Barrett Firearms
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing is one of the most renowned firearm manufacturers globally. Based in the United States, the company is now under Australian ownership. Despite its prominent reputation, Barrett is relatively young compared to competitors that have been producing firearms since the 19th century.
Founded in 1982, Barrett’s primary mission was to develop high-quality rifles chambered for the .50 BMG caliber. The company’s journey began two years earlier in 1980, when the first prototypes were created. However, the official launch of its flagship firearm, the M82, marked its foundation in 1982.
The company’s founder, Ronnie G. Barrett, had a clear vision for his firearms. Every detail of the first rifle was designed and crafted by him. Initially, his innovative design faced skepticism, but Barrett persevered, funding the project himself until the rifle gained international acclaim.
In 2023, the NIOA Group, an Australian company, acquired Barrett Firearms. This acquisition solidified a long-standing partnership between the two entities. Over the years, Barrett rifles have become widely recognized for their use in military operations worldwide, while also being available to civilian markets.
Barrett Anti-Materiel Rifles
Anti-materiel rifles are designed primarily for military use, targeting equipment rather than personnel. Barrett has become a leader in this category, offering a wide range of rifles tailored for diverse applications.- M82/M107
The M82 was Barrett’s first rifle and remains one of its most iconic models. Known as the "Light Fifty" due to its .50 BMG caliber, the U.S. military designated it the M107. This recoil-operated rifle comes in three variants:
- M82A1: The original design.
- M82A2: A redesigned bullpup variant.
- M107A1: A modernized version with enhanced features.
- M90 Introduced in 1990, the M90 is one of Barrett’s first bolt-action rifles. This bullpup design uses the same .50 BMG NATO cartridge and was produced until 1995. The M90 lacks iron sights but is compatible with optical scopes.
- M95 Released in 1997, the M95 is often considered an upgraded version of the M90. Its reliability and precision have made it a preferred choice for various military forces worldwide.
- M99 The M99 is a single-shot rifle introduced in 1999. Its affordability stems from its minimalist design. The bullpup configuration includes a pistol grip, making it compact and easy to handle.
- XM109 The XM109 is a prototype rifle designed for 25x59mm grenade rounds. While several prototypes were developed and tested, its status remains unclear, with no official updates from Barrett.
- XM500 Launched in 2006, the XM500 is a gas-operated rifle based on the original M82 but with significant improvements. It’s lighter, highly accurate, and compatible with various accessories, making it a versatile choice for modern military needs.
Barrett Sniper Rifles
Barrett offers two sniper rifles, both renowned for their exceptional accuracy and reliability.- M98B (98 Bravo) The M98B is a bolt-action rifle chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum round. Although its production was announced in 2008 and sales began in 2009, its initial design dates back to 1997. This rifle stands out for its precision and is a favorite among marksmen for long-range engagements.
- MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) Inspired by the M98B, the MRAD incorporates an adaptable, modular design that enhances its versatility. The National Rifle Association (NRA) named it the Rifle of the Year in 2009. Since its introduction to service in 2013, the MRAD has seen various upgrades and remains a popular choice for both military and law enforcement applications.
Barrett Semi-Automatic Rifles
Barrett’s semi-automatic rifles quickly gained popularity, offering exceptional performance and versatility for various applications.- M468 Often regarded as a modified version of the M4 carbine, the M468 was produced between 2004 and 2010. This rifle was specifically adapted to use the larger and heavier 6.8mm SPC cartridge, enhancing its stopping power and performance compared to the standard 5.56mm NATO round.
- REC7 (Reliability Enhanced Carbine) Introduced in 2007, the REC7 lives up to its name with impressive reliability and durability. It is available in two calibers: 5.56x45mm NATO and 6.8mm Remington SPC. This rifle has earned a strong reputation for its versatility and performance in demanding environments.
- REC10 Chambered in .308 Winchester, the REC10 offers a 20-round capacity and weighs just nine pounds. This direct impingement rifle stands out with its innovative gas block, which allows users to perform maintenance with ease. Available in two configurations and multiple color options, the REC10 combines rugged construction with user-friendly features.
Barrett Machine Guns
While Barrett is best known for its rifles, the company has also made a mark in the machine gun category with a reliable and versatile offering.- M240LW Introduced in 1977, the M240LW has been a staple for military forces worldwide. Chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, this machine gun is celebrated for its exceptional reliability, even in demanding conditions. While heavier than some competitors, the M240LW's durability and performance make it a trusted choice for sustained firepower.
Barrett Optics
Barrett enhances its firearms with advanced proprietary optics, offering shooters unparalleled accuracy.- BORS (Barrett Optical Ranging System) More than just a scope, the BORS is an integrated ballistic computer designed to optimize long-range shooting. This cutting-edge system automatically accounts for variables like temperature and barometric pressure, enabling precision that extends far beyond standard optics.
Barrett Ammunition
In addition to its renowned firearms, Barrett produces and supports high-quality ammunition, designed for precision and power.- .50 BMG M33 Ball This iconic cartridge, measuring half an inch in diameter, has been in production since 1921. Originally developed for the M2 Browning machine gun, it remains a staple for large-caliber firearms, including Barrett’s rifles.
- .416 Barrett Introduced in 2005, the .416 Barrett (10.4x83mm) offers a modern alternative to the .50 BMG. Engineered for improved ballistics, it provides exceptional accuracy and range for long-distance shooting.
- 6.8 SPC Produced primarily between 2002 and 2004, the 6.8 SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge) was initially developed by Remington Arms. It’s a versatile round, favored for its balance of power and reduced recoil.
- .338 Lapua Magnum Since its introduction in 1989, the .338 Lapua Magnum has become a favorite among snipers worldwide. Known for its long-range performance, it’s one of the most reliable cartridges for precision shooting.
Barrett Shotguns
Shotguns have never been a primary focus for Barrett, but the company ventured into this category with limited success. Over time, rumors swirled about Barrett shotguns, but only two prototypes were ever released, both produced by an Italian manufacturer under a Barrett license.- Beltrami Available in 12 and 20 gauge, with an additional variant in 28 gauge, the Beltrami offered versatility but didn’t achieve widespread popularity.
- Albany Sharing a similar configuration to the Beltrami, the Albany featured a distinct design that set it apart visually.