RPA C12A1

Lore & Background

The C12A1 was designed around the RPA Quadlock action and features a light palma profile free-floating barrel with an ejector. It has no applied safety. The rifle is equipped with one of three versions of a synthetic Robertson pistol-grip stock with adjustable cheekpiece and buttplate. The first two stock versions are in black: one with a wider stock and one inch spacing between the cheek rest and butt plate, and another with a thinner stock and no spacing; butt spacers may be inserted in both cases to adjust butt length. The National Rifle Team version shows patterns of red and white with maple leafs, and its butt-stock length is adjustable on a screw rather than with spacers, also allowing angle adjustment in addition to standard height adjustment.

The C12A1 is used by the National Rifle Team, the British Cadet Rifle Team, cadets in the Fullbore Phase 2 summer training course (formerly Cadet Leader Instructor Marksman Course), previously trained staff cadets, and members of adult staff who are Rifle Coaches. It is a competition firearm for members of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.

Reader's Guide

The RPA C12A1 holds significance as a dedicated competition rifle for the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, serving both advanced training and target shooting competition. Its design, built around the RPA Quadlock action, emphasizes precision with a free-floating barrel and specialized sights. The rifle's multiple stock configurations—including a National Rifle Team variant with adjustable length and angle—reflect its tailored use for different levels of shooters, from cadets to national team members. The absence of a safety underscores its intended use on the firing line under supervision. The C12A1's legacy is tied to its role in developing marksmanship skills within the Canadian cadet program and its adoption by the British Cadet Rifle Team, indicating cross-Commonwealth use. It remains a standard tool for the Fullbore Phase 2 summer training course and for rifle coaches.

Did You Know?

• The C12A1 has no applied safety.
• It features an RPA Trakker rear sight and an Anschütz front sight with level.
• The National Rifle Team version has a red and white pattern with maple leafs on the stock.
• The rifle is chambered for both 7.62×51mm NATO and .308 Winchester rounds.