Cyma Colt RECCE Gas Blow Back Rifle

The History of the SPR (Special Purpose Rifle)

The MK12, developed by the Naval Warfare Center, Crane Division, was designed to create a precision rifle for close combat. It was to offer a longer range than the M4, but remain shorter than the SR25. The goal was to replace the upper receivers of the existing M16A1 or M4A1 rifles and adapt them for Designated Marksman roles. The idea of ​​the Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) was inspired by Mark Westrom, based on experiences in Somalia. Together with John Noveske and Steve Holland, the concept of a heavier barrel (18, 20 or 22 inches) for the M4 and M16 systems was developed, which would nevertheless retain the ability to fire fully automatically.

Testing began in 2000 and was based on the SOPMOD Block I program and the US Navy SEALs Recon Rifle. After the correction of the first series of SPR rifles, the rifle was renamed the Mk12 Special Purpose Rifle and officially issued to the US Army in 2002.