You may have seen a certain star before in movies, television shows and video games without ever knowing the name of the character.
When the cameras aren’t rolling and real work needs to be done, there isn’t a day off to be had. No name in the credits, no star on Hollywood Boulevard and hardly any fanfare.
What is this character’s name?
The Barrett .50 Caliber Sniper Rifle.
This baby has been blowing away bad guys, good guys (and audiences) alike since it became available in 1982.
It was produced by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing gun guru Ronnie Barrett, who personally designed each part of the weapon and fronted his own cash for its mass production.
The M82 Barrett .50 Cal, or “Light Fifty”, saw its first conventional military success when an order was purchased by the Swedish Army in ’89. Shortly afterward, it was used by the United States Military in Kuwait and Iraq during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
A worldwide star wasn’t just born, it was built.
The obvious success of the weapon system led to the .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle (SASR) and its variants being widely adopted by military organizations around the world.
The M82, M82A1 and others in this series are effective weapons against personnel while also seeing frequent action in anti-materiel roles.
Developments in ammunition have increased the capacity for the rifles to be used against armored targets, vehicles and structures. Their popularity has staying power because, frankly, there hasn’t been armor developed yet that can withstand them.
Yeah, but… are they legal?
They sure are- .50 caliber rifles are legal in 49 states, with the exception being California.
Whether it makes a cameo appearance or takes a lead role, this is one rifle that is formidable on the battlefield and glorified on the “big screen”. Of all the rifles for sale out there, the M82 family exemplifies getting the job done. It is durable, versatile and deadly… and perhaps the biggest action star that never uttered a line.
-Sean