Brocock air rifles UK: Commander XR vs Ghost vs Enigma vs Contour vs Compatto vs Bantam

Mark Eves
Mark Eves
Date icon28-Oct-2026

Brocock is one of those names that comes up whenever UK airgunners talk about serious PCP rifles. The range is not small, though, and the model names do not always tell you what you are getting. If you have been searching for the Commander XR, wondering whether a second-hand Ghost is worth the money, or trying to work out where the Enigma and the Compatto fit, this guide lays the family out side by side so you can narrow the field before you start browsing.


We have kept this general on purpose. Specifications vary by calibre, year and configuration, so use this as a way of understanding the character of each rifle, then check the exact listing and the maker’s current information before you buy.


How the Brocock range hangs together

Think of the range in terms of the job each rifle is built to do rather than the name on the side. At one end you have full-size sporting and hunting rifles such as the Commander XR and the Sniper. In the middle sit the take-down and compact designs, including the Enigma Take-Down and the Compatto. Then you have the more lightweight or youth-oriented options such as the Bantam, alongside the Contour and Ghost lines that appeal to people who want a particular handling feel.


Most are pre-charged pneumatic designs, so you will need a means of filling them, and you should factor that into your budget alongside the rifle itself. If you are new to PCP altogether, our guide to air rifle calibres is a sensible first stop, because calibre influences everything from range to pellet choice.


Browse: All Brocock air rifles · Brocock Commander XR and Sniper · Brocock Compatto · Brocock Enigma Take-Down · Brocock Bantam


Commander XR: The full-size working rifle

The Commander XR is the model many people mean when they search for Brocock. It is a full-size rifle aimed at the user who wants a dependable, practical field gun rather than something fussy. Owners tend to talk about it as a straightforward, no-nonsense rifle that does its job in all weathers, and that reputation is a large part of why it keeps turning up on the second-hand market.


It suits pest control, rough shooting and general hunting use. If that sounds like you, read our dedicated piece on the Brocock Commander XR and Sniper XR for a closer look, then compare what is available.


Browse: Brocock Sniper · Brocock Hunter · All Brocock air rifles · Air guns


Ghost: The one people ask about second-hand

Search data tells its own story here. The Ghost is the Brocock people most often look for used, with plenty of buyers asking what a second-hand example should cost. That is no surprise. It has a following, and examples do come up in a range of calibres, including the larger ones that appeal to people who want more downrange authority.


When you look at Ghost listings, read the description closely. Some Brocock rifles are offered in forms that carry different requirements depending on their power, so check what the seller states and what applies to you before you commit. A good seller will be happy to answer questions and show you the rifle’s condition, and Rightgun.uk makes it easy to ask.


Browse: Brocock Ghost · Brocock Ghost accessories · All Brocock air rifles · Brocock Pathfinder


Enigma Take-Down and Compatto: Compact and portable

If storage space, travel or transport matter, the take-down and compact designs deserve a proper look. The Enigma Take-Down is built to separate into sections, which many owners find handy for carrying and keeping the rifle out of sight in a vehicle. The Compatto follows a compact philosophy, making it easier to handle in tight cover or awkward positions.


The trade-off with any take-down or compact rifle is that you are buying convenience first. Many people shoot them very well indeed, but it is worth handling one before you buy if you can, because the way a short, light rifle feels is a personal thing. Ask whether the rifle has been regularly separated, and check the joint for wear on a used example.


Browse: Brocock Enigma Take-Down · Brocock Compatto · Brocock Contour · All Brocock air rifles


Contour and Bantam: Handling and size

The Contour is for the shooter who cares about how a rifle fits and feels in the shoulder. Stock shape and balance matter more than people expect, especially if you shoot for long periods or from awkward positions. The Bantam sits at the smaller end of the family and suits lighter-framed shooters or anyone who simply prefers a more compact rifle.


Neither is a lesser option. They are different tools, and the right one is the one that fits you. If you can, shoulder a few before choosing.


Browse: Brocock Contour · Brocock Bantam · Brocock Bantam range · All Brocock air rifles


What to check when buying a used Brocock

A second-hand PCP can be an excellent buy, and a few simple checks will protect you:

  • Ask for the calibre, the age and, where known, the service history.

  • Look at the condition of the bolt, trigger and barrel crown, and ask about any noticeable air loss.

  • Check the cylinder or air reservoir for signs of damage, and ask when it was last tested or serviced.

  • Make sure the seller can describe exactly what is included, such as magazines, moderator, and fill adaptor.

  • Compare several listings of the same model before you decide. Condition and extras explain most of the price differences.


For a wider view of what used air rifles tend to cost and why, see our guide to second-hand air rifle value. When it is time to choose a pest control rifle, the best air rifles for pest control roundup is a useful companion.


Browse: Weihrauch air rifles · Air-Arms S410 · BSA R10 · FX air rifles


Frequently asked questions

Which Brocock is best for pest control? The Commander XR and Sniper are the natural starting points for general pest control, thanks to their full-size, practical design. For tight spaces, a compact or take-down model may suit better.


Is a second-hand Brocock Ghost worth buying? Many buyers think so, but condition and calibre matter. Compare several listings, ask about service history, and check carefully what the listing says about the rifle’s power and what applies to you.


Do I need to fill a Brocock with a pump or a cylinder? Most Brocock rifles are pre-charged pneumatic designs, so you will need a suitable filling method. Check the listing for what the seller includes, and follow the maker’s guidance.


Are take-down rifles as accurate as fixed-stock ones? They can be very accurate, but a joint is another thing to check on a used rifle. Handle it, ask questions, and look for signs of wear.


Find your Brocock on Rightgun.uk

Whether you are after a Commander XR for the field, a Ghost to add to your collection, or a compact Enigma for travel, Rightgun.uk puts new and used Brocock listings from across the UK in one place. Browse the range, compare condition and extras, and message sellers directly. If you have a Brocock you no longer use, listing it with us puts it in front of buyers who are already searching for exactly that rifle.


Further reading: Brocock Commander XR and Sniper XR, Daystate vs Air Arms PCP, Best second-hand air rifles by budget and Air rifle calibres compared.

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