Getting Right On Target

Mark Camoccio concludes his review of the new Brocock Compatto Target rifle

Last month, we took delivery of the brand new Compatto Target, a special model from Brocock aimed specifically at hunter field target shooting. It largely follows the format and profile of the standard Compatto, but comes pre-fitted with the highly regarded Huma-Air regulator. It’s an exciting concept for sure, and this month we’ll get hands-on to see how it performs where it matters.

PREPARATION

Charging the Compatto Target is very straightforward, and utilises the push-probe system, which is arguably the quickest, but still requires some care in the routine adopted. First, twist the valve cover at the front of the cylinder to expose the inlet valve, then fully insert the filling adaptor from the air line. I would always recommend using Best Fittings, Quick Couplers now because they make charging pneumatics, especially several different makes, very simple and hassle free. The adaptor supplied from the manufacturer is simply screwed onto a coupler, using a Doughty seal, and thereafter, the adaptor just needs to be plugged into the bayonet Forster style end on the airline. Set up a number of adaptors in this way, and a quick changeover is done in a second; plug-in, plug out – with not a damaged thread in sight. The Compatto Target needs 200bar of fill pressure, and with this on board, remove the probe, close the valve cover, and we’re nearly ready for action.

I can’t help thinking that a competition rifle is probably best as a single-shot, but this Compatto Target comes with the standard ten-shot rotary magazine system as used in the standard model. The magazine has a nice solid feel to it, but there is a fair bit of play between the mag’ and its slot within the breech block.