We tested the range accuracy, power and hunting ability of Benjamin’s latest PCP air rifle, which is based on the company’s successful Marauder design

Jim Chapman | posted October 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM

Crosman's first pre-installed pneumatic air rifle marketed under the Benjamin brand was a single-shot Discovery at a budget price. It is followed by a larger and more powerful predator platform with high-quality triggers, fully covered barrels, efficient and reliable magazines, and availability in .177, .22, and .25 calibers. I tested and reviewed the Benjamin Predator in 2021 and it has stood the test of time. The Benjamin Invincible Fleet is a rifle that continues the legacy of the predators. Think of it as an evolutionary step forward, not a brand new projectile gun. Trigger components, trigger action, magazine performance, and excellent noise reduction provided by the shield system are all top products.

The Marauder became a very popular rifle because of its performance, but many owners improved its ergonomics because it was too thick for some shooters' tastes. It also cannot contain the series of accessories they want. This is where Armada comes in. Marauder's sturdy and durable internal structure remains in the Armada platform, but it has been enhanced by a modular design that allows for easy installation of many different accessories.

The Armada air rifle has a Magpul M-LOK rail system with an adjustable AR stock and grip frame. The result is not just a makeup practice that transforms traditional athletes into tactical-looking rifles, it also provides rifles with the flexibility to be optimized for individual shooters. In addition, the new butt configuration provides a convenient installation for lights and lasers used for night predator hunting, or a bipod for bench or other competitive target shooting activities. For left-handed shooters, the bolt is reversible. 

The Benjamin Invincible Fleet is a large artillery with a 20-inch rifled and blocking barrel. It has a total length of 42.8 inches and a weight of 7.3 pounds (without sight). The bolt action mechanism tilts the rifle and automatically indexes 8 rounds (0.25 caliber) rotating magazines. By rotating the transparent panel (the arrow indicates the correct direction) and inserting the first projectile, while placing your fingers in the offside position to prevent it from falling out, you can quickly complete the magazine loading. The next seven balls are then loaded upside down. After you get the hang of the loading process, it is fast and easy, which I have always appreciated in hunting air rifles (and all shotguns).

This rotating magazine is a time-proven design inherited from the predator-the price is quite reasonable-in case you want to carry extra magazines while hunting.

Armada’s 215cc air tank is equipped with a quick-release Foster-type male connector-I hope all manufacturers can use this connector to fill their guns from an external air source. It is fast, simple, standardized, and avoids problems such as missing (or incorrectly packaged) filled probes. The pressure gauge below the storage tank allows air pressure to be monitored during operation.

The bolt action is located at the rearmost part of the receiver, which can be reached without lifting the head from the cheek and is easy to work. It is smooth and provides good tactile response, and the bolt handle is sturdy and comfortable to use.

The trigger is a two-stage adjustable design, set to use out of the box. I've been shooting Benjamin Armada with the factory settings, and I am satisfied with the firing of the trigger, the crisp interruption and the smallest overtravel. The first stage of pulling the trigger is about 1.8 pounds, and the final pull is about 1.2 pounds. I really like the flat metal trigger blade-this is my preferred configuration.

When shooting Armada, one of the first things you notice is that it is a very quiet rifle. The integrated shield does an excellent job of keeping the gun's sound characteristics low. This is a rifle, you can shoot in the backyard or basement without disturbing the neighbors next door.

For my range test, I photographed Armada from a BOG Death Grip mounted on a desktop tripod, which was placed on a portable bench. 

I used the JSB King Heavy 33.9 gr Diabolo projectile to shoot 50 projectiles at 40 yards, resulting in a peak speed of 810 fps, a minimum speed of 647 fps, and an average speed of 761 fps. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I must mention that I burned 5 shots early in the string due to a chronograph malfunction or shooting on the cavity.) This produced a power output of 34 foot-pounds. To 49 foot pounds, the average is 43 foot pounds. At 40 yards, all 50 shots entered a group that could be covered by a quarter.

The trigger is prominent. The mechanism is very smooth, consistent and responsive, and the trigger blade provides excellent control. Outside of the very expensive rifles in the premium range, this is one of the best stock triggers I have used in the production of air rifles.

After seeing and getting acquainted with the Benjamin Invincible Fleet, I took it to hunt squirrels and rabbits several times. In the first morning in the squirrel forest, I found that although the rifle was very large, it was easy to carry. I could accurately lean it against a tree trunk or throw the rifle on a low-hanging branch. When hunting rabbits in a more open agricultural area the next morning, I found that this gun was easy to shoot while standing, supported on my lap when kneeling, or placed on my bipod shooting pole.

The invincible fleet is paired with a heavy projectile of my choice, anchoring the game between 20 and 70 yards. Long shots require a little delay, but this is part of the fun of hunting with air rifles.

I found the controls to be well laid out and easy to access under pressure. The operations such as loading, operating the safety device and loading the magazine are all intuitive and require very few movements.

Armada is a precise and powerful rifle that can cycle quickly and smoothly while reliably indexing rotating magazines automatically. The rifle is ergonomic, well balanced, and comfortable when resting or shooting casually. Although it is a bit longer than what I usually choose, it is very light and well packaged.

From a hunting point of view, the Benjamin Invincible Fleet is a solid platform for the groundhog or groundhog to build a long-range shooter. The long front support and mounting system help stabilize the bipod or bracket. This rifle produces energy within 40 foot-pounds, has the ability to anchor small games 100 yards away, and has the inherent accuracy that makes this possible.

I think Armada is also a good choice for those who want to make a competitive rifle at a reasonable price. Many after-sales components, such as adjustment kits and even third-party pressure regulators, can be used to improve and optimize the performance of this already powerful performance. This will enable Armada owners to shoot at competitive levels on benches, field targets and other disciplines, and have respected hunting equipment.

I personally tend to use a more compact gun for general hunting equipment, and the total length of the Armada is at the upper limit of my field gun. I know that many archers do not value this feature as much as I do. This gun is not too heavy and well balanced, but in order to make this gun perfect for me, I want to see the version of the carbine.

It would be great if you could choose a factory-installed regulator, but even if it has not been adjusted, the consistency of Armada is acceptable. Regarding the field gun, I think it is completely fine. If you want to build dedicated long-range hunting equipment or bench-top rifles, I think it will benefit from aftermarket regulators or adjustment kits.

Armada has many positive attributes such as accuracy, power, ergonomics, customizability, and overall fireability. But how does it solve my "real world" airsoft shooting and hunting needs? If I had to choose between the two, would I buy Armada or Marauder? The answer is that it depends on the situation.

If I want a gun to pack in the woods or drag on the vast desert landscape, I might be attracted by predators. On the other hand, if I want a gun that can be used for long-range hunting and the next competitive shooting competition on weekends, I will choose the Invincible Fleet. If you are a shooter who prefers the tactical look and feel to the more traditional sporty design, and can implement off-the-shelf MagPul and other AR 15 components, then choosing Armada will be a breeze. 

All of these are subjective to some extent. But if your needs are accuracy, power, fireability, reliability and scalability, the Benjamin Invincible Fleet will meet your needs.

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