Hello forum members first time posting but have been diving in the forum for some time. I live in south Florida and looking into purchasing my first pcp. My budget for this build is $600. Purpose for this rifle would be pest control (raccoons, iguanas, squirrels, mice, rats, and birds) needs to be back yard friendly. Looking for something that can be modified for accuracy, shot count, and power. I have been looking into the marauders in .25 cal. Would like to leave some room in that budget for the upgrade mods and accessories. Please chime in would love to hear everyone’s opinion. Thanks in advance.
Newbie with $600 budget
- Thread starter leadshooter
- Start date
So just to clarify, your budget is $600 including gun, scope, rings, ammo, and fill source? Then a 25 cal marauder is in your future with a hand pump and maybe a 3-9x40 AO scope.
I gave my 25 cal marauder to my brother in law who is in South Florida so he can hunt iguanas and he's been smashing them with the gun and a 4x scope. He also fills up with a Benjamin pump, which is very doable for that gun.
I gave my 25 cal marauder to my brother in law who is in South Florida so he can hunt iguanas and he's been smashing them with the gun and a 4x scope. He also fills up with a Benjamin pump, which is very doable for that gun.
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The hatsan at44 long in that caliber is better than the marauder, has more power, AGD has this model for 499 dlls. my personal opninion I have both rifles.
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Dont overlook the airforce line! They are great, and have proven accuracy. They are very easy to upgrade later if you want. I would say to go with a condor and either tune it down or get a talon ss and tune it up. They are essentially the same frame with slightly different valves. I have been very happy with mine! Plus a tone of aftermarket parts if you are looking for something specific like a plinker, a hunter, or neighbor friendly, options are limitless.
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I also have an Wood at44 25 caliber.... its a great gun and keeps up with my high end guns . I bought mine refurbished from Field Supply... I bought this to tinker with... to my surprise this gun is a great shooter untouched. 1/2 inch groups at 45 yards all day long... not sure about father ranges, 45 is my self imposed limit while hunting so I rarely shoot paste 45 yards... I also have a marauder .25. I rather us the Hatsan but the marauder is nice.
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I have purchased some items already. I.E. hawke airmax and rings, I have a few dive tanks with up to date hydro’s, yong Heng HP compressor and some paper targets.
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I have looked at the AirForce line I just can’t get over the fact of having to load each pellet individually.
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Marauders are great rifles, enjoying mine more than ever after putting on JSAR light-weight air tube and a Huma regulator.
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Not to knock 25 caliber Marauders which are fantastic out of the box but you stated you want to HUNT iguanas with a backyard friendly PCP.
Its going to be heavy with a scope if you are going to be walking some distance during your hunt. It is only somewhat backyard friendly but not as quiet as a 22 Marauder and not even close to a 177 Marauder in regards to quietness unless you buy a shroud extension which will add to the overall length of the gun which would make hunting in the brush rather troublesome. I would be hesitant to recommend this one based on the weight alone with a good scope and mounts.
Based PRIMARILY on your HUNTING needs,
I would get a 22 Benjamin Maximus Hunter with the 25% off AGN discount code direct from Crosman online.
Don't knock the cheap price, its a good gun specifically for hunting because it is unbelievably light even with a scope.
Simple and reliable design not overly complicated like some other higher priced guns you may be tempted to buy.
Just do a trigger mod which can be done for next to nothing when you look up Air Gun Depot Fortitude trigger mod (same trigger as the Maximus)
It is a fantastic hunting gun which should be accurate out of the box and trouble free in the long run. Add a TKO for the best bang for the buck in quietness or opt to pay at least double for other brands.
With the money you saved and remaining budget buy a small carry on 4500psi tank with you.
I would not recommend the regulated 22 Benjamin Fortitude because its REALLY LOW on power and appears to be VERY HARD to cock compared to a 22 Maximus Hunter.
Unless you limit yourself to only close range iguana hunting and have LOU FERRIGNO arms to cock it but I think you want to shoot out to past 60 yards so there you go.
You will be thankful for this suggestion after you buy a heavy gun to go hunting with then buy yourself a Maximus after the fact.
I bought a Gauntlet in 22 with the intension to use it for hunting and after only taking it out of the box I realized that it will NEVER be used out in the field because its just TOO HEAVY even WITHOUT a scope. It would probably be best used as a bench rest target shooter type of gun.
I have a Discovery with a Maximus stock on it and can hunt with it all day and all night long with it, it is really light weight.
HTH
CA
EDITED- Get the Fortitude if you can somehow realiably mod it to increase the power and fix the hard cocking effort required.
Otherwise get the Maximus and find out if the Fortitude upper breech block will bolt onto and work for it or buy a B&M multi shot breech kit
with bull barrel shroud. That is what I have on mine and it is my go to gun for hunting in the field due to its light weight, accuracy
and reliability. I do own other more expensive guns but don't have anything even remotely close to the light weight needed for
hunting in the field. WEIGHT is your enemy if you are going to hunt with anything.
Its going to be heavy with a scope if you are going to be walking some distance during your hunt. It is only somewhat backyard friendly but not as quiet as a 22 Marauder and not even close to a 177 Marauder in regards to quietness unless you buy a shroud extension which will add to the overall length of the gun which would make hunting in the brush rather troublesome. I would be hesitant to recommend this one based on the weight alone with a good scope and mounts.
Based PRIMARILY on your HUNTING needs,
I would get a 22 Benjamin Maximus Hunter with the 25% off AGN discount code direct from Crosman online.
Don't knock the cheap price, its a good gun specifically for hunting because it is unbelievably light even with a scope.
Simple and reliable design not overly complicated like some other higher priced guns you may be tempted to buy.
Just do a trigger mod which can be done for next to nothing when you look up Air Gun Depot Fortitude trigger mod (same trigger as the Maximus)
It is a fantastic hunting gun which should be accurate out of the box and trouble free in the long run. Add a TKO for the best bang for the buck in quietness or opt to pay at least double for other brands.
With the money you saved and remaining budget buy a small carry on 4500psi tank with you.
I would not recommend the regulated 22 Benjamin Fortitude because its REALLY LOW on power and appears to be VERY HARD to cock compared to a 22 Maximus Hunter.
Unless you limit yourself to only close range iguana hunting and have LOU FERRIGNO arms to cock it but I think you want to shoot out to past 60 yards so there you go.
You will be thankful for this suggestion after you buy a heavy gun to go hunting with then buy yourself a Maximus after the fact.
I bought a Gauntlet in 22 with the intension to use it for hunting and after only taking it out of the box I realized that it will NEVER be used out in the field because its just TOO HEAVY even WITHOUT a scope. It would probably be best used as a bench rest target shooter type of gun.
I have a Discovery with a Maximus stock on it and can hunt with it all day and all night long with it, it is really light weight.
HTH
CA
EDITED- Get the Fortitude if you can somehow realiably mod it to increase the power and fix the hard cocking effort required.
Otherwise get the Maximus and find out if the Fortitude upper breech block will bolt onto and work for it or buy a B&M multi shot breech kit
with bull barrel shroud. That is what I have on mine and it is my go to gun for hunting in the field due to its light weight, accuracy
and reliability. I do own other more expensive guns but don't have anything even remotely close to the light weight needed for
hunting in the field. WEIGHT is your enemy if you are going to hunt with anything.
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I will be using the rifle mainly on a bench rest. We just purchased 5 acre exotic fruit grove that hasn’t been touched in over 8 years. The pest have called it home and now it’s time to get rid of them. I know it will be hard to exterminate them all but definitely put a dent on them. I also want something I can shoot out to 50yards and produce a kill shot. I am also worried a .22 will not dispatch the raccoons with a single shot. I will definitely consider the Maximus and research it a little more in depth. Can anyone else vouch for the Maximus?
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Oh gosh..don't buy a B&M Multishot breech for the Maximus. I tried that before I bought the Streamline and had nothing but problems. First thing was the small bolt/screw to fasten the breech to the lower was the wrong size.....I had to source a proper one locally. Then once put together, the cocking arm bent within 5 shots. When I tried to contact the company, I could not get anyone to reply to emails, voicemails, or contact form.
I ended up threatening a complaint to Paypal and it was only then that I received contact and was issued a refund. It was shortly after that when I ordered my FX Streamline 22 from Utah Airguns.
I ended up threatening a complaint to Paypal and it was only then that I received contact and was issued a refund. It was shortly after that when I ordered my FX Streamline 22 from Utah Airguns.
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I still have the Maximus 22 and have killed lots of pest birds with it. But I haven't used it since I got the Streamline. Going by my sample, it's not accurate enough for you to reliably and repeatably make a good shot at 50 yds.....that's in my experience with mine.
The other thing to consider is follow-up shots. Don't plan on making one inside of 10 seconds with the Maximus. It is a single loader, and to make matters worse, the pellets do not load quickly being the bolt/pellet probe protrudes a lot into the "tray" area making it difficult to load a new pellet quickly without it getting stuck or falling in backwards. If one does fall in backwards, you can't just grab it out of there quickly with your fingers.
Don't get me wrong, I have the Maximus at the ready should one of my other rifles go down. I would in no way consider it for a primary gun if you're going to be shooting at 50 yds regularly and need to be accurate and/or need to make follow-up shots.
If I had purchased the Streamline first, I'd have saved myself the $314.00 that the Maximus rifle combo cost me.
The 22 caliber will kill a raccoon reliably with a single shot. Check this video of mine where I killed a monster woodcuck with my SL22. It's the first kill in the video. I also killed two with the Air Arms S410 TDR 22, one at 38yds. Dropped him instantly. Shot placement is the key, and having a rifle capable of good accuracy is where you need to start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTZM5EBpH54&t=72s
The other thing to consider is follow-up shots. Don't plan on making one inside of 10 seconds with the Maximus. It is a single loader, and to make matters worse, the pellets do not load quickly being the bolt/pellet probe protrudes a lot into the "tray" area making it difficult to load a new pellet quickly without it getting stuck or falling in backwards. If one does fall in backwards, you can't just grab it out of there quickly with your fingers.
Don't get me wrong, I have the Maximus at the ready should one of my other rifles go down. I would in no way consider it for a primary gun if you're going to be shooting at 50 yds regularly and need to be accurate and/or need to make follow-up shots.
If I had purchased the Streamline first, I'd have saved myself the $314.00 that the Maximus rifle combo cost me.
The 22 caliber will kill a raccoon reliably with a single shot. Check this video of mine where I killed a monster woodcuck with my SL22. It's the first kill in the video. I also killed two with the Air Arms S410 TDR 22, one at 38yds. Dropped him instantly. Shot placement is the key, and having a rifle capable of good accuracy is where you need to start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTZM5EBpH54&t=72s
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I will step in and give my 2cnts. Consider a higher quality, mid end if you will, USED gun. There are deals to be found if you are patient and know what you want.
For example, I once bought and sold a Brocock Compatto in .22. It was my first real PCP, it once shot a FLY at 30 yards. It has a Walther Lothar barrel and a 10 shot magazine. You can count on at least 20 good shots from it, but it will actually do like 25. It is not perfect, but can be had from about $500.
For about $250 you can get a Gamo Urban in .22. My experience with mine was less than stellar, but in fairness, it came all F'd up from shipping through Walmart. There are some reviews on here that absolutely love theirs. It is very light weight and ergonomic. Check out the Gauntlet. Never had one, I can not tell you it's good or bad, but ask around. For a few bucks more you can get a used Regal XL or even the Streamline (these cost about 1K new, but people let them go for as low as $600 sometimes, or perhaps you can save a bit more? Diana has some Chinese made PCPs that are soon to come out with others that have come out already on the low end price range.
Starting to ramble a little bit, but I hope this gives you some direction.
For example, I once bought and sold a Brocock Compatto in .22. It was my first real PCP, it once shot a FLY at 30 yards. It has a Walther Lothar barrel and a 10 shot magazine. You can count on at least 20 good shots from it, but it will actually do like 25. It is not perfect, but can be had from about $500.
For about $250 you can get a Gamo Urban in .22. My experience with mine was less than stellar, but in fairness, it came all F'd up from shipping through Walmart. There are some reviews on here that absolutely love theirs. It is very light weight and ergonomic. Check out the Gauntlet. Never had one, I can not tell you it's good or bad, but ask around. For a few bucks more you can get a used Regal XL or even the Streamline (these cost about 1K new, but people let them go for as low as $600 sometimes, or perhaps you can save a bit more? Diana has some Chinese made PCPs that are soon to come out with others that have come out already on the low end price range.
Starting to ramble a little bit, but I hope this gives you some direction.
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I have a Marauder in .22. Nice 75 yard gun. Shoots 18 grain JSB pellets about 830 fps for about 28 foot pound energy, which is enough for just about any critter from birds to rabbits. Accurate at 75 yards, nice 10 shot groups at about 1.5 inches. The only thing I did was adjust the transfer port so I got the speed I wanted. Other gun is an Impact, but way out of price range. The Marauder will do wonders on the critters.
Another option might be the Fortitude, but, it's tuned so the 18 grain will fly somewhere in the 700 fps to 800 fps range. Not sure what that'll do for accuracy. Check the reviews, excellent gun for $300 is what we are hearing. Marauder is a bit more expensive, but the trigger is worth the difference. Fortitude trigger = crap, Marauder is an excellent trigger, two stage, makes shooting enjoyable.
Money - On the Crosman Web Site, Marauder is $539, you will need a scope as well. Use the AGNATION discount code for a 25% discount which brings the price down to $405. Most Fridays are Free Shipping, saving another $20 or $30. Scopes and other Crosman goodies also get the 25% off treatment on the Crosman site.
You can pick up a hand pump (no fun, but gets you shooting) in eBay for $50 to $75. Recommend tanks, but that'll put you over the $600 budget.
People may tell you Marauder barrels have problems, but Crosman fixed that years ago. Mine is a tack driver. Very happy with it. Highly recommend the Marauder for an entry level gun, plus, extra magazines are $16 each. Buy 3 or 4 and shoot rather than reload.
If considering a Gauntlet, do some research. There's been some debate on the internals lately. However, refurbished Gauntlets can be had for $200 if you search for "Refurbished Umerex Gauntlet". Some people swear by them, some swear at them. I've considered one, but for now, I'll wait.
Keep us posted on what you buy.
Another option might be the Fortitude, but, it's tuned so the 18 grain will fly somewhere in the 700 fps to 800 fps range. Not sure what that'll do for accuracy. Check the reviews, excellent gun for $300 is what we are hearing. Marauder is a bit more expensive, but the trigger is worth the difference. Fortitude trigger = crap, Marauder is an excellent trigger, two stage, makes shooting enjoyable.
Money - On the Crosman Web Site, Marauder is $539, you will need a scope as well. Use the AGNATION discount code for a 25% discount which brings the price down to $405. Most Fridays are Free Shipping, saving another $20 or $30. Scopes and other Crosman goodies also get the 25% off treatment on the Crosman site.
You can pick up a hand pump (no fun, but gets you shooting) in eBay for $50 to $75. Recommend tanks, but that'll put you over the $600 budget.
People may tell you Marauder barrels have problems, but Crosman fixed that years ago. Mine is a tack driver. Very happy with it. Highly recommend the Marauder for an entry level gun, plus, extra magazines are $16 each. Buy 3 or 4 and shoot rather than reload.
If considering a Gauntlet, do some research. There's been some debate on the internals lately. However, refurbished Gauntlets can be had for $200 if you search for "Refurbished Umerex Gauntlet". Some people swear by them, some swear at them. I've considered one, but for now, I'll wait.
Keep us posted on what you buy.
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Bob_O sorry you got a bad rap on yours. I have two and one can do nickel sized groups at 60 yards and the other a little larger groups.
Everyone else, I received two rifles yesterday, a Gauntlet in 22 and a 177 Nova Freedom and did not mention it because personally regarding the Gauntlet, it is a gun that REALLY needs work out of the box.
The trigger is gosh darn awful and I REALLY MEAN AWFUL! and the cocking the damn thing is pretty hard and it sure weighs a ton!
I can't get decent groups with it the way it is right now until I do the Hajimoto trigger mod.
It will specifically be used as a table top bench gun.
On the other hand the Nova Freedom is a JOY TO SHOOT but I can't and won't comment as of yet if I can recommend it because I only
got it yesterday as well but it does group incredibly well that I can tell you. I can further comment after a little time with it but the Gauntlet is back in its box it came in. I am going to keep it because I bought it after watching Hajimoto bust asprins at 50 yards with his.
I was prepared for the Gauntlet after reading the complaints about it and I have to agree with them.
I bought it knowing it would need work to get it to shoot.
At minimum, Trigger mod and barrel band and smoothen out the action.
CA
Everyone else, I received two rifles yesterday, a Gauntlet in 22 and a 177 Nova Freedom and did not mention it because personally regarding the Gauntlet, it is a gun that REALLY needs work out of the box.
The trigger is gosh darn awful and I REALLY MEAN AWFUL! and the cocking the damn thing is pretty hard and it sure weighs a ton!
I can't get decent groups with it the way it is right now until I do the Hajimoto trigger mod.
It will specifically be used as a table top bench gun.
On the other hand the Nova Freedom is a JOY TO SHOOT but I can't and won't comment as of yet if I can recommend it because I only
got it yesterday as well but it does group incredibly well that I can tell you. I can further comment after a little time with it but the Gauntlet is back in its box it came in. I am going to keep it because I bought it after watching Hajimoto bust asprins at 50 yards with his.
I was prepared for the Gauntlet after reading the complaints about it and I have to agree with them.
I bought it knowing it would need work to get it to shoot.
At minimum, Trigger mod and barrel band and smoothen out the action.
CA
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Please listen to guys like Intenseaty and Saltlake.
Good luck with your decision. I wished I had been on AGN before I bought my first gun, the Maximus. Had I explained to these guys what I had planned and the environment I'd be shooting in, I'd have been recommended a mid to high end rifle from the start. Had I followed that advice, I could have had a Crown or Impact for instance, for half the price that I ended up spending this last 10 months.
Prepare yourself for the addiction!!!
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