Primary Weapons Systems - PWS MK212 7.62mm SBR | Gun Review

PWS MK212 - Right-Side — PWS MK212 – Right-Side

PWS-MK212 - Enhanced buffer tube — PWS-MK212 – Enhanced buffer tube

Primary Weapons Systems has been building some of the most reliable piston-driven AR-type rifles for a while now, and the new PWS MK212 SBR in 7.62mm is no exception. Officers, departments and other professionals often choose a PWS rifle to take into harm’s way. Their long-stroke piston system has proven to be soft shooting, reliable and accurate—especially with short barrels. Developed for CQB requirements, the Diablo (Click for the full Diablo gun review) remains one of the most reliable 7-inch-barreled 5.56mm rifles you can get. This same reliability in a short rifle is available in several other barrel lengths and calibers, including the 7.62x51mm (.308).

AR-type rifles chambered in .308 have proven problematic enough; shorten the barrel and they get even more finicky. By using their proven piston system, however, PWS has brought reliability to the short-barrel .308 AR design. Available as uppers or SBRs (short-barrel rifles), they are built with 12.75- and 14-inch barrels. Having already tested one of PWS’ early 14.5-inch guns, it was time to test its MK212 with the 12.75-inch tube. The newest PWS MK212 is lighter, utilizes a KeyMod Rail, and is built to be reliable and accurate. This rifle is perfectly suited to those agencies or officers needing the range and effectiveness of the 7.62x51mm in a compact package.

Mated to my existing Primary Weapons Systems’ SBR lower, the PWS MK212 was tested over a few weeks in a number of conditions, most of them very cold. Equipped with Leupold’s Mark 6 1-6x20mm M6C1 scope, it was set up for both CQB and long-range work. Adding a set of Dueck Defense RTS sights made for some fast transitions at short range. Take a look at a short video of some of my testing and keep your eyes open for the full review in an upcoming issue of GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.