Benjamin New guy here! Just ordered my first "grown-up" air rifle

[AlanMcD]

For easier and more consistent cocking, you can lube the hammer, but it is best to use a dry lube like moly or titanium disulfide powder to do so, as liquid lubes and greases will smooth things out but induce variability in hammer strike as the temperature changes (as the viscosty will change with temperature). If you only shoot at a pretty constant temp, the a little moly grease could work out OK.

I'd say the ultimate improvement in ease/smoothness of cocking comes by swapping the hammer to a nylon based one, like JSAR makes and sells. Of course these are lighter than stock, so you might need more spring to get the performance back.

Another great thing that you could do that is more involved is to debur the cocking slot and also polish the inside of the air tube where the hammer slides with a ball hone. You'll need to take the gun apart down to the bare tube to do this right, and of course doing so will void the warranty and remove the surface treatment on the tube so be sure to lube it properly to prevent rust after you do it. One like this what I used (not exactly this unit) in 320 grit and it worked wonders: https://www.amazon.com/Research-BC100800BC-FLEX-HONE®-Diameter-Abrasive/dp/B0C39LMCG9/

Doing all three puts the gun in a whole other class . . .

 

[cavedweller]

As a kid, I had a Crosman 761XL, and it was "da bomb." Stolen from our house in a burglary. I wish I could replace it for nostalgic purposes. I've looked, but the vast majority of vintage 761XL (with gold receiver) are in very poor condition.

Since then, I've been a big "gun" guy with a pretty decent collection of firearms. I like me some guns!

I've been wanting to add a "real grown up" air rifle to the collection for a while. And I finally placed the order yesterday (Pyramyd Air)!

I ordered a Benjamin Marauder Regulated (aka "Field & Target") in .22. Wood stock. Lothar Walther barrel.

View attachment 566030

Also ordered:

Hawke 4-16x44 Airmax 30 SF Compact Rifle scope, Ill. AMX IR, 1/10 MRAD, 30mm​

Air Venturi Mini Wingman, 100 cu in PCP tank

Also an assortment of pellets to try and four extra magazines.

That ***t adds up to some serious $$$! But I can't wait to play with it!

A year ago, a dude at the range had an FX Impact M3 that attracted my attention. He let me shoot it. At 25 yards, I put 5 pellets in one hole. Not a "cloverleaf." ONE hole! Oh, baby... I gotta have one of those! Well... that rifle (alone) is $2100. Sooooooooooooo.... I'm starting with the Maruader!

I see Lots of fun in your future!