BSA R12 SLX Super Carbine - BEAUTIFUL CREATION

BSA’s R12 models have made quite an impact since their introduction and keeping much the same looks from the R10 (a much-loved gun by the end of its production run) was a clever move. It’s one thing to develop a reliable PCP, but to arrive at a distinctive profile, easily identifiable as a Beeza, is a major achievement in a crowded marketplace. It’s a beautiful design too, with that swell through the forend, scalloped tip, shapely grip, and thinned-out rear section.

Side issue
On test here is one of the latest incarnations, the BSA R12 SLX Super Carbine, and this is the inevitable evolution of the species, bringing a side-lever action to the proceedings. BSA’s marketing team are a pro-active bunch, and whilst their market research picked up on the fact that there is a sizeable section of shooters that actually prefer bolt operation where PCPs are concerned, there’s an equally vociferous body of enthusiasts that favour the SL approach. The answer, of course, is to offer both.
I’m in the latter camp all day long, due to the mechanical advantage and near effortless operation afforded by a well-designed side-lever, but each to his own.  Anyhow, welcome to the R12 SLX.

Seismic shift
Before I take a closer look at the operation and feel overall of this new beauty, supplied in its own hard case, incidentally, let’s just remind ourselves of the seismic shift in Beeza’s production methods for their new breed of PCPs. The SLX gets all the features of the CLX derivatives, and that starts with BSA’s new ‘mono block platform’, designed to require fewer components, and made from higher grade materials. CNC production is behind the operation, and for those unfamiliar, that means computer-guided, laser-sharp, pin-accurate machining. Just look at the receiver in fine detail, and it’s a world away from what went before.
Inside the action, there’s the same ‘all-new’ BSA regulator, first introduced with the CLX, and this offers a myriad of features to elevate performance. Larger coned disc springs deliver less stress loading and shorter piston travel results in lower friction and resistance, so there’s less wear. The in-line configuration optimises airflow, whilst the main internal valve incorporates a dead stop valve seat position, again resulting in less wear. BSA specify that there are 25% fewer parts, and that must help reliability.

CCS
CCS is still a big feature, and that stands for ‘Customer Configurable Shroud’ system, enabling the owner to unscrew the silencer and full-length barrel shroud, pull them clear of the barrel, and then reconfigure with just the silencer screwed into position using a rear adaptor piece. Seemingly a cosmetic exercise, this remains a highly rewarding experience, allowing the user to change the looks without making any permanent changes. It allows you to effectively play with barrel harmonics too. Make changes on a whim, and it’s all quickly reversible at the twiddle of an Allen key.

Standard features
All the features of the R12 CLX are here, and that includes the multi-shot system. The latest 12
shot magazines are all metal and colour-coded for calibre, so blue for .177 (on test) and red for .22. It’s easy to load the mags too, with no pre-wind needed. Just drop a pellet nose first into each chamber, twisting the drum until it is full.
Air capacity comes with that compact 200cc buddy bottle, and a detail worth mentioning is that the subtly revised stocks now allow for the fitting of larger 280cc or 400cc buddy bottles further down the line. As it stands, the standard spec offers plenty of shots and keeps things nicely scaled down, but it’s great to offer the choice.
BSA are one of the few manufacturers still making their own cold hammer-forged barrels. I saw the process at the factory a few years back, and it’s an impressive setup. Indeed, it’s that combination of traditional gunmaking processes and skills, alongside state-of-the-art modern machinery, that BSA fans find so appealing.

Magnetic appeal
Charging is via a probe-style adaptor that is inserted into the inlet valve on the underside of the forend, just forward of the manometer. This now gets a super neat snap-fit cover, which, being fitted with a magnet, just clicks into place. As usual with BSA, the regulated PCP action is to be charged to 232 bar. Replace the cover and we’re ready to roll.

Side-lever action
Operating the new side-lever is nearly effortless, with spring assist over the bulk of travel, and just a mere tweak is needed to cock the action. The magazine gets gently seated via a small magnet in its slot, and it’s all beautifully machined. BSA build in a small, red indicator that shows in the little window, just to the left of the mag, and whilst in theory, it is possible to load two pellets, this marker will confirm that the mechanism has been cocked. On the range, working that side-lever was a joy, and I’ll stick my neck out here and say this is the smoothest, most reliable BSA multi-shot system I have encountered and used to date, and I didn’t have a single jam or sticky moment throughout the entire test period. The biathlon-style drop-down side-lever is just a really subtle piece of design, and the fact the drop-down handle actually rotates, reduces friction still further.

Getting to grips
And so, to the rather delicious Walnut sporter stock. Their design brief was that this latest incarnation should look like a BSA, and there’s no doubt the R12 SLX is a thing of beauty. I’ve got large hands and a long reach, yet settling into the kneeling position just feels natural, with my lead hand holding the front of the forend. I’d probably whip off the sling swivel stud at the front but having them as standard will appeal to many. The beautiful grain pattern, subtly sealed in an oil finish, rather than garish varnish, really sets off the woodwork, and unsurprisingly, the Italian stock specialists, Minelli, are behind the operation. This sporter configuration is available as right hand only, and the grip and thumb shelf are supremely comfortable. The perfectly shaped pad is adjustable for height on the vertical plane, and for angle, which is a level of sophistication unmatched by many rivals.

Range feedback
So, from the standard BSA prescribed fill pressure of 232 bar, and using BSA Goldstar pellets over the chronograph, I tracked 106 shots before velocities began tailing off, and at this point, residual pressure in the bottle had dropped to 75 bar. OK, so my results showed a slightly lower shot count than the manufacturer’s claimed figure. However, 106 shots with a total spread of 18 fps is extremely impressive and shows the regulator is doing its job. In terms of accuracy, I recorded several ¼” c-t-c groups over 30 yards. Here, my test rifle proved slightly pellet fussy, preferring Air Arms Diabolo Field ammo over the BSA Goldstars that I had been sent with the gun for review. Just by a whisker, but noticeable, nonetheless. Moving back to 40 yards, I managed ¾” clusters with ease.
The fully adjustable trigger tripped so sweetly on test. I wasn’t tempted to interfere with any settings, and with that target-style trigger shoe adjustable for position along its carrier rod, and also for height on the pillar, the final finger position can be set to suit the user. This all aids fine shot placement, believe me. If you want a safety, the same quality manual ‘rocker’ switch is lifted from the CLX, and it works a treat.
As for the shot cycle, everything feels slick, with the muzzle report well and truly muted thanks to that sizeable silencer. To prove the point, I took a couple of shots with the silencer removed, just to compare, and the 12.5” carbine barrel on test let out a healthy crack as expected. So yes, the silencer does its job.

Verdict
Brand loyalty plays a part in our world, and Beeza’s energized marketing team seem to have a knack for harnessing the warm sentiment that still exists for all things BSA. This is a slick sporter with very distinctive looks, that sensibly link it to previous models. The side-lever is perfectly executed, faultless in operation, and can only increase the R12’s appeal further. So, will we get an R12 SLX Pro version, as in the thumbhole stock with a soft touch cheekpiece? Surely that would be a natural next step, but we shall see. As it stands, this R12 SLX is a beautiful creation and another great move from Beeza.