Barrett MRAD: Difference between revisions

 

==Design==

After the [[United States Special Operations Command]] (USSOCOM) announced their desire for a new [[precision sniper rifle]] in December 2009, [[Barrett Firearms Manufacturing|Barrett]] created the MRAD in accordance with the specifications laid out by SOCOM.<ref name=TactLife1/> Building off of the successful [[Barrett 98B]], the MRAD features multiple improvements such as a folding [[Stock (firearms)|stock]] which allows the rifle to be transported more easily. When folded, the stock latches around the bolt handle which increases the security of transporting the rifle without increasing the width when it is unfolded.<ref name=Bar/> A major MRAD feature (and requirement of the military PSR solicitation) is a field-changeable barrel/caliber capability. Loosening two Torx screws in the receiver allows the removal of the barrel from the front of the receiver/handguard. With only a bolt face change, and in some cases a magazine change, caliber may be changed. The factory headspaced bolt face is provided with each barrel. Barrel/caliber change can occur in less than two minutes. In addition to the typical military requested calibers of .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .308 Winchester calibers, Barrett also offers caliber conversion kits in .338 and .300 Norma Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum, .260 Remington, and 6.5mm Creedmoor. Barrel lengths are offered in 17" to 26", but not in all calibers. Barrels are available in [[Fluting (firearms)|fluted]] and heavy profiles. The trigger module can be removed without tools, providing access to user-adjustable trigger pull weight and over travel, and making cleaning easier. Additional features of the MRAD include a single-button [[length-of-pull]] adjustment, adjustable cheek rest height, a polymer bolt guide which acts as a dust cover to reduce debris entering the action, a user reversible AR-15 style safety, an ambidextrous magazine release, and the ability to accept standard M16/AR15 style pistol grips.<ref name=Bar/> Early MRADs had a 30 MOA slope full length 21.75" standard 1913 [[Picatinny rail]] on top of the receiver/handguard. Current MRADs feature a 20 MOA slope rail. Shorter 2"-4" Picatinny rails sections may be user positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock at several fore/aft positions along the handguard. MRADs are offered in several Cerakote colors.<ref>Barrett product sales literature; Barrett website; MRAD Owner's Manual and Barrett Armorer's Course</ref>