Theory of Operation For The Benjamin Marauder Tune Kit
In this third post, we’ll discuss what’s happening when the Benjamin Marauder and Armada Tune Kit operates in the gun.
Below we see the External Tube Plug installed on a Gen 1 Marauder.
For simplicity, it’s best to think of the Tune Kit as having a “regulator lite” effect.
As with a regulator, installing the kit’s Tube Plug will reduce the Muzzle Velocity. However it increases the number of consistent shots per fill.
Unlike a regulator, there is no “plateau” of absolutely-consistent shots. The gun is still unregulated, after all. What we’re doing is reducing the shot-to-shot variability to flatten and extend the shot curve.
Here’s what happens when the Tune Kit’s Tube Plug is installed in a Marauder of each caliber WHEN THE FACTORY TUNE IS RETAINED.
Because of this, a more aggressive tune is required, unless you simply want a longer, more consistent shot string.
However because the Tube Plug provides greater shot-to-shot consistency, that more aggressive tune can be achieved while still retaining an acceptably-flat shot curve.
We’ve used an Extreme Spread of 40 FPS as our benchmark for “acceptably flat” shot variability. This value is commonly accepted as providing a minimal difference in vertical impact on target at 50 Yards by Field Target shooters.
Tune Assumptions:
Above, the Internal Tube Plug installed in a Gen 2 Marauder.
The “canned tunes” included in the Benjamin Marauder and Armada Tune Kit were developed using the following assumptions…
Shooters using .177 caliber would be most interested in gaining an increased number of consistent shots per fill. A little additional power would be welcomed, but is not the primary intention.
22 caliber owners will want more power. Although they also want shot-to-shot consistency, they will accept a shorter shot string as a trade-off for that.
Owners of 25 caliber guns want more power, if possible. A few more consistent shots per fill would be welcome, but not essential.
So, the “canned tunes” provided in the Benjamin Marauder and Armada Tune Kit aim to provide these benefits across a range of individual guns and pellet types.
If you want – for example – to increase the consistent shot count of your .22 caliber Armada, while holding the current power level, you could create your own tune. This would need different settings for the Transfer Port, Striker and Hammer Spring. To find these, you will need to experiment using a chronograph.
Aggressive Tunes Without The Tube Plug
It’s true that using the aggressive tune settings included with this Tune Kit will give you even more power.
However, they will also give such a low consistent shot count that the gun is practically unshootable for more than a very few shots!
Conclusion:
Hopefully you will enjoy the benefits that this Tune Kit offers your Marauder or Armada air rifle.
As you have read, the benefits can be significant, yet it’s very simple and easy to install. And – at $19.99 – it’s cheap! Have fun but shoot safe…
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Benjamin Marauder and Armada Air Rifle Tune Kit
Two additional posts provide more hard details on the test results and how this Tune Kit works.
