Cannot decide for my first PCP airgun! Help me choose!

[Nomadic Pirate]

This Maximus deal isn't bad either.
Air Gun Depot Maximus combo - scope, better G6 pump, target, pellet sampler, $420.
http://www.airgundepot.com/benjamin-maximus-airgunsarp-special-combo.html

That's a Grreat deal, I had that pump, works well and seems very solid and reliable.

[Wildcatter]

That's a great deal.   I bought a Barska Winbest pump for my wildcat and no trouble using.  105 pumps from 125 bar to 200 bar.

[Iamscotticus]

One thing I would consider is not getting the package, I would spend a bit more and get a HILL pump and a Disco

I agree with this, I did buy the Disco/pump combo at a good price, and if you wait for it, deals can be found.
But I should have bought the rifle separate on sale and bought a Hill pump.
Im not saying this because the Benji pump is bad, but the Hill is a better unit rated for higher pressures and it has the air drier built in.
Also, the Hill will fill a larger PCP later if you buy one, which you will.
Also, realize you are entering the "dark side".  This means you are doomed. You will buy your first rifle, spend lots of $$ on accessories, then get an itch for the next newer and better gun.  Or an older and better.  it doesn't end.  So buy a Disco, just plan on upgrading to a Marauder trigger.
Im not sure but if the Maximus has that trigger, then that is the way to go.

Your first PCP will not be your last, so Its isn't necessary to get the "best" for your first. 
But as is often the case, the Disco proves to be the PCP that will always have a place in your collection.

[Rivers3Plinker]

One thing I would consider is not getting the package, I would spend a bit more and get a HILL pump and a Disco

I agree with this, I did buy the Disco/pump combo at a good price, and if you wait for it, deals can be found.
But I should have bought the rifle separate on sale and bought a Hill pump.
Im not saying this because the Benji pump is bad, but the Hill is a better unit rated for higher pressures and it has the air drier built in.
Also, the Hill will fill a larger PCP later if you buy one, which you will.
Also, realize you are entering the "dark side".  This means you are doomed. You will buy your first rifle, spend lots of $$ on accessories, then get an itch for the next newer and better gun.  Or an older and better.  it doesn't end.  So buy a Disco, just plan on upgrading to a Marauder trigger.
Im not sure but if the Maximus has that trigger, then that is the way to go.

Your first PCP will not be your last, so Its isn't necessary to get the "best" for your first. 
But as is often the case, the Disco proves to be the PCP that will always have a place in your collection.

So true it hurts!
Maximus has same 2260 trigger as the Disco. At least it would appear based upon photos.
All you need with that Maximus combo is a TKO. Rip that silly looking, plastic, 760 front sight off the end of the barrel and install the TKO.
Looks cool, works well, good value.

http://www.tko22.com/

Later you want to upgrade the trigger, you can get a spacer from airgunlab - http://www.airgunlab.com/products/Marauder_Trigger_Spacer

Then order the trigger from Crosman parts directly 800-724-7486
Trigger assembly - part number 1763A105
Hammer weight - CH2009A009
Striker ( threads into center of hammer weight ) 1763A036

You'll need to machine a relief into the top of the front of the hammer weight to clear the rear breach screw.
Looks like this sort of. This is a custom 1701P weight on eBay though.


You can use the factory discovery weight but it has a notch on the body that reportedly can break the sear in the marauder / challenger trigger. Might not happen right away or ever for that matter, but not ideal for the application IMO.

[Iamscotticus]

Lately, it seems, a lot of Discovery's have been leakers.  Don't get me wrong.  All pcp's leak or will eventually.  It's just a case of how much is perceivable.

Yes, My Disco leaked at the transfer port so bad I could feel the air blow by.  But removing the breech and barrel is not difficult and disassembly will eventually be necessary, so I got into it and fixed the issue.

I don't know what an M-10 is.  would someone put up a link please?

Yes, I would agree the Mrod is a good rifle but having both Benjamin products, I believe that for the combined costs of both, there are AGs available that have all the quality and performance you wish you had to start with.  That means buying a $1K+ PCP.  Sorry, I can't help in that realm, Im not there, yet.

@ Rivers3:  That's a lot of modding for a beginner.  worth it if you want to stick with the disco platform.  For the OP's info, there is an intermediate trigger upgrade in the way of the "brass trigger" and "three screw hack" that are possible with the stock trigger that give good results.  some say excellent, but your mileage may vary on that.  a few tuners sell the brass trigger, so I wont link to just one, but a search of disco brass trigger will reveal them.

[Rivers3Plinker]

Lately, it seems, a lot of Discovery's have been leakers.  Don't get me wrong.  All pcp's leak or will eventually.  It's just a case of how much is perceivable.

Yes, My Disco leaked at the transfer port so bad I could feel the air blow by.  But removing the breech and barrel is not difficult and disassembly will eventually be necessary, so I got into it and fixed the issue.

I don't know what an M-10 is.  would someone put up a link please?

Yes, I would agree the Mrod is a good rifle but having both Benjamin products, I believe that for the combined costs of both, there are AGs available that have all the quality and performance you wish you had to start with.  That means buying a $1K+ PCP.  Sorry, I can't help in that realm, Im not there, yet.

@ Rivers3:  That's a lot of modding for a beginner.  worth it if you want to stick with the disco platform.  For the OP's info, there is an intermediate trigger upgrade in the way of the "brass trigger" and "three screw hack" that are possible with the stock trigger that give good results.  some say excellent, but your mileage may vary on that.  a few tuners sell the brass trigger, so I wont link to just one, but a search of disco brass trigger will reveal them.

Good points. The hammer weight machining is a bit of a hassle but otherwise it's not a hard mod if you have the tools and know how to get it apart and back together again.
I started with the brass before going with the Challenger trigger.
It is much nicer than stock and I really liked the feel of the wide brass trigger body.
Maybe I should put in the user classifieds.

[jeffsenpai]

Thank you all for the help in the decision making process.

What I ultimately went with - just ordered now, is the Benjamin Maurauder in .25 caliber. The sale price at Cabela's seemed too good to be true and no other vendor I could find was even close. So in 4-7 days it should arrive. Went with the synthetic stock.

I also ordered the Taousa pump - seems to get decent reviews on Amazon, many of the reviews mention pairing it with the Marauder.

Now to research which pellets to order, and optics.

Thanks all! 

[Iamscotticus]

DIG THIS:
http://airgunguild.com/airgun-classifieds/brand-new-25-mrod-with-ssg-and-tuned-by-war/

[Iamscotticus]

The Benjamin .25 domes are good they only come in one weight.
The JSB Exact Diablos are typically the best and come in more weight varieties.

On a PCP you don't need to buy a "air gun" scope.  a regular FA scope is good.

[Rivers3Plinker]

Thank you all for the help in the decision making process.

What I ultimately went with - just ordered now, is the Benjamin Maurauder in .25 caliber. The sale price at Cabela's seemed too good to be true and no other vendor I could find was even close. So in 4-7 days it should arrive. Went with the synthetic stock.

I also ordered the Taousa pump - seems to get decent reviews on Amazon, many of the reviews mention pairing it with the Marauder.

Now to research which pellets to order, and optics.

Thanks all! 

You're going to love it - congratulations!

I suggest an AO scope and at least 32mm objective, preferably larger. I see some guys go 50mm on the Mrod.  I personally went 44mm with https://www.pyramydair.com/product/utg-4-16x44-ao-swat-accushot-rifle-scope-ez-tap-illuminated-mil-dot?a=3900. The side wheel allows you to quickly focus on targets at different distances. Works great for pesting.

Predator Polymags and JSB Kings seem to be popular in this gun and they have worked great in mine.
Buy 4 tins and the third tin is free at Pyramydair.
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-match-diabolo-exact-king-25-cal-25-39-grains-domed-350ct?p=720
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/predator-polymag-25-cal-26-grains-pointed-150ct?p=896

I have tried the H&N Crow Magnums and they grouped poorly for me at 50yrds. Haven't had a chance ( or the need frankly ) to shoot anything else from my Mrod.

I whacked a rabbit from 45 yards yesterday with a predator polymag in my .25 Mrod.
Head shot from the side between the ears and the eye socket. It took off the top of his head! I was blown away ( so was he ). He won't be eating the wifes flowers anymore. Seriously devastating pellets and group really well. The JSB kings are probably slightly better but the impact and wound channel from the Polymags is impressive. I do not have to rezero to use them in my gun. I can switch mags loaded with either and go. YMMV but many people do well with them in the Marauder.

[Sfttailrdr46]

Thank you all for the help in the decision making process.

What I ultimately went with - just ordered now, is the Benjamin Maurauder in .25 caliber. The sale price at Cabela's seemed too good to be true and no other vendor I could find was even close. So in 4-7 days it should arrive. Went with the synthetic stock.

I also ordered the Taousa pump - seems to get decent reviews on Amazon, many of the reviews mention pairing it with the Marauder.

Now to research which pellets to order, and optics.

Thanks all! 

You're going to love it - congratulations!

I suggest an AO scope and at least 32mm objective, preferably larger. I see some guys go 50mm on the Mrod.  I personally went 44mm with https://www.pyramydair.com/product/utg-4-16x44-ao-swat-accushot-rifle-scope-ez-tap-illuminated-mil-dot?a=3900. The side wheel allows you to quickly focus on targets at different distances. Works great for pesting.

Predator Polymags and JSB Kings seem to be popular in this gun and they have worked great in mine.
Buy 4 tins and the third tin is free at Pyramydair.
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/jsb-match-diabolo-exact-king-25-cal-25-39-grains-domed-350ct?p=720
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/predator-polymag-25-cal-26-grains-pointed-150ct?p=896

I have tried the H&N Crow Magnums and they grouped poorly for me at 50yrds. Haven't had a chance ( or the need frankly ) to shoot anything else from my Mrod.

I whacked a rabbit from 45 yards yesterday with a predator polymag in my .25 Mrod.
Head shot from the side between the ears and the eye socket. It took off the top of his head! I was blown away ( so was he ). He won't be eating the wifes flowers anymore. Seriously devastating pellets and group really well. The JSB kings are probably slightly better but the impact and wound channel from the Polymags is impressive. I do not have to rezero to use them in my gun. I can switch mags loaded with either and go. YMMV but many people do well with them in the Marauder.

Once you are dialed in 3/4" groups at 50 yards with the .25 Marauder are pretty much a routine thing to the point of boringly accurate at that distance. 

[Ribbonstone]

On the other hand, I don't really like big-big scopes.  Do have a few, but put them on guns destined for the bench rather than out in the field (OK...one exception...on a "sporter" that was aleady very heavy).

Pump fillers face this problem: a larger volume that takes a long time to pump-fill and gives a larger number of shots or a small air volume that can fill quickly but give fewer shots per fill.  Of the two, I take the 2nd.  WHY? Because I tend to only pump 50-60 strokes on the pump before letting it cool down.  I like a rifle that will fill in one set.

So I would still go with the Disco/Maximus.  BUT, you will likely want to tune it...which doesn't really have to cost a single cent in parts.  Will cost some time, effort,  and a chronograph.  OK...maybe a trigger job and a simple "power adjuster" (and I'll tell you now, you'll be adjusting it down).

Yeah...have several PCPs...but the Disco gets used more than many of the more expensive ones.  Still looks simple, almost all the "work" was in adjusting the standard parts:



And may not be up to the mega-power many newbies want....but that's a lot of shots.


Of course, it didn't get like that over night.  Did a little...learned a lot...did a little more...etc. Is a whole lot of BS for sale out there, but most of it seems more aimed at folks in a hurry....you can actually get there without most of that stuff if you mod-test-learn (repeat). 

At no time was it "unshootable", just as I went along it came closer and closer to what I wanted it to do.

[Ribbonstone]

oops...doubled that post

[kbstingwing]

You'll love the M-rod, put a Bi-pod and sling on it, the UTG scopes are economical and really good, btw UTG makes a quick disconnect Bi-pod too, it comes with easy to install picatinny rail, have fun with it.

here what I have on mine,
UTG 4-16x44 compact tactical scope w/ side AO, (pt# scp3-um416aoiew) recommend adding side wheel for AO adjustment.
UTG 30mm/11mm dovetail medium profile scope rings (pt# RQ2D3154)
UTG Quick lock Bi-pod 6.2-6.7"w/ Picatinny rail ( pt# TL-BP28SQ)

[bmoney]

On the other hand, I don't really like big-big scopes.  Do have a few, but put them on guns destined for the bench rather than out in the field (OK...one exception...on a "sporter" that was aleady very heavy).

Pump fillers face this problem: a larger volume that takes a long time to pump-fill and gives a larger number of shots or a small air volume that can fill quickly but give fewer shots per fill.  Of the two, I take the 2nd.  WHY? Because I tend to only pump 50-60 strokes on the pump before letting it cool down.  I like a rifle that will fill in one set.

So I would still go with the Disco/Maximus.  BUT, you will likely want to tune it...which doesn't really have to cost a single cent in parts.  Will cost some time, effort,  and a chronograph.  OK...maybe a trigger job and a simple "power adjuster" (and I'll tell you now, you'll be adjusting it down).

Yeah...have several PCPs...but the Disco gets used more than many of the more expensive ones.  Still looks simple, almost all the "work" was in adjusting the standard parts:



And may not be up to the mega-power many newbies want....but that's a lot of shots.


Of course, it didn't get like that over night.  Did a little...learned a lot...did a little more...etc. Is a whole lot of BS for sale out there, but most of it seems more aimed at folks in a hurry....you can actually get there without most of that stuff if you mod-test-learn (repeat). 

At no time was it "unshootable", just as I went along it came closer and closer to what I wanted it to do.

Nice rifle, I would love to have a Disco shooting at 700-750fps.  I have a 2260 with a TKO on it, it shoots about 500fps on Co2.  I just don't need a 850fps rifle in my backyard for my 12 and 20 yard lanes.  I wish crosman would sell the Disco with the Euro valve. 

OP- you will love your .25 cal Marauder.  My buddy has one and it shoots ragged holes and shoots hard!  Keep us updated when you get it. 

[Back_Roads]

 A buddy of mine has a synrod in .25 <in part thanks to me telling his wife what one to get,
I have yet to shoot it , but did give him some assorted ammo to try outso far he loves it , but is considering have me look at it and seee if anything can be gained
.

[kbstingwing]

A buddy of mine has a synrod in .25 <in part thanks to me telling his wife what one to get,
I have yet to shoot it , but did give him some assorted ammo to try outso far he loves it , but is considering have me look at it and seee if anything can be gained
.

What a Good Friend.....If you didn't help her, he could have wound up with a Pink Red Ryder..................

[RayK]

The 25 M-rod is a great choice!

I recommend you get a light weight scope and a sling.  The gun is a bit on the heavy side, so these make it a better field carry gun.  If you add a  bipod and heavy scope, it will be useful only as a benchrest gun.

Ray

[wll2506]

I don't have a dog in this fight, and as a matter of fact have never shot a Marauder, although I have two 22 cal Discos ;- ), but from EVERYTHING I have read and studied up on ... you made a very wise choice. From my readings, folks like the gun a lot, it can be customized to the max and can be tuned to perfection. The 25 caliber is the one folks recommend overwhelmingly !

Congratulations on your new PCP ;-  )

wll2506