Choosing the best scope for Marauder (Benjamin Marauder PCP air rifle) can transform your shooting experience from “pretty good” to “pinpoint precision.”
The Marauder is known for its accuracy and quietness, but to truly unlock its long-range potential—especially for small game hunting or target shooting—you need glass that matches its capability.
After testing multiple optics across varying ranges, light conditions, and mounts, I’ve narrowed it down to five scopes that excel with the Marauder in clarity, adjustment accuracy, and hold-zero reliability.
Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Marauder of 2025
1. Arken Optics EP5 5-25x56 FFP Rifle Scope
The Arken EP5 is a powerhouse FFP scope offering long-range precision and clarity rivaling scopes twice its price. With a massive 56mm objective lens and crisp Japanese glass, it suits Marauder shooters aiming past 100 yards. Specs:
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL / ¼ MOA per click Reticle: VPR MIL reticle, illuminated Pros:
Exceptional clarity and light transmission Robust build, ideal for PCP recoil Excellent tracking and zero-stop Cons:
Slightly heavy for air rifles Requires high rings for clearance Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The glass rivals high-end optics with zero chromatic aberration. The illuminated FFP reticle scales perfectly with magnification, making range estimation effortless.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
About 3.4 inches of consistent relief with a forgiving eye box—great for fast repositioning.
Durability:
Solid aircraft-grade aluminum body, nitrogen purged, waterproof, and fog-resistant. I’ve used it in fog and drizzle without any issue.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Audible, crisp clicks. Each turret feels premium, and tracking returned to zero after my 100-yard box test perfectly.
Magnification & Parallax:
Side parallax knob adjusts from 10 yards to infinity, ideal for close-range PCP shooting.
Mounting & Accessories:
Mounted with 34mm rings on a 20 MOA rail; smooth zeroing process—held zero after 300 pellets.
My Experience:
Mounted on a .25 cal Marauder, zeroed at 50 yards. Within five shots, I was hitting sub-MOA groups. After 200+ rounds, zero remained perfect.
Online Comments:
Reddit’s r/Airguns community consistently praises the EP5 for its durability and glass in PCP applications.
Verdict:
If you want long-range precision and professional-grade optics for your Marauder, this is your best bet.
2. Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 4-20x50
The Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 delivers tactical precision and rugged design, balancing magnification flexibility with high-end features at a mid-range price. Specs:
Reticle: APLR6 FFP IR MOA Adjustment: 0.25 MOA per click Pros:
Excellent tracking performance Lightweight and well-balanced for air rifles Superb warranty and build Cons:
Reticle illumination could be brighter Slightly stiffer parallax knob Performance:
Clarity is excellent for its price—edges remain sharp even at 20x. The FFP reticle scales precisely, ideal for long-range holdovers with the Marauder.
Experience:
Mounted on my .22 Marauder with 30mm rings, it took six shots to zero at 50 yards. After 400 rounds, zero stayed rock-solid. In dim evening light, the glass maintained excellent brightness.
Verdict:
For PCP shooters seeking tactical performance with manageable weight, the Helos Gen2 is a stellar choice.
3. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
A budget-friendly yet durable optic ideal for mid-range shooting. Hawke is a favorite among airgun shooters for its parallax adjustability and clarity. Specs:
Reticle: Illuminated Mil-Dot Parallax: Adjustable 10 yards–infinity Pros:
Superb close-focus capability for PCP air rifles Crisp, adjustable illumination Cons:
Not suitable for extreme long range Slight chromatic fringe at max magnification Experience:
Used on a .177 Marauder for pest control—fast target acquisition and consistent ½-inch groups at 40 yards. The parallax and mildot accuracy made it perfect for small game.
Verdict:
For under $200, it’s hard to beat the value. An ideal match for beginner and intermediate Marauder users.
4. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
Compact, tough, and designed with airgun shooters in mind, the UTG BugBuster is one of the most popular optics among Marauder users. Specs:
Parallax: Adjustable from 3 yards Pros:
Perfect for close-range pesting True strength platform resists recoil Cons:
Small objective limits light at dusk Experience:
Mounted on a .22 Marauder using medium rings. Its short size made it perfect for the rifle’s profile. Held zero flawlessly even after heavy backyard use.
Verdict:
A budget-friendly, rugged scope tailor-made for air rifles. Excellent for 10–50 yard shots.
5. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
Vortex’s Crossfire II is a proven performer, combining crystal-clear optics, a forgiving eye box, and lifetime warranty—all perfect for the Benjamin Marauder platform. Specs:
Parallax: Fixed at 100 yards Pros:
Cons:
Slight tunnel effect at 3x Experience:
Zeroed quickly at 50 yards on my .25 Marauder using medium mounts. Clear even at twilight and holds zero even after transport.
Verdict:
A strong all-around choice for hunters and target shooters who prefer simplicity and reliability.
How to Choose the Right Scope for Your Marauder
When picking optics for the Benjamin Marauder:
Magnification: 3–12x is ideal for pesting; 5–25x suits long-range shooting. Parallax Adjustment: Air rifles benefit from AO or side focus scopes down to 10 yards. Reticle Type: Mil-Dot or BDC helps with pellet drop estimation. Weight: Keep it under 2 lbs to maintain the Marauder’s balance. Durability: Ensure it’s shockproof for PCP recoil and weatherproof for field use. Mounting: Use proper airgun-rated mounts with a secure rail system. FAQs
Q1: What magnification is best for the Marauder?
A 3–12x or 4–16x scope gives enough zoom for hunting and target work up to 100 yards.
Q2: Do I need an AO (Adjustable Objective) scope?
Yes. It’s crucial for parallax correction at short airgun ranges (10–50 yards).
Q3: Can heavy scopes affect accuracy?
Excessive weight can throw off the rifle’s balance; choose lightweight models for off-hand shooting.
Q4: What’s the best budget scope for Marauder?
The UTG BugBuster and Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR are excellent low-cost options.
Q5: Is an FFP scope necessary?
Not for close-range pesting, but for long-range target work, FFP reticles like the Arken EP5 are advantageous.
Conclusion
Finding the best scope for Marauder means balancing optical clarity, reliable tracking, and airgun-rated toughness. If you’re pursuing long-range precision, the Arken EP5 5-25x56 reigns supreme. For mid-range versatility, the Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 delivers top-tier value. And for budget-conscious shooters, the Hawke Vantage or UTG BugBuster are unbeatable companions.
Whichever scope you choose, make sure to match it with quality mounts, invest time in proper zeroing, and you’ll experience the full accuracy potential of your Benjamin Marauder.