Throughout history, one rifle has been replaced by the other on the basis of its advancements. M110 replaced the M24 sniper weapon and was then replaced by many other advanced weapons.
Similarly, the M110 was based on the MK11, but with minor changes. The MK12, on the other hand, is a slightly different breed of a rifle and is usually chambered in only 5.56 caliber (specifically 77 gr. rounds)
Comparing the M110, MK11, and the MK12, we’ll discuss their shooting accuracy, design and much more to find out which one is better than the other. So let’s dive in
Shooting Experience and Accuracy
All of these rifles (M110, MK11, MK12) have been used by the military and special forces and have distinct features. Let’s talk about their features, shooting experience and accuracy, one-by-one;
MK11
MK11 won huge acceptance from US Special Operation Forces. Just like M110, MK11 is also known for its precision. While using this rifle, you’ll never lose your shot even at 100 yards distance.
Manufactured by the Knight’s Armament Company, the dimensions of sniper weapon system includes;
| Barrel | 24-inch (610 mm) with 1:11.25 twist rate |
| Caliber | 7.62 mm |
| Weight | 15.3 lbs |
| Length | 45.5 in |
MK11 is manufactured to be more reliable and durable for the owner, while its barrel helps in handling the gun more effortlessly.
M110
The M110 is a very popular hunting rifle platform that has been used by hunters for over a decade.
| Barrel | 18″ (45.72cm) with 1:11 twist rate |
| Caliber | 7.62mm / .308 Win |
| Weight | 7.25lbs (3.3kg) |
| Length | 40.5″ |
During its manufacturing, the M110 was designed to be as accurate, precise and hard hitting as possible, ensuring the perfect shot.
MK12
MK12 has been used extensively by the US Special Operation Forces. It is primarily designed for winning short-range shooting operations. But you can also use it for long range shooting missions.
Manufactured by multiple companies, MK12 special purpose rifle with full auto feature includes;
| Barrel | 18-inch (457 mm) with 1:7 (178 mm) twist rate |
| Caliber | 5.56mm x 45mm |
| Weight | 10 lb (4.5 kg) |
| Length | 37.5 inches (952.5 mm) |
Designed in a way to provide a firm hand hold/grip while shooting. As a plus, you can use its auto fire feature, in emergency situations.
Design and Aesthetics
Design of the M110 and MK11 Mod 0 are almost similar but there are few things that make all of these 3 rifles different from each other in terms of design. So let’s discuss their designs and visual structure one by one:
MK11
MK11’s design is very advanced making it suitable to shoot at a precision of 0.5 minutes of angle at medium range distances. MK11 design features:
- 20 round box magazines
- Full length stock
- Front sight attached to the gas block
- QD scope rings
- QD sound suppressor
- Non-threaded barrel
M110
What makes an M110 rifle different from MK11 Mod 0, on which it is based, is its gunstock and rail system.
To improve the accuracy and reliability to hold it properly, Knight’s Armament Company introduced a lot of advanced features in the M110. These features are:
- Bolt action
- Fully compressed buttstock
- Adjustable AccuTrigger
- AccuFit pull and comb height adjustment
- Flat dark Earth finish
All these additional features make the M110 better in design than the other KAC models and far better in terms of accuracy. Ona side note, M110 resembles a lot with the AR-10 too.
MK12
The MK12 is a specialized weapon with not a lot of variants. Two prominent design variants are MOD 0 and MOD H, with very tiny differences.
Here is a list of prominent design features of the MK 12:
- 18″ barrel
- OPS muzzle brake and suppressor
- PRI free float handguard
- A2 rifle stock
- front sight integrated into the gas block
- ARMS scope rings
- MOD 1 uses a KAC FF rail, sometimes with SOPMOD adjustable stock. MOD “H” uses a low-pro gas block and a 16″ barrel.
Special Features
Every sniper gun has its own specialities which make it different from the other. Let’s discuss their unique specialities one by one:
MK11
Accuracy wise the MK11 can accurately shoot targets up to 100 yards.
MK11 has an old school kind of hex nut which is one of its unique features. It does run an M110 gas block.
What makes MK11 rare is that it is a limited civilian released rifle.
M110
The M110 feels like a custom fit rifle right out of the box. Two main factors here: firstly the AccuFit system which allows easier length-of-pull and comb height adjustments for a more personalized shooting experience.
Secondly, the AccuTrigger, which is Savage Arm’s proprietary user-adjustable trigger, makes possible an easy, reliable and crisp trigger pull.
MK12
MK12 is the iconic rifle of the G watt era. So if you’ve been looking for a precision 556 gun there isn’t anything better to look at than the MK12 sniper.
You would be surprised to know that the MK12 is the best among all the other Special purpose rifles ever made.
If we look at its history then we’ll get to know that it is what most 18-inch SPR’s are built around; it is a carbine buffer style tube, with a six inch barrel suppressor.
Reload and Ease of use
Ease of reload is pretty much irrelevant when comparing these three giants in the rifle world. None of them is easy to reload but if it’s something on your mind, I’ll clear that up too.
Price and Value for Money
MK11
The cost of an MK11 ranges from $8000 to $15000 for the usual variants. The special edition is worth around $30000. This is a ridiculous amount of money and is not justifiable unless you specifically want to buy this particular rifle.
The second issue is the availability. It is never available from your local gun store and I had a hard time finding one online even after checking multiple reputable retailers. The only example I could find was this like-new Knight’s Armament MK11 from Guns.com.
M110
The M110 is a relatively more popular platform, although it is still not as popular as most other rifle platforms. Still, there are a lot of variations available and accessories and parts can be found without much hassle but from your local gun stores.
I had zero success in finding these from reputable online retailers like Guns.com and Brownell’s.
MK12
Daniel Defense is a popular manufacturer of the MK12. It should retail close to $2500. I recommend checking the updated price and buying it from Guns.com, especially since Brownell’s does not stock it. You can click here to check the latest price.
This price might seem a lot but you need to remember that most good AR-15 rifles retail for more than $2000 these days. Additionally, you are getting a 32-round magazine with the package if you opt for Daniel Defence’s MK12.
At this price, you are guaranteed great handling, lesser felt recoil, and one of the most comfortable grips out there. The OPS muzzle brake and suppressor serves as a cherry on top.
Conclusion- Which One Is Better?
M110 and MK11 are considered better to use in terms of long-range aiming than the MK12 rifle. But we can’t underestimate the MK12 weapon as it is one that gets chosen most often by the marksman.
So if you’re looking for a rifle that can help you in aiming long-range targets, consider buying MK11 or M110, as of now majority of the individuals prefer M110 over MK11 as it is more advanced and gives vigorous stopping power.
But if you are anything like me, you would be better off getting the iconic MK12, which has an incredible value and all the essential features for a mid-long range rifle.
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If you liked this comparsion, make sure to read my other comparsions as well: