MK12 Sniper Rifle / Special Purpose Receiver (SPR)
Two existing universal need statements were fielded by Marine Corps Combat Development Command to provide an enhanced precision firing capability at the rifle squad level. This need was met by the rifle combat optic rapidly fielded to forces in OIF, leading the Marines to recommend the fielding of the Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) to the Scout Sniper Platoon where it could be used by the observers to augment the current 8 sniper rifles with its own sub-minute of angle accuracy.
The SOPMOD Program Management Office at NSWC Crane, IN, provides standardized, versatile weapons accessories to meet needs across SOF mission scenarios. These accessories will increase operator survivability and lethality by enhanced weapon performance, target acquisition, signature suppression, and fire control. SOPMOD PMO provides these accessories when they are operationally suitable, affordable, sustainable, and funded.
This weapon system, used by Special Forces units of both the US Army and US Navy, is a heavily modified deviation from the familiar AR15/M16 line of infantry weapons. SPR initially stood for Special Purpose Receiver, but that nomenclature seems to have disappeared as the weapon became a stand alone weapon system, and not just an add on upper as part of proposed SOPMOD upgrades. SPR now means Special Purpose Rifle. It was eventually type classified by the Navy as the Mk 12, though the Army also uses this designation.
The SPR program was an outgrowth of the desire by both US Army and Navy special forces for a rifle with greater effective range than an M4 type Carbine but still shorter in length than a standard issue M16A2/A4. The 9/11 events led to Emergency Combat Mission Need Statement for SPR’s and ammo. This was based on reports from SOF operators of M855 being ineffective, specifically in Close Quarters Battle [CQB] operations. The SPR program appears to have grown out of both the death of the proposed SOPMOD Block IV, and the US Navy SEALs 'Recon Rifle' (a 16" flat-topped AR-15/M16 Carbine).
The SEAL teams were apparently disappointed with the performance of the resulting Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR), and have apparently now convinced the managers at Crane continue development of the SEAL Recon Rifle.
