Best PCP .177 under $600

[Rickster]

Hi,What do you suggest I look at?
I have a .177 Marauder on order, but after doing a search for "Marauder" on this forum and reading all the posts, I am starting to have second thoughts.
If it is only going to shoot one pellet accurately, or i have to experiment with drilling out parts,  I might not want it.

This is what i want:
.177 caliber
2000 to 2500 starting pressure for 20 rounds
accurate at least to 35yards (Target and Squirrel shooting)
900fps with a 10.5 gr pellet
quiet for back yard shooting, with out drawing attention (closest house is 100 ft away)

What I have:
allot of .177 pellets, RWS Superdomes, Beeman Silver Stings, H&N Field Target Trophy, H&N Barracuda, AA Diablo 8.44gr 4.52, Crosman PHP.
80cf tank charged and ready to go.

Thanks

[Rickster]

According to a reliable source, .177 Marauders are luck of the draw. Some shoot great, some don't.
I don't have the resources or the ambition to buy and sell them, until i get one that shoots good, like some folks who run this forum.

Right now I'm looking at the FX whisper. I can get a new one for $599, so Im reading about it on the net right now.

Rick

[longislandhunter]

The information I've read off this and other forums doesn't label the Marauders as "luck of  the draw", far from it the majority of the posts speak of excellent accuracy and power.  Are there some shooters who were not happy with their Marauders ??  Absolutely, but you'll find that with any rifle.  What seems to be "hit or miss" with the stock Marauders is whether they'll shoot certain desired pellets, especially the JSB pellets, but again you'll find that situation with any rifle.  My .22 Marauder absolutely hates JSB pellets and spits them all over the target, however with CPL's, CPHP's or Kodiaks my rifle will give me ragged hole groups all day long.  Yes, stock Marauder barrels can be pellet picky, but it doesn't seem to be a problem to find the pellets that work well.  Seems  lately a very good percentage of the newer production guns are shooting the JSB's extremely well.  I mention the JSB's simply because it seems to be the pellet that most shooters "want" their gun to like.  

The FX line of rifles is top notch, if you wind up getting one I'll look forward to your review ....  

Jeff

[tunaboat]

Hi Rick,
Hey ya gotta do what ya gotta do.  I love my .177  Marauder.  I'm making 50-60yd shots on Starlings with it.  Not all the time mind you, but often enough to make me shake my head and say wow.  This is a out of the box stock airgun.  I adjusted the trigger to my liking and that was it.  My only wish is that it were a tad lighter.  I know buying an airgun can be a tough call.  It's too bad there is not more opportunity to try before you buy on these.  Good luck with whatever you decide to buy and welcome to the GTA.

[Rickster]

Does the single shot adapter for the marauder improve accuracy?
I read JSB skirts get damaged?

Does reducing the velocity spread between shots help improve accuracy?
There is a nice write up where the gun is set up for 20,  10.5gr .177 shots, with a spread of 900-920. (2000-1650psi)
He said it was the BEST setup, but he never talked about accuracy changes with this tune.

I'm still looking at the FX Whisper, but I cant find allot of information about it, Like fill pressure vs shots and velocity. What the spread is, is it adjustable?

Rick

[longislandhunter]

I have the single shot adapter and use it primarily for when I'm shooting the JSB Predators, which are the only JSB pellets that my rifle shoots well.  The stock .22 cal  Marauder magazine will not accept Predators so I can't say if those pellets are more accurate from the single shot tray, maybe someone who has the "modified" magazine that does accept predators will chime in,,,, but I've also used the single shot tray for other pellets that I do use in the mags and I personally haven't found the tray to increase my accuracy.  Perhaps others have, but didn't improve accuracy for me when I used CPHP's, Kodiaks or CPL's.  

Jeff

[Gene_SC]

I think the negative posts that you have read are not all entirly true..:) Remember you can always send the gun back to Crosman for a replacement. They are great to deal with and only want the best for us. Hey as far as the best gun under $600.00 that is a no brainer..:) The Disco and Marauder both have what you list above. I shoot both mine between 30 and 35 yards,l with the Disco at 2000 psi and the MRod at 2500 psi. Both give me at least 30 shots each. Go ahead and stick you neck out Rick and try one. You can always get an exchange.

[adrian]

i too just boughtthe single shot tray and polymags,I DOSNT MAKE IT ANY MORE OR LESS ACCURAT IT JUST LETS YOU SHOT LONGER AMMO.MOST OF THE MOST RESENT MARAUDERS THAT HAVE BEEN SOLD HAVE FROM WHAT IVE BEEN READING SEEM TO JUST FINE.IVE ONLY HAD MINE FOR A LITTLE OVER A WEEK AND I LOVE IT.LIKE LNGISLANDHUNTER SAID ANY AND EVERY GUN IS GOING TO BE PELLET PICKY,FIND WHAT YOUR GUN LIKES AND STICK TO IT.I HAVE .22 AND MY GUN SHOOTS POLYMAGS HnN CROW MAGS

[wfmiller]

I would start with the Marauder and once you save a few bucks send it in to Greg Davis. That would be the best move you ever made !!

[lillysdad621]

disco with a tko... 868 fps avg and 47 shots with 10.5 gr cph. ridiculous quiet....

[Zzyzx]

Buy the Whisper. Shrouded new style barrel is supposed to be the bees'knees in accuracy. FX quality is supposed to be top notch. Will still be the same or a bit less than getting a Marauder and sending it out for a major tune up job.

[Rickster]

Now that is exactly what I was thinking.
I am leaning heavily toward the Whisper. Sounds like a great deal.
Do you know if the .177's are the smooth twist like the .22's?
I am looking for chrony results for the .177 but haven't found any.
I only have a 3000psi scuba tank, and the Whisper has a high charge level like 2800, 3200 max.
I dont know what it will do with .177 10.5gr pellet and a 2500psi fill.
There are no adjustments, it is self regulating.
I still have some questions.

Rick

[Rickster]

Decided against the FX Whisper, and the Evanix for various reasons.
I sent Greg an Email about getting the Marauder straight from him, but haven't heard anything.
I am letting my order for the Maurauder .177 go through at AOA for right now, hoping it will ship this week.

Rick

[wfmiller]

Greg is busier than a one armed paper hanger.  You will not be sorry you purchased the Marauder.

[Rickster]

I heard from Greg Davis

He said the Mrod new from him with tune is $602
With Walther barrel is $800
I would only have to wait 12 weeks to get it.

I don't think I have the patience for that with my first PCP.

Rick