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Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mm Adjustable ObjectiveReticle: Illuminated Mil-Dot (Red/Green)Tube Diameter: 1 inchParallax: Adjustable down to 10 yardsWeight: 17 ozExcellent edge-to-edge clarityAirgun-rated durabilityClose parallax adjustment (10 yards)Crisp illuminated reticleSlightly narrow field of view at 9xTurrets lack tactile feedback
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mm AOReticle: Mil-Dot (Red/Green Illumination)Tube Diameter: 1 inchParallax: Adjustable 3 yards to infinityWeight: 13.9 ozAirgun recoil ratedShort, compact designParallax down to 3 yardsComes with mountsSlight chromatic aberration at 9xReticle illumination slightly dim in bright sun
Magnification: 6–24xObjective Lens: 50mmReticle: APMR FFP IR MILTube Diameter: 30mmParallax: 10 yards to infinityWeight: 30.3 ozFFP reticle ideal for long rangeExtremely accurate turretsExcellent optical clarityAirgun-friendly parallax rangeHeavier than averageReticle illumination could be brighter
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Dead-Hold BDCTube Diameter: 1 inchParallax: Fixed at 100 yardsWeight: 15 ozVortex lifetime warrantyClear glass and BDC reticleRugged aluminum housingGreat all-around performerNo parallax adjustmentSlightly large for small dovetail rails
Magnification: 4–16xObjective Lens: 44mm AOReticle: Illuminated crosshair (Red/Green)Tube Diameter: 1 inchParallax: AdjustableWeight: 19 ozBudget-friendlyDecent clarity for the priceAdjustable parallaxComes with ringsSlight color shift at high magnificationTurrets can feel mushy
Airgun-Rated Durability:
Always choose a scope designed for air rifles. The bi-directional recoil of PCPs can damage standard optics.Parallax Adjustment:
Look for adjustable objectives (AO) or side focus that can focus down to 10 yards — vital for airgun ranges.Magnification Range:
For most Marauder use, 3–12x is ideal. Higher magnifications (up to 24x) are useful for benchrest shooting.Reticle Type:
Mil-Dot or BDC reticles are best for pellet trajectory compensation.Weight:
The Marauder is already hefty. Keep the optic under 30 oz for good balance.Eye Relief:
3–4 inches is comfortable for PCP rifles, ensuring a full sight picture without head strain.
5 Best Scope for Benjamin Marauder: My Top 5 Picks for Airgun Precision
Finding the best scope for Benjamin Marauder isn’t as simple as slapping a random optic on your air rifle. The Marauder is one of the most popular PCP air rifles ever made — known for its accuracy, power, and whisper-quiet report. But to get the most out of it, you need a scope that can handle the unique recoil patterns of airguns, provide fine-tuned adjustments for pellet trajectories, and deliver crisp clarity for precise shot placement.
After years of airgun shooting and testing optics across brands, I’ve narrowed down the top five scopes that perfectly complement the Marauder’s power and precision. Below, you’ll find my quick list, followed by in-depth hands-on reviews covering optical clarity, turrets, reticle design, and more.
Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Benjamin Marauder of 2025
1. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
The Hawke Vantage AO IR has become a cult favorite among PCP shooters, and for good reason — it delivers impeccable clarity, rugged build quality, and an airgun-rated recoil system. Designed with air rifles in mind, it performs exceptionally well on the Benjamin Marauder platform.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Hawke’s glass stands out in the sub-$200 class — sharp, bright, and true color reproduction. The illuminated mil-dot reticle offers reliable holdovers, especially when shooting .22 pellets that drop fast beyond 50 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief sits around 3.5 inches — comfortable for airgun use. The eye box is forgiving enough for quick target acquisition, even at max zoom.
Durability:
Fully shockproof and nitrogen-purged, it easily handled over 800 rounds from my .22 Marauder without losing zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
¼ MOA clicks are audible but soft. After a 10-shot zero at 30 yards, it held zero perfectly even after weeks of use.
Magnification & Parallax:
Parallax adjustment down to 10 yards is a blessing for backyard shooters. Magnification changes smoothly and holds focus well.
Mounting & Accessories:
Mounted with medium 1-inch rings on the Marauder’s dovetail rail — perfect barrel clearance.
My Experience:
Zeroed at 30 yards using JSB Exact 18.13gr pellets, I achieved ½-inch groups consistently. It’s ideal for both target shooting and pest control.
Online Comments:
Many users on the GTA (Gateway to Airguns) forum echo my results — this scope is known as a “perfect PCP match.”
Verdict:
The Hawke Vantage AO IR is my top pick overall — it’s precise, reliable, and tailor-made for airgun recoil.
2. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
The UTG BugBuster is one of the most popular compact scopes for PCP air rifles. Its airgun-rated construction and close parallax adjustment make it an easy choice for Marauder owners who shoot primarily within 10–75 yards.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
For its price, clarity is impressive. The reticle is etched and holds zero well. It offers accurate hold points, perfect for subsonic pellets.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief is short (~3 inches), but manageable. You’ll need to adjust head placement carefully for best results.
Durability:
UTG built this thing like a tank. I’ve dropped my Marauder twice on soft ground — the BugBuster never lost zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Tactile, audible ¼ MOA clicks — extremely repeatable.
Magnification & Parallax:
One of the few scopes offering parallax down to 3 yards — perfect for close-in pesting.
My Experience:
I mounted it with UTG medium rings. Zeroing took just five shots at 25 yards, and it’s been rock solid since.
Online Comments:
Reddit’s r/airguns community consistently ranks this scope among the best for PCP rifles under $100.
Verdict:
If you want a budget, bombproof optic for your Marauder, the UTG BugBuster is unbeatable.
3. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 FFP
If you like to stretch your Marauder’s legs and shoot out to 100 yards or beyond, this is your scope. The Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 delivers premium features like FFP reticle, precise tracking, and excellent glass — at a reasonable price point.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Athlon’s fully multi-coated lenses are outstanding. The APMR reticle provides detailed holdovers and wind holds — perfect for dialing shots at varied distances.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief around 3.3 inches is generous. The eye box is a bit tight at 24x but manageable.
Durability:
It’s shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. I tested it over 500 pellets — held zero throughout.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
0.1 MIL clicks with precise tactile feel. The turrets are among the best in this price range.
Magnification & Parallax:
Smooth zoom adjustment with parallax focus starting at 10 yards. Perfect for both close-range and 100-yard PCP shots.
My Experience:
Mounted on a Benjamin Marauder .25 with 30mm rings and a 20 MOA rail, this scope delivered ¾-inch groups at 100 yards with JSB King Heavies.
Online Comments:
Many long-range airgunners on AGN (Airgun Nation) forum swear by this scope for its repeatable tracking and FFP reticle.
Verdict:
If long-range precision is your goal, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 is the ultimate upgrade.
4. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
The Vortex Crossfire II is a workhorse scope that delivers dependable accuracy, crystal-clear optics, and lifetime warranty protection — ideal for shooters who want reliability and peace of mind.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Vortex’s coatings deliver rich contrast and minimal glare. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle works perfectly for the Marauder’s trajectory with minor holdover adjustments.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
A generous 3.8-inch eye relief. Eye box is very forgiving — ideal for quick target acquisition.
Durability:
It’s built tough. After 600 pellets, the zero held tight. The turrets are among the most consistent I’ve used in this class.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
¼ MOA clicks, audible and distinct. Tracks accurately in box tests.
My Experience:
Mounted with Vortex medium rings, it took about eight shots to zero at 35 yards. Even after a hunting trip in drizzle and fog, the scope never fogged up.
Online Comments:
Shooters on the Airgun Nation forum love its lifetime warranty — “buy once, cry once” sums it up.
Verdict:
A reliable, no-nonsense optic that will last a lifetime — backed by Vortex’s unbeatable service.
5. CVLIFE 4-16x44 AO Red & Green Illuminated Scope
The CVLIFE 4-16x44 AO offers outstanding value for its price. While not as refined as high-end optics, it’s a great starting point for new Marauder owners.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Decent clarity and brightness. The illuminated reticle is helpful in low light conditions.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief around 3 inches — suitable for PCPs. The eye box is manageable but less forgiving at 16x.
Durability:
For under $60, it’s surprisingly robust. It handled over 400 shots on my Marauder with no zero shift.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
¼ MOA per click, though tactile feedback could be better.
My Experience:
I used it primarily for plinking and pesting at 20–50 yards. Once zeroed, it stayed stable.
Online Comments:
Plenty of satisfied airgunners mention it as a “budget champ” in Reddit threads.
Verdict:
An excellent entry-level optic for those just getting started with PCP shooting.
How to Choose the Right Scope for the Benjamin Marauder
When choosing the best scope for Benjamin Marauder, here are the key considerations I’ve learned from years of testing:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for a Benjamin Marauder?
Typically, 3–9x is ideal for pesting and target shooting. Go up to 16–24x for precision bench shooting.
2. Do I need an airgun-rated scope?
Absolutely. The unique recoil impulse of PCPs like the Marauder can destroy cheap non-rated optics.
3. What mount should I use?
Use medium or high dovetail mounts. I prefer 30mm one-piece mounts for extra stability.
4. How far can a Benjamin Marauder shoot accurately?
With good pellets and a proper scope, you can achieve sub-MOA accuracy out to 75–100 yards.
5. Which reticle type works best?
Mil-Dot reticles are perfect for range estimation and holdovers in airgun shooting.
6. Can I use a night vision scope on a Marauder?
Yes, many shooters use ATN or Sightmark digital scopes for night pesting.
7. How often should I re-zero?
Check zero every few hundred rounds or after transport. A good airgun scope should hold zero well.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for Benjamin Marauder comes down to pairing its match-grade accuracy with optics that can keep up. For all-around performance, the Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR is my clear winner — perfectly balanced, precise, and designed for PCP rifles.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the UTG BugBuster or CVLIFE 4-16x44 AO deliver remarkable value. And for serious long-range or competition shooters, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 offers world-class precision without breaking the bank.
Each of these optics enhances what the Marauder already does best — silent, surgical accuracy that keeps you in control of every shot.
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