Besides being a fanatic for Performance and Precision in my Air Rifles, nothing is more appealing to me than a hunting rig that is compact and ergonomic. In this article I’ll take a look at one of me favorite brands, Brocock.
While not as widely known as its parent company Daystate, the Brocock/BRK lineup of PCP air rifles has an excellent reputation amongst enthusiasts. Renowned for their dedication to engineering excellence, reliability, and field-ready innovation, Brocock air rifles have carved a niche as the preferred choice for hunters seeking the perfect blend of power, accuracy, in a compact high-performance gun. In this exploration, I will share my personal favorites among Brocock’s hunting air rifles, shaped by many, many days in the field with close attention to fit, function, and performance, and the pursuit of ethical, effective hunting.
Founded in Birmingham, England, Brocock emerged as an innovator in airgun technology with their self-contained air cartridges and multi-shot pistols to today’s refined pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifles. Brocock had been focused on simple yet compact and reliable rifles at a more budget oriented end of the market, but with the acquisition by Daystate and an infusion of technology and financial stability that came along with it, quickly gained a reputation for craftsmanship, innovation, and performance.
The common thread running through the Brocock rifle designs are:
- Lightweight and Compact Design: Perfect for hunters who cover rugged terrain or spend long hours stalking prey, Brocock rifles offer exceptional maneuverability without sacrificing stability.
- Sophisticated PCP Systems: Their pre-charged pneumatic technology ensures consistent shot power, smooth cocking, and a regulated airflow for enhanced accuracy.
- Multi-Shot Capability: all models feature fast-cycling easy to load, reliably functioning magazines, allowing rapid follow-up shots—ideal for hunting small game or pest control.
- Adjustable Power Settings: Brocock rifles provide hunters with the flexibility to tailor their shot’s energy to the target species and hunting environment.
- Precision Manufacturing: Each rifle is built with attention to detail, from the barrel and trigger to the stock and finishing touches.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of owning and hunting with several Brocock models. The following are my top picks, each excelling in its own right and offering unique advantages for different hunting scenarios.
My first experience with a Brocock rifle was the Enigma, which was a takedown design, but it was the Concept and Contour rifles that hooked me. These were very simple yet nicely styled and very compact little guns I had in both .177 and .22. Both rifles remain in my personal collection. They used a revolver type 6-shot cylinder that is cycled by a bolt action. The trigger was heavy but serviceable design, and the cocking action was a bit rough, but the performance was great, and the gun was hard to beat for squirrel hunting in the heavy woods or on long hiking trips.
The next guns up for me were the Compatto followed by the Bantam Sniper, both of which became my small game hunting workhorses, and in my rack as primary small game guns for many years. I would also note that I used both rifles to take many smaller hogs on trips down in Texas. The Snipers regulated action delivers consistency shot after shot, while the robust HUMA regulator ensures the rifle maintains power and accuracy across the fill. The adjustable cheekpiece and butt pad mean a custom fit for any shooter, and the generous air reservoir allows for extended shooting sessions without frequent refills. The multi-shot rotary magazine is easy to load and reliable during fast-paced hunting, where missed opportunities are costly. Available in calibers from .177 to .25, the Bantam Sniper HR is well-suited for small game, pests, and even larger quarry with precise shot placement.
My next rifle was the Brocock Commander XR .25, which was sent to me on loan for review. But when it was time to return it, I couldn’t let it go, and much to my wife’s chagrin bought the gun for my collection. With about 50 quality PCPs in my personal collection, I don’t often buy new guns, so this is quite an endorsement from me. But it is not the last time this happened with a Brocock rifle either! If you’re looking for a rig that effortlessly marries ruggedness with sophistication, the Commander XR deserves attention. Its robust build, ergonomic stock, and modular design make it a top choice for demanding hunts. The XR system offers increased shot count and improved consistency, while the side-lever action provides rapid cycling for quick follow-ups. I use this rifle in everything from dense woodlands to the wide open grasslands, where its adjustable power settings and high-capacity magazine allow you to adapt to changing conditions and targets.
The two rifles I’ve been using a lot this year are the Brocock rebranded BRK Ghost and the Brocock Sniper XR Sahara. The BRK Ghost is one of the modular bottle-forward guns that have gained popularity in recent years, mine is a .30 caliber. Using JSB Diabolo Exact 44.75 grain pellets, the Ghost was set up to deliver about 25 shots at 80 fpe. While the large plenum and adjustability make it possible to dial the power up to 100 fpe, and makes a great predator or suburban hog control gun. The very smooth cycling sidelever action, paired with a reliable and easy-to-load 8-shot magazine, results in fast and accurate shooting. Like most of the Brocock rifles, the BRK Ghost is compact which makes it a comfortable carry in rough terrain and easy to deploy in heavy brush.
Selecting a hunting air rifle isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision—your choice will depend on game size, terrain, local regulations, and personal preferences. Brocock’s lineup excels in offering options for every scenario:
- Small Game and Pest Control: Models like the Concept Lite, Atomic XR, Compatto shine for small targets and close-quarters hunting, offering portability and rapid response.
- Medium Game and Versatility: The Commander XR and Bantam Sniper HR deliver higher shot counts, regulated power, and flexible features for varied terrain and prey. I also like the Ghost when there is a possibility for predators or larger quarry.
- All-Weather, Rugged Hunts: The Safari XR is ideal for hunters who brave the elements and demand durable performance over long periods.
My fondness for Brocock rifles is shaped not only by their technical merit but by the memories I associate them with—early mornings watching mist rise over fields, the thrill of a successful stalk, and the satisfaction of a humane, well-placed shot. Each rifle brings its own personality to the hunt, yet all share that signature Brocock balance of reliability and innovation. What I appreciate about my Brocock rifles is that I have confidence in them based on real-world experience. Their crisp, adjustable triggers, smooth cycling, and robust construction make them a pleasure to shoot, while their accuracy ensures that skill—not luck—determines success.
