[legion]

I have shot an Armalite AR-50, but never a Barrett. The Armalite will push you gently but firmly. The recoil is less than a 12 gauge. The very large muzzle brake catches and slows the rearward motion, but emits a visible blast such that a spotter should not sit next to you.

The noise is something else. Even wearing ear plugs underneath 200 db ear muffs, the shock wave will you jump. It's kind of like standing near a cannon or those explosive fireworks shells.