The Mk12 has been the SPR of choice for United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) for more than a decade. SOF operators rely on the rifle for its precision and reliability, two key attributes that cannot be in question in combat. There are other important features, of course, and all the various components came together one day eleven years ago for one man in particular: Navy SEAL (ret.) Marcus Luttrell. Luttrell vividly recalls the way his rifle somehow managed to stay close at hand during the firefight even though he was quite literally throwing himself off cliffs and tumbling down the shale-strewn Afghanistan mountainside. When he came to a halt his Mk12 would be there, no matter where he landed. Arguing whether it can be attributed to tactical skill, miracles, or a little of each is beside the point. The point is it was a phenomenal rifle, and Marcus has long considered designing and building his own version. Today, with the help of former teammate Garrett Golden, Luttrell has done just that. It’s the Team Never Quit Mk12CF SPR, and it does it all from tactics to precision shooting to hunting.

Chris Gridley and Marcus Luttrell with the Team Never Quit Mk12CF SPR

The new rifle was debuted recently through Shooting Illustrated and while it might appear to be yet another black rifle, it’s far more. The TNQ Mk12CF SPR is designed with precision and reliable cycling in mind. To broaden ammo options, it’s chambered in .223 Wylde. It weighs in at 6 pounds 11 ounces and measures 38.75″ with the MIL-SPEC Magpul STR Carbine Stock fully extended. For precision the rifle boasts an 18″ Proof Research carbon figure reinforced 416R stainless steel barrel topped by a G2 Precision titanium compensator brake. Other features include a CMC match-grade, 2-stage curved trigger – stages are 2 and 3 pounds, respectively – and a G2 Precision nickel-boron coated bolt carrier group.

The TNQ Mk12CF SPR is being manufactured by G2 Precision, a new company founded at the start of this calendar year by former Navy SEAL Garrett Golden. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend hours both in person and on the phone going over the gun with Golden and his team, including friend and company co-founder Chris Gridley. In that time one thing has become crystal clear: Golden isn’t only a firearm aficionado, although he is certainly that. He’s an expert, both as a marksman and a manufacturer. Combined with the experience of Luttrell it’s easy to reach the conclusion this rifle was designed with incredible care and will be manufactured with an eye for superior quality control. In fact, Golden assures me he himself will inspect each rifle before it leaves the building.

(l to r) Chris Gridley, author Kat Ainsworth, and Garrett Golden with the first G2 Precision Team Never Quit Mk12CF SPR

If you’re leaning towards skepticism because the market has become somewhat inundated by products coming from veterans – from SEALs, specifically – you should be aware this is not just another gun or just another company. Having spent time shooting with Luttrell I’ve been able to witness his skill behind a gun for myself; suffice to say he is a talented shot. Time spent with Golden has resulted in my reaching the conclusion that this plain black rifle is being made that way for a reason. It’s because Golden wants function over flash. That’s why he didn’t include iron sights on this rifle – they aren’t tactically helpful for the average shooter – and it’s why he carefully designed the gun without large gaps or protrusions. Don’t consider this rifle because it was designed by former Navy SEALs. Consider this rifle because it was made by guys who know their stuff, guys who put more hands-on effort and skill into this single build than many companies put into an entire line, combined.

Pre-orders are being taken now and can be sent directly to Garrett Golden at sales@G2Precision.com. G2 Precision’s website is scheduled to go up in November and production will begin at the end of 2016. There’s another rifle in the works for 2017, one I’m looking forward to getting my hands on, and there just might be more coming, so keep your eyes open.

While you’re waiting for the G2 Precision site to go up, head on over to Team Never Quit’s site at www.teamneverquit.com. You can also get some ammo to go with the gun or just about any gun you have by visiting Snake River Shooting Product’s website for some Team Never Quit ammunition at http://snakerivershootingproducts.com/ammunition/

Specs:

Manufacturer: G2 Precision (founded by former Navy SEAL Garrett Golden and his friend Chris Gridley)

Color: Black, anodized

Action: Direct gas impingement operated, semi-automatic

Caliber: .223 Wylde

Weight: 6 lbs. 11 oz., empty

Capacity: 20 rounds

Lower: Forged MIL-SPEC 7075-T6 aluminum, hard anodized Type III finish

Upper: Forged MIL-SPEC 7075-T6 aluminum, hard anodized Type III finish, G2 forward assist

Barrel: 18” Proof Research carbon fiber reinforced 416R stainless steel; G2 titanium compensator brake, ½-28”

Rifling: 5 grooves, 1:8-inch RH twist

Handguard: G2 Precision 15” Recce M-Lok, 6061-T6

Bolt Carrier Group: G2 Precision, nickel-boron coated

Charging Handle: AXTS Raptor Ambidextrous

Stock: Magpul STR Carbine Stock, MIL-SPEC

Sights: Does not come with sights

Grip: Original Ergo Suregrip

Trigger: CMC match-grade, 2-stage curved trigger

Trigger Pull Weight: 2/3 pounds

Overall length: 38.75” extended, 35.5” collapsed

Accessories: One 20-round Magpul magazine; shipped in Patriot hard-sided case

MSRP: $2899.00