If Your Wife Said Go Ahead

[Mark 611]

Once you start shootin PCP's it over I shot my brothers M-Rod over the weekend and its a whole different animal I ordered an M-Rod and I'm left handed! I have a GD M-Rod in tow but don't know when it'll get here its already over due so couldn't wait and bought a stock one! so if you can swing an M-Rod do it!

[Gene_SC]

One thing nice with the M-Rods is they are right handed and wrong handed. So even the handicapped wrong handed can shoot...

[Mark 611]

yep your right Gene I liked it so much I don't care if its right handed for now I can have it converted later to a left handed gun after I get my other one from Greg Davis then I'll have 2!

[JimH]

Jeff,

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas! I'm like'n the deal so far, God Bless your dear wife.

Regarding your choices, the springer looks like a classic but as mentioned already, if you have a springer you want, my money goes with a PCP. I went over to Pyramid's site and they're sold out for now on the Marauder. But I watched the videos and almost took out my credit card and pre ordered. I don't want to hijack this thread with my questions - being a noob I have a lot. But my initial observation is that the Marauder looks a bit chunky or clunky... maybe that's takes some getting used to being that I'm used to the sleek lines of a springer. That said, the performance and features (multishot mag) seem hard to sneeze at. I've been leaning towards the Air Force guns. I was initially attracted to them by their looks - again something I need to get over.

In any case, it looks like you'll be working on the "honey-do" list for a while after you make your choice. Christmas is a long way away, I hope you get some time off from your kitchen duties to shoot your new gun. Looking forward to your photos!

Jim

[ten4copy]

If you've got a springer you really like already, I 'd go with the MRod. I have a springer that I'll never sell, but I don't think I'll be buying another springer for a long time. I vote MRod.

[Mark 611]

I would have to say to anyone who wants to buy a PCP gun if you can afford to buy a repeater to do so, that 10 shot mag is hard to beat in a hunting situitation! you can put a lot of game on the ground in a hurry especialy in a murder of crows or other group of pest birds! cause you don't have to unshoulder the rifle to reload it and you can crank off 10 shots as fast as you can work the bolt and get sighted on the target! JMHO

[CaptZippy]

Jeff, from my perspective, I'd go with the Marauder...but that's what I did.  I have a Marauder and it is an awesome 'machine'.   I'm shooting straight pins and killing them at 10 meters.  Outside I'm shooting pine cones at 30 meters....it's not hold sensitive or anything sensitive.  Just really really accurate.  This rifle is my go-to when the springers/gassers won't hold a group.  You won't be disappointed with the performance of the Marauder.  It hits hard and is extremely accurate.   It's quiet.  I can't speak for the Beeman R9...some day I may get one, but I can tall you the Marauder is really AWESOME!!! for accuracy, quietness,  and hitting power.

[rh2y]

Uncle J - 3/29/2010  8:06 AM

If your wife gave you the go ahead to push the button on either a Beeman R9 double gold combo or the Benjamin Maurader, what would be the choice you guys would make. My wife said I could have my Birthday and Christmas early and I'm facing that decision and it's killing me.

Jeff

Tough call. I have one springer (TX200) and one PCP (S410). They're both great. I probably shoot the PCP more than the springer lately, but that's mostly because the TX is so darn heavy compared to the S410, and not because it isn't a great rifle. Both are exceptionally accurate, although I have to give a nod to the TX not because it's more accurate, but because the power level is fixed. The S410 lets you adjust the power level, which of course also affects the trajectory. The M-Rod is also adjustable, but it requires tools to do it, so it may actually edge out the S410 in this regard -- you set the power and forget it. On the S410, it is possible to bump the adjuster wheel and not notice it, and then you wonder why your distance shots aren't doing what you expect.

Don't let the whole pump/tank/paraphernalia thing stop you from getting a PCP. I got a Hill pump for the 410, and it's not a huge deal to recharge when the gun runs low. Proabably takes about 2 minutes or so (I never timed it) to pump it back up, and only the last 6 or 7 strokes are particularly difficult. And then you're good to go for a whole pile of shots, depending on how you set up the power level on the gun. The R9 will require you to break open the barrel every shot.

The 10 round magazine is really nice, although, at least on the S410, it limits the types of pellets you can use. Some of the wadcutters don't feed real well, so I stick to round nose or hollow points. Nice not to have to get out of position to take additional shots.

Russ

[Uncle J]

Ok, I'm sold on the Mrod, I hit the button twice today, it was back ordered both places, left my name and number with Precision Gun and supplies, said he would call me as soon as he got some in. Pyrmid Air was also back ordered.

[CaptZippy]

Don't think you will regret it Jeff.  The Marauder is a really fantastic rifle.  I'm shooting straight pins at 10 meters now...and hitting 5 out of 5.  

If you wind up not liking the Marauder and can't return it, let me know and maybe I'll buy her from you.

Semper Fi
Tom

[Uncle J]

CaptZippy,

I'm sure I will be happy, I've been eye balling this rifle for quite some time, I've not heard anything bad yet.

Jeff

[daveshoot]

I kinda sat this one out. I don't know what you already had, and what the budget was. I woulda said, go Marauder all the way, and add in the tank and stuff, IF you already had a springer.

There have been several well-documented Marauder issues in the past, mostly in the early production runs (I have #39 and there is no problem so far). The good news is the backing you get from Crosman, so I wouldn't hesitate on this, and I will probably get another one in twenty-five just 'cause. Plus the pistol.

They are famous for shipping with "dirty" barrels, which is probably preservative. Not a defect, and easily cured with Goo-Gone or cleaner of choice, swab dry and let stand before shooting. I am still amazed whenever I shoot the thing. I only shoot CPs throughthe .22and it is ridiculously accurate and quiet. As I often say, it doesn't replace my springers, it supplements them, and I love both. I am really happy with the 4500 psi cf tank (Joe Brancato) even though i choked on the initial investment. If you really want to spoil yourself, a Marauder and the tank are a good way to do it.

R9s are nice. Do y'all think they are that much better than a tuned B-26?

[Uncle J]

Just hit the button and it went though at Manventure Outpost for $385.00, total S&H $416.33. Now the hard part, waiting for big brown to get here. Got a pump, rings and pellets from Pyramid Air $217.88 for a grand total $634.21 about the same price as the R9, but I'm going to have to rob a scope off another rifle, may pick up a center point 4x16X40 at wally world. Pictures to follow at a later date.

Jeff

[Uncle J]

Got the Marauder today and all I can say is WOW, this is a one holer at 35 yards, wind was blowing but that didn't seem to bother it at all, shot two pigeons, one at 35 yards and the other at about 60 yards. The gun is a little heavy but I can get used to that. Using 14.3 grain Crosman Prieme,r the 500 count tin box. I will have to give two thumbs up to Manventure Outpost, they got it here in five days.


Jeff

[rh2y]

Looks really sharp!

If you're one-holing it at 35 yards, it's not just the gun that''s doing a good job!

Russ