Firearm Review: Barrett M82A1

[ReefBlue]

I don't know how everyone is taking such great photos, most photos I seem to take are either blurry, have flash reflections in them or are too dark, so what you see is what you get. I can take pictures of something specific if requested.

I bought this rifle in late 2001, with the scope, it was $7,965--this being a good price at the time. Nowadays, this rifle alone is approaching $9,000.

This rifle is as impressive as it is impractical. Most places that allow it are 100-200 yard ranges. 500+ yard ranges don't want anything to do with it. Even the PA 1000yd club has a .50 ban.

I ordered it with a 10 power Swarovski scope with what is popularly known as the Christmas tree reticle because of its shape, this allows for shooting out to 2,000 yards without any modifications or special scope rings.

This isn't the best representation of it, but I can't figure out a way to take a picture of my reticle.



From Barrett's website www.barrettrifles.com
Caliber - .50 BMG
Barrel lengths - 29 inches (73.7 cm)
Barrel twist - Right, 1 in 15" (38 cm)
Weights - 30.9 lbs (14.0 kg)
Length assembled - 57 inches (145 cm)
Front sight: - .070 inch flip up. (1.78 mm) wide post
Rear sight: - .065 inch flip up. (1.65 mm) aperture, 1500 meter adjustable
Sight radius: - 23.3 inches (59 cm)
Scope rail: - 24 inches (61 cm) long

Loaded and with scope/sling/etc, my rifle weighs 35lbs.

Being a rifle manufactured mostly during the 94 AWB, it came with a 10 round magazine. Prior to 1994, 11 round magazines were made, but they're rare and expensive--several hundred dollars more than a 10rd magazine--not worth it to me. A 10 round magazine costs about $130.





My rifle is pictured with a sling and cheekpad. Not pictured is the muzzle brake cover, all three items are available as a kit from Barrett Manufacturing.



Here is one round. As a comparison, depending on the particular round, they can exceed 700 grains, with between 240 and 250 grains of powder. Even reloading, the components can make one round cost almost two dollars for run of the mill ball ammunition.



With the breech open.


2 winters ago. Great range, but about 3-4 hours from my house.



I may add to this as I think of more, but this is it for now. If I left a particular photo out that someone wants to see, just say so.

[Shawn.L]

so the ranges that would be best for this wont allow it?

why ? I mean, really, whats their reasoning?

oh, and nice rifle !

dont worry, my pics suck too

[knight0334]

That range picture looks like Ridgway.

[CarolinaGuy]

Wow. Nice.

Some of those pics (*breech) would do best in macro mode (with the little flower icon usually). Best for closeups...(as if you were taking a picture of a flower).

I can't wait to get a .50, though my budget will be lucky to snag a std serbu single shot.

How often do you get to shoot it?

[Guns4Fun]

Yep, very nice rifle. I thought about getting one but like you said, it is hard to find a place that will allow you to shoot it. Plus the ammo costs a fortune too. It is hard for me to justify that much money and not be able to shoot it. So i bought a full auto uzi instead.

[ReefBlue]

It isn't allowed because of the stigma attached to it. If you've got a 500yd range, there are many rifles that will shoot further than that, the only one that is banned is the .50.

Every winter I say I want to shoot once a month when it gets warmer, but I can't seem to get people together, so the summer goes by . . .


The range is Mifflin County.

[ithinkimamedic]

Anytime you want to make the drive out to Mif Co feel free to send me a message and I'll be there with bells on to "drive" that mammoth of a rifle!
I've shot it once for a couple of rounds and fell in love with it but that is so extremely out of the budget right now it's not even funny.

seriously reef! I'll show up at Mif Co!

[crlovel]

My buddy has that rifle. Great rifle, fun to shoot, but way too cost-prohibitive. I would think that the reason it's banned is because one guy shooting a .50 bmg will make it virtually impossible for every other shooter within 50 feet or so to shoot. I tried. I watched almost every other shooter also either give up and leave, or just stand around and watch him shoot.

[Bghunter2009]

I love these guns maybe this summer i will get one!!!!!

[Smalls]

That is beautiful.

There is a couple of .50 bmgs for sale at a local gun store. The M82A1 that you have I think he is asking 8999 for it.

Beautiful weapons you have there.