Barrett MRAD

For the angular measurement used in firearm sights, see Milliradian.

Barrett MRAD
Barrett MRAD in various colors
TypeSniper rifle
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2013–present
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerChris Barrett
ManufacturerBarrett Firearms Company
Specifications
Mass13.9 lb (6.3 kg) (20" barrel)
14.8 lb (6.7 kg) (24.5" barrel)
15.3 lb (6.9 kg) (27" barrel)[1]
Length42.4 in (108 cm) (20" barrel)
46.9 in (119 cm) (24.5" barrel)
49.4 in (125 cm) (27" barrel)[1]
Barrel length20 in (51 cm)
24.5 in (62 cm)
27 in (69 cm)[1]
Cartridge
ActionBolt-action
Effective firing range1,600 yards (1,500 m)[clarification needed]
Feed system10 round detachable box magazine

The Barrett MRAD (Multi-role Adaptive Design) is a bolt-action sniper rifle designed by Barrett to meet the requirements of the SOCOM PSR.[4] The MRAD is based on the Barrett 98B and includes a number of modifications and improvements.[5] The Barrett MRAD was named the 2012 Rifle of the Year by Shooting Illustrated magazine.[6][7]

Design

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Israel Defense Forces sniper with the Barrett MRAD during a sniping competition, 2023

After the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) announced their desire for a new precision sniper rifle in December 2009, Barrett created the MRAD in accordance with the specifications laid out by SOCOM.[4] Building off of the successful Barrett 98B, the MRAD features multiple improvements such as a folding 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.[1] 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 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.[1] 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.[8][better source needed]

Similar to the M16/AR15, the MRAD upper and lower receivers can be separated by pressing a rear latch assembly under the stock while the front detent pin acts as a hinge AR-15 to allow for maintenance in the field.[9]

With quality .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition the Barrett achieved groups that averaged 0.45 MOA, with the best of them measuring 0.31 MOA.[10]

Precision Sniper Rifle

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The particular model of the MRAD that was submitted for USSOCOM's MK21 PSR trial was fitted with a 24.5 in (62 cm) barrel, and weighed 14.8 lb (6.7 kg) (without an optic).[4] In 2013, the Remington Modular Sniper Rifle was selected as the winner of the PSR competition.[11] However, in 2018, it was decided that the MK21 did not conform to SOCOM requirements at the time, and the program was re-competed as the MK22 ASR (Advanced Sniper Rifle).[12]

MK 22 ASR and MK 22 PSR

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MK 22 MOD 0 ASR (Advanced Sniper Rifle) is the designation for the Barrett MRAD variant ordered by USSOCOM. In 2019, USSOCCOM awarded Barrett Manufacturing a US$50 million contract for the ASR (Advanced Sniper Rifle) contract, ordering the Barrett MRAD with the ability to convert chambering between 7.62×51mm NATO, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum.[13][14] The MK 22 ASR is issued with Barrett's AML 338 suppressor and paired with the Precision Variable Power Scopes (P-VPS) SU-295/PVS Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 and SU-295/PVS Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56.[15][16][17]

MK 22 PSR (Precision Sniper Rifle) is the designation for the Barrett MRAD variant ordered by the US Army. In 2021, the US Army awarded Barrett a US$49.9 million contract for delivery of 2,800 MK22 PSR rifles,[18] while the Marine Corps planned to order 250.[19] The MK 22 PSR will have conversion kits for .338 Norma Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum, and 7.62×51mm NATO. However, unlike the MK 22 ASR, it is issued with a Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm scope. The Army plans for the MK 22 to replace the currently in use M107 and M2010 sniper rifles.[18][20] The Marine Corps intends to have the MK 22 to replace all M40A6 and MK 13 MOD 7 sniper rifles.[21] The MK 22 reached full operational capability in November 2024 in the U.S. Marine Corps with all infantry and reconnaissance units completing new equipment training on the system and fielding it.[22]

Users

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  •  New Zealand: Introduced in 2018 as a replacement for the 7.62mm Arctic Warfare sniper rifles[27][28]
  •  Ukraine: Snipers in the AFU have been reported to be using MRAD rifles.[32][33]
  •  United States: MK 22 MOD 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) ordered by the U.S. Special Operations Command.[13] MK 22 Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) ordered by US Army.[34] On November 21, 2024, the US Marine Corps announced that the MK 22 rifle had reached full operational capability a year ahead of schedule.[35]

Non-state users

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[edit]
  • Shooting a Barrett MRAD chambered for .308 Winchester with suppressor
    Shooting a Barrett MRAD chambered for .308 Winchester with suppressor
  • SOCOM MK 22 MOD 0 ASR (above) compared to Army MK 22 PSR (below)
    SOCOM MK 22 MOD 0 ASR (above) compared to Army MK 22 PSR (below)
  • MK 22 ASR being fired at USASOC International Sniper Competition
    MK 22 ASR being fired at USASOC International Sniper Competition
  • Israel Defense Forces snipers shooting a Barrett MRAD chambered for 7.62×51 mm NATO
    Israel Defense Forces snipers shooting a Barrett MRAD chambered for 7.62×51 mm NATO
  • Israeli YAMAM snipers shooting a suppressed Barrett MRAD
    Israeli YAMAM snipers shooting a suppressed Barrett MRAD

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "MRAD". Barrett. Archived from the original on 28 August 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  2. ^ "Barrett 2019 Catalog" (PDF). Barrett. p. 33. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  3. ^ "MRAD® Operator's Manual" (PDF). Barrett. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  4. ^ a b c Langston, Jay (2 April 2011). "Barrett MRAD .338 Lapua MAG". Tactical-Life.com. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  5. ^ Dall'au, Andre M. (21 June 2010). "The Barrett Multi-Role Adaptive Design (MRAD) rifle". Tactical-Life.com. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  6. ^ "Barrett MRAD™ receives Golden Bullseye Award for 2012 Rifle of the Year". Downrange.tv. Outdoor Sportsman Group. 13 January 2012. Archived from the original on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  7. ^ Barrett, Angela (11 January 2012). "Barrett MRAD Receives Golden Bullseye Award for 2012 Rifle of the Year from the NRA Publication, Shooting Illustrated" (PDF). Barrett Firearms Manufacturing. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  8. ^ Barrett product sales literature; Barrett website; MRAD Owner's Manual and Barrett Armorer's Course
  9. ^ Adelmann, Steve (24 October 2011). "Barrett MRAD". Shooting Illustrated. Archived from the original on 10 June 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  10. ^ Rex, Austin (14 November 2019). "Review Barrett MRAD". The Firearm Blog. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023.
  11. ^ Curtis, Rob (7 March 2013). "SOCOM PSR contract awarded to Remington Defense MSR". Gearscout blog. Archived from the original on 12 March 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  12. ^ Keller, Jared (24 February 2020). "The US military is falling in love with the Barrett MRAD sniper rifle". Task & Purpose. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Contracts for March 11, 2019". U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 11 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  14. ^ Jordan, Robert (9 March 2022). "Barrett MRAD MK22 Review: King of the SOCOM Sniper Rifles". Tactical-Life. Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  15. ^ Moss, Matthew (18 December 2019). "Nightforce Optics Selected as SOCOM's Precision-Variable Power Scopes". The Firearm Blog. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  16. ^ "Nightforce 2022 Catalogue" (PDF). Nightforce. 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  17. ^ Tingley, Brett; Trevithick, Joseph (4 January 2022). "Army Green Berets Brought Out Their Newest Sniper Rifle For A Celebrity Shoot-Off". The WarZone. Archived from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  18. ^ a b Rowland, Peter; Williamson, Jamin D. (31 March 2021). "New Army sniper weapon system contract awarded to Barrett Firearms". United States Army. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  19. ^ Cox, Matthew (3 March 2020). "Army and Marines to Arm Snipers with Special Operations Multi-Caliber Sniper Rifle". Military.com. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022.
  20. ^ "MK22 Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR)". PEO Soldier. Archived from the original on 18 May 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  21. ^ "US Marines test new Mk22 Mod 0 sniper rifle". Defense Brief. 6 May 2022. Archived from the original on 8 May 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  22. ^ New Marine Sniper Rifle Reaches Full Operational Capability Ahead of Schedule. Military.com. 22 November 2024.
  23. ^ "Prajurit Taifib 2 Marinir Asah Kemampuan Menembak Sniper". tni.mil.id (in Indonesian). 15 January 2024.
  24. ^ בלומנטל, איתי (1 March 2015). "נחשף פירוט הנשק של הימ"מ". ynet (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  25. ^ "נמ"ר חשמלי, רחפנים משודרגים ושיירות רובוטיות - אלו רק חלק מאמצעי הלחימה העתידיים שהוצגו בתערוכת היבשה באופק, ומחזקים את התפיסה החדשה של זרוע היבשה. כל הפרטים". IDF (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 28 August 2018.
  26. ^ Rance, Christopher M. (18 January 2019). "Shaping the Fight in Israel". Small Arms Defense Journal. 11 (V11N1). Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  27. ^ NZ Defence Force (18 October 2017). "Defence Force buying two new weapons". Medium. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  28. ^ "New Weapons for Snipers and Special Forces" (PDF). New Zealand Army News (487): 4–5. October 2017. ISSN 1170-4411. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 January 2020.
  29. ^ "Laserrifla" (in Norwegian). 21 December 2016. Archived from the original on 8 April 2019.
  30. ^ "Beredskapstroppen står klare til å skyte mannen med kjøttøks. Men så gjør Trond noe som endrer alt". Politiforum (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 8 April 2019.
  31. ^ "육군 특수부대 탑티어 707(feat.🔫) ROKA 대백과사전". Republic of Korea Army. 7 June 2024. Archived from the original on 1 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  32. ^ Trinko, Myroslav. "Ukrainian snipers use Barrett MRAD rifles, they can shoot up to 1500 meters". gagadget.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  33. ^ Horton, Alex (5 March 2022). "I've tried to reach Ukrainian snipers I met before the invasion. One message came back: 'It is war here.'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  34. ^ Moss, Matthew (1 April 2021). "Barrett Firearms Awarded $50 Million Contract for US Army's Precision Sniper Rifle". The Firearm Blog. Archived from the original on 1 April 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  35. ^ Ziezulewicz, Geoff (22 November 2024). "Marines' New Sniper Rifle Declared Fully Operational A Year Early". The War Zone. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  36. ^ Vining, Miles (1 August 2018). "Barrett MRAD Rifles Spotted in Use by Arakan Rebel Army in Burma". The Firearm Blog. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022.
  37. ^ "9th Arakan Army [Anniversary] Day". YouTube. 10 April 2018. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023.
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