PRI Gen II Rifle Length Carbon Fiber Forearm - Dark Earth (05-073-G2DE)
The Original SPR Legacy
When Naval Special Warfare needed a precision AR platform in 1999, the PRI Gen II Carbon Fiber handguard became a cornerstone of what would become legendary. This isn't just another rail system – it's the original component that helped define the Special Purpose Rifle program, later officially designated as the Mk12 Mod 0 SPR. In the months following 9/11, this exact handguard configuration rolled out of NSWC Crane alongside PRI as complete upper receiver groups destined for SEAL teams deploying to hostile waters.
Key Features
Original SPR-specification 12.6" carbon fiber construction
8.5" top rail with signature stainless steel SPR lugs
Three 3" accessory rails at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock
Classic barrel nut design with clean top rail profile
FDE finish matching early SOPMOD specifications
Historical Significance & Engineering
The Gen II design represents a pivotal moment in special operations rifle development. In 1999, when NSWC Crane and NSW were developing what would become the Mk12 program, this handguard solved multiple challenges simultaneously. The carbon fiber construction provided the heat dissipation needed for precision shooting while keeping weight manageable for operational use. The distinctive stainless steel locking lugs on the top rail weren't just for aesthetics – they ensured zero retention of optics during maritime operations.
What makes this FDE variant particularly significant is its direct lineage to the early NSW production runs. When the original SPRs were being assembled in 2000-2001, this Dark Earth finish was chosen to match the emerging SOPMOD color scheme, predating many standardized military color requirements we see today.
Engineering Excellence
The Gen II's hybrid construction of carbon fiber and hard-coated aluminum represents early innovation in military composite applications. The 12.6" length was specifically chosen to accommodate the SPR's signature suppressor while maintaining ideal barrel harmonics. Unlike its later Gen III successor with its modified barrel nut, the Gen II features the original streamlined top rail design that purists consider the quintessential SPR profile.
Early Deployment Context
In the immediate aftermath of September 11th, 2001, the urgent need for precision engagement capabilities led to accelerated production of SPR upper receiver groups. This handguard, assembled at NSWC Crane alongside PRI, became part of the first large-scale deployment of what would officially become the Mk12 Mod 0. Its success in early GWOT operations would influence precision rifle development for decades to follow.
Technical Specifications
Length: 12.6 inches
Weight: 16.5 oz (with rail package)
Material: Carbon fiber with hard-coated aluminum components
Color: Dark Earth
Rail Configuration: 8.5" top rail with SPR lugs, three 3" accessory rails
