BTW, the manufacturer's suggested CG location is just a starting point. Matter of fact, every "rule of thumb" or formula works out a starting point, nothing more.

A model with a wing chord around 12" will have a CG range of about an inch, depending on how large and far aft the tail is. An inch is a lot of range. And anywhere in that inch will be ok if you setup the elevator throw as suggested.

The CG location and elevator throws work together. If you decide on a forward CG, make sure to have at least the full elevator throw that was suggested. If you setup the CG aft of the range, then expect the elevator to be very effective and rig the elevator conservatively.