Inexpensive Repeater Benjamin Marauder SAM vs AEA hp carbine semi auto

[ddnzf]

I am looking for a fun repeater. Any thoughts on the two? Or any additional recommendations?

Was also considering a FX dreamline as enjoyable, even for a child to possibly cycle and pull the trigger.

from my research, the Marauder uses a different system than AEA to cycle the next round. It seems the repeating action of the AEA is harsher and it’s trigger is heavier. But the AEA gun is lighter and more powerful.

Currently own a marauder 25 Gen 2. The trigger is light enough that even my 5 year old daughter can hit spinners at ~45 yards off a Caldwell rest.

 

[FLgunner]

If you don't have to have semi-auto action, I'd go for an FX Dream-Tac Compact. The Dreamline action is extremely light and smooth, and the trigger will easily keep her on target. It's also very light weight.

The SAM (Semi-auto Marauder) is long and heavy, and for a 5 year old would have to be shot from a bench. The trigger is much better than the AEA Semi, but nothing like the Dream-Tac's. I had a hard time shooting the AEA semi-auto accurately because of the heavy trigger, even after polishing and lubing all the contact points. I think it would be very difficult for a 5 year old to shoot.

Another advantage of the Dreamline series is the ability to grow with the child. As she grows, you can expand the capabilities with longer barrels, different calibers, CF Tanks, different stocks, etc. The initial investment would be a bit more, but it's not likely something she would out grow, and in the stock Compact configuration (either .177 or .22) is very light, compact and hand pump-able.

 

[TMH]

I'm not sure about the combination of child & repeater unless you know that the child has excellent trigger and safety discipline, and even then I still would feel uncomfortable. I base these feelings on my only SA gun (Huben K1), which I would never put in the hands of a child (or even some adults I know). Now the SA-M will have a much heavier trigger, and I have no experience with the AEA's trigger. But just something to think pretty deeply on before buying.

Talking Dreamline, however, is a whole different story. My wife shoots a Dreamline Classic very well, and many times I find that she acts just like a 5 year old! The excellent triggers and such consistent accuracy make these guns kind of addicting.

The recommendation by FLgunner for a DreamTac is a good one. Light and handy guns, especially in the compact model. And I have never figured out how FX can get their short barrelled guns to shoot so well (accurately). Definitely go for the 'Tac version over the Lite version - Some extra money up front but it will save you from having to purchase the 'Tac upgrade kit if you don't like the stability of the Lite stock, as I did not.

I will throw one more gun choice out there in the 'reasonable' category. I just did a little personal test of Benjamin Cayden vs AV Avenger, and I will say that the Cayden surprised the heck out of me as to how much gun one can get for a more reasonable price. It has an excellent trigger, great accuracy and is a joy to shoot. Heavy though so off the bench is best for it.

 

[dizzums]

honestly i think the manufacturers design in a long hefty trigger to the semi autos for liabilities sake .. a one pound trigger on a semi auto high power pcp with 20+ rounds on tap can do some serious damage .. airguns basically wind up in the hands of alot of kids and arnt respected like a firearm ... they dont want people and property mangled being associated with them .. that said from what ive seen with the semis i have, a basic mechanical inclination and tool experience and one can adjust the trigger to however they want it ..

 

[ddnzf]

Thanks for the responses. My kids only shoot off a rest and because there’s no recoil, it is an introduction to firearms that won’t scare them. Seems folks are pointing me to the FX dreamline as it is lighter, smoother/easier to use and safer without the semi auto action.

i guess I have a crosman MPW for semi auto. Not accurate, but gives the the idea of what a semi auto does with some light recoil. My 5 year old can’t pull that trigger at all when on a rest.

 

[wildcj5]

Not at all what you asked about but there is the BSA Ultra JSR. It is specifically a junior sized stock with a full size ultra action. I’m not sure how hard the bolt would be for that young of a child but the fit would be better than anything else out there.



I would have been the happiest kid on the planet if I had this when I was little. Kinda want one now.



https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/precharged-pcp/bsa-ultra-jsr-air-rifle/

 

[Raden1942]

I let my 8 year old shoot my 10/22 I think it all comes down to the responsibility of the person shooting. Anyway my bet between the two is the marauder. Looks like a better gun and has a good warranty. 

 

[Fatmike]

All though I havent used either of these semiautomatic guns I favor aea for innovation. I do however have a dreamline and it's really a nice shooting and handling gun. The trigger is great vs any semi auto I've read about.

 

[CyberDyneSystems]

The SAM (Semi-auto Marauder) is long and heavy, and for a 5 year old would have to be shot from a bench. ...

I just picked up a nice used SAM, and can attest to this. I was a little taken aback by how heavy it is. I am 6' 225 pounds and like a "normal" rifle configuration,. and yet this SAM arrived surprisingly heavy and all the weight out front. I love it! It's a blast to shoot, but it is indeed heavy.

 

[Calson]

I have the unregulated Marauder and recently added the regulated Benjamin Field & Target BP22SAS which at $730 is to me a real bargain. A $500 Maruader and $200 for the Huma regulator would save only $30 as compared to the factory regulated rifle. I am betting that Benjamin has done all the work for me in setting up the regulator for best performance.

Total weight of the SAS without a scope and with the synthetic stock is 7.8 lbs. A problem for me with a carbine is the reduced air capacity of the pressure tube. With a regulated full size rifle I maximize the shots made before needing to pump up the pressure tube.

I do know that the Marauder without a moderator is considerably quieter than my Air Arms Ultimate Sporter with the factory moderator barrel. Other air rifle manufacturers are moving toward providing rifles with regulators from the factory as that is what more and more of their customers want, regardless of why their customers want this.