82 Users Online
Revision: 20130830_054241 | All Revisions
The Mark 12 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) is a designated marksman rifle (DMR) developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division for SOCOM units. In the past, the United States Special Operations Forces used the Mk 12 SPR in Operation Enduring Freedom and in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
There are several airsoft version of the Mk 12 SPR on the market. However, none of them matches the real photo above exactly. In this article, we will attempt to build a replica DMR that closely resembles the actual firearm (shown in the photo above) using existing off-the-shelf parts.
The base airsoft gun to use for this project, is obviously the M4 carbine, because that's what the real firearm is based on. With an airsoft M4 carbine, the biggest conversion is to change the rail system to match the Mk 12 SPR. There are several off-the-shelf options. We will examine each one in detail below.
The best base to use for this project seems to be the Umarex Elite Force M4 CQB AEG Airsoft Rifle, Black
Note that we purposely used the tan version in the photo above, to help you clearly see the parts. Obviously, you'd want to use the black version to match the Mk 12 SPR. The black version is identical to the tanned version, except for the color. Photo of the black version is shown below.
Keep in mind that the handguard in the Elite Force M4 CQB is a bit shorter than the Mk 12 SPR handguard. In addition, the Elite Force M4 CQB is made out of nylon polymer (plastic). So this route is a good path if you want a lighter Mk 12 SPR or if you want to use it in a CQB field.
We counted the number of indents on the short Picatinny weaver rails of the Mk 12 SPR. There are seven indents. We could not find the exact short rail, but here are some options:
The Magpul L2 MOE Rail Section, Black
Not exact replicas, the M4 M16 AR15 Handguard Weaver Rail Set
The sniper rifles and DMR's, based on the M16, use shorter M16 magazines used during Vietnam war. The short magazines allow the soldier to go prone with the rifle on bi-pod. The standard M4 carbine comes with longer magazines that needs to be replace for this build. The DBoys Airsoft 70rd M4 / M16-VN Metal Mid-Cap Magazine -For AGM, CA, DBoys, Echo 1, G&G, ICS, JG, KWA, and SRC M4/M16 AEGs
The Mk 12 SPR generally has the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10x40mm (30mm) M3 Illum. TMR
Instead, we suggest the Nikon ProStaff Rimfire 4 x 32 Black Matte Riflescope (Nikoplex)
The real Mk 12 SPR uses the Harris Engineering S-BR Hinged Base 6 - 9-Inch BiPod
The Precision Grade Bipod fullsize 3 Adapters
Front sight is not really needed on this replica, because you will have a scope on it. But to match the real thing, you should get the PRI Flip up Front Sight.625 Diameter / with Gas Block
Much like the front sight, if you are going to put a scope on the Mk 12 SPR replica, then you won't really need the rear sight. The iron sight does come in handy if your scope fails, or if you just want to build an exact replica. The Kac 600M Micro Flip Rear Sight Blk
Fun for Photographers
Get Our
Memecoins!
