Super-Duper

Many of BSA’s high-end PCPs have to some extent been loosely based on the now discontinued, BSA SuperTEN. The major similarities are an ever-developing magazine, quality trigger unit, bottle-fed action, and one of their renowned barrels. Obviously, as they progressed, they went on to develop the R-10 series of air rifles. A good move on these models was their upgraded trigger, regulator, and Customer Configurable Shroud (CCS).

The next step

Recently, BSA launched the R-12 CLX Pro, which is an advancement of the Ultra CLX launched in 2021. The CLX Pro comes in Standard and Super Carbine format and there are two stock options: Black Pepper and Walnut. The Standard is about 3” longer and the more traditional bolt action mechanism is available on both formats.

Minelli magic

The ergonomic and ambidextrous, Minelli-manufactured thumbhole stock is made from walnut. It boasts a height-adjustable, ‘soft touch’ cheekpiece and a multi-adjustable butt pad that allows the user to alter the height and angle.

Although the stock is quite chunky and thickset for most of its length, the neck is sensibly trimmed, resulting in it being relatively slim. The steep, drop-down pistol grip features a noticeable palm swell, which enables a secure hold.

The stock is very stylish, as it features a rosewood end cap with a maple spacer at the base of the grip, as well as one at the tip of the forend that’s complemented with a black spacer.

Graduation day

For a good hold, panels of what the company calls ‘graduated chequering’ adorn either side of the grip and forend, as well as the underside.

Sling swivel studs have been pre-fitted at the factory and are ideally positioned so that even when you’re not using a sling (or bipod attached under the forend), they don’t hinder or affect your leading hand hold.

To ensure you know what you’re holding, the Minelli ‘m’ logo has been crafted into the bottom panel of the grip. On the butt, near the base, you’ll see BSA’s famous logo.

Charge & regulation

The 280cc removable/fixed buddy bottle is now a familiar feature and a 400cc version can be purchased should you want a larger capacity of air and therefore a greater shot count. However, I doubt many people will need this as the rifle returns some very respectable shot count figures.

As you’d expect, it’s still charged via the rifle’s neat inlet valve port, which is found on the underside of the stock. A fill is easily injected into the airgun using the company’s familiar and supplied safety-damped quick-fill probe. Next to this is an air gauge that offers a 270º viewing area and it is fully surrounded by a rubber shroud that protects the gauge and blocks the fill port, preventing dust and grit from getting in.

A recommended fill pressure of 230bar gives 190, regulated, full power shots in .177 and 260 in .22 calibre, as per the rifle on test. This is largely due to the rifle having an all-new air regulator. Without drowning you in techno blurb, the regulator has larger cone disc springs, delivering less stress, resulting in greater stability and reliability. Also, there is less internal friction, resulting in less wear, enabling a more efficient energy transfer. Finally, the in-line design optimises internal aerodynamic airflow, plus a dead stop valve seat position increases accuracy. Phew!

Monoblock build

BSA uses what they term as a ‘Monoblock platform’, which the rifle is based around. A single, machined alloy billet is used, thus enabling the number of components needed to build the rifle to be reduced, resulting in improved reliability and overall performance.

The biathlon-style side-lever runs the new 12-shot magazine and is spring assisted. Also, due to a recess in the stock, you can easily slip your fingers behind the handle of the lever to initiate its travel. Moving the lever outwards results in it flicking smoothly out to allow you to pull it fully rearwards to cock the action. As you’d expect, its performance benefits from being part of the Monoblock platform.

A magazine with class and design

The self-actuating magazine locates in the mag well and is secured by two magnets. In addition to this, the magazine is prevented from moving once in situ due to an indent in the mag locating itself on a securing bar.

Loading the magazine is an easy affair, as you simply drop a pellet into the exposed top right aperture, then turn the inner ABS rotor anti-clockwise until the next empty chamber appears. Drop a pellet in, ensuring it seats below the metal casing, and repeat the procedure until all 12 are filled. Also, instead of the white dot that used to indicate that you were on your last shot, the magazine now has a nifty shot countdown window that can be seen clearly on the left of the magazine, facing you.

Indications

There’s even a rifle-cocked indicator on the top edge of the magazine housing, on the right-hand side. It shows clear when un-cocked and a red bar (part of the rotor) appears when cocked. If it was in .177, you’d see the blue inner rotor. Like others that have gone before, it doesn’t protrude above the action, so scope mounting isn’t interfered with. Also, it operates faultlessly and positively, plus offers smoother indexing. Full marks must go to BSA for this superbly designed ammo store.

Same, yet very different

The 2-stage adjustable trigger unit is still of the familiar post and trigger shoe design, and it gives 3-way adjustment for trigger length as well a lateral and radial position.

What has been changed is the all-new safety mechanism, which is now located at the rear of the receiver. To engage the safety, simply push the lever-like switch to the right to cover the red dot. To remove the safety, just turn the lever to the left, whereupon you’ll expose the red dot, indicating the rifle is now ready to shoot.

In use

The trigger release is clean and precise, and the new safety is easily operated with the thumb of your shooting hand. Accuracy was as expected, with the .22 calibre test rifle returning pellet-sized clusters out to 35 yards while shooting from a rested position.

The CCS shroud and silencer unit is now on par with anything else on the market, and a nice touch is that both have a matte black, crackle-like finish. Obviously, BSA’s renowned cold hammer forged barrel helps when it comes to the stunning accuracy that I achieved.

Conclusions

The BSA R-12 CLX Pro Super Carbine is one hell of an air rifle. Hunters are already flocking to both models due to the superb stock design, handling balance, and accuracy. The upgrades and changes are a cut above and are proof that BSA is moving with the times. Rather than following trends, they are setting them.
Without a doubt, BSA should be rightly proud of the R-12 CLX, as it’s set to be one of the most sought-after hunting rifles for a long time to come.