Barrett: characteristics of a 50 caliber sniper rifle

Air rifles from the American company Barrett have been entering the arms arena for a very long time, just like Winchester weapons. Although the company belongs to the United States, all models and components of the product are manufactured by a Chinese concern, and American gunsmith designers only check the assembled rifle for defects and compliance with technical standards. Therefore, if we talk about the quality of Barrett air rifles, then it, like the price, is ideal for Chinese production. In this regard, Chinese air rifles are very popular.

Barrett 98B

The Barrett 98B sniper rifle, produced by the American plant of the same name, is also familiar to all shooters under the name Barrett 98 Bravo.

The presented sample is designed specifically to hit a target located at a far distance from the sniper (the firing range is 1.5 km), but at the same time it is noticeably lighter than its large-caliber counterparts. Read more about large-caliber sniper rifles in the world.

Serial production of the Barrett 98B model began in 2009, although it is worth noting that this weapon is the company’s second attempt to break into the world arena of producing .338 caliber rifles.

Based on the first attempt, we understand the Barrett Lapua model (Barrett 98), which appeared to gunsmiths back in the early 90s of the last century, but it never managed to emerge from the shadow of the prototypes of more famous rifles from famous manufacturers.

general characteristics

Barrett 98B

The presented Barrett 98B sniper rifle is characterized by a manual reloading type with a turning bolt. The bolt is securely fastened to the breech of the rifle, which makes it possible to unload the receiver and use it when creating small aluminum alloys. Read about these characteristics of large-caliber sniper rifles in Russia here.

As for the receiver, it includes two components: the first part, located in front of the magazine receiver, is hinged with the second part.

The barrel of the presented model is distinguished by longitudinal valleys, which regulate the cooling process of the weapon and make it noticeably lighter. In addition, it is equipped with a powerful muzzle brake.

The rifle is fired with special cartridges, which are stored in 10 pieces in a detachable magazine. The trigger system is presented in the form of a self-contained module, which is very easy to remove from the rifle without completely disassembling it.

Technical and design indicators

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the Barrett 98B include:

• The presented model is characterized by the greatest damage among all existing ones;
• good range to hit targets;
• high rate of fire;
• 3 corresponding slots are available for upgrade;
• does not need repair.

There are also shortcomings in the sample:

• the accuracy of shots leaves much to be desired;
• high price segment.

Barrett M82A1/M107A1 large-caliber sniper rifle

Details Category: USA Date of publication 12/18/2014 20:49 Author: Super User Prehistory
In January 1982, in the American city of Nashville, Tennessee, unknown to anyone at that time, Ronnie Barrett, a 28-year-old professional photographer and former police officer, owned a small photo studio and practically never without his camera, he went for a walk with the intention of getting some fresh air and maybe taking some interesting pictures. His route took him past the Cumberland River, where old river patrol boats were moored, prominently mounted with Browning heavy machine guns.

Later, he developed the photographs and began to examine them. His gaze fell on the machine guns. And one idea came into his head... Being a creative person, Ronnie took a pencil and paper and began to draw something. This something was a schematic representation of a cross-sectional large-caliber sniper rifle, which, according to his idea, was supposed to be powered by the main and at that moment uncontested army large-caliber ammunition for small arms of .50BMG caliber.

The idea was very good. First of all, because there was practically no competition in this area both in the USA and throughout the world. But it had to be implemented somehow, and it was not easy. Inspired by the idea, Ronnie worked on the drawings for several days, and a few days later, taking them with him, he began visiting local factory floors in order to agree on the production of a prototype weapon. But everywhere they told him about the same thing: “Are you the smartest? ) If this was a good idea, then someone would have already thought of it without you!” And so on and so forth. The same thing happened in another city, and in a third.

But Ronnie was not one to back down. And in the city of Smyrna, local train driver and part-time craftsman-fan Bob Mitchell, after listening to the young inventor and looking at the drawings, agreed to help him in the practical implementation of the idea.

In their free time, they worked, sometimes at night, to create a rifle in Barrett's garage, the work was done using a small multi-function lathe and sets of various tools. They were later joined by Harry Watson, Ronnie's photography colleague. Even then they called their joint venture Barrett Firearms Manufacturing.

As a result of this, in less than four months, in mid-1982, the first prototype of the rifle was ready. But already the first tests showed a number of critical errors and shortcomings that needed to be corrected, first of all, a very powerful recoil when fired, negating the accuracy of the weapon. The second prototype turned out to be more successful. Ronnie shot a promotional video for the second prototype, disassembled and packed the rifle, and took it to a gun show in Texas.

He called the second prototype Model 82 or M82 . Then he did not even suspect that this rifle, after a number of improvements and modifications, would not only become legendary, but also for a long time would remain the main large-caliber sniper rifle not only for the US Army, but also for the armies of a number of other countries.

But that will come later. In the meantime, Ronnie presented his invention at the Texas GunShow, which traditionally brought together gun lovers, design engineers and representatives of various security/security agencies not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Barrett’s development attracted the interest of three amateur collectors of “exotic” weapons, and they gave Ronnie a certain amount of advance so that he would make one copy of the rifle for them, which Ronnie and his partners did.

Having completed the order and received the entire amount, which was quite substantial at that time, Barrett opened a small weapons shop-workshop on the ground floor of his house. Having manufactured and assembled 30 rifles, he advertised their sale in the specialized newspaper Shotgun News. Much to the surprise and delight of Ronnie and his partners, this trial batch sold like hotcakes - customers were delighted with the new product.

In 1985, Ronnie was contacted by a high-ranking CIA official. They were also interested in his development and the “office” was ready to purchase a number of rifles for sniper support groups for the Afghan Mujahideen who fought against the USSR army.

Then it went like clockwork: the company was waiting for an order from the US Department of Defense, and over time - unprecedented success and recognition throughout the world; Barrett sniper rifles for a long time became the standard for durable, trouble-free, reliable army large-caliber sniper weapons not only in the USA, but also worldwide. The M (Model) line was developed: M95, M98B, M99, M107/107A1 in various variants and modifications, and Barrett Firearms Manufacturing grew into one of the most famous and respected private firearms companies in the world, headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee .

Chris Barrett, Ronnie's son, based on the .50BMG cartridge, created a smaller caliber .416 Barrett cartridge for use in smaller caliber weapons in those US states (such as California) and countries where civilians are prohibited from purchasing larger caliber weapons.

Currently, large-caliber Barrett sniper rifles are in service with the US Army, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Botswana, Georgia, Ukraine, Denmark, El Salvador, India, France, Sweden, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, Oman, Norway, UAE, Lebanon. Kuwait, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Holland and so on, about 45 countries in total.

In addition to the development and production of large-caliber sniper and small arms weapons, the company is engaged in the development and production of innovative optical systems, ammunition and weapon accessories.

Barrett M99

Barrett M99

The next example of a sniper rifle from an American company is the Barrett M99. This model is distinguished from the previous one by large-caliber ammunition (.50 BMG cartridges). The weight of one such cartridge corresponds to almost 30 grams.

On the technical side, the weapon is characterized by a single-shot type with a turning bolt. The bolt is securely fastened to the breech of the rifle, which makes it possible to unload the receiver and use it when creating small aluminum alloys.

Additionally, the product comes with a corresponding optical sight.

Technical and design indicators

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the Barrett M99 include:

• The presented model is characterized by one of the best target engagement ranges among all existing sniper rifles;
• good damage;
• high rate of fire;
• possibility of additional optical and sighting modification;
• a very reasonable price for this type of weapon - only 17,000 rubles;
• does not need repair.

There are also shortcomings in the sample:

• the accuracy of shots leaves much to be desired;
• high price segment;
• large dimensions and, accordingly, large weight.

Fans of air rifles will enjoy this video about air rifles for hunting without a license. and a review of Diana rifles.

Disassembly procedure

1. Remove the mounting pins, which are equipped with rings for convenience. The first bolt is located at the bottom of the forend in front of the magazine hopper, the second is located above the butt plate of the shoulder rest.
2. Lift the rear of the receiver with the barrel and receiver, then remove it completely.
3. Retract the bolt carrier and remove the bolt return mechanism mounting pin. Then remove it from the receiver and remove the spring from the bolt body.
4. Remove the pins securing the barrel return spring, remove it from the housing, remove the springs.
5. Remove the bipod.

Assembly is carried out in reverse order

Barrett M107 A1

Barrett M107 A1

The next brainchild of the American concern of the same name is the Barrett M107 A1 sniper rifle. The presented sample is indispensable in combat operations related to the elimination of snipers, the destruction of lightly armored vehicles, missile or artillery installations, aircraft that are not in combat readiness, as well as radar.

The mechanism of operation of the weapon is the action of a short barrel stroke. You need to lock the channel using three combat pressures. Each time after a shot, corresponding reflections of impulsive waves appear in the shutter mirror.

Then the mirror will move them through the barrel lugs onto the barrel and bolt frames, which will minimize subsequent pulse waves to the level of shooting and 12-gauge rifles.

Technical and design indicators

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the Barrett M107A1 include:

• does not need repair;
• possibility of additional optical and sighting modification;
• good damage;
• high rate of fire;
• The presented model is characterized by one of the best target engagement ranges among all existing sniper rifles.

There are also shortcomings in the sample:

• noisy shooting;
• huge recoil of shots;
• very high cost of weapons - starting price $12,000;
• due to its dimensions, it can give away the sniper’s location.

The models presented in the article differ in their firing range; read more about this in the material about the longest shot from a sniper rifle.

The SVLK 14s sniper rifle is not inferior in terms of shooting quality; more on that later.

Read about the Ataman 5.5 air rifle at:

I'm not going to betray Elvis

Author: Pavel Sitnikov Translation of the story by Michael Golembesky, a reconnaissance sniper of the 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion (MSOB) 8222 USMC Special Operations Team (MSOT 8222), for the “Level” project Zero Heroes.”

This was at the end of December 2009. Our USMC Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) was tasked with capturing a key point in the river valley near the village of Bala Murghab during a joint operation. On our side were paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne. Our goal was a ridge of hills to the east above the river valley. This point determined the free passage of the Taliban from the north and south through the valley. And the village of Bala Margab itself has been a Taliban stronghold since 2001.

I was the only Scout Sniper for the entire operation. My mission was to provide security on a hill designated "Objective Pathfinder" and our fireteam was designated "Pathfinder."

The Pathfinder group advanced to the target under cover of darkness, on foot, without encountering resistance on the hillside. The soldiers and Marines below took advantage of the last hours of darkness to dig shallow passages and trenches to fortify their positions. It was clear to everyone that a big firefight could not be avoided.

Day 1: First contact occurred at 8:30. It was a long day, with several major Taliban attempts to break through. They fired from machine guns, machine guns of all calibers and even RPGs. The shelling was carried out from the courtyards of the settlement further down the hill.

I used a 7.62mm semi-automatic rifle, this rifle allows you to hit targets well at short distances, but the main forces of the Taliban were at the limit of visibility - over a kilometer. For such purposes, I had in my arsenal a Barrett M107 SASR rifle, nicknamed “Elvis”. And as night fell, the friendly forces only gained a foothold in the area and watched the enemy through night vision devices. Only the explosions of mortar shells illuminated the area. It was a frosty break in the fighting.

Day 2. After sleeping for about half an hour, we regained our strength before sunrise. We knew that the battle would soon start again. And as the grandmother whispered: the Taliban began to “grope” us, regularly shooting in our direction. Their task was to “test” the defenses on our hill. According to intelligence, the Taliban were going to “lower” us from this hill.

I was looking over my direction just after Dhuhr (midday prayer), just as the attack began. They began to “work” our hill from the east with machine guns, mortars and RPGs. Grenades and mines whistled over our heads, and bullets buried themselves in the sandbags with which we fortified our positions. Then the same actions were taken in the courtyards of the village to the south of our hill. It was a well-coordinated L-shape attack. I began to engage with targets in the south - conducting aimed fire. Each trunk in the Pathfinder group was busy defending its own area.

When I started training as an RPG fighter in the village, my Barrett M107 SASR caught a machine gun bullet from the PKM directly into the magazine. The force of the blow was so enormous that the rifle was literally torn out of my hands. And the bullet that snatched the weapon from my hands was still burning - it was a tracer. And a burning tracer in a magazine with large .50 BMG cartridges could very well lead to the detonation of the remaining ammunition. Therefore, team leader Andy began to extinguish the burning weapon with sand. The shooting stopped, and Andy turned to me and asked if I was okay. I was fine, only some small bullet fragments injured my neck - but overall nothing serious.

I examined my rifle carefully and came to the conclusion that I would not be able to use it until the end of the operation. So I grabbed my M4 and started aiming at the Taliban 300 meters southeast of our positions. After 20 shots, I realized that the 5.56mm would not “cut” the target, so I crawled about nine meters to my 7.62mm semi-automatic, and used it until the end of the battle. We held off the enemy for about an hour until air support dropped four 2,000-pound JDAM bombs on the enemy. The bombing "calmed" the remaining Taliban. When the fight was over, I picked up my M107 SASR and Andy took a photo of me.

After battle. I tried to reload the weapon, but the bolt frame remained motionless. Using pliers, I pulled out the loaded cartridge. The magazine could not be pulled out due to damage to the magazine receiver channel. Finally, after the magazine was pulled out, the bolt was again able to move back and forth. Finally, when the weapon was completely unloaded and safe, I was able to clean it. It took about an hour to clean, then all the elements were put back together again. To everyone's surprise, the rifle worked as it should. Although the rifle cannot accommodate magazines, I loaded it through the shell ejection port and fired. I then fired about a hundred shots in this manner over the course of two days.

I used the rifle later. In short, this rifle continued to wreak havoc in the enemy ranks over the following months.

Finally, when we returned to base (FOB) for the new year, I used a tool and cleared the rifle's magazine receiver channel of nicks and dents that were interfering with the installation of magazines. After polishing, I installed the magazine and everything worked just like the day I was given this weapon. Then I used this rifle for another four months, until April 29, 2010. When the supplier ordered a new receiver for my rifle, I refused to install a new part. "This rifle saved my ass, so I'm not going to betray Elvis."

PS From the conversations of the Pathfinder team: “We are still here, and the hill is still ours”

Source: Weapon_proof

Barrett M82

Barrett M82

The next brainchild of the American concern of the same name is the Barrett M82 sniper rifle. The presented sample is indispensable in combat operations related to the elimination of snipers, the destruction of lightly armored vehicles, missile or artillery installations, aircraft that are not in combat readiness, as well as radar.

The mechanism of operation of the weapon is the action of a short barrel stroke. You need to lock the channel using three combat pressures.

Each time after a shot, corresponding reflections of impulsive waves appear in the shutter mirror. Then the mirror will move them through the barrel lugs onto the barrel and bolt frames, which will minimize subsequent pulse waves to the level of shooting and 12-gauge rifles.

Technical and design indicators

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the Barrett M82 include:

• does not need repair;
• possibility of additional optical and sighting modification;
• good damage;
• high rate of fire;
• The presented model is characterized by one of the best target engagement ranges among all existing sniper rifles.

There are also shortcomings in the sample:

• noisy shooting;
• huge recoil of shots;
• very high cost of weapons - starting price $12,000;
• due to its dimensions, it can give away the sniper’s location.

Read about the most powerful air rifle Diana here.

Barrett M107 CQ

See photo:

Barrett M107 CQ

The licensed prototype of the world-famous American-made large-caliber rifle, the Barrett M82 CQB sniper rifle, has been produced by the SOCOM GEAR plant for more than 5 years.

The main difference between the Barrett M82 CQB and the Barrett M107 A1 is a significant reduction in size due to a shorter barrel length. But the weight remains virtually unchanged. Shots from the presented model can be fired in two modes: automatic and single.