PCP Shopping List?

[Jason]

A few motorcycle parts (and eventually probably the motorcycle) are going away, so a new air rifle and necessary acccessories will be coming. I've decided on the Benjamin Marauder, but don't really have any idea what all I will need to go with it. I currently have a couple springers, but no PCP setup. What all do I need?

For pellets, I see that the Crosman Premier and JSB Exacts get good reviews here and in various reviews of the Marauder online, with some saying that it shoots well with both the lighter versions and heavier versions. Which others one should I try? I noticed that Straight Shooters has a pellet sampler pack with 25 of each of 28 different kinds of pellets in it for $35. I might try that, but I think I'd be better off with just grabbing a bigger box of each of the Premiers and Exacts in each weight instead. I have read that a lot of serious shoots clean and then lube their pellets? Do you think that's a good idea? If so, what is used for the cleaning and lubing?

To power the rifle, I see all sorts of options from pumps to adapters for scuba tanks to adapters for paintball C02 charging. I'm leaning more toward the used scuba tank setup. How many shots would I get from one scuba tank fill-up of an 80 cubic foot (seems like the most common size on Craigslist) tank? What all would I need to connect it to the Marauder? How do you even charge the thing? Anyone have one of the high-pressure pumps for PCPs? How long does it take to pump up to 3000psi and how many shots would I get from it, assuming I have the power turned down to around 800fps?

What scope mounts? Since it's a PCP, they don't have to be super strong like on a magnum springer, right? I've got some various BKL and other rimfire rings around, but would definitely be open to suggestions if someone has a Marauder and has figured out a great scope and mount combo for it.

Thanks, as always. I hope to get the rifle ordered in the next couple of weeks and be shooting it within about three weeks.

[Innocent]

Jason, check your pm.

M

[frog5215]

Any scope that will focus down to the shortest range at which you'll use it.
SCUBA tank is the only way to go. Pumping gets old fast. If you can afford a kevlar 4500psi tank you'll save your back, and if you have a source for 4500psi air (like a paintball shop) you'll get at least twice as long between charges (of the tank).

[Shandy]

Check out this guy for PCP filling gear.

Been supplying the Yellow Forum for years.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/me ... +only+$139

[Jason]

I appreciate the replies and PMs that tell me to talk to certain people or order from a certain place, but I think you folks might not be grasping how little I know about PCP airguns. I have no idea what all fittings, adapters, whatever I need or how to use them. Links to how-to articles with pictures (or videos would be even better!) and pictures of your own setup with brand/model/part numbers would be wonderful. Thanks!

[Jason]

Also, I have noticed that a lot of the serious field target competitors seem to use cheaper, higher-powered scopes with side wheels. Anyone got more insight into why that is? I assume the higher magnification and side wheels are to accurately gauge distance to target, but I don't understand why they would be using Leaper and other cheap brands of scopes.

[Dee]

Some of the folks use the cheaper scopes for FT but they are still several hundred dollar scopes usally. Most of the FT shooters that are really into it that I know all have high end scopes with the cheapest being Bushnell 4200's in 6-24x or 8-32x many have Nikkos in 10-50x that run $700-800 and some use Leupold Comps and Nightforce scopes. Hell one well off shooter that has more airguns than sense has a couple of Schmitt and Bender FT scopes that cost over $2500 each.

If you have never held or shouldered a M-Rod before I would suggest doing so before you buy one. IMO the stock leaves a lot to be desired. You shoot custom Pharr stocked rifles for smallbore?

Having done the airgun thing for awhile now and having owned and/or shot just about everything out there I would suggest skipping getting the highpower air rifle and instead get a nice 10m PCP rifle. Yes it will cost at least 2-3 times more but the quality is 20-30 times better. Depending on the power level expect 30-70 shots or so max and to get 70 the power will have to be turned back so much that it defeats the purpose of having highpower to begin with. A nice 10m PCP rifle will give you 250-300+ shots per fill which gives you a lot more shots before you need to refill the main tank. I have had and still have some PCPs, SSPs and Springers but not till recently did I get a PCP 10m rifle. I will always have one going forward no matter what. Sure I still enjoy all the others but something about the 10m that shines above the rest. Plus it is good for Open and Target class silhouette if you shoot any matches.


Dee

[Jason]

Yep, I shoot Pharr RTS-stocked rifles for smallbore and highpower. I don't think a high-end PCP 10m gun is in the budget, even with the motorcycle stuff getting sold. We've got two major home improvement projects going on, and with the Marauders available for so cheap ($410 from Midway with $50 off a $500 order or $400 from Airguns of Arizona), I can't really justify spending three times that much for a slightly better rifle that is only a practice tool for me. That's just past my own point of diminishing returns right now. I also need the gun to be really quiet for practicing with my odd work schedule and for a couple pest control opportunities. As for a scope, I think I'm just going to use the T24 that's on my highpower rifle for right now. This Sunday will be my last highpower match of the year due to missing the state match for a family vacation, so that should give me several months to figure out what scope I want to use on the airgun. I intend to turn the power down to run the ~8gr pellets around 750 or 800fps for practice most of the year, and open it back up to running the heavy pellets at that speed or faster for the "pest control" trips.

Now, with all of that said, what individual pieces do I need to hook up a used aluminum 80cf scuba tank to power the rifle?

[ter]

Go to the yellow airgun forum, and get on the classifieds for Joe Branco (SP?) and he will be able to provide the correct stuff for the tank. You really should get a 4500psi tank, but (new) they are about 700 bucks. On a limited budget, I would get a SSP FWB 601 from Jim E on that 54 forum, and you don't need the tanks. The 601 is like a Anschutz 1907, and really about the same quality. I guess they run about 750 or so.
And to express even more opinion, and another option, I would suggest a AA400 instead of the crossman. The AA400 has a nice power adjuster, and you can get about 100 shots per fill. The stock and quality is a ton better. It is like comparing a CZ to a 1712. Nothing wrong with a CZ, but a 1712 is simply better. The FWB and AA are really premium rifles.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/

[Dee]

Go to the yellow airgun forum, and get on the classifieds for Joe Branco (SP?) and he will be able to provide the correct stuff for the tank. You really should get a 4500psi tank, but (new) they are about 700 bucks. On a limited budget, I would get a SSP FWB 601 from Jim E on that 54 forum, and you don't need the tanks. The 601 is like a Anschutz 1907, and really about the same quality. I guess they run about 750 or so.
And to express even more opinion, and another option, I would suggest a AA400 instead of the crossman. The AA400 has a nice power adjuster, and you can get about 100 shots per fill. The stock and quality is a ton better. It is like comparing a CZ to a 1712. Nothing wrong with a CZ, but a 1712 is simply better. The FWB and AA are really premium rifles.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/

Joe Brancato I think it is and he has all the various conections. For around the same price as the Crosman you could probably find a used S400 and the stock mimics the Pharr very closely I shoot both as the S400 is my current HP rifle. You didn't say if you had shot the M-Rod or not. If not I seriously suggest you do before you pay your money. It is a good rifle at its price point but it has issues and the stock is a deal breaker IMO. The trigger is not in the same class either really. Overall fit and finish is not even a contest.


For scuba tanks you need a DIN valve of K Valve but I am not all that familiar with Scuba since I use a 4500 psi Fiemans tank.


I agree with Ter all the way and I love my S400 as well When you turn it down 100 shots per fill is cool. You can crank it up for pest control measures.


Bo

[Jason]

I have not shot a Marauder yet. I heard good things about them at Winnsboro and was amazed at how quiet they were while still hammering the targets and shooting good scores. Where should I be looking to try to get an Air Arms S400 (or 410) used for $400 to $500? That was on my short list of rifles to look for and I haven't seen one anywhere close to that price. What makes it a better gun? I see that it has a shrouded barrel, so it will be a bit quieter. Is it as quiet as the Marauder? Thanks again for answering my questions. You've made me doubt my choice enough to hold off ordering for a few days at the very least.

[frog5215]

The AA 400 won't be quiet, unless the previous owner has added a barrel shroud.
Better barrel, MUCH better trigger, better stock conformation.

[Jason]

No shrouded barrel on the 400 like on the 410?

[Jason]

Oh, and if I decided to wait to try to get an AA S410 ERB used for $600 or so (beech stock would be fine), how long do you think I'd have to wait and where should I be looking to have the best chance?

[Bob259]

Checkout and look on the Yellow Forum link I sent Jason. They have a few classified sections listed. Don't be afraid to post what your looking for, you maybe surprised how fast you find one.

Here are some places to look
http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/
http://www.airguns.net/classifieds/classifieds.php
http://www.auctionarms.com/