BARRETT 82A1 50BMG SEMI 29″ 10RD BLK

Product Description

Barrett Model 82A1 — The Original .50 Caliber Semi-Auto

The Model 82 is where the Barrett Firearms legacy began. In 1982, Ronnie Barrett designed the world’s first shoulder-fired semi-automatic .50 BMG rifle from scratch — not as a military contract, not as a government program, but because he wanted one and no such thing existed. The US military eventually adopted the design as the M82A1, deploying it in every major conflict from Operation Desert Storm forward. More than forty years later, Barrett still builds the same rifle in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to the same specification that went to war.

What you’re buying here is not a collector piece. It is a precision instrument built on the same tooling, to the same standards, with the same chrome-lined chamber and bore that made the M82A1 the US military’s anti-materiel rifle of choice. The only difference between this and a military-issue example is the semi-automatic-only fire control group.

How the M82A1 Works

Most semi-automatic firearms are gas-operated — the M82A1 is not. It uses a recoil-operated system: when the round fires, the barrel and bolt carrier group recoil together several inches before the barrel stops and the bolt continues rearward to extract and eject the case. This long-recoil design significantly reduces felt recoil for a .50 BMG, making the rifle manageable in a way that bolt-action .50s are not. The result is a semi-automatic platform that shooters can stay on target with for follow-up shots, and that trained operators can fire accurately in extended strings without the physical punishment a single-shot design would impose.

The chrome-lined chamber and bore are not a performance add-on — they are a service life requirement for a rifle this powerful. Chrome lining resists the extreme heat and pressure of the .50 BMG cartridge, significantly extending barrel life and reducing maintenance requirements in field conditions.

Full Specifications

Important: The Barrett Model 82A1 does not come equipped with a suppressor-capable muzzle brake and will not accept the Barrett QDL suppressor. If suppressor compatibility is a priority, see the Barrett M107A1.

Disassembly and Transport

The M82A1 splits into upper and lower receivers for transport. With the optic mounted on the upper, the rifle can be broken down and reassembled without disturbing zero — a significant practical advantage over any single-unit design. The entire process takes under one minute with no tools. Barrett ships the rifle with a hard case designed to accept the disassembled rifle with mounted scope.

.50 BMG vs. .416 Barrett — Which Should You Buy?

The .50 BMG has the longest track record, widest ammunition selection, and deepest aftermarket support. Military surplus FMJ, commercial hunting loads in 647–750 grain, and precision match ammunition from Hornady, Barnes, and Black Hills are all widely available. If you are in one of the 47 states where .50 BMG ownership is unrestricted, the .50 BMG is the default choice.

The .416 Barrett was developed as a .50 BMG alternative for jurisdictions that restrict .50 BMG ownership — most notably California, Maryland, and Illinois. The .416 Barrett achieves similar effective range with a slightly higher ballistic coefficient bullet design and 1:12" twist vs. 1:15" for .50 BMG. Ammunition is less widely available and more expensive, but the rifle is fully legal in .50 BMG-restricted states. The California-compliant variant ships with a non-detachable magazine configuration.

Who the M82A1 Is For

Serious long-range shooters, anti-materiel enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to own a piece of American firearms history that still functions at the highest level. The M82A1 is not a plinking rifle — .50 BMG ammunition costs $3–$8 per round and the rifle weighs over 30 lbs. It is a purpose-built tool for extreme distance and extreme application. At 1,000 yards and beyond against hardened targets, nothing in the civilian market matches it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effective range of the Barrett M82A1?

The M82A1 is optimized for anti-materiel use to 1,800 meters and point-target accuracy to 1,000+ meters with match-grade ammunition and an appropriate optic. In practical civilian use, most shooters work in the 500–1,500 yard range depending on range availability and optic quality.

Does the M82A1 take the same magazines as the M107A1?

No. The M82A1 and M107A1 use different magazines that are not interchangeable. Both hold 10 rounds of .50 BMG but the feed geometry differs between the two receiver designs.

Can I add a suppressor to the M82A1?

No. The Model 82A1 does not come equipped with a suppressor-capable muzzle brake, and modifications to accept a suppressor are not recommended — doing so voids the Barrett warranty. For suppressor capability, the M107A1 is the correct platform.

Is the .416 Barrett legal in California?

Yes. California law restricts .50 BMG semi-automatic centerfire rifles. The .416 Barrett is not .50 BMG and is not subject to California’s .50 BMG restriction. The California-compliant variant ships with a fixed non-detachable magazine to comply with California’s assault weapon regulations.

What optic should I use on the M82A1?

The 23" M1913 top rail with 27 MOA cant is designed to accept standard scope rings. Most shooters run a variable power optic in the 5-25× or 5-35× range. The Leupold Mark 5HD and Nightforce ATACR are popular choices. The 27 MOA rail cant gives maximum adjustment range when zeroing a high-magnification scope at very long distances.

What is the difference between the 20" and 29" barrel?

The 29" barrel configuration (57" OAL) is the standard military configuration and maximizes velocity and long-range performance. The 20" CQ variant (48" OAL) is more compact and weighs approximately 1.3 lbs less. For most shooting applications beyond 500 yards, the 29" is preferred. The 20" is a solid choice for anyone who prioritizes portability.

Why Buy from Western Sport

Western Sport is an authorized Barrett Firearms dealer in Roanoke, TX. Buying from an authorized dealer ensures full Barrett warranty coverage and access to Barrett’s factory service channel. We also have a licensed gunsmith on staff who can mount and zero your optic, advise on setup, and handle any accessories before you leave the shop. Call us at (817) 393-4000 or visit us in Roanoke, TX.

Additional information