For decades, PCP airguns have been known for their accuracy, especially at close range. However, as you move out to 50, 75, and 100 yards, accuracy becomes increasingly challenging for shooters and engineers. But maybe that is all about to change.
Introducing the BSA R12 XLX Pro Laminate .22 (USA Model)
A few years ago, BSA began working on fundamental engineering improvements to its flagship PCP airgun. The R10 was, and still is, an exceptional airgun. Regulated, accurate, with a phenomenal trigger and cold hammer forged match barrel, the R10 sat at the top of the BSA product stack.
The R12 took what was already amazing about the R10 and built on that pedigree, upgrading the stock to a beautiful ambidextrous salt-and-pepper laminate with an adjustable cheekpiece and buttsock. BSA also changed the rear bolt cocking system to a friendlier sidelever and overhauled the receiver, regulator, and plenum layout to be more serviceable and efficient. The USA version of the R12 also increased the power to over 34 foot-pounds and improved the moderator to handle the additional power.
The new BSA USA R12 XLX Pro Laminate is not only beautiful, but exceptionally easy to shoot and delivers repeatable accuracy out to 100 yards.
Setup
The R12 is a PCP airgun that requires high-pressure air to operate. Air is stored in a carbon-fiber bottle mounted forward of the receiver. The air reservoir operates at 232 bar and is filled via an access port under the foregrip. There’s a gauge located next to the fill port for easy pressure monitoring. Under factory conditions, the R12, in .22 caliber, delivers 3 magazines, or 36 shots, before the operating pressure drops below the regulator pressure.
To fill the R12, connect your high-pressure air source (article to follow, cross-link to the “how to fill your BSA PCP” article once ready) to the fill probe and insert it into the fill port. Fill the air cylinder to 232 bar, bleed the line, and remove the fill port. Your R12 PCP is now ready for the next step.
Once your R12 is filled to 232 Bar, you’ll need to load your magazine. The .22 ships with an all-metal, auto-indexing, precision magazine. To load the pellets, insert the first pellet nose first and rotate the magazine cylinder to the next open hole. Insert your next pellet. Continue until the magazine is full. The spring in the magazine will automatically advance the cylinder to the next pellet.
To load the magazine into your BSA R12, engage the safety at the rear of the rifle, pull back on the side lever, and insert the magazine from the left side of the receiver. Once fully inserted, a magnet in the magazine will keep it in place. Closing the bolt loads the first pellet into the breach.
To fire, acquire your target, release the safety, and gently pull the trigger. To fire again, pull back the bolt and return it to the forward position. This cocks the gun and loads the next pellet from the magazine.
Performance and Accuracy
Accurate shooting at 50 yards is expected from a high-end PCP like the R12. We tested several different .22 cal pellets in our R12 XLX Pro. In the end, we settled on the JSB 18.13 for its consistent accuracy and velocity. Generally, we saw a sub-20 FPS spread across 36 shots. It’s important to clear the reg with a couple of dry fires after topping off your R12. It helps ensure that your first shot is consistent with the rest of your shot string.
At 50 yards, the R12 can deliver SUB-MOA center-to-center groups. SUB MOA is the holy grail of accuracy. You will need calm shooting conditions and will certainly need to do your part with technique, most critically trigger control and follow through, but the engineering is there, and the R12 can get it done.
Given the exceptional performance at 50 yards, we decided to stretch things out to 100 yards. Shooting our steel targets, we consistently saw 1.5” CTC or better groups. While not SUB MOA, these are excellent results in less than ideal conditions using unsorted, “right out of the tin” pellets. We expect the R12 could achieve SUB-MOA results in the hands of a match shooter with sorted pellets. In fact, the R12 XLX Pro delivered some of the best results we’ve ever seen in our nearly 20 years of testing.
Conclusion and final thoughts
BSA has been a premier airgun manufacturer for over 160 years. The R12 XLX Pro PCP showcases BSA’s dedication to delivering high-quality airguns. Their willingness to adapt the R12 to the US market demonstrates their desire to hear the needs of airgunners and address them. The R12 may not be the most powerful airgun, but it has delivered some of the best accuracy we’ve ever seen from a .22 caliber PCP Airgun at any price, both at 50 and at 100 yards. For more information about availability and pricing, please visit www.bsaairguns.com
Content creator Rick Eutsler, known for his work with AirgunWeb and GTA, will be sharing additional content soon. Expect short-form video updates on both YouTube and Facebook. If you want real-world performance insights, make sure to follow those channels for upcoming tests and comparisons.
