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Price Range:
$3,000 - $5,000
Specification
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Parker Hale |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
First Build Date | 1982 |
Action Type | Bolt-action |
Caliber | .50 BMG |
Maximum Rounds Fired | 5-round detachable magazine |
Barrel Length | 29 inches (737 mm) |
Weight | 6.3 KG |
Price Range | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Overview
The Parker Hale M82 is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in the powerful .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) caliber. Developed in the early 1980s by Parker Hale, a British manufacturer renowned for its precision rifles, the M82 was designed primarily for long-range accuracy and military use. This rifle was built to provide exceptional performance at extreme distances, capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 2,000 meters with high precision.
As a bolt-action rifle, the M82’s design is focused on maximizing accuracy. It features a heavy, reinforced barrel that reduces barrel flex during firing, ensuring consistent shot placement even at extended ranges. The rifle is equipped with a detachable 5-round magazine, and its robust construction ensures that it remains reliable even in harsh environments.


Strength and Quality
The quality of the Parker Hale M82 is exceptional, thanks to the use of high-grade materials and precision manufacturing. Its bolt-action mechanism is smooth and reliable, ensuring consistent performance. The rifle is designed to minimize barrel flex, which in turn maximizes its accuracy. Additionally, its recoil management system is highly effective, reducing the impact of recoil on the shooter and allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Each component of the rifle, from the stock to the trigger, is designed to ensure optimal performance under even the most demanding circumstances. The robust build ensures that the M82 will remain operational for extended periods, even in challenging conditions such as military combat environments or extreme weather conditions.
Safety Features
- Manual Safety: A manual safety switch is incorporated to prevent accidental discharges when the rifle is not in use.
- Recoil Management: The recoil system helps maintain control during successive shots, reducing the risk of mishandling.
- Trigger Safety: The rifle’s trigger mechanism is designed to prevent accidental firing during transport or handling.
Test Results
Accuracy
Tested in various controlled environments, the Parker Hale M82 is known for its exceptional accuracy, routinely delivering sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups. With the .50 BMG round, users can expect highly consistent shots at distances of up to 1,500 meters, and even beyond 2,000 meters when the right ammunition is used. The rifle’s heavy barrel minimizes thermal expansion, which is a key factor in its outstanding long-range precision.
Effective Range
The M82 is designed for extreme long-range shooting. While it can consistently hit targets up to 1,500 meters, the effective range extends beyond 2,000 meters with proper ammunition and optimal conditions. This makes it a top contender for anti-materiel applications, where its ability to disable equipment and vehicles is a major asset.
Strength and Durability
The Parker Hale M82 is built with the durability required for extreme conditions. Its heavy, reinforced construction, combined with a precision-machined barrel, ensures that the rifle can withstand the recoil of the powerful .50 BMG cartridge. The rugged design is ideal for long-term field operations in various climates, including both desert and cold environments.
Merits
- Exceptional Long-Range Accuracy: Capable of hitting targets consistently beyond 2,000 meters.
- Highly Durable: Built to withstand extreme environments, making it suitable for military and tactical use.
- Powerful Cartridge: The .50 BMG round is ideal for anti-materiel purposes and extreme distances.
- Reliable: Its bolt-action system ensures that the rifle performs consistently over time.
- Recoil Management: The advanced recoil reduction system minimizes shooter fatigue and improves accuracy during follow-up shots.
Demerits
- Weight: At 26 lbs, the M82 is considerably heavy, making it less portable than lighter sniper rifles.
- High Cost: The price range of $10,000 to $12,000 can be prohibitive for many buyers.
- Limited Capacity: The 5-round magazine capacity may not be suitable for rapid engagements or sustained fire.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure optimal performance, particularly for cleaning and maintaining the bolt-action mechanism and barrel.
Maintenance
The Parker Hale M82 requires regular maintenance to ensure its continued precision and reliability. The barrel and bolt must be cleaned frequently to prevent build-up of fouling from the .50 BMG cartridge. Regular inspection of the recoil system and trigger mechanism is necessary to ensure that the rifle continues to perform at its best. Its heavy construction requires careful cleaning to maintain its accuracy and reliability in extreme conditions.
Comparison with Other Guns
Parker Hale M82 Rifle vs Other Rifles
Feature | Parker Hale M82 | Accuracy International AW | Remington 700 | Dragunov SVD | Barrett M95 | M24 Sniper Weapon System |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country of Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom | United States | Russia | United States | United States |
Caliber | 7.62×51mm NATO | 7.62×51mm NATO | .308 Win | 7.62×54mmR | .50 BMG | 7.62×51mm NATO |
Effective Range | 800 m | 1,000 m | 800–1,000 m | 800 m | 1,800 m | 800 m |
Weight (Unloaded) | 6.3 kg | 6.5 kg | 4.1–4.5 kg | 4.3 kg | 10.7 kg | 5.4 kg |
Barrel Length | 27.2″ | 24–27″ | 20–26″ | 24.4″ | 29″ | 24″ |
Action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Semi-automatic | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | 5–10 rounds | 10 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
Primary Use | Military Sniping | Precision Sniping | Hunting, Tactical | Designated Marksman | Anti-Materiel | Military Sniping |
Price Range (USD) | $3,000–$5,000 | $10,000–$12,000 | $1,200–$2,000 | $2,500–$3,500 | $6,000–$8,000 | $5,000–$6,500 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The price typically ranges between $10,000 and $12,000 depending on the configuration.
The effective range exceeds 2,000 meters with the .50 BMG round.
Yes, it is widely used by military forces for long-range precision shooting and anti-materiel applications.
The M82 uses the .50 BMG caliber.
The M82 is known for its sub-MOA accuracy, making it ideal for engaging distant targets with precision.