BRK-Brocock Ranger XR2 Tactical review

Launched at this year’s British Shooting Show, the BRK Ranger XR2 is another one of those rifles that falls under the “Want to Own” category as soon as you start shooting with it. What’s more, there are four different variations of the new XR2, so there really is something for everyone in the new lineup.

I asked Tony Belas from BRK about the history of the original Ranger rifle and how it all came about, and the transitions that have taken place in recent years to bring us to where we are today with the XR2.

“If we head back to 2020, BRK’s US importer came calling with a very specific request: they needed a high-power air pistol that would allow the brand to compete in a new Extreme Field Target pistol class,” explained Tony. “The first competition was pencilled in for October 2021, which didn’t leave a great deal of time to go from a blank sheet of paper to a working gun in the hands of competitors.

“As development took place in the UK, where high-power air pistols come with rather obvious legal complications, much of the early work was carried out using a carbine format instead. That proved to be something of a happy accident. Everyone who handled the little rifle quickly realised it would make a superb tool for pest controllers and hunters wanting something compact, lightweight and easy to carry all day.

The evolution of a compact hunter

“Out of that original brief came two versions. For the US market there was the Brocock Atomic, offered as both a pistol and fixed-stock carbine. For the UK we got the Ranger, complete with folding stock and sub-12 ft-lb power,” continued Tony.

“Over the last five years the Ranger has carved out a solid reputation as one of the smallest and lightest full power rifles you can buy. At UK power levels it’s a superb hunting companion, but in export markets 12 ft/lb doesn’t go very far. That led to the development of the BRK Pathfinder, which retained the Ranger’s compact dimensions but offered more power and a larger air supply.

“Fast forward to 2026 and BRK has taken on board years of customer feedback — some of it contradictory — and opted for a simple solution: offer multiple versions so shooters can choose the one that best suits their needs. The result is the brand new Ranger XR2 line-up, consisting of four distinct models,” Tony concludes.

Tactical build quality and ergonomics

The build quality across the Ranger XR2 range is excellent, and this Tactical model I am testing feels especially solid thanks to its aluminium rear section. That extra mass gives it a nice neutral balance compared with the lighter-butt versions.

BRK has also revised the forend, extending the underside Picatinny rail to provide more room for accessories. Lightening cut-outs along the sides help keep weight under control, although the aluminium construction means it still feels reassuringly robust — there’s no plastic flex here.

HUMA regulators and power control

As you would expect, a rifle of this quality requires the very best regulator, and just like their other PCP rifles, BRK has installed a HUMA-Air unit which is linked to a floating hammer system. There is also a variable power dial on the right-hand-side of the action, which allows you to dial the power down — handy for shooting at close quarters in your back garden or within the confines of a small barn when ratting.

Charge to the recommended 250 bar and shoot it down until the regulator drops off at around 100 bar. This regulator also comes into its own in the FAC versions, which are available in .177 (18ft/lb), .22 (27ft/lb) and .25 (30ft/lb).

Barrel specifications and custom fit

Being on the taller side, I found the adjustable length of pull and trigger blade position genuinely useful. Once set up, the rifle shoulders naturally and stays put on target. I really like the pistol grip on this Tactical model; it is more akin to an AK style rather than AR pattern, resulting in a shallower, more streamlined layout.

As far as the barrel is concerned, it’s a classic 17in Lothar Walther, and for those who shoot FAC, there is also a longer slug barrel option for the higher-power models.

Side-lever and magazine system

If you like your side-lever rifles, you’re going to love this one. It uses a relatively short stroke with minimal effort to cock, featuring a machined aluminium drop-down handle. I particularly like the way it has been drilled out for weight reduction and extra grip in wet weather.

BRK’s self-indexing magazines are also superb, offering 11 shots in .22 and 13 shots in .177. They use the “flip-up” cover design and are magnetic, clicking into place from right to left. When it comes to filling the 150cc bottle, the XR2 utilises a quick-fill probe housed under a clever magnetic cap.

Two-stage trigger and safety features

The XR2 features BRK’s classic two-stage adjustable trigger unit, plus a manual safety switch housed inside the trigger guard. The .177 rifle sent to me had a short first stage, coming to an abrupt, clean halt at the second stage. It’s crisp and predictable — exactly what you would expect from a BRK unit.

Accuracy and shot count

This was another one of those rifles that I’m really struggling to put down. The .177 test rifle produced roughly 5fps difference between each step on the 13-point power adjuster, averaging 785fps. Shot count was impressive, in the region of 160 shots per fill.

Accuracy is pinpoint. Once I’d found the right pellet, my groups were happily stacking through the same hole out to 30 metres. I’m in no doubt it would perform at this same level much further out in more capable hands.

A new standard for compact PCPs?

What started life as a competition pistol project has evolved into a genuinely versatile compact rifle platform. The Tactical tested here is perhaps the most adaptable of the lot, equally at home on the bench or in the field. For anyone who liked the original Ranger but wanted more flexibility, this latest generation is the sweet spot.

The four air rifles in the Range range

Ranger Compact: Closest in spirit to the original, retaining the folding stock but adding a slightly longer cylinder. Shot count climbs to around 65 and there’s now a 13-step rear power adjuster.

Ranger Lite: As the name suggests, this one pares things back to keep weight and cost down. You still get around 150 shots per fill and a full-length barrel, making it a very sensible all-round choice.

Ranger Recon: A longer barrel and cylinder give this version true all-rounder credentials. It also gains an adjustable cheekpiece, absent on the original Ranger, for improved head alignment in more traditional shooting positions, along with the 13-step power adjuster.

Ranger Tactical: The test rifle here, and arguably the most fully featured of the bunch. While clearly aimed at target and bench use, it still retains enough versatility for field work. The rear end is fully adjustable, with cheekpiece and butt pad adjustable for both height and length. There’s also the 13-point power adjuster and a three-position transfer-port control, allowing a wide range of tuning. That’s particularly useful on FAC models, but even at 12ft/lb it lets you fine-tune for different pellets.

Need to know

Make: BRK-Brocock

Model: Ranger XR2

Type: Pre-charged, multi-shot

Cylinder capacity: 150cc

Maximum fill pressure: 250 bar

Stock material: Black synthetic

Stock type: Ambidextrous

Cocking: Side-lever

Trigger: Two-stage, adjustable

Calibres: .177, .22 and .25 (plus FAC)

Safety: Manual

Overall length: 838mm (33in)

Barrel length: 430mm (17in) (600mm/ 23in FAC)

Magazine capacity: 11 (.22) 13 (.177)

Weight: 7lb (3.2kg)

Shot capacity: Around 130

Variation (10 shots): 5fps

Average energy: 11.6ft/lb

RRP: From £950 (for test gun)