Barrett M98 Bravo
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2008
Also known as: Barrett Model 98B, 98 Bravo, M98B
Overview
The Barrett M98 Bravo (also written 98B or M98B) is a magazine-fed, bolt-action precision rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum. Designed by Ronnie Barrett and introduced in 2008, it borrows ergonomic and modular design cues from the AR-15 - including a hinged aluminum receiver, AR-pattern grip, AR-style safety selector, and a full-length Picatinny top rail - applied to a heavy-recoil bolt-action chassis. Intended as a long-range anti-personnel and light anti-materiel system, it bridges the gap between conventional .308 sniper rifles and the .50 BMG M82.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5625 g (198.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 945 m/s (3100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6790 J (5008 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Cerakote |
Calibers
- .338 Lapua Magnum · primary — also known as 8.6x70mm, 8.58x71mm, .338 LM
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Two Position Safety
- Features: Fluted Match Grade Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Monolithic Top Rail, Hinged Aluminum Receiver, Ar15 Style Grip And Safety, Adjustable Stock, Monopod Socket, Free Floating Barrel
Variants
- Barrett M98B 20" Tactical — Short Barrel
- Barrett Fieldcraft (98B Lineage) — Hunting
- Barrett MRAD — Successor Platform
Service history
Operators
- United States Special Operations Command
- Israel Defense Forces
- Republic of Korea Army 707th Special Mission Group
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War / War on ISIL (2003-present)
Production
Production years: 2008-present
Mid-volume production; military procurement supplemented by civilian and law enforcement sales worldwide
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Ronnie Barrett
Notes
Original 27" barrel was later joined by 20" tactical and shorter configurations. The M98B was the direct ancestor and design basis for the Barrett MRAD, which won the U.S. SOCOM Advanced Sniper Rifle program and became the U.S. Army/USMC Mk22 Multi-role Adaptive Design rifle.
Background
Ronnie Barrett designed the M98B as a shoulder-fireable .338 Lapua sibling to his iconic .50 BMG M82, and the platform's hinged-receiver, AR-style ergonomics were so well received that they became the foundation of the Barrett MRAD - the rifle the U.S. Army eventually adopted as the Mk22.