jimaok, I have had both the Regulated Marauder F&T w/ LW barrel and the standard Crosman in .22. the Crosman barrel I have is their current in-house production barrel and I can say that between the two out to 50-75yds I could tell no difference. Both loved the JSB 15 and 18 grain. These two were very different air rifles during my comparison. The F&T I left completely stock with the factory Reg setting, only adjusting the Hammerspring and the Hammerthrow and Transfer Port settings to see what the potential was compared to my Synrod with a Huma regulator and a full Tim Hill valve kit with modified TP and Barrel port (all the goodies!).
In my opinion, they currently both Rock in their own way.
F&T is F&T. Mine was tuned to shoot in the low 20fps from the factory and did it admirably at 50yds, shot count was 60+. A great platform to expand with, no question.
My Synrod was the “project” and Tim Hill was my Man to make it happen, no question he knows what he is talking about, and, his machine work is second to none. Period. Power and shot count was as he described. Crazy good.
…If I was to do it again, I would do the F&T because of the longer airtube and the wood stock which is very comfortable. Tune to 100yd and you are golden. Fantastic airgun.
Mod till your hearts content. Just a great platform anyway you slice it.
Many folks here can “show you the way” you will find out who they are when they chime in, to many to mention, and I have appreciated them all.