MK 12 is an SPR semi-automatic designated marksman rifle aka DMR. It was stated by the US Navy as well. Issued in 2002, MK12 was released from service in 2017. That didn’t stop hunters or gunners from buying MK12 even in 2022.
What can I say? It’s a nice gun indeed. DMR requires a riflescope to unleash its true potential. As it packs a huge punch on a small package. How do you find the best scope for MK12? That’s a legitimate concern for new buyers.
Don’t worry, my job here is to help you with that decision. Without further ado, let’s jump straight into it.
Top 5 Best MK12 Scopes – Our Top List!
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope
Vortex is a trusted brand and a people’s favorite brand. Vortex is also known to provide lenses to other brands. Crossfire II is a medium to long-range riflescope.
Available in 3 different sizes, Crossfire II is suitable for whatever you want to do with this scope. The housing of the scope is made from aluminum. Vortex follows the most used single-tube design. It’s a durable piece of housing with nitrogen purging.
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Is there anything else that needs proofing? I don’t think so. You can use this scope on any given weather. On top of this proofing, it also features fully multi-coated lenses.
Vortex is proud of its lenses. Frankly speaking, they should be. Their lenses are some of the best in the market. You can choose from a 40 or 50-mm objective lens.
You can adjust the objective lens to focus on the target faster. You can also smoothen out the magnification.
Is this an FFP scope?
No, the reticle is in SFP.
What is the reticle of this scope?
Dead-Hold BDC. Pretty standard reticle.
Does it come with mounting rings?
No, it doesn’t come with any mounting rings.
2. Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Matte BDC600 Rifle Scope
Even if you haven’t heard of any riflescope brands, you have heard of Nikon. By now, you probably have come across at least one Nikon product in your life. Specializing in lens making, Nikon has been ruling the camera industry for a century now.
The P-Tactical riflescope is constructed from high-quality aluminum. It features the standard 1” tube. Inside the tube is nitrogen purged. That makes sure there is no internal fogging. To prevent water from going inside, it features O-ring sealing. Making the scope completely waterproof.
A fully multi-coated lens is a bliss to work with. You will see targets with much cleaner vision. There is no distortion or chromatic aberration present in the scope either. Eyepiece of this scope is wonderful as well. Smooth-turn aluminum ring with rubberized eye guard. It feels great to use. With a BDC 600 reticle, it feels awesome to shoot around. You will need to spend some time learning the reticle first.
Spring-loaded Instant-zero turrets make sure you don’t lose your zero from recoil. The scope being shockproof also helps a lot.
Are Nikon scopes any good?
A common doubt about Nikon. I can understand where you are coming from. Don’t worry, Nikon has plenty of experience making riflescopes. Their scopes are more than worth it.
Does Nikon P-tactical come with mounting rings?
No, it doesn’t.
Is this made in China?
No, it’s assembled in the Philippines.
3. Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
Primary Arms is a very well-known sports optics manufacturer. They make quality stuff for an attractive price. They are also known to make night vision riflescopes. But we are not here to talk about nigh0vision riflescopes.
SLX is a medium-range hunting riflescope made for AR and DMR. It’s durable enough to survive a good amount of recoil hits. The housing of this scope is made from high-quality aluminum. Most preferred material to make a scope. It is water, fog, and shockproof at the same time.
Lenses are fully multi-coated for better light transmission and clarity. Vision clearance of this scope is something else. You won’t notice anything blurry or feel eye fatigue from looking through it for a long time.
You are getting well-protected turrets to adjust the scope to bits. You will need a fine tool to adjust the windage and elevation. Primary Arms does include such tools in the packaging. It can hold zero on top of an MK12 quite easily.
SLX has an interesting reticle. It’s called ACSS Orion. It’s a patented originally designed reticle only available in Primary Arms scopes. It does look a bit intimidating at first. It grows on you. Being on the first focal plane also helps a lot.
Does it come with a sunshade?
No, it does not. But you can buy them from Primary Arms.
Does it come with scope mounts?
No, you will need to buy them separately.
Will this hold up to belted magnum calibers?
This scope is sturdy enough to withstand recoil from 12 gauge to 30-06 calibers.
Read More Scope Blogs:- Marlin Model 60 | Ruger Mini 14 | Savage 220
4. Leupold Freedom RDS BDC 1x34mm(Red Dot Sight)
RDS is a scope that Leupold sells under the Freedom banner. Freedom series is known for its versatility and affordability. They are priced aggressively to cut down their competition. Made for hunting and causal range shooting, RDS is an excellent short-range riflescope.
Like every other Leupold scope, it’s made out of aluminum. Not thermoplastic. Aluminum is durable and can withstand a fair bit of hitting. That’s why it can be considered as one of the best MK-12 scopes. The inside of the aluminum housing is purged to make it fogproof. There won’t be any moisture or water getting inside the scope either. It’s completely waterproof.
Fully multi-coated lenses with a twilight light management system are something else. It’s a blissful experience mixed with a bit of adventure. Twilight light management system gives you the ability to outperform your competition under any lighting. These lenses are also scratch-resistant. Rated to survive military extreme conditions.
Where is this scope made?
It’s designed, machined, and assembled in the USA.
Does it come with mounting rings?
No, it does not.
Is the reticle illuminated?
It’s not.
5. NightForce NXS C429 3.5-a15x50mm Hunting Scope
Last but not least, NXS from NightForce. Despite having Night in their name, this scope is not a night vision one. Disappointing I know. But don’t let that make you feel bad. NXS has a lot to prove despite not being a night vision scope.
NXS has a housing made out of aluminum rated to survive military-grade torture. The inside of the housing is purged to not let moisture survive. For moisture to get in, it had to be bad against water. That’s not happening on NightForce’s watch. It’s 100% water and fog-proof.
Featuring a second focal plane reticle, it illuminates as well. Extremely bright and noticeable under bright sun as well. In a low-light situation, it will give you an advantage against darker targets. Helping you land that extra shot that other sights will fail at.
Lenses are fully multi-coated here. You are getting a huge 50mm objective lens on a 30mm body. It’s coated to transmit as much sunlight as it’s possible for a scope. The chemical coating also makes it a bit more resistant to scratches.
NXS is suitable for any kind of use. Practical magnification paired with great eye relief. Whether you are hunting or target practicing, it’s one of the best MK12 scopes you could buy.
Does it come with mounting rings?
Unfortunately, it does not.
Does it feature ZeroStop by NightForce?
Yes, it features the famous ZeroStop technology by NightForce. Have to admit, flawless technology.
What color is the reticle?
It’s a red color reticle that can turn extremely bright with a manually set brightness level.
How To Choose The Right Scope For MK12
You can consider many things before buying a riflescope. But MK12 is a DMR. It’s more in the sniper territory. That’s why, you should keep some things in check before purchasing the scope.
Build Quality
MK12 is an extremely powerful gun. It pierces through targets with no mercy. Highly accurate gun as well. You are going to put a scope on top of that gun. It needs to be durable to withstand the recoil hits from MK12. Otherwise, it won’t last you a week.
Lens Quality
Shooting long-range with Mk12 is quite possible. If you are using the MK12 for hunting, you need to look through the lens for a long period. If the lens isn’t well-made, it can cause eye fatigue. Making you miss the shot when you are about to take it. That’s why, it’s a good idea to take a scope with a good pair of lenses.
Weight
Weight distribution is a key to the balanced gun. You could put a heavyweight scope on top of the gun and pretend like nothing is wrong with that. While the truth is far from it. Buy a scope that has a good weight balance and centered weight distribution. This way, you don’t need to go a DIY route to balance the weight of the scope.
Summary
A good gun like MK12 deserves the very best. That’s why we tried to show you the very best scopes for MK12.
Of course, there are tons of other “good” options available as well. But we felt like that thing didn’t cut it. Whether it’s a bit toned-down lens or a bit of worse build quality, those scopes are not as good as the ones mentioned here.
You might have a different budget than another person. That’s why, choose the one you won’t break the bank by much. Rest assured, all of them are viable options for the gun. Till next time, keep hunting.
Scopes:- 17 HMR | 17 WSM | 204 Ruger | 224 Valkyrie | 22 Magnum | 243 Winchester | 257 Weatherby | 270 Winchester | 3 Gun | 300 PRC | 338 Lapua | 350 Legend | 375 HH | 44 Magnum | 450 Bushmaster | 50 BMG | 6.5 Creedmoor | 6.5 Grendel | 6.8 SPC | 7.62.39 | Benjamin Marauder | Henry H001 | M1a | Marlin 336 | Marlin 795 | Marlin Model 60 | Ruger Gunsite Scout | Ruger Mini 14 | Ruger Mini 30 | Savage 220 | Scar 20S | Sig 716
Scopes & Sights:- 11.5 SBR | 300 Blackout | M4 | MK18 | Ruger Charger | S&W M&P 15&22 | S&W M&P 15 Sport 2
Mounts: 30 MM | 34 MM | 45 Degree | Aimpoint Pro | Aimpoint T2 | ATN 4K Pro | Primary Arms 1-6 | TC Encore | Trijicon Mro | Vortex Razor | Vortex Viper PST
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
