Why does Brocock Bantam Sniper have 2 pressure gauges?

Why does the Brocock Bantam Sniper HR have two pressure gauges fitted to it; it’s on my list of possible new rifles!

Dear Guru,

I’m thinking of treating myself to a new rifle and I’m doing my homework on the one at the top of my list of ‘possibles’, the Brocock Bantam Sniper HR. I’d like to ask why it has two pressure gauges fitted to it, instead of the usual single gauge to show how much air is in the rifle. Also, when charging it, do I go by the pressure gauge on the rifle, or the one on the air bottle? I’ve never owned a precharged pneumatic rifle before and I’d like to find out as much as possible before I commit to a particular choice.

Bob Britten

The Guru replies: Bob, you’re doing the right thing by researching your potential choices, and you’re certainly not the only one to wonder why some rifles have two pressure gauges fitted, and the answer is a simple one. The Brocock Bantam Sniper HR has in internal regulator fitted, and this device delivers the same amount of air pressure to each shot, promoting consistency of muzzle energy, and with it, consistent accuracy. One gauge shows the pressure in the PCP’s main air tank, and the other indicates the pressure at which the rifle’s regulator is set. The ‘HR’ part of the Brocock Bantam Sniper’s name refers to its Huma Regulator; Huma being a specialist company that produces regulators for Brocock and its sister company, Daystate.

Which gauge?

As for which gauge you use during charging, I’d say go for the one on your air tank because these tend to be slightly more accurate, but do check if the gauge on the rifle matches the pressure shown on the tank’s gauge. If there’s a significant discrepancy, use the gauge that reaches the rifle’s maximum pressure first. The Bantam Sniper HR is regulated, so charging pressure isn’t critical for its performance, but safety rules always come first, and no PCP should ever be charged beyond its stated maximum pressure.

I’ve used a Sniper HR extensively in the past year or so, and I’m sure you’ll be happy with it if it becomes your chosen gun. Thanks for your question and I hope my answer helps you to shorten that shortlist even further.