Others BRK reliability and quirks?

[Smok3y]

I see lots of great things on the BRK rifles around here and can’t recall seeing any bad things about them. Never see reliability issues or even small quirks that people dislike. I’m wondering if there just aren’t as many out there to have problems or if they really are that good. They seem to be like the little brother of Daystate, but even the Daystates I’ve owned have had some issues and quirks. Obviously they aren’t paying big bucks to a ton of influencers to tell you how amazing they are either.

I’m looking at that Sonoran, so I guess the comparable models are the ones I’m most curious about. I tried a couple Ghosts, so I know what they were like and they are different enough in internals (I’m guessing) that I’m more curious about the more comparable models.

Are they as reliable as they seem? They seem to have the same general regulated and spring hammer systems that many rifles have, right? I know they use the Humas, but even they aren’t perfect. Any reg issues, leak issues, oring issues, first round(s) issues being slower, etc?

If they are as solid as they sound, and have that upgraded barrel, I’m guessing I could get around the plastic stock to give it a shot.

I have owned rifles from almost all the big brands out there and several of the same models in some cases, so I have a lot to compare to. Only a couple brands I haven’t tried. I have actually been disappointed a lot lately in purchases and am trying to be super picky with my next purchase, after usually just buying and flipping stuff when I’m tired of it.

Appreciate the input…

 

[Danman]

I see lots of great things on the BRK rifles around here and can’t recall seeing any bad things about them. Never see reliability issues or even small quirks that people dislike. I’m wondering if there just aren’t as many out there to have problems or if they really are that good. They seem to be like the little brother of Daystate, but even the Daystates I’ve owned have had some issues and quirks. Obviously they aren’t paying big bucks to a ton of influencers to tell you how amazing they are either.

I’m looking at that Sonoran, so I guess the comparable models are the ones I’m most curious about. I tried a couple Ghosts, so I know what they were like and they are different enough in internals (I’m guessing) that I’m more curious about the more comparable models.

Are they as reliable as they seem? They seem to have the same general regulated and spring hammer systems that many rifles have, right? I know they use the Humas, but even they aren’t perfect. Any reg issues, leak issues, oring issues, first round(s) issues being slower, etc?

If they are as solid as they sound, and have that upgraded barrel, I’m guessing I could get around the plastic stock to give it a shot.

I have owned rifles from almost all the big brands out there and several of the same models in some cases, so I have a lot to compare to. Only a couple brands I haven’t tried. I have actually been disappointed a lot lately in purchases and am trying to be super picky with my next purchase, after usually just buying and flipping stuff when I’m tired of it.

Appreciate the input…

So you would be after the one with the SubMoa barrel in 30cal with the sand colored stock then? That truly looks like a sweet rifle, Ben @ Shooting gear reviews was shooting it and he said it was boring because it was so accurate ...I think he was shooting well past 100Y too! (2-300Y) @MountainSportAirguns also has been putting out some vids on it.
I have the Ghost and reliability is ridiculous and it's built to last imo, easy to service when needed. Wanted an M3 but just couldn't pull the trigger on it. The only bad thing I've ever heard against BRK (that actually matters) is some just aren't all that accurate, no matter what the owner does....mostly barrel issues. I have found my Ghost to be hold sensitive, if i pull down on the grip and butt is tight into my foam block accuracy is horrid, it likes a loose hold. What would you uses be for the Sonoran?

 

[pan60]

I always measure everthing against my EVOL wich I think are stupid great biuld quality so theres that as for the BRK we have two or at least the wife does and I shoot them myself from time to time. the two here are the concept and the atomic.
I think the build it excellent and as far as accuracy the attic is great the concept is okay. they are light so not to heavy and for me that a plus you can always add weight.
these guns are tactical but as for the plastic stocks I have plastic stock and I like them they are again light and durable I do love wood I like the looks and feel but I don't mind plastic.
I think every company will have things that slip through the cracks but if the have a great dealer network and service that is generally only an inconvenience and it is generally with reputable companies very very minor.
I am not a 100% but I think AoA offer a 30 day policy if you dont like it and you dont screw it up you can go with a diferant gun? like I say not a 100% sure but I think I really that being the case.
at any rate any dealer worth the salt will work with their customer to get them what they want no dealer wants and unhappy customer unhappy custimers don't make them and money and they need to make money to be around.
so with that I like the BRK guns we have here so far and would not hesitate to recommend one.

 

[Smok3y]

So you would be after the one with the SubMoa barrel in 30cal with the sand colored stock then? That truly looks like a sweet rifle, Ben @ Shooting gear reviews was shooting it and he said it was boring because it was so accurate ...I think he was shooting well past 100Y too! (2-300Y) @MountainSportAirguns also has been putting out some vids on it.
I have the Ghost and reliability is ridiculous and it's built to last imo, easy to service when needed. Wanted an M3 but just couldn't pull the trigger on it. The only bad thing I've ever heard against BRK (that actually matters) is some just aren't all that accurate, no matter what the owner does....mostly barrel issues. I have found my Ghost to be hold sensitive, if i pull down on the grip and butt is tight into my foam block accuracy is horrid, it likes a loose hold. What would you uses be for the Sonoran?

Yep. That one with the SubMOA barrel. I have seen their videos and a couple people on the forums have had them and said really great things about the accuracy as well.

I wasn’t a fan of the Ghost but I know many people like them. Wasn’t of the Delta Wolf either, actually much less so. I didn’t win any barrel lotteries. I’m not a huge fan of bullpups, because most of my shooting is off a bench competing against myself on my home range either with fun paper targets or spinners from 20-100 yards. Those style rifles, to me, require too many addons to be comfortable. No different than an Impact in that regard, but at least I had an Impact that was lights out accurate but with tons of addons… I want a rifle that doesn’t feel like it needs all that.

In addition to my bench shooting (not traditional bench shooting but a bipod and rear bag), I actually want to mess around and shoot EFT style and am even looking at messing around with some NRL type shooting, all at my place and not competitively. The Sonoran really isn’t built for all that either, but different tools for different jobs, right. My 22LR can handle some of those duties. Having something that is super accurate and not terribly expensive would be nice. Had a Crown once that had been hard to match and never should have sold it. But I like to try stuff…

The AAA with the SubMOA barrel would be a better fit for my preference in style, but being more expensive and support being almost non existent, I have decided not to go there.

I am a little worried about the hybrid style of the Sonoran not being what I want either, and that has honestly been the biggest hesitancy so far. I’m thinking it doesn’t look that bad though and I have gotten by with worse styles. Right now, I feel great about trying out the BRK brand because I can’t find anything bad about them.

 

[pan60]

what was it you didnt like on the Ghost? I ask because it a gun I have been looking at to get sometime in the futer?
dont blame you on the AAA support issues being almost non existent is something AAA will HAVE to figured out a solution or they WILL contuse to loose market share. as much as I love these guns and I do and I like Tom it is a fact.

 

[Smok3y]

what was it you didnt like on the Ghost? I ask because it a gun I have been looking at to get sometime in the futer?
dont blame you on the AAA support issues being almost non existent is something AAA will HAVE to figured out a solution or they WILL contuse to loose market share. as much as I love these guns and I do and I like Tom it is a fact.

I tried the Ghost twice.

I would start with the platform, Impact like. Tall, bullpup, and no adjustments at all. As much as I haven’t loved bullpups, this style bullpup without a magazine on top of the cheek rest right by your eye or ear is nice (like a Prophet for example). It needs many addons to be comfortable to shoot and on top of the inflated price, those addons are not cheap. Length of pull adjustment, cheek riser, bipod rail. I like high rings, so to me a cheek riser is vital. Also, the rifles with bipod attachments right at the trigger is insane to me. So besides needing to get the bipod out much further, they require a wide bipod to really help the top heaviness. I realized that with the first Impact I bought years ago. Having a skinny Atlas with the attachment at the trigger was horrendous, and same with the Ghost. I do have a nice wide Accutac that works well, but still need a rail to get it out there. And to add weight, you need that rail too, because there is nothing out there. I prefer a rifle that doesn’t make you pay for all that extra stuff, that to me, is needed. (We are all different though.)

The trigger on the Ghost had to be the worst production air rifle trigger I have ever tried. Very much a hunting trigger. Terrible. Yes, they can be adjusted, and everyone likes a different trigger, but wow.

They were not that accurate. I remember the .30 seeming like it was straining to shoot at normal 30 speeds. Just not comfortable to shoot when it feels like that. Then you really do need to add weight and things to help keep it down. I think the other was was bought at the same time as my first Skout, and after 10 minutes, there was no comparison and got rid of it fast, as the Skout was beefier, stock with the adjustments, didn’t strain as hard, and was accurate.

That platform in general isn’t for me, but some bullpups like the Skout were comfortable. And now, I just think the price for them is stupid for what you get. (Price is personal too.) I know that I prefer rifle style, usually a chassis too in order to remove hold issues and flexibility, so that is what I lean to first.

 

[pan60]

LOL you just named off all my concerns with that gun.
on the wifes concept the trigger is horible and the bottom rail places the bipod closer to the trigger thats probly why she likes shooting my EVOL she can hit with it. I have often though the accuracy issues when shoot with a tripod was that almost in and of itself
for the life of me I dont know why ( heres an idea gun makers ) companies dont use a cartridge trigger so I can buy what I want if they are worried about liability that sole their issue and mine as well?
as for the rail hey should know everyone wants that bipod out front?
but I still like what I have read about the gun and will cotenue to hold off as I keep hope since these are common complaints that they will be resolved on some level for the better?

 

[Luis Leon]

The Sonoran is based on the tried and true Bantam, which led the Bantam Sniper HR, Bantam Sniper XR, Commander and Pathfinder XRs, etc. It is a solid proven design and many have sung the praises of the BRKs. I’ve owned five different models all in .22 caliber. My 1st, an unregulated Compatto, led to the Bantam Sniper HR, then an Atomic XR, Pathfinder XR and finally a Ghost Carbine. I prefer my Pathfinder over my Ghost as it is but a mini Sniper or Commander. Much lighter and still capable within its parameters… My only issue was with the Bantam Sniper a leak at the inlet valve from filling to quickly. Replaced the Oring and the problem was solved. I like the semi bullpup design as the magazine is still in front of my face. On the Ghost its taking me some time to get use to the magazine behind my line of sight…

 

[GHairgunner]

I now have 3 of them. I will say before I get into the problems that I really like the Ghost, duh I have 3 of them. I shoot EFT and 100 yard comps so most of my pains are competition based. Trigger........... Well that should cover that, on the fly buys......... When it comes to the barrels squires it's hard to miss, but at 100 yards comps the stock barrel just doesn't cut it. Some of the new barrels are better but are not the class of the field. I spent most of last year developing several barrels for competition, not as easy as I would have hoped but things are looking good and I'm excited for this year and the new possibilities. I'm also working with a friend on 29+ rounds magazines which quite frankly are great! They should be for sale very soon. I will share one more complaint and that is something I learned over the winter. This is not a great cold weather gun, but let it warm up a bit and it goes back to the trusty Ghost self.

 

[Smok3y]

The Sonoran is based on the tried and true Bantam, which led the Bantam Sniper HR, Bantam Sniper XR, Commander and Pathfinder XRs, etc. It is a solid proven design and many have sung the praises of the BRKs. I’ve owned five different models all in .22 caliber. My 1st, an unregulated Compatto, led to the Bantam Sniper HR, then an Atomic XR, Pathfinder XR and finally a Ghost Carbine. I prefer my Pathfinder over my Ghost as it is but a mini Sniper or Commander. Much lighter and still capable within its parameters… My only issue was with the Bantam Sniper a leak at the inlet valve from filling to quickly. Replaced the Oring and the problem was solved. I like the semi bullpup design as the magazine is still in front of my face. On the Ghost its taking me some time to get use to the magazine behind my line of sight…

Yeah, you are definitely one of the main people who make me feel really good about the brand in general!

 

[Luis Leon]

Yeah, you are definitely one of the main people who make me feel really good about the brand in general!

Am flattered… But Dana is the real deal…

Hogs, Rabbits, explosions and New gun day!

Hope everyone is well, I've been busy as usual planning for some new content. I did spend a week out on a large hunting ranch filming a variety of videos. I brought out the BRK Sonoran .30 that has been one of my favorites lately, we used it for Hogs, Rabbits and coyotes. After returning from my...

community.hardairmagazine.com

 

[Ezana4CE]

I see lots of great things on the BRK rifles around here and can’t recall seeing any bad things about them. Never see reliability issues or even small quirks that people dislike. I’m wondering if there just aren’t as many out there to have problems or if they really are that good. They seem to be like the little brother of Daystate, but even the Daystates I’ve owned have had some issues and quirks. Obviously they aren’t paying big bucks to a ton of influencers to tell you how amazing they are either.

I’m looking at that Sonoran, so I guess the comparable models are the ones I’m most curious about. I tried a couple Ghosts, so I know what they were like and they are different enough in internals (I’m guessing) that I’m more curious about the more comparable models.

Are they as reliable as they seem? They seem to have the same general regulated and spring hammer systems that many rifles have, right? I know they use the Humas, but even they aren’t perfect. Any reg issues, leak issues, oring issues, first round(s) issues being slower, etc?

If they are as solid as they sound, and have that upgraded barrel, I’m guessing I could get around the plastic stock to give it a shot.

I have owned rifles from almost all the big brands out there and several of the same models in some cases, so I have a lot to compare to. Only a couple brands I haven’t tried. I have actually been disappointed a lot lately in purchases and am trying to be super picky with my next purchase, after usually just buying and flipping stuff when I’m tired of it.

Appreciate the input…

I have a Brocock Bantam Sniper HR .25 that I bought used. I guess I’ve had it for about 4 years. I had a fill port seal go bad and it needed a regulator rebuild when I bought it. Once I replaced the reg and seal, no issues. It’s consistently accurate with its Lothar Walther barrel. I don’t see myself selling this rifle. My only issue with the brand was obtaining specific parts information. In the recent past I see that BRK and Daystate have released a plethora of information that improved that area of weakness with these companies. The Sniper is a solid platform. I can’t speak on SubMOA barrels. I’ve never shot anything from one.

 

[Danman]

Hmmm not to get off topic but have you considered the Black Wolf @Smok3y ? It would check off everything you listed, minus the rather high price tag. I completely agree with you on bullpups not being great bench rifles, so many people do it (lol, me included) as they have the power to send long range (mine is used 50-100Y exclusively). Get a bipod, get the front rail for the bipod, get the bag rider....gets expensive vs a traditional long gun. If after tiny groups @ distance this is how I set mine up on the "cheap" I refuse to get a front rail, with a solid bipod I find it steady enough.

 

[Smok3y]

Hmmm not to get off topic but have you considered the Black Wolf @Smok3y ? It would check off everything you listed, minus the rather high price tag. I completely agree with you on bullpups not being great bench rifles, so many people do it (lol, me included) as they have the power to send long range (mine is used 50-100Y exclusively). Get a bipod, get the front rail for the bipod, get the bag rider....gets expensive vs a traditional long gun. If after tiny groups @ distance this is how I set mine up on the "cheap" I refuse to get a front rail, with a solid bipod I find it steady enough.

I thought the Black Wolf was actually exactly exactly what I wanted, but the price is just stupid. If I want to pay Thomas prices, I’ll buy a Thomas again and know I’m getting a competition level rifle. I have considered getting another Red Wolf (have owned 2) but in 30. If the chassis was more reasonably priced, I probably would.

This will probably come down to saving some cash, and trying the BRK, and hoping I don’t mind the stock. Or I may just try the Evol and pray I don’t need support. If the Evol with the ARCA rail was already out without the skinny barrel, I’m pretty sure I would have taken the plunge. I still might…It’s setup is closer to the style of rifle I know I want, and I will have options to personalize the stock at any point.

One last point… I know I keep bringing up price, so it probably sounds like I’m cheap and want too much. I like nice things, and I don’t mind paying for nice things. I just think too many rifles have been coming out offering nothing new or advanced or with any exceptional results, but we are expected to pay for them like they are proven winners. Not looking to be on that train.

 

[Solo1]

Sounds to me like you’ve already made up your mind either brk or aaa. If it were me id probably go brk and if i had to make any stock adjustments necessary but i have no experience with aaa. The thing that would turn me away is the seemingly complicated maintenance and small problems they seem to have

 

[pfddi]

I had 2 Sniper XRs and now have a Ghost. I got rid of them only as I wanted to try other guns. I also have the EVOL with the SubMOA barrel. It's still a pellet barrel with a 1:26 twist on it. The same barrel is in the Sonoran. You cannot go wrong with any of them! I use the EVOL for target shooting as it is heavier to carry around for this old guy! I take my EVOL 15" barrel guns out hunting as they are nice and light. I also hunt with the Ghost .30 and so far I have not had any accuracy problems with it. I did have to adjust the trigger to get it down to where my othere guns are.

I go straight to AoA for any support on the AAAs. They are very reliable and know what they are doing. I also have Mr. Derrick Wall tune them when I can't get them where I want them. He added the external reg adjuster to my Paradigm and tuned it up for me.

 

[Smok3y]

Sounds to me like you’ve already made up your mind either brk or aaa. If it were me id probably go brk and if i had to make any stock adjustments necessary but i have no experience with aaa. The thing that would turn me away is the seemingly complicated maintenance and small problems they seem to have

You are correct. Right now, I have made up my mind between those two, as I’ve never tried either and the SubMoa barrel does have some street cred. I have tried most all the other brands and many models, and am not looking to try something I have already tried or just something that is a variation of what I have tried.

That is why I wanted to ask about BRK reliability and such.

 

[bchannell]

Lots of good info here. I've had three or four Brk rifles and still have my first, a Sniper HR and a magnum Sniper HR. Yeah, I haven't made it past the bolt action, as it simply works so well. All of the ones I sold and the two I have are scary accurate. They are the ONLY guns I've never had completely apart...no need to, as they have never failed me. My std Sniper is going on 4 years with me and it was used when I got it, same orings, and although I've had the inlet valve leak on it, it always seems to stop and not crop up for a while, only when it's stored. I have the replacement improved valve, and haven't replaced it. takes like 2 miniutes, so you can see how little it has ever leaked so no time wasted taking it apart.

I would rate these rifles at the top of the list for reliability.