Has anyone shot a Barrett .50 rifle?

[HardDrive]

I've always been curious what its like shooting one of those beasts. Is the recoil horrible? It must make a heck of sound.

[id10t]

Yes, big noise bone shaking boom. But not bad. Recoil on the semi version, shot prone, is about like a 12ga shooting massive magnum turkey loads in a single shot wtih a poorly fitting stock that is *really* skinny on the butt end.

[Leland Pate]

Some .50's can be viscous, but the semi auto Barrett is not one of them.

Because of the way in which the barrel recoils in the receiver shroud, it really soaks up most of the felt recoil. The recoil pulse hits you more like a slow shove than a sharp smack. I'd compare it to a 12 gauge shotgun. Plus, you usually don't fire a Barrett unsupported so it's usually resting on a mount or bipod... that also reduces the felt recoil.

I've put probably 2,000 rounds through M82A1's up in Yakima, WA. They get dirty quick and are not well known for any high degree of accuracy (much of which can be blamed on the ammo). They are, however, very entertaining... especially when you are not footing the bill for the cost of ammunition.

Overall, I wouldn't kick one out of bed for eating crackers. I've often thought about selling my M2HB .50 cal for a M82... just for the sake of nostalgia.

[J P Stein]

Never shot a Barret but have shot Ma Duce.
The noise brought tears to my eyes, ear plugs or no......no exaggeration.

[Leland Pate]

Id10t and I were typing at the same time... and have very similar comparisons.

[crb07]

338 Lapua looks like a nice option to .50's.

[Dana Norris]

Never shot a Barrett .50 but have spent some time with a Browning Air Cooled .50 and it will shake your filling loose if you spend too much time with one, fun as all getout. And I would like
to thank you all for the experience as you all paid for the ammo. USS Iwo Jima LPH2 USNR.....

[Rednine11]

Never shot a Barret but I own a Grizzly 50 BMG
the Barret shouldn't kick that bad. Mine kicks like a mule.
Here is mine.

[Rednine11]

I live in WV just 2 Hrs from Columbus.
if you're ever down my way I'll let you shoot it

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by id10t

Yes, big noise bone shaking boom. But not bad. Recoil on the semi version, shot prone, is about like a 12ga shooting massive magnum turkey loads in a single shot wtih a poorly fitting stock that is *really* skinny on the butt end.

yes ...^^^^^ this. They come from the factory with a package of Tylenol...seriously they do. We have a semi auto- at the shop as well. $5.00 a shot.

[porsche4life]

I shot a Barrett when I was about 14. I remember it pushing my whole body back, but not hurting any more than a 12ga. Tons of fun to shoot, but pricey!

[weseeeee]

I've shot about 20 rounds with a Barrett, all prone with a bi-pod. The recoil may not hurt but it feels bone jarring to me. The wash from the muzzle brake is kind of harsh, so if you're watching someone shoot one stay directly behind them.

[weseeeee]

[cashflyer]

I always wanted one of these:

Rifles - East Ridge Gun Company

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by crb07

338 Lapua looks like a nice option to .50's.

I have a major want for a Barrett 98B in 338LM

[nynor]

i shot a barrett .50 BMG. it was a HEAVY piece of equipment and semi auto, thus the recoil wasn't bad at all. afterwards, i commented that i could fire that thing all day.

for comparison, i was shooting my .50 muzzloader with 370 grain mini-balls today. the rifle only weighs about 6.5lbs. it kicks much worse than the barrett: my shoulder is a bit sore after 20 rounds.

[Don Ro]

In the military, on a range, I watched - and heard - a 50.
After each shot, dust came up from the earth in a 6 - 8 ft. radius.
I was offered the experience and declined.

[Skytrooper]

Yup, I have shot one on several different occasions. Keep your teeth together and don't let anyone stand next to you. They are amazing weapons.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by Rednine11

I live in WV just 2 Hrs from Columbus.
if you're ever down my way I'll let you shoot it

Very kind of you to offer. If I'm headed that way, I'll contact you. Thanks!

[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.