Today we’re taking a first look at the BRK Pathfinder PCP air rifle. Introduced in 2023, the Pathfinder is a dedicated pest control tool. But it certainly has capabilities beyond that and joins the increasing band of compact PCPs that have entered the market recently.
The Pathfinder is based on BRK’s successful Commander/Sniper platform. HAM tested the Sniper XR in March 2020 and were very impressed. That gun scored 96% and earned a HAM Gold award.
To really appreciate how compact the Pathfinder is, you really have to hold it with the AR 15-style stock folded.
In this case, the overall length is under 19 Inches. Plus, the BRK Pathfinder PCP air rifle is light, too. Even fitted with the Sightron S-TAC 3-16 x 42 scope and Leapers UTG Pro rings, the all-up weight was just 7 Lbs 15 Oz.
These specs mean that the Pathfinder is ideal for use in confined spaces. It’s also ideal for use as a “truck gun” and can be carried readily in a back pack.
If required, a bipod or foregrip can be fitted to the underside Picatinny rail. We installed a Leapers TBNR bipod to continue the compact, light weight theme of the gun.
As expected, the Pathfinder is equipped with a sidelever action and uses the standard Brocock/BRK magazine. There’s plenty of space for a medium-sized scope like the S-TAC, as we can see from the photograph below.
Like the Sniper/Commander models, the two pressure gauges are placed above each other. The HUMA gauge indicates the regulator pressure, the Daystate gauge the pressure in the HPA bottle.
The safety is of the “paddle” type. It’s located in the trigger guard and is convenient to operate.
One unusual aspect to the design of the BRK Pathfinder PCP air rifle is that it is not silenced. Instead, the shrouded barrel is topped-off with a perforated muzzle brake. However, this can be unscrewed and replaced by an airgun-specific silencer if required.
Most owners are likely to add the silencer, I would guess, as the gun has a fair bark from the short – 10-Inch – barrel.
In informal plinking, the Pathfinder proved to be comfortable to use – and enjoyable, too!
This is a very easy air rifle to shoot. It’s easy to carry, too and – although I’m not a hunter – I can see that this would be an excellent tool for the pest controller looking for accurate, “powerful enough” shots at relatively close ranges.
Look out for more details on the pathfinder in the forthcoming comprehensive HAM test review!
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BRK Pathfinder XR
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