2017 Entry Level PCP comparison and review link

[toine]

2017 has been the year of the Entry Level PCP. Based on our reviews, here is our 2017 Holiday Entry Level PCP Shopping guide.
(All notes are based on our reviews, opinions and use of the airguns mentioned)

The main YouTube video has links to my reviews on all but the Wildfire. To be fair and honest, I just had no desire to review the Wildfire, as to me it's just a matter of "do I want a cheap PCP for punching holes in cans" or not.

00:20 Benjamin Wildfire
01:56 Beeman Chief
03:30 Benjamin Maximus
05:10 Diana Stormrider
06:46 Gamo Urban
08:57 Umarex Gauntlet
12:28 Final Thoughts

[Dbez1]

Very interesting!  On another current thread here, it seems like many members would favor the Urban over the Gauntlet.  I just wonder how many have both rifles to provide first hand feedback? 

[Geoff]

thank you for the reviews

[toine]

Very interesting!  On another current thread here, it seems like many members would favor the Urban over the Gauntlet.  I just wonder how many have both rifles to provide first hand feedback?

Both are great. For me, the two things that edged the Gauntlet over the top were the groups I got at 100 yards and the lower price for magazines. Both are rifles I purchased, and I have zero regrets.

[beachgunner]

What big retailer is offering Mrod's for $320??

[nervoustrigger]

Michael, I presume Tony is referring to Sportsman's Guide who has the .22 cal for $315 for members.
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/benjamin-marauder-bolt-action-pcp-air-rifle-22-caliber-synthetic-stock?a=2168103

[beachgunner]

Thanks Jason

[toine]

Michael, I presume Tony is referring to Sportsman's Guide who has the .22 cal for $315 for members.
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/benjamin-marauder-bolt-action-pcp-air-rifle-22-caliber-synthetic-stock?a=2168103

Exactly. Pretty crazy price wise.

[Hajimoto]

Thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and boy do the up and coming shooters have maze to navigate.  I think with your video though, they will have a good handle on what cons they can live with.


Thanks for making the video T

[Rat Sniper (AKA: PaulT58)]

Great review Tony!  I own every one of these except the Wildfire, and if they drop to under $75 I may get one of them also!  I have to agree that the Gauntlet is the top from what you have reviewed.  Although, I like my QB Chief better than my Maximus in .177, it is heavier.  I find the QB a tad bit more accurate and consistent, and the pellet tray is a tad bit larger which makes loading those tiny .177 pellets a bit easier.

I have the Varmint, not the Stormrider, but basically they are the same.  Mine is currently out of commission waiting on parts.  My bolt handle broke!  That seems to be the common weak point of these rifles, so hopefully, SPA will fix it for future versions.  When it was shooting, it was a blast.  It's short, lightweight, and fast, so it makes a great brush rifle.

As far as sub $300 PCP's go, I did manage to snag a Sys-Rod for under $300 when Cabala's had them on sale, so I'm glad you included it as an honorable mention.  It is definitely the standard that most other PCP's use as a benchmark. 

Again, great video, and thanks for sharing!

[rsterne]

Excellent review.... Thanks for putting it together.... With moderated rifles being illegal in Canada, it really limits our choices.... I love my Disco, and don't view the Maximus as an upgrade, and IMO the Wildfire is just a toy.... That leaves me with a choice of one !!!.... I wonder what's in that big long box sitting under our Christmas tree?.... hmmmmmmmmm....

Bob

[nervoustrigger]

Good choice, Bob!

I agree on those sentiments.

[Wayne52]

Tony thanks for the great review !!! You are one of the few that does reviews on a lot of the SPA products, I have one of the Airmax Dominators in .22 and love it, you've probably already shot one by now I imagine.

[toine]

Tony thanks for the great review !!! You are one of the few that does reviews on a lot of the SPA products, I have one of the Airmax Dominators in .22 and love it, you've probably already shot one by now I imagine.

The Dominator is on my 2018 list for certain. I'm waiting right now on seeing post-SHOT show if any announcements are made in regards to the products that come out of the SPA factory. Personally, I am a huge fan of them, and hope they continue to grow.

[Traum]

Great review. Definitely good food for thought I just don't like  guns that are black synthetic. I would get one in realtree/mossy oak but I much prefer good old wood stocks. I want a marauder .25 but waiting to see if I can catch a last minute sale for Christmas maybe knock some off the price.

[toine]

Great review. Definitely good food for thought I just don't like  guns that are black synthetic. I would get one in realtree/mossy oak but I much prefer good old wood stocks. I want a marauder .25 but waiting to see if I can catch a last minute sale for Christmas maybe knock some off the price.

Check Sportsman's guide, they had them backordereable at an amazing price.