BSA R12 CLX Pro Cayenne Edition

In today’s ultra-competitive market, airgun manufacturers need to be seen to be improving and evolving their products if they are to stay fresh – just as our good old friends at Beeza have done. It’s all about having a rolling development programme, and BSA’s top-flight pneumatic models are a perfect example.

10-shot to 12-shot
The R10 certainly made a name for itself, and with the R10 TH, a special edition of their popular PCP, BSA introduced us to the thumbhole sporter stock configuration, complete with a soft-touch, rubber-coated, adjustable cheekpiece, and a 280cc buddy bottle.
The R12 CLX came next, heralding a 12-shot action and a brand-new, ultra-slick CNC-machined breech block. BSA refers to it as their ‘mono-block platform’, and upgrades and classy derivatives have been forthcoming ever since. By the tail end of 2022, I was testing a BSA R12 CLX Pro. Checking my records, this model still sported a 280cc buddy bottle, with the option of a 400cc bottle on the way. I tested it in walnut, but a Black Pepper laminate was also available.

Latest spec
On test here is the very latest specification R12 CLX Pro, and whilst those same stock options are still available, BSA has also released two ‘specials’—the Wilderness Edition (green, brown, and grey laminate) and the Cayenne Edition, which I have on test here. I think we can all agree that this is a real beauty.
The standard bottle fitted to the CLX Pro models is now a whopping 480cc carbon-fibre version, meaning the shot count has significantly increased. The Cayenne laminate stock is unsurprisingly fashioned by Minelli, and the contrasting brown, grey, and red colouring is quite simply dazzling. The quality of the machining and execution is, as we have come to expect, pin-perfect.

Familiar features
This model gives us the latest side-lever configuration, and here, with a revolving drop-down biathlon-style handle and slick operation, it’s hard to fault. In addition, we get a high-grade two-stage trigger unit, one of BSA’s cold hammer-forged barrels, two 12-shot magazines, a regulated action, and the CCS shroud system. A manual safety and sling swivel eyelets are fitted as standard, and this Cayenne Edition even comes in its own padded hard case, which is roomy enough for accessories alongside the Cayenne with a sizeable optic in place.

CCS system
For those unfamiliar with the Customer-Configurable Shroud (CCS) system, it is, as the name suggests, designed to allow the user to alter the profile. Simply remove the silencer, then unscrew and remove the full-length shroud, after which the silencer can then be replaced using small adaptor rings. It’s largely cosmetic, but just having the option to change the visual profile, as well as, in theory, the barrel harmonics, will appeal to many.

Trigger adjustment
BSA’s triggers have improved immeasurably over the years, and the unit fitted to this R12 CLX Pro is excellent. The downside is that full adjustment can only be made with the stock removed, which is irritating. With the stock off, the pull weight of the second stage can be altered, along with sear engagement. The first stage is factory-set, and the instructions advise against touching it. As for the match blade itself, this can be adjusted for angle and length with the woodwork in situ.

What lies beneath
Look under the fore-end, and there’s a neatly recessed, clearly marked manometer. The magnetic plastic cover is a simple snap fit, and with this pulled away, the inlet valve is visible. To charge the system, insert the filling adaptor (supplied), and slowly charge the system to BSA’s usual 230bar. Bleed, remove the airline, and replace the cover.
As mentioned, two of the latest all-metal 12-shot magazines are supplied, and these are colour-coded for calibre: blue for .177 and red for .22. I should also mention that new 20-shot magazines are now available in .177 and .22, and a 16-shot version for .25 calibre is an optional extra. All the magazines work the same way—no pre-wind is needed before filling, so just push a pellet into the exposed chamber, ensuring it sits flush. Next, turn the drum anti-clockwise, insert a pellet into the next chamber, and repeat until full.

Fancy furniture
Generous dovetail rails make fitting a scope easy enough, with the only consideration being the height of the magazine when it’s in position. The final piece of preparation concerns the gorgeous woodwork, as we need to set the butt pad and cheekpiece heights to guarantee a comfortable, fully supported shooting position. A single Allen bolt holds the pad. Just slacken it off and slide to the desired height. Mounting the gun with the pad at the same point in the shoulder is the key, and the sight picture should all fall naturally into place. A good rule of thumb is to set the butt for the position most often adopted. Likewise, one bolt controls the cheekpiece, so this is to be set in conjunction with the butt pad. We want pressure on the cheek just at the point where a full sight picture is achieved. Lock off both when happy, but for best results, tweak their respective settings over a few shooting sessions. When mounting and aiming all feels second nature, you’re about there.

Just swell
Shoulder the Cayenne and the classic BSA swell of the fore-end can be appreciated. It’s a thing of beauty in terms of aesthetics, but the function and feel are also pretty special. I am large-framed, yet my lead hand still sat comfortably around the classy rosewood tip. So, no having to grip the buddy bottle here, as is so often the case with this style of hunting rifle. The concave pad grips the shoulder, whilst the black, rubber-coated ‘Soft Touch’ cheek section adds further class, comfort, and practicality.
Look at the drop-down thumbhole grip, and the configuration is technically ambidextrous, but little is conceded where handling is concerned. There’s the option of a ‘thumb-through’ hand position, but with twin thumb shelves also included, my favourite grip is well catered for. As mentioned, I’m large-framed, with hands to match, yet this R12 CLX Pro felt superb in the aim.

In operation
OK, let’s get started. Pull back the side-lever, and it automatically springs rearwards approximately 70 degrees, effectively assisting the operation. Completing the cocking process to set the hammer and trigger requires minimal effort, making it very civilised. Snap the full magazine into its slot from the left side, and the lever can be closed. Look closely to the right side of the receiver, and you’ll see a tiny indicator window. This is designed to show a small red square to indicate that the action has been cocked. It’s still possible to double load, but I didn’t have a single slip-up throughout my test.
Take up the first stage and squeeze. The trigger feels precise, subtle, and refined. I love the broad match blade, and my test model came with a pleasingly light first stage and a fairly light, ultra-crisp release, so unsurprisingly, I left it well alone. The latest R12 regulator uses 25% fewer parts and is under less stress for increased energy transfer and reliability, which is all good to know.
Down on the range, using Rangemaster Sovereign pellets, initial groups over 30 yards came in at ¼”, which is hard to fault. Moving back to 40 yards, the groups hardly changed, so the BSA barrel was clearly doing its job.
Given the sizeable 480cc carbon-fibre bottle now utilised up front, the shot count has leapt up accordingly. Expect around 400 shots in .177 and 440 in .22. I ran the first 100 shots over the chronograph just to check the BSA regulator was doing its job, and with a total spread of just 15fps and a textbook average velocity of 784fps using 8.44gr Rangemaster Sovereigns, those figures do the talking.

Conclusion
In its latest guise, the R12 CLX Pro has morphed into a truly impressive hunting tool, and this Cayenne Edition just enhances the already attractive visuals. It’s a genuinely stunning piece of machinery that oozes class and inspires confidence.
Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this rifle.