Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1193118
Ronny Barrett launched his Barret Firearms Manufacturing back in 1983. His sole purpose was initially building semi-au- tomatic rifles chambered for the powerful 12.7×99mm NATO (.50 BMG) rounds. Usually, "Made in USA" products are befo- rehand sold to US customers, but M82 story was different. First customer for .50 cal sniper rifles was neutral Sweden in 1989. In 1990 United States Marine Corps purchased a batch of M82 as M82A1A .50 Caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle (SASR) anti-material rifle. Marines quickly reali- zed that rifle might be effectively used against unexploded ordnance, IEDs and enemy personnel. It took some time for United State Army to adopt M82 – officially it was introdu- ced in 2003 as "Long Range Sniper Rifle, Caliber .50, M107". Of course, in meantime it has seen limited by special opera- tions forces. M107 was very slightly modified M82A1A, main change was longer handguard. There was also a M82A1M (designated as M82A3 by USMC) with longer Picatinny top rail, re-shaped rear grip and slot for monopod in the stock. The main diffe- rence between M107 and M82A3 were the iron sights. M107 had sights folded into the rail and sights in M82A3 were at- tached to the rail. There was also bull-pup variant designated as M82A3, but it was quickly discontinued. Before the official adoption by US forces, M82A1 quickly be- came a hit and was purchased by multiple customers aro- und the globe. The 2012 2,815 meter confirmed kill record was set by Australian 2nd Commando Regiment sniper in Afghanistan. In 2010, Barrett engineers decided to improve the rifle and shave off some weight from legacy rifle with state-of-the- -art design and manufacturing process. M107A1 Barrett M107A1 is a short-recoil operated semi-automatic rifle chambered in 12.7x99 NATO. It was designed as a long- -range precision sniper rifle and anti-material rifle. The dec- lared maximum range is 1,800 meters but with skilled sho- oter, hand-picked ammunition and favorable environmental conditions, this range might be extended, and human-sized target might be hit from longer distance. The bolt carrier was totally redesigned. It is plated with advanced Nickel-Teflon ultra-hard coatings for reduced ma- intenance and improved service life and it rides on a harde- ned steel anti-wear strip for added durability located in upper receiver. Plating increases lubricity, it is corrosion-resistant and greatly improves cleaning. After last rounds, the bolt stays in rear position. Charging handle is located on the right side of the rifle. Original M82 urethane buffer was replaced with aluminum buffer in aluminum housing for improved reliability. Two- stage trigger group and recoil reduction system were placed in stainless steel lower receiver. Safety switch is located on the left above the pistol grip. The rail-mounted aluminum rear grip can easily be reconfigured. The newly designed titanium and polymer bipod is adjustable from either side. The outcome were almost 2 kilograms shaved off in M107A1 without sacrificing durability or accuracy. Monolithic 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum upper receiver with integrated hand- guard was the deal breaker. The 18" long top MIL-STD-1913/ STANAG 2324 (NAR/NATO Accessory Rail) is 27 MOA. Short rails might be added on the sides if required. Folded backup iron sights are integrated with the top rail. There is enough rail estate for powerful scopes with thermal or night vision www.fragoutmag.com