[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.