In the upcoming May 2014 issue of TACTICAL WEAPONS, author David Bahde gets behind Primary Weapons Systems’ (PWS) newest creation, the MK212. Bahde writes, “As a longtime M14/M1A fan, the .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO has always been a preference of mine. The problem, however, has always been weight and size. For many, 13-inch-barreled 7.62mm rifles are just about perfect. I’ve been in touch with a number of our most elite warriors who often prefer this setup as well. It is sized perfectly for entry yet gets you out to 500 yards and a bit beyond with useful downrange energy. The 7.62mm may be the most common NATO round, and it remains a prolific hunting option. It’s pretty versatile and has been used with great effect for many decades. The problem was getting AR-type rifles chambered in it to work reliably and consistently, especially if you put a short barrel on them. PWS seems to have overcome that hurdle, however, and it was time to see for myself on the range.
“The latest MK212 is the company’s second-generation rifle with a number of changes. A KeyMod forend that is considerably lighter replaces the original design. It covers a gas system that is now externally adjustable, with four settings facilitating suppressors or less-powerful ammunition. An enhanced bolt carrier group now supports a user-serviceable piston head and a BCM Gunfighter charging handle. PWS’ enhanced buffer tube and buffer are used along with an ALG Defense trigger. MK212 rifles and upper receivers also come with a set of Magpul MBUS sights and a 20-round PMAG magazine.
“Because of its short barrel length, I mostly tested the MK212 in full kit. I also kept the ranges mostly at 100 yards and closer—within the typical real-world engagement distances for most police officers.”
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To learn more, check out the May 2014 issue of TACTICAL WEAPONS, available on newsstands and digitally March 11, 2014. To subscribe, go to /tactical-weapons
