Hey Guys:
After 5 months and numerous hours by several people I finally completed the project. Pictures are under the topic "Marauder and FT Competion", last page. And I really like the way it turned out. Not only does it look great, it shoots as good as any Euro gun costing three times as much. I can now shoot 3/8" groups consistantly at 25 yards, I havn't had a flier in probably 500 rounds.
I started the project to prove to my friends that it is probably not necessary to spend 3 -5 thousand dollars on a gun to be compediative in FT shooting. After wading through hours of info available on the net, I ordered a Marauder, a Leapers 4-16X56 scope, high rings and an 80mm side knob.
Technical changes abound on the net, but the only mod I did was remove the lawyer spring. I shoot Crosman 10.5 premiers, that I blow off with a compressor, and lube with Peltier lube.
The only other change, the stock. I started with a used Ray Abernathy stock ($150). My best friend Jim Sheffield finished and fitted it to me. From the first, practice, practice, practice.
I'll be shooting Hunter Class FT this year and am confident that my Marauder can hang with the best of them.
Bob