How authentic do you want to go?
I got mine put together by MSTN with all Mk12 parts and build except the barrel. Wes specs a Noveske "Mk12 Mod 2" contour SPR barrel which has 3-groove/land rifling. It is not their commercially offered SPR barrel which is polygonal. At the time, Monty at Centurion was just starting up (still had the old website) and there was an estimated 6-8 month wait and I couldn't wait. I even went with the original set screwing on the gas block.
If I had the extra money for another project, I'd go Centurion for the full authenticity (except maybe opt for a pinned gas block) so I could compare the original Compass Lake barrel with Noveske's offering. Any of the top notch barrels should give top-notch performance today. The Mk12 design isn't a spring chicken and it comes down to how authentic you want to get.
Heck, most people opt for the pinned gas block and that isn't original (they were set screwed). I might take mine and get it pinned as well. Lots of folks have taken the SPR concept and updated the components with modern production parts to tailor their tastes and they're very happy. You're limited on optics if you want to do a true clone build though the newer contract Nightforce issued scopes are very nice. Some people have a deep hatred for ARMS mounts as well, which are used on the original. I went with laRue and Seekins.
I'd be more worried about where to find the hot-loaded Mk262 ammo. I still haven't found any so I've settled on SSA's 77gr OTM loads.
Last edited by Cesiumsponge; 02-19-11 at 13:01.
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