NMShooter - I have to say I agree with using entry level guns as a starting point. If I'd have had to wait to save my pennies for an FX Impact, I'd still be waiting. As it is, I also have a Marauder (Gen II) and have worked with it to understand what I really want in a PCP. It's a learning platform that can stay with you for the rest of your life.
In Information Technology (IT) we often "prototype" a system. Basically, that means code up a screen or two, take them to the customer and ask if that's what they really want. Sometimes, there's not even any code, it's just designs. If the customer wants modifications, we work that all out and then, start from scratch and build the system. The initial screens are considered throw-away design exercises. It sort of gets us in the ball park for what the customer wants.
I view many things I've done over the years as prototypes, and while the Marauder was an excellent purchase, it got me into the game and it's something I can learn from while I save the pennies for the FX Slimline, Royale, or maybe Impact I'll eventually get.
The entry level gun lets me experiment with scope combinations, bi-pods, slings, design variations, and anything else I can push on it to learn from. Then, I can figure out what gun I really want later on.
So, what have I learned from the Marauder?
1. Accuracy is a must. The marauder is accurate, but I want more.
2. Light weight - the Marauder is too heavy for me to lug around
3. Higher shot count. OK, maybe 40 shots per fill should be enough, but I want more.
4. Caliber - I have the .22 Marauder. That's adequate for most of what I shoot.
5. Length of gun is important. The Marauder if 40 inches long. I want shorter. Even buying cases can be a challenge for the longer guns.
6. Regulated would be a definite plus,but not a deal breaker. After shooting an unregulated gun I see the advantages of a regulated gun, but could go either way.
7. Support system - I didn't realize all the parts a PCP requires to run well. Initially, I purchased and air pump. That was a bust. Almost immediately bought a 4500 PSI air tank. Found a place to fill it close by. Absolute must for any PCP (Except possibly the Benjamin Maximus)
8. Scope - still working on this one. I have a 4-14x and just purchased a 6-24x scope. Figuring out how to mount, use, and what I need.
9. Magazine - I'll pay particular attention to the magazine for ease of use.
10. Cocking effort. The Marauder takes around 10 pounds of effort to cock and compress the spring. FX and other major brand guns seem to take much less effort to cock. I want less effort.
11. Trigger. The Marauder has a decent trigger, but I want more. A NICE light pull would help. Not a hair trigger mind you, but a couple pound pull might be very nice.
12. Stock. While wood is beautiful and I love wood as an amateur wood worker, I prefer synthetic stocks. They don't move in the weather, don't scratch as easily and if they do scratch I really don't care. If it was wood, I'd baby it too much (that's a personal thing, shiny wood should always be babied in my opinion)
13. Noise. I want a QUIET gun for use in the back yard if I choose. It needs to be quiet if I'm hunting and want that follow up shot.
There is quite a bit more if I really set my mind to it, but that list is a good start.
Do all the negatives with the Marauder mean I don't like the gun? No, it really doesn't. I love the gun. It shoots as well as any powder burner I've got, and allows me to shoot where the PB's won't. Even the range employees where I shoot are fascinated by a compressed air gun. No recoil means that nasty flinch left over from the 30-06 is gradually going away. I can practice basics, develop muscle memory, and generally keep learning the sport while I accumulate pennies for that dream gun / scope combination that is a couple years away.
That was a long post, but if you aren't sure what you want, get a Maximus ($165 if you use the banner discount above, and Friday has been free shipping), get the kit around it, and shoot! The kit (tanks, range bags, safety gear, targets and the like) transfer to the dream gun, but you still get to shoot with the Maximus while saving for the dream gun. GET SHOOTING! Best part is that the Maximus will teach you what you want in that dream, and you get to keep the Maximus to share with others you'd like to turn on to the hobby.
OK, off my soap box, for now!