It seems a long time ago now – but really, it’s not…
Brocock became part of the group that includes Daystate and MTC Optics in 2014. New ownership brought with it a new direction and impetus to the previously somewhat quirky British airgun brand.
And change was not long in coming! Already at the March 2015 IWA Show, a prototype was displayed of a new, unique, semi-bullpup air rifle. Here it is, below.
This prototype was a first public sighting of the design that became the Brocock Compatto. It went into production later that year.
From the start, the Brocock Compatto was an innovative air rifle. It was a small, light PCP with this – then unusual – semi-bullpup configuration.
That unique semi-bullpup design brings many benefits in compactness and handling, without incurring some of the operational issues that can be encountered with some regular bullpup designs. The bolt handle is much better positioned for operation, for example.
The fundamental correctness of this core design is why the Compatto is still a viable new air rifle. It’s also why it has spawned a range of other versions – like the Commander, Concept Lite, Bantam and more.
In fact, the Brocock Compatto is all about handling! This is one of the easiest-shooting air rifles I’ve ever tested.
Then there’s the two-stage trigger. On the Compatto I tested, the first stage was incredibly light, and, although the second stage breaks at less than 1 Lb, was easy to find. Once the second stage was reached, a slight backward pull breaks the sear very crisply. This is a glass like trigger break that is very pleasant to use.
The manual safety is a “paddle type” that flips from side-to side. It’s inside the trigger guard, just in front of the trigger itself. This is a convenient location for the safety and it works precisely.
The safety pushes to the left to disengage. This is easy and natural for right-handers, but not so for southpaws, who may find it necessary to break their hold on the gun to let off the safety. On the other hand, setting the safety is more difficult for the right-handed shooter…
Bolt operation of the Brocock Compatto is also easy and precise. The bolt cocks on opening, so the pull action is harder than the push, as is normal with clip-fed repeating PCP air rifles.
There’s no binding or hesitancy, as is sometimes found in a bolt action.The compact, semi-bullpup design really pays off in real-life use and makes the Compatto a strong choice for airgun hunting, particularly if you need to move rapidly into position.
Shootability is enhanced by the good cheek weld obtained from the comb of the buttstock. This is a major contributor to consistent accuracy, as is well known. The ballistic nylon stock has a textured finish to minimize the chances of wet hands slipping unintentionally.
Another aspect here is the excellent grip provided by the rubber buttpad, together with the range of vertical adjustment it provides.
The thumbhole stock configuration makes grasping the Compatto easy and natural with the trigger hand.
Fitted with an average-size scope, the Brocock Compatto weighs-in at well under 9 Lbs. The carbine-like overall length of 37.5 Inches is short and the weight is concentrated comfortably to the rear of the gun. The Compatto is definitely not muzzle heavy and this means it can be brought to aim quickly and easily.
Those of smaller stature, or who just like carbine-length rifles, will find this suits them very well too.
With the first class trigger and action, accuracy is excellent with heavier pellets and power is enough for humane small game hunting.
When I shot a .22 caliber version, it achieved close to 29 Ft/Lbs of muzzle energy, combined with 30 good shots per fill of High Pressure Air. Unsurprisingly, Daystate Rangemaster Sovereign pellets shoot very well in this air rifle.
In summary, the Brocock Compatto air rifle is likely to appeal to the airgun hunter and occasional Field Target or silhouette competitor looking for a quality European PCP that’s just a little different. If that describes you, this is certainly an air rifle to seriously consider.
Is it perfect? No. What is? The Compatto has a few disadvantages, such as the relatively limited shot count that comes as a result of the small HPA tank (30% less volume than a Marauder, for example). But, of course, that small air capacity is – of course – one of the elements that drives such great handling.
But if you like the Compatto’s style and design, there’s a range of other Brocock relatives that offer more shots and higher power – combined with somewhat greater size and weight. Swings and roundabouts again.
AoA has them all. It’s good to have choices!
