Barrett M82A1 .50BMG

Introduction

There are many iconic firearms on the market today, but few of them as well known as our subject today. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve likely seen it on the news, at the range, or even in countless video games. Both on the civilian and military ranges you can find the the Barrett M82A1 .50BMG rifle. Of course the military version of the rifle is designated the M107, though there are just a few differences between them.

Today we will take a look at this impressive rifle, and see if it lives up to the internet lore and fandom that has made Barrett a household name, at least for gun people.

The Barrett M82A1 .50BMG

Barrett Firearms first production of the rifle took place more than thirty years ago. And after becoming a sensation with various military units, it put Barrett Firearms on the map. They have since released a variety of other firearms, but the famous M82A1 is still what they are best known for.

Designing a firearm like the M82A1 must have taken some time, the large .50BMG cartridge is substantially bigger than most everything else on the civilian market. The operating system is pretty unique, and a bit of an engineering marvel. The massive twenty-nine inch barrel features a large vented brake to help reduce recoil. The fluted barrel is also mounted in a sliding configuration with a pair of long coil springs yoked around the breech end.