New PCP Rifle and Maintenance Challenges

[Iammichael6499]

I just purchased an entry level .22 cal Benjamin Marauder “Pre-Charged Pneumatic” (PCP) rifle. My previous experience with air rifles has been limited to “springers”. While springers are relatively easy to maintain I anticipate more of a learning curve with the PCP, mostly on how to properly charge and maintain it, than my internet research suggests. With that said, what maintenance have you had to perform on your PCP rifle the most and how often?

FYI, my scope will be a Leupold VX-3, 1.75-6x32 and my air source is an “inexpensive” air cooled 4,500 psi compressor that can handle up to a 500cc bottle and/or directly charge the rifle. If I become addicted to PCP guns then I’ll upgrade to a quality compressor and add a few carbon air bottles.

 

[PaulinKansas]

I rented a place to a few guys that were controlling pigeons in a refinery. 2 guys had hawks and 1 guy had a PCP. They used non-tox pellets. The one guy was a sniper for this agency.

 

[Iammichael6499]

The lack of PCP shooters in the forum surprises me. I’ll report any interesting experiences as I learn how to shoot/maintain my rifle.

 

[Goose10]

I have the same gun in 25 caliber. Mostly use it around the house for pests but it is really accurate and reliable. Did put a TSS in it to quiet it a little and even out the velocities over a fill from 2,000-3,000 psi. Only maintenance needed was to replace the fill connection, the check valve in it lost its seal.

 

[Iammichael6499]

I have the same gun in 25 caliber. Mostly use it around the house for pests but it is really accurate and reliable. Did put a TSS in it to quiet it a little and even out the velocities over a fill from 2,000-3,000 psi. Only maintenance needed was to replace the fill connection, the check valve in it lost its seal.

Good to know. I plan to do the TSS mod after I’ve shot it for awhile, settled on a pellet brand and created a Chronograph history.

 

[Goose10]

Different caliber but I had the best accuracy with JSB Match Diabolo. Tried Heavy JSBs and other heavier hunting type pellets but none were as accurate. Did shoot quite a few H&N Crow Magnums and they hit really hard and deadly on rabbits.

 

[Iammichael6499]

Different caliber but I had the best accuracy with JSB Match Diabolo. Tried Heavy JSBs and other heavier hunting type pellets but none were as accurate. Did shoot quite a few H&N Crow Magnums and they hit really hard and deadly on rabbits.

The first pellets I ordered were JSB Match Diabolo’s (18.3 gr) scheduled to arrive today. My Leupold PRW 1” High Cross-Slot scope rings won’t get here until Monday or Tuesday. I wasn’t paying attention to how high the magazine protruded and hence thought low PRW’s I already had in hand would work. Crossing my finger’s I don’t have to add a rail to get another 1/16” of clearance with the high rings.

 

[Iammichael6499]

Not sure what I was thinking at the time, but I ordered the wrong scope rings. The Marauder has an 11mm rail ... not a 3/8" so I sent the rings back to Amazon. I then dug around in my scope base/ring inventory to find a set of medium height 11mm Leupold rings (gloss). Upon mounting the rings, the gap between the 1" scope tube and the magazine is just enough to slide a dollar bill. I wish the ring finish was matte, but I'll live with gloss vs buying another set. Tomorrow I'll lap the rings, reinstall the scope and take a quick pic so other Marauder owners can see what medium height rings look like with a 32 mm front objective.

 

[metalworx]

Different caliber but I had the best accuracy with JSB Match Diabolo. Tried Heavy JSBs and other heavier hunting type pellets but none were as accurate. Did shoot quite a few H&N Crow Magnums and they hit really hard and deadly on rabbits.

Those diabolo's are the cat's a** in my marauder! They do very good on any sparrows and starlings that try to use my purple martin houses

 

[metalworx]

I have the same gun in 25 caliber. Mostly use it around the house for pests but it is really accurate and reliable. Did put a TSS in it to quiet it a little and even out the velocities over a fill from 2,000-3,000 psi. Only maintenance needed was to replace the fill connection, the check valve in it lost its seal.

Mine is a .177 and is completely stock. Was looking at the upgrades available for this gun after reading your post. Did not realize there were that many!