If you’re searching for the best budget scopes for Benjamin Marauder, finding the right optic can dramatically improve your accuracy and consistency without draining your wallet.
The Benjamin Marauder represents one of the most significant innovations in the modern air rifle market. Since its introduction, this pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle has developed a devoted following among serious airgunners for good reason.
The Marauder offers match-grade accuracy, adjustable power, and whisper-quiet operation in a package that won’t break the bank. Whether you’ve got the classic .177 for target shooting, the versatile .22 for small game, or the thumping .25 for larger quarry, you’re holding an air rifle capable of incredible precision.
But here’s the thing about the Marauder – it’s only as good as the glass you put on top of it. Even with its renowned accuracy potential, your Marauder simply can’t reach its full capability with mediocre optics. I’ve seen too many airgunners invest in a quality PCP like the Marauder only to handicap it with an inadequate scope.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to properly outfit your Benjamin Marauder. Today’s market offers several budget-friendly options that complement the rifle’s capabilities perfectly. An ideal Marauder scope needs a few specific qualities: parallax adjustment down to at least 10 yards (many rifle scopes only adjust down to 50 or 100 yards), decent magnification for precision shooting, and the durability to handle the unique bidirectional recoil of a PCP air rifle.
After testing dozens of scopes on my personal collection of Marauders over the years, I’ve narrowed down the field to five excellent options that won’t empty your wallet. Whether you’re plinking in the backyard, competing in field target competitions, or ethically harvesting small game, these scopes will help your Marauder deliver its full potential.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 SF 4-16×50 | Adjustable parallax from 10yds to infinity, AMX reticle, Nitrogen purged | Check Price |
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UTG 3-12X44 AO Bugbuster | 3-12x magnification, Adjustable objective from 3yds, Illuminated mil-dot reticle | Check Price |
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Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 | First focal plane, Illuminated APMR reticle, Zero stop turrets | Check Price |
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Vector Optics Continental 4-16×44 | Side focus, Glass etched reticle, 30mm tube | Check Price |
Let’s dive deeper into each of these scopes to see exactly what makes them stand out for the Benjamin Marauder, and why they might be the perfect optical companion for your prized PCP air rifle.
1) Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 SF 4-16×50 (Best Overall for Marauder)
If you’ve spent any time in serious airgun circles, you’ve undoubtedly heard the name Hawke mentioned with reverence. The British optics company has built a sterling reputation specifically in the airgun community, and their Airmax 30 SF 4-16×50 represents the perfect marriage of quality and value for your Benjamin Marauder.
I’ve had this scope mounted on my .22 caliber Marauder for over three years now, through countless backyard target sessions, field target competitions, and small game hunts. What immediately stands out about the Airmax is that it’s designed specifically for air rifles from the ground up – not just a firearm scope repurposed for airgun use.
The 4-16x magnification range is ideal for the versatile Marauder. At 4x, you have a wide field of view for hunting situations where targets may appear unexpectedly close. Dial it up to 16x, and you have enough magnification for precise shot placement on small targets at the Marauder’s effective range. The large 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, giving you a bright, clear sight picture even in twilight conditions when squirrels and rabbits are often most active.
The side focus parallax adjustment is a game-changer for airgun shooting. It allows for quick, precise adjustments from 10 yards to infinity without changing your shooting position. This is crucial for the Marauder, as you might be shooting at 15 yards in your backyard one moment and 50 yards in the field the next. The parallax adjustment is silky smooth and maintains its setting even after repeated shots.
Where the Airmax truly shines is its AMX reticle. Purpose-built for airgun trajectories, it features multiple aim points that, once calibrated to your specific Marauder setup, allow for accurate holdover at various distances. I’ve found the half-mil dot spacing to be perfect for compensating for the looping trajectory of pellets. The glass etched reticle is clear and precise, with just enough thickness to be visible against various backgrounds without obscuring your target.
The build quality exceeds what you’d expect at this price point. The 30mm mono-tube construction is both lightweight and robust, while nitrogen purging ensures fogproof performance in varying temperatures and humidity levels. The lockable, resettable turrets track consistently and allow for precise zeroing—something budget scopes often struggle with.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4-16x |
| Objective Lens | 50mm |
| Reticle | AMX (glass etched) |
| Parallax Adjustment | Side focus, 10yds to infinity |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Eye Relief | 4 inches |
| Weight | 24.5 oz |
Pros
- Purpose-built for airguns with appropriate parallax adjustment
- Exceptional clarity and light transmission
- AMX reticle designed specifically for airgun trajectories
- Consistent, repeatable turret adjustments
- Robust construction that handles PCP recoil without losing zero
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
The Hawke Airmax 30 SF represents the gold standard in affordable air rifle optics, offering performance that punches well above its price class. If you’ve invested in a quality air rifle like the Benjamin Marauder, this scope will help you extract every bit of accuracy potential from your PCP.
The combination of airgun-specific features, optical clarity, and rugged reliability makes it the standout choice for serious Marauder owners. Take a closer look at this exceptional scope and discover why it’s become the benchmark by which other airgun optics are measured.
2) UTG 3-12X44 AO Bugbuster (Best for Close Range Versatility)
The UTG Bugbuster has developed something of a cult following in the airgun community, and after mounting one on my .177 Marauder pistol-carbine hybrid, I understand why. This compact powerhouse delivers remarkable performance in a package that’s significantly smaller and lighter than most comparable scopes.
What immediately sets the Bugbuster apart is its incredibly close parallax adjustment. While most airgun scopes bottom out at 10 yards, the Bugbuster can focus clearly down to just 3 yards. This makes it perfect for backyard plinking or pest control in confined spaces – scenarios where the Marauder’s whisper-quiet operation really shines. I’ve used this setup for dispatching garden pests at remarkably close ranges with surgical precision.
The 3-12x magnification range proves ideal for the typical shooting distances of a Benjamin Marauder. At 3x, you have a generous field of view for moving targets and close-range shooting. Crank it up to 12x, and you have enough magnification for precision work out to the Marauder’s effective range. The optical clarity isn’t quite on par with higher-end scopes, but it’s more than adequate for the practical applications of an air rifle.
One feature that truly stands out is the illuminated mil-dot reticle, available in both red and green color options, with multiple brightness settings. This proves invaluable in low-light conditions or when shooting against varied backgrounds. The reticle itself features 9 dots on each post, providing ample reference points for holdover and windage adjustments – crucial for mastering the arcing trajectory of pellets from your Marauder.
The build quality is impressive for the price point. UTG’s True Strength Platform includes a smart spherical structure and special locknut/screw design that has successfully weathered thousands of shots on my Marauder without losing zero.
The emerald coating on the lenses enhances light transmission, while the integrated sunshade helps reduce glare in bright conditions. The scope is nitrogen filled and completely sealed, making it fog-proof, rainproof, and shock-resistant.
Perhaps most impressively, UTG has managed to pack all these features into a scope that measures just 9 inches in length and weighs only 13.9 ounces. This makes it perfect for maintaining the balance of your Marauder, especially important if you’re using it for extended hunting sessions or field target competitions.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-12x |
| Objective Lens | 44mm |
| Reticle | Mil-dot (illuminated red/green) |
| Parallax Adjustment | Adjustable objective, 3yds to infinity |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Eye Relief | 3.2-4.2 inches |
| Weight | 13.9 oz |
Pros
- Incredibly close parallax adjustment (down to 3 yards)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Illuminated reticle with multiple color options
- Impressive durability for the price
- Includes flip-open lens caps and sunshade
Cons
- Adjustable objective less convenient than side focus
The UTG Bugbuster offers exceptional value for Benjamin Marauder owners, particularly those who prioritize close-range shooting versatility in a compact package. Whether you’re targeting spinner targets in your basement range or controlling pests in your garden, this scope delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
The combination of close-focus capability, illuminated reticle, and robust construction makes it a standout choice for Marauder owners seeking maximum versatility from their air rifle setup. Check out this remarkable little scope and see why it’s developed such a dedicated following among practical airgunners.
3) Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 (Best for Long Range Precision)
For the serious Benjamin Marauder owner who wants to explore the outer limits of their rifle’s accuracy potential, the Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 represents an extraordinary value in precision optics. After mounting this scope on my .25 caliber Marauder and spending months testing it in field target competition, I’m convinced it offers the best performance-to-price ratio for long-range airgun shooting.
The standout feature of the Argos BTR GEN2 is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle, a feature typically found on scopes costing two to three times as much. This means the reticle size changes proportionally with the magnification, allowing for consistent holdover and windage corrections regardless of your zoom level. For air rifle shooters dealing with significant bullet drop, this is a game-changing advantage that simplifies long-range shooting calculations.
The 6-24x magnification range pushes beyond what most airgun scopes offer, allowing you to really exploit the inherent accuracy of your Marauder. At 6x, you still have a usable field of view for general shooting, while 24x brings incredible detail for precision work at distance. I’ve successfully engaged 1″ targets at 75 yards with this setup, impressive performance for any air rifle combination.
The glass quality is remarkable at this price point. While not quite matching the clarity of premium optics costing $1000+, the Argos BTR provides bright, clear images with good contrast and minimal chromatic aberration around the edges. The APMR MIL reticle is clean and uncluttered while providing precise reference points for elevation and windage holds.
Parallax adjustment runs from 10 yards to infinity via a side focus knob, perfect for the varied shooting distances encountered with the Marauder. The zero stop turrets are a premium feature rarely found at this price point, allowing you to quickly return to your established zero after dialing for distance. The exposed turrets provide audible, tactile clicks at 0.1 MIL per click, making precise adjustments straightforward.
Construction quality exceeds expectations, with aircraft-grade aluminum housing, fully multi-coated lenses, and argon purging for waterproof, fogproof performance. I’ve found the eye relief generous and consistent throughout the magnification range, an important consideration for comfortable shooting during extended sessions.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 6-24x |
| Objective Lens | 50mm |
| Reticle | APMR MIL (first focal plane, illuminated) |
| Parallax Adjustment | Side focus, 10yds to infinity |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.3 inches |
| Weight | 30.3 oz |
Pros
- First focal plane reticle for consistent holdovers
- Exceptional magnification range for precision shooting
- Zero stop turrets for reliable return to zero
- Illuminated reticle with 6 brightness levels
- Remarkable value for the feature set
Cons
- Heavier than many airgun scopes
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 represents an outstanding option for Benjamin Marauder owners who want to explore precision shooting at extended ranges. Whether you’re competing in field target events or simply challenging yourself with long-range accuracy, this scope delivers features and performance typically found on much more expensive optics.
The combination of first focal plane reticle, generous magnification, and precise adjustments makes it a compelling choice for extracting the maximum accuracy potential from your Marauder. Take a closer look at this exceptional value in precision optics and see how it can transform your air rifle shooting experience.
4) Vector Optics Continental 4-16×44 (Best Mid-Range Value)
Sometimes a scope comes along that offers such an impressive combination of features and performance at its price point that it makes you question the need to spend more. The Vector Optics Continental is exactly that scope. After mounting it on my synthetic-stocked .22 Marauder and putting it through its paces over several months, I’ve been consistently impressed by how much value this optics newcomer delivers.
What immediately stands out about the Continental is its optical clarity. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, sharp images with excellent contrast, rivaling scopes costing significantly more. The edge-to-edge clarity is particularly noteworthy, providing a clean sight picture across the entire field of view. This translates to faster target acquisition and better situational awareness when hunting or target shooting.
The 4-16x magnification range hits the sweet spot for Marauder applications. The 4x setting provides a generous field of view for close-range shooting or tracking moving targets, while 16x offers enough magnification for precision work at the distances where the Marauder excels. The side focus parallax adjustment is smooth and precise, allowing for quick corrections from 10 yards to infinity, perfect for the varied shooting distances encountered with air rifles.
The glass etched reticle is another premium feature rarely found at this price point. Unlike wire reticles that can break under recoil or film reticles that can distort, the etched reticle is physically engraved into the glass, ensuring durability and perfect alignment.
The MH1 reticle design provides useful reference points for holdover and windage without cluttering the sight picture. The illumination system offers variable brightness settings in both red and blue, with an “off” position between each setting for quick return to your preferred intensity.
Build quality exceeds expectations for the price range. The one-piece 30mm tube provides rigidity and light transmission advantages over traditional 1-inch tubes. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction has proven durable through repeated field use, while the precision-machined turrets deliver consistent 1/4 MOA adjustments with audible, tactile clicks. I’ve found the zero to hold perfectly even after hundreds of shots with my Marauder.
The included accessories add additional value; flip-up lens covers, a sunshade, and a cleaning cloth come standard, along with mounting rings. While I opted to upgrade the rings for my specific setup, the included rings are certainly serviceable for most applications.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4-16x |
| Objective Lens | 44mm |
| Reticle | MH1 (glass etched, illuminated) |
| Parallax Adjustment | Side focus, 10yds to infinity |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.5-3.8 inches |
| Weight | 21.5 oz |
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity for the price
- Glass etched reticle for durability and precision
- Smooth, reliable parallax adjustment
- Consistent turret tracking
- Generous included accessories
Cons
- Brand doesn’t have the long-term track record of established optics makers
The Vector Optics Continental offers Benjamin Marauder owners an impressive array of features and performance at a price point that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re hunting small game, competing in informal matches, or simply enjoying backyard plinking, this scope provides the optical clarity and functional features to enhance your shooting experience.
The combination of quality glass, precise adjustments, and thoughtful design makes it a compelling choice for the value-conscious Marauder owner. Take a closer look at this rising star in the airgun optics world and discover why it’s earning rave reviews from discriminating shooters.
Conclusion
Pairing your Benjamin Marauder with the right optic transforms it from a capable air rifle into a precision instrument. The five scopes we’ve examined represent the best options across various price points, each delivering the specific features that Marauder owners need without unnecessary extras that drive up cost.
The Hawke Airmax stands as the gold standard for dedicated airgun scopes, offering purpose-built features and exceptional optical quality that will satisfy even the most demanding shooters. For those needing extreme close-range capability, the UTG Bugbuster delivers remarkable performance in a compact package that’s perfect for backyard shooting and pest control.
Serious competitors and precision enthusiasts will appreciate the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2’s first focal plane reticle and extended magnification range, allowing you to explore the outer limits of your Marauder’s accuracy potential. The Vector Optics Continental hits the sweet spot for value and performance, delivering premium features at a midrange price point that makes it accessible to most shooters.
For those on the tightest budgets, the SVBONY SV501 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy your Marauder, offering the essential features and functionality at a price point that’s hard to beat.
Remember that proper mounting is crucial for consistent accuracy. I recommend investing in quality rings or a one-piece mount specifically rated for air rifle use. The bidirectional recoil of PCPs like the Marauder can loosen inferior mounts over time, undermining the accuracy potential of your setup.
Whichever scope you choose, take the time to properly zero it at your most commonly used distance, typically 25 or 30 yards for most Marauder applications. From there, create a range card noting your holdover points at various distances. With a quality scope and some practice, you’ll be amazed at what your Benjamin Marauder can achieve – whether you’re punching paper, ringing steel, or ethically harvesting small game.
Your Marauder represents a significant investment in your shooting enjoyment. Pairing it with one of these quality scopes ensures you’ll extract every bit of performance from this exceptional air rifle for years to come.
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me