Benjamin Marauder or Hatsan BT 65 SB

[eliechahine]

Hello.

I first wanted to build a pcp airgun, but since i am short on tools and equipment i am unable to do so.

My second option is to buy one.

I live in Lebanon, where supply and options are limited to a few brands , and in my price range i only found 3 guns:

-Benjamin marauder + hand pump for $1050(max 30-40 ft /lb with 25-30 full power shots)
-Hatsan BT 65 SB + hand pump for $700 (max 60-70 ft/lb- with 18 full power shots)
-Benjamin discovery + hand pump for $600 (max 22-25 ft/lb with 30 full power shots)

Thanks!

[Zeus]

I'd go the Marauder myself, you'll love either Benji though. Hatsan is not on my "spend $700 on" list. Between the two Benjis is really what you want it for. If you need power for that activity that's not permitted on the forum, then less shots and more power is what you want. Goes the other way for target shooting.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

I can't talk to you about Benjis, but that Hatsan's I've shot have all been quite crap.

[Blitz]

What Zeus said. My friend, who has a Benjamin Marauder, absolutely loves his and has been trying to talk me into getting one. Unfortunately, considering it's comparable in price to a real rifle, I'm having difficulty wanting one. But, it looks quite elegant.

[Gippeto]

You're looking at three "budget" pcps.

The Marauder had some issues with bad barrels and magazines failing...I believe these issues have been sorted out. Has a two stage trigger that is (from what I hear) rather nice.

The Disco is a so-so kind of thing...can be modified into what ever you want it to be....have seen one over 50fpe. A very basic, no frills air rifle.

The Hatsans (AT44 and BT65) are very popular here, and offer a lot more value for the dollar than the Disco IMO.


The "full power" Hatsans typically shoot too fast for good accuracy...need to reduce preload on the striker springs to slow them down. FAR too common to find burrs at the transfer port and crown...touching these up, slowing them down and removing the barrel bands usually brings them into line.

Two stage Record trigger...very nice once setup IMO.

A "good" one can be very good, grouping 1/2" or less @ 50 yards...a bad one can be spectacularly so as well.



Magazines are hit and miss...some will habitually fail to advance while others work like they're supposed to. I much prefer the single shot receivers to the multi shot ones.


JMO

[eliechahine]

Hello!
I bought the hatsan galatian 3 for $675 (.25) yesterday

i don't really know the difference between it and the bt65 since no one that i know of has made a review of it yet.

It has the same air cylinder a quattro trigger and adjustable buttcheek.

also 2x 13 round magazines.

Here are some pics:

www.qfpost.com/z/v4BA23nTf.jpg

www.qfpost.com/z/4EgGssxPd.jpg

www.qfpost.com/z/Zw7XYzqNB.jpg

[Gippeto]

Quattro....right.

Have two AT44's....think I'd know that....gonna blame the beer.

A review would be nice...and some groups if possible.

[eliechahine]

Yeah not going to argue with you about the trigger we both know it's not that great.

I'll do a review and post some pics as soon as i get to shoot it and not create a new window in my wall.

[Gippeto]

Yeah not going to argue with you about the trigger we both know it's not that great.

As with many areas of life, opinion varies. I find the trigger quite good....I have polished the contact points and adjusted it to my liking though.

Look forward to your review.

[Tony_Montana]

Hi Elie, plese let me know where did you find the Maruader in Lebanon please. i need to buy one. thank you
Tony