The M82 BARRETT rifle cal. 50 was firstly acquired to give the Engineer Units the possibility of destroying the explosive devices at safety distance; it was then distributed also to the infantry units aiming to increase the ability of precision shooting beyond 1200 m.
This rifle is composed of two parts in steel sheet connected by cross-pins. The floating barrel is ribbed to improve the dissipation of the heat and save weight.
On the muzzle the rifle has got a muzzle brake with two holes on each hole that reduce the recoil effort of 65%.
Characteristics and main performances
- Caliber: 50 BMG (12.7 mm x 99 NATO)
- Weight: 13 kg without magazine; 13.6 kg with magazine
- Length: 140 cm
- Effective firing range: 1800 m
- Feed system: 10 rounds
- Maximum firing range: 2200 m