Barrett M82A1
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1982
Also known as: Light Fifty, M107, M82A3 SASR, L82A1, G82
Overview
The Barrett M82A1, also known as the 'Light Fifty', is a recoil-operated, semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle developed by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing. Designed by Ronnie Barrett in 1982, it was engineered as the first shoulder-fired semi-automatic .50 BMG rifle. The M82A1 fires the powerful 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 BMG) cartridge and features a distinctive recoil management system with a large muzzle brake to mitigate the massive recoil forces. Adopted by the U.S. military in 1990 during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as the Special Applications Scoped Rifle (SASR), it was later standardized by the U.S. Army in 2002 as the M107. The weapon is primarily used for engaging material targets at extreme distances, including light armored vehicles, radar installations, communications equipment, parked aircraft, and explosive ordnance disposal. With an effective range of 1,800 meters and a maximum range of 4,000 meters, the M82A1 has been adopted by military and law enforcement forces in over 50 countries worldwide.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 14800 g (522.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 15200 g (536.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1448 mm (57.01") |
| Barrel Length | 737 mm (29.02") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 18000 J (13276 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 4000 m (4374 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Manganese Phosphate |
Calibers
- 12.7x99mm NATO · primary · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as .50 BMG, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7x99mm, .50 caliber
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Fluted Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Carrying Handle, Picatinny Rail, Adjustable Iron Sights, Free Floating Barrel
Variants
- Barrett M82A2 — Bullpup
- Barrett M82A3 — Improved
- Barrett M107 — Military
- Barrett M107A1 — Lightweight
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1990 · as M82A3 SASR
- United States Army · adopted 2002 · as M107
- United States Air Force · adopted 1990 · as SASR
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1989
- British Armed Forces · as L82A1
- German Armed Forces · as G82
- Israel Defense Forces
- Australian Defence Force
- Canadian Armed Forces
- French Armed Forces
- Netherlands Armed Forces
- Norwegian Armed Forces
- Finnish Defence Forces
- Portuguese Armed Forces
- Spanish Armed Forces
- Italian Armed Forces
- Belgian Armed Forces
- Danish Defence
- Greek Armed Forces
- Turkish Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 1982-present
Adopted by over 50 countries worldwide. Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed by Barrett Firearms.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Ronnie Barrett
Notes
The M82A1 features a 29-inch fluted barrel with 8 grooves and a 1:15 inch right-hand twist. It includes a lightweight quick-detach bipod, flip-up iron sights, and a 23-inch Picatinny rail with 27 MOA cant and carrying handle. The rifle is available in multiple finishes including manganese phosphate, tungsten grey Cerakote, and flat dark earth Cerakote. The standard M82A1 weighs 32.7 pounds (14.8 kg) with the 29-inch barrel, while a 20-inch barrel variant weighs 31.4 pounds (14.3 kg). The M107A1 variant incorporates lightweight aluminum and titanium components, reducing weight to approximately 27.4 pounds (12.4 kg). Accuracy is typically within 3 MOA and can achieve sub-1 MOA with match ammunition. The M82A2 bullpup variant was discontinued, though the XM500 serves as its spiritual successor.
Background
Ronnie Barrett designed the M82 in his garage with no formal engineering training, creating the world's first shoulder-fired semi-automatic .50 BMG rifle. The US military initially showed no interest until Sweden became the first military customer in 1989, after which the USMC rushed to adopt it for Operation Desert Shield.