The Benjamin Marauder platform has been around for over a decade (as of 2022). It was the “next step” in airgun evolution following the Benjamin Discovery, which opened the door to PCP airgunning in the US. With its aggressive pricing, customizability, power, accuracy, and fully shrouded, extremely quiet barrel, the Marauder brought airgunners out of the break barrel world and into the PCP world like never before. For many American airgunners, it was the first time they’d ever shot a really nice PCP airgun. It’s fair to say that modern airgunning would not be the same without the Benjamin Marauder. Even though it’s been around for a while, Benjamin continues to release new versions, some with subtle differences, some with dramatic differences. If you’re curious about which Marauder is right for you, then this is the article you want to be reading. Let’s get started.
The Basic Marauder
The basic Marauder hasn’t changed too much from the original. It’s an unregulated PCP that runs off a 3000 PSI fill. It’s available in .177, .22, and .25 calibers and is still a favorite despite being a little long in the tooth. Available in both wood and synthetic options, the basic Marauder is ideal for backyard target practice, hunting, and longer-range bench shooting. It’s an all-around good airgun for most shooters.
The Field and Target
As airgunning has evolved, so has the Marauder. The Marauder, Field and Target was created to give precision shooters more shots and more accuracy. This was achieved by incorporating a regulated valve and giving airgunners the option of a Lothar Walther match barrel from the factory. This iteration of the Marauder is purpose-built for field target competition and possibly 25M benchrest.
The Pistol / Carbine
The progression of the Marauder started with the Benjamin Discovery, which started with a Crosman .22 caliber CO2 rifle. So it’s only logical that the Marauder pistol would be modeled after the Crosman 2240, a CO2 pistol. People had been converting 2240 pistols into airgun works of art for some time, and Benjamin leveraged this love affair.
The Benjamin Pistol is a small PCP pistol that’s convertible to a carbine by simply removing the grips and replacing them with a skeleton stock. It carries over the rear bolt and magazine concept from the Marauder and its uncanny stealth. It’s not only ideal for backyard target practice, but with the ability to push .22 cal pellets up to about 15 foot-pounds, it can also be a great backpack hunting airgun.
The Tactical Marauder
The Benjamin Armada takes the standard Marauder and goes full-out tactical. With AR styling complete with AR compatible grip and stock, the Armada really appeals to folks in the all tactical crowd. Available in .22 and .25 calibers, the Armada maintains the same shooting characteristics and basic features as the standard Marauder, it just does it with a LOT more style.
The Semi-Auto Marauder
The most recent iteration of the Marauder brought Semi-Automatic operation to the table. You would not immediately distinguish it from a standard wood stock Marauder at a distance, but as you get closer, you’ll notice that the rear action and bolt design is different. The cocking bolt is more like what you’d find on an AR than your traditional Marauder variant. The AR variant is especially clear in the Synthetic Semi-Automatic model. The magazine also loads differently to accommodate the semi-auto action.
The SAM, as it’s called, fires from a closed bolt design and operates as quickly as you can pull the trigger. The rest of the SAM is pretty much the same as a typical Marauder with a great trigger, quiet operation, decent power, and excellent accuracy.
Let’s Wrap it Up
That takes us through the basic lineup of all the Marauder variants. Who knows what Benjamin may have up their sleeves for the Marauder line in the future. Whatever it is, you can bet that it will continue to build upon a great airgun legacy.
If you have questions about which Marauder may work best for you, just give us a call, and we’ll be more than happy to help point you in the right direction.
