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January 3, 2025Barrett MRAD Detailed Review
Price Range:
$6,500 - $8,500
Specification
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Barrett Firearms |
Country of Origin | USA |
First Build Date | 2010 |
Action Type | Bolt-action |
Caliber | .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester |
Maximum Rounds Fired | 5-round detachable magazine |
Barrel Length | 20 inches (508 mm) to 24 inches (610 mm) |
Weight | (6.9 kg) |
Price Range | $6,500 – $8,500 |
Overview
The Barrett MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) is a precision bolt-action sniper rifle designed for long-range shooting and military or tactical use. It was first introduced in 2010 and quickly earned a reputation for its modularity, durability, and extreme accuracy. Manufactured by Barrett Firearms, a company renowned for producing high-performance firearms, the MRAD is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.
The MRAD is chambered in powerful calibers, including the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .308 Winchester, with the .338 providing exceptional long-range accuracy. The MRAD’s design allows for quick caliber changes, making it an adaptable platform for different mission requirements. The rifle’s fully adjustable stock, monolithic upper receiver, and modular components enhance its versatility and precision. Its advanced barrel system is designed to withstand extreme pressures, ensuring long-lasting performance and durability.
One of the key features of the MRAD is its ability to be customized with a variety of configurations, from different barrel lengths (20 inches to 24 inches) to different calibers. The modularity of the Barrett MRAD also allows for adjustments to fit the shooter’s preferences and specific operational needs, making it a popular choice for both military snipers and civilian precision shooting enthusiasts.


Strength and Quality
The Barrett MRAD is a high-quality rifle built to precision standards. The materials used in its construction, such as aerospace-grade alloys, ensure that the rifle remains lightweight yet strong. The monolithic upper receiver adds to the rifle’s rigidity, enhancing its accuracy. The barrel, available in multiple lengths, is engineered for exceptional performance at long ranges and is easily interchangeable, giving shooters flexibility in their shooting preferences.
Additionally, the fully adjustable stock and pistol grip allow the shooter to find a comfortable shooting position, whether in prone, standing, or sitting positions. Barrett Firearms has also equipped the MRAD with a smooth, crisp trigger pull, contributing to better shot placement.
Safety Features
- Manual Safety: The MRAD includes a manual safety switch to prevent accidental discharges.
- Recoil Management: The rifle’s advanced recoil system reduces felt recoil, allowing for greater control during consecutive shots.
- Safety Mechanism: The safety lever is easily accessible, allowing the shooter to engage or disengage the safety quickly in tactical situations.
Test Results
Accuracy
The Barrett MRAD is known for its exceptional accuracy, with users often reporting sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) performance. In controlled conditions, shooters can achieve groups as tight as 0.5 MOA at 100 yards, especially when paired with high-quality ammunition. This makes it a top choice for precision shooting at extended ranges.
Effective Range
The MRAD, when chambered in the .338 Lapua Magnum, is capable of reaching effective ranges of up to 1,500 meters, depending on the ammunition and environmental conditions. The .308 variant is effective at slightly shorter ranges, typically around 800 meters. However, even at these extended ranges, the MRAD performs exceptionally well, delivering accurate shots in harsh conditions.
Strength and Durability
Barrett’s MRAD is built to endure extreme conditions, from desert heat to frigid cold. The rifle’s design incorporates a monolithic upper receiver that provides strength and stability, reducing the risk of flex or distortion during firing. Its robust construction ensures that it will hold up even under sustained use, making it a reliable weapon for long-term field operations.
Merits
- Exceptional Accuracy: The MRAD can achieve sub-MOA accuracy, making it ideal for long-range precision shooting.
- Modularity: The rifle is highly customizable, with options for different calibers, barrel lengths, and stock configurations.
- Durability: Built to withstand extreme conditions, making it a reliable weapon for tactical use.
- Recoil Mitigation: The MRAD’s recoil management system ensures that the shooter can maintain control during rapid or successive shots.
- Versatility: Quick caliber change capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of missions and environments.
Demerits
- Weight: At 13.7 lbs, the MRAD is on the heavier side, which may reduce its portability in certain situations.
- Price: The rifle’s price range of $3,500 to $5,000 puts it out of reach for some recreational shooters.
- Maintenance: Like all precision rifles, the MRAD requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, which can be time-consuming.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Barrett MRAD is essential to ensuring its performance. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the barrel, bolt, and recoil system will help preserve accuracy and reliability. The rifle’s modular design allows for easy disassembly, making routine maintenance relatively straightforward. Additionally, the barrel can be swapped out for different lengths or calibers, further increasing the rifle’s versatility.
Comparison with Other Guns
Barrett MRAD vs Other Rifles
Feature | Barrett MRAD | Accuracy International AXSR | Sako TRG M10 | McMillan TAC-338 | Desert Tech SRS A2 | Ruger Precision Rifle |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country of Origin | United States | United Kingdom | Finland | United States | United States | United States |
Caliber | .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor | .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester | .338 Lapua Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester | 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, 6mm Creedmoor |
Effective Range | 1,500 m | 1,500 m | 1,500 m | 1,500 m | 1,400 m | 1,200 m |
Weight (Unloaded) | 6.9 kg | 6.9 kg | 5.4 kg | 6.8 kg | 6.2 kg | 4.3 kg |
Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | 5-10 rounds (configurable) | 10 rounds |
Action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
Primary Use | Military, Law Enforcement, Precision shooting | Military, Precision shooting | Military, Tactical shooting | Long-range precision shooting | Compact, Long-range precision | Long-range tactical shooting |
Price Range (USD) | $6,500–$8,500 | $12,000–$14,000 | $10,000–$12,000 | $7,500–$9,500 | $5,000–$7,500 | $1,400–$2,200 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Barrett MRAD typically costs between $3,500 and $5,000, depending on the configuration and dealer.
The Barrett MRAD is effective up to 1,500 meters with the .338 Lapua Magnum round.
Yes, the MRAD is used by various military forces around the world for long-range precision operations.
The MRAD can be configured for both .338 Lapua Magnum and .308 Winchester, among other calibers.
The Barrett MRAD is known for its sub-MOA accuracy, delivering tight groups at extreme distances.