a new barrel, new trigger group and a new probe. That's a lot of new parts, at least they worked on it.
Tried new setup and it was only marginally better than the original. Call Crossman again asked if they shot it before they sent it back and they said yes at 11 yards because that is there specs. Long story short they offered to replace the gun with a 25 cal at no expense, so I agreed. At least they back their products to the hilt and didn't try to cheap out on you. A lot of companies would.
Crossman sent me a brand new 25 cal syn. I could no believe it. It shot pretty good (3/4 inch groups at 50 yds ) so its my experience that there are still problems with the 22 cal. My 22 cal. could not shoot under 1.5 inches at 50 yards even discounting the flyers. This may be an odd question, but what is reasonable accuracy with air guns, particularly the PCP ones?
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My gen 1 .22 was like that. I called and requested a new barrel. Now it's just as accurate as my .25 and it loves CPHPs. Happy Happy Happy
That's the thing about a new barrel on a rifle. They get expensive pretty quick and so many things on a barrel can affect accuracy. I am surprised at how many accuracy issues there are with air rifle barrels these days. In the .22 rimfire market, most barrels nowadays at least get decent accuracy and almost any aftermarket barrel brand you buy will be very accurate in most cases.
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My take on your last question in red.
Groups of 5:
Dimes at 50 yards.
Nickles at 70
and
Quarters at 100 for the .25.
If you bench it and know how to shoot it. :o
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I just got my synthetic marauder last week. Ive only been shooting the Crossman premier hollow points because i want to get some shooting time behind the rifle before i start experimenting with pellets.
so far at 35 yards, 1in groups or less consistently. I just know that once i find the right pellets itll be a tack driver.
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I just got my synthetic marauder last week. Ive only been shooting the Crossman premier hollow points because i want to get some shooting time behind the rifle before i start experimenting with pellets.
so far at 35 yards, 1in groups or less consistently. I just know that once i find the right pellets itll be a tack driver.
It probably is you just need to finish breaking in and re clean the barrel mine shoots most domed .22 pellets pretty accurate with the occasional 1/2" flyer usually my fault ;)
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I bought a Synrod .22 and then started piecing together a 30 cal best of both worlds
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William, responses in red in the quote.
Only thing you need is a Marauder 25 cal. I love mine and you would have to kill me to get it out of my hands. A very strong endorsement for the .25 caliber. After looking at the comparison pic above, the caliber I'm favoring, costs and limitations be darned.
For hunting of any kind there is no better gun than a 25 cal. Marauder. Accurate, deadly and very quiet. Accurate, deadly and quiet. My three favorite words for hunting purposes.
Stacks pellets out ot 40 yards and at 50 yds 1/2" groups with JSB 25.4 grain domed pellets. Price is excellent, can be pumped up by hand pump, best deal on a lower cost high end PCP you will ever find! So easily more than accurate for hunting anything that's reasonable to kill with this caliber. A rifle that isn't hard to mod both the rifle and it's associated pump for a bit of convenience/performance increase and economical in many ways. How is the rifle's durability and ease of maintenance and repair?
This is one of the easiest rifles to maintain as well as durable, very well built, easy to add accessories as well as modifications to power and fitting it to your needs. Parts if ever needed are readily available just about anyplace you look! Keep it clean and lubed with divers grease and you will have many years of trouble free usage.
William
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I just got my synthetic marauder last week. Ive only been shooting the Crossman premier hollow points because i want to get some shooting time behind the rifle before i start experimenting with pellets.
so far at 35 yards, 1in groups or less consistently. I just know that once i find the right pellets itll be a tack driver.
It probably is you just need to finish breaking in and re clean the barrel mine shoots most domed .22 pellets pretty accurate with the occasional 1/2" flyer usually my fault ;)
I cleaned the barrel a good bit. I just know that i need to find the right pellets. I think it got a "good" marauder.