Last updated July 26, 2026 · By Nick Hall. Part of our complete air rifle guide.
The Benjamin Marauder is the air rifle that took PCP shooting mainstream. For years it has been the default recommendation for a first serious pre-charged rifle, and for good reason: it is quiet, accurate, multi-shot, and priced within reach. Here is the honest verdict after running one for pest control and small-game hunting.
How we tested: Every pick here was run through our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun. If we haven't shot it, we don't recommend it.
Benjamin Marauder Specifications
| Type | Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) |
| Calibers | .177, .22, .25 |
| Magazine | 8-round (.25) to 10-round (.177/.22) |
| Barrel | Shrouded, choked; very quiet |
| Trigger | Two-stage, fully adjustable |
| Fill pressure | ~3,000 psi (2,000-3,000 usable) |
| Energy | ~20-30+ FPE depending on caliber and tune |
| Street price | ~$500-600 |
Quiet, Accurate, and Endlessly Tuneable
The Marauder’s reputation rests on three things. First, it is genuinely quiet: the shrouded, choked barrel keeps the report low enough for backyard and barn work without a separate moderator. Second, it is accurate, easily good enough for tight groups and clean head shots at airgun ranges. Third, it is one of the most tuneable production PCPs ever made, with an adjustable trigger, adjustable hammer spring, and a valve you can tune for velocity and shot count. Enthusiasts love that they can dial it in exactly how they want, and beginners appreciate that it shoots great out of the box.
How It Shoots
On the bench and in the field the Marauder does everything a hunting PCP should. The two-stage trigger is a highlight, crisp and light once adjusted, and it makes precise shots easy. The bolt is smooth, the magazine feeds reliably, and recoil is essentially nonexistent, so follow-up shots stay on target. In .22 it makes comfortable small-game and pest-control energy; in .25 it hits harder for bigger quarry. You will need a way to fill it (a hand pump works, a tank or compressor is nicer), which is the only real cost of entry. Feed it quality pellets and it rewards you with rimfire-like consistency.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Buy It
- Buy it if you want a quiet, accurate, tuneable PCP for hunting and pest control that will not need upgrading, and you are ready to add fill gear.
- Skip it if you want a grab-and-go gun with no accessories, in which case a break-barrel makes more sense.
- Consider the alternatives if you want the absolute lowest price, the regulated Umarex Gauntlet 2 undercuts it and adds a factory regulator.
Where to Buy the Benjamin Marauder
The Verdict
The Benjamin Marauder remains one of the best value PCP air rifles you can buy, and it is still our top overall recommendation for a first serious pre-charged rifle. It is quiet, accurate, tuneable, and available in every useful caliber, giving up only the factory regulation of newer budget rivals. If you want one PCP to hunt, control pests, and enjoy for years, the Marauder is it. See how it stacks up in our best PCP air rifles and best hunting air rifles guides.
Our Rating: 9 / 10 — the quiet, accurate, tuneable PCP that still sets the value standard.
Benjamin Marauder FAQ
Is the Benjamin Marauder a good air rifle?
Yes, it is one of the best value PCP air rifles available. The Benjamin Marauder is quiet, accurate, multi-shot and highly tuneable, and it remains the top recommendation for a first serious pre-charged air rifle.
What calibers does the Benjamin Marauder come in?
The Benjamin Marauder is available in .177, .22 and .25. The .22 is the best all-around choice for hunting and pest control, while .25 adds knockdown for bigger small game.
Is the Benjamin Marauder quiet?
Yes, very. Its shrouded, choked barrel keeps the report low enough for backyard and barn use without needing a separate moderator, which is a big part of its appeal for pest control.
How do you fill a Benjamin Marauder?
The Marauder is a PCP that fills to about 3,000 psi from a hand pump, a carbon-fiber tank, or a high-pressure compressor. A hand pump is the cheapest option, while a tank or compressor is more convenient.
Benjamin Marauder vs Umarex Gauntlet 2: which is better?
The Marauder is quieter and more tuneable, while the Gauntlet 2 adds a factory regulator for shot-to-shot consistency at a lower price. Choose the Marauder for refinement and tuning, the Gauntlet for value and regulation.
How much does a Benjamin Marauder cost?
Street prices for the Benjamin Marauder typically run from about $500 to $600 depending on caliber and configuration, not including the fill equipment you will need.
8,518+ Gun & Ammo Deals
Updated daily from 200+ top retailers. Filter by category, caliber, action type, and price.
Related Guides